Throughout the history of pop culture, queer narratives have often been absent. However, audiences have still interpreted characters and stories through a queer lens. In the case of Disney's "The Little Mermaid," the film's queer elements can be attributed to writer-producer Howard Ashman. Ashman, a gay Jewish man, infused the movie with queer themes, particularly through the character Ursula.
Inspired by drag queen Divine, Ursula embodies the performance of femininity, challenging the patriarchal constraints within the film. Ashman's influence also extends to the song "Poor Unfortunate Souls," which highlights the performative nature of gender and womanhood. The queer readings of "The Little Mermaid" resonate in both the historical context of Reagan-era America and the contemporary discourse surrounding gender. Furthermore, the origins of the story by Hans Christian Andersen reveal its queer allegory, with Andersen expressing his frustrated desires through a fantastical narrative.
The transformations and eventual freedom experienced by Ariel mirror Andersen's own longing for unfulfilled love. Despite the complex symbolism and queer resonance, "The Little Mermaid" is not exempt from certain tropes, such as the "bury your gay villains" theme prevalent in early Disney films. However, Ariel's journey of transformation and finding love on her own terms showcases a triumph of positive queerness.
Additionally, the film's musical elements, influenced by Ashman's work, add a layer of queer expression, often associated with the emotional depth found in musical theatre. The impact of Ashman's contributions extends beyond "The Little Mermaid" and has shaped subsequent Disney films. His personal experiences as a gay man, particularly his battle with AIDS, profoundly influenced his storytelling and left an indelible mark on the studio. "The Little Mermaid" stands as the beginning of Ashman's transformative work and enduring queer legacy.