Pixar’s new short film is taking an important step forward for representation, as it features the studio’s first gay main character.
Entertainment Weekly reports that the animation studio released its newest short, titled Out, via Disney+ on Friday, May 22. The film, which is part of Pixar’s #SparkShorts series and directed by Steven Clay Hunter, follows a man named Greg who is gearing up to move in with his boyfriend, Manuel. Things get a bit complicated when Greg’s parents show up to help with the move, namely because Greg has yet to come out to them. Throw in a bit of magic and the help of a couple of animals, and Greg eventually learns how to be himself around his family.
Out, which is reportedly inspired by true events, has already received plenty of praise on social media from viewers who are happy to see Disney and Pixar showcasing LGBTQ+ inclusion in a major way. “Amazing representation, thank you Pixar,” one person tweeted, with another writing: “Why aren’t more people talking about Pixar dropping a beautifully animated coming out story featuring a loving gay couple?”
Earlier this year, Pixar made headlines for their animated film Onward, which featured a lesbian character voiced by Lena Waithe. Both films are examples of important steps forward with regard to LGBTQ+ inclusion, yet it remains true that Hollywood, in general, still has much work to do when it comes to representation. Hopefully these instances of inclusion will become more and more common in the future, as all voices deserve to be heard, and all stories of love deserve to be told.
Out is available to stream on Disney+ now.
This article originally appeared on Teen Vogue.
