Disney’s The Owl House is continuously breaking the boundaries of LGBTQA+ representation.
The Owl House has introduced the first Disney non-binary character in one episode and moved on to make an important queer relationship official in the next.
Just over a week ago, the first non-binary character in Disney’s history was introduced as the character ‘Raine Whispers’ acted by non-binary voice actor and narrator Avi Roque.
In an Instagram post Avi said: “I know what it feels like to watch something and not see yourself represented.
“I know what it feels like to be exhausted by roles that still set in stereotypes; especially when it comes to Trans or non-binary characters.”
“I know what it feels like to think that no one understands gets it or cares.
“But this is huge and I am still processing the impact of a character like this and my part it in all.”
The character of Raine Whispers was heavily featured in the episode of The Owl House ‘Eda’s Requiem’. Having them with a plot that correlates to the story and links with one of the main characters: Eda Clawthorne, The Owl House achieved to implement this Trans character as a very important asset and ally to the story, someone who will be having more and more screen time as seasons go on.
Avi, in their Instagram post, said: “I was a Disney kid, I loved watching Disney movies and Disney channel so to have this opportunity is yet again a full circle moment and yes, truly, a dream come true.
Let’s keep going, breaking down barriers, carving paths and making space!”
Their gender was speculated before the episode, as Avi Roque’s voice was confirmed before the episode aired, but when it was stated that they would be non-binary and it was alluded to in the show, many fans were amazed.
When asking fans about their thoughts, Jem, a non-binary fan on the show said: “I love the fact that a non-binary character can just exist casually without needing and explanation
“You don’t see that a lot and it really helps when you can see someone like yourself just existing and being themselves and even having a love interest.”
This lacks in other animated shows, where the Trans or non-binary character is either a monster/robot that no one can get the appeal of, or they are too much in the background for anyone to care or for censors to work their way around them.
And while other animated shows like Craig of the Creek are doing amazing in terms of representation, they are not given the same spotlight as that of a show under the Disney brand.
This spotlight was something the showrunners and crew were very effective in using, as show creator Dana Terrace and Avi Roque made multiple posts to highlight the character.
The Owl House has already achieved to have canonical gay parents, a canonical two-way lesbian/bisexual relationship (previously crush) that involves the main character Luz Noceda.
Now with the introduction of Raine and a heavily implied relationship with another main character Eda Clawthone, the show has possibly made the first plot-heavy nblw (non-binary love women) relationship.
Previous animated shows like Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe had already achieved this, but with characters that only lasted for one episode, or were sadly forgotten in the long run.
Raine Whispers' appearance on the show is key as it represents a non-binary person with a shy but determined personality and a story that many fans can more heavily relate to.
They normalize the idea to young people (the target demographic for this show) that non-binary people are actually present, important, and not always ‘extra’; as stereotypes often portray them, but rather clever and with human weaknesses like stage fright.
It is important to mention how most of these LGBTQA+ characters in just this one show are presented to be people of color or from different ethnicities, this is also an extreme push that can just be applauded and cheered on.
When asking multiple non-binary fans about their thoughts on Raine Whispers, they gave a range of different responses, all of them extremely positive.
Mal, on Twitter, said: “Avi did an excellent job portraying the emotions of their character, Raine and they did a very good job making the angst feel super real through their voice.
“I also believe that Raine was a very great addition to the show because it shows very good representation for the non-binary community along with the rest of the lgbtq+ community that are also poc!
“And I believe that this community having this character to relate with on a deeper level is very important.
“Because it shows that it’s always okay to explore your identity and to NEVER be ashamed of embracing your most authentic self and you are always valid if you are still questioning your gender identity and/or sexuality! “
Em, on Twitter, stated: “As a non-binary person, I was so excited to see Raine on The Owl House.
“There is very little non-binary representation out there so it makes me really happy when there is someone like me.
“Raine immediately became a favorite character, I loved seeing them!”
Juno, added: “Being a non-binary person, seeing Raine (especially on a Disney channel show) is amazing. It means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to many other people.”
Dana Terrace and the crew of the Owl House have achieved so much with this show, and though it is confirmed that Season 3 will be the shortest and last season, it is also confirmed that it will not be controlled in any shape or form by Disney.
Season 2 has achieved so much in its short run, confirming just this Saturday an important queer relationship between the main character Luz Noceda and side character Amity Blight. Therefore, breaking the “together at the end” narrative that shows usually do with queer characters.
The Owl House will have two more seasons to go after August, and with two queer relationships taking center stage, it is speculated that this will probably lead to an even more explicit reference to sexualities in the show, with a coming-out scene being speculated to also happen.
Even if the show is coming to an end, Dana Terrace’s works and efforts to put something as diverse and wonderful as this show must be appreciated and enjoyed.
Whatever happens at the end, fans will still be excited to see what comes from these next few seasons.
The show is airing on DinseyNOW, and it can be supported by watching all of the first season in Disney+ with the second season yet to come to the UK.
