by Ally Moore

It’s no secret Disney’s classic princess films are a thing of the past, with recent films like “Brave” shattering the traditional ideals present in earlier films. Disney’s newest release, “Frozen”, does not stray from Disney’s new standard. This film presents many of the same events as early Disney, however the subtext of the film is a social commentary presenting a relatable allegory for homosexuality.

Here is the general plot: The protagonist, Elsa, is born with a gift. Her parents refer to her as cursed, locking her away to conceal the most important part of herself from the public and even her own sister, Anna. At a ball in her castle, Elsa’s secret is revealed to the entire city. She flees into the mountains, cast away from society. Elsa is at peace with herself, however her powers do not stop plaguing the people of the city. Isolation is not the solution she is looking for. When Elsa demonstrates an act of sisterly love to save Anna’s life, the citizens understand that Elsa is not defective or morally depraved simply because she is different, and they embrace her difference not as the curse it was originally thought to be, but a blessing.

The basis for this plot is a parable for what many homosexual adolescents go through as they grow up in a world that struggles to accept their sexuality.

Even simply reading through many of the lyrics of the Elsa’s empowering anthem “Let It Go”, could convince even the most stubborn audience of its true meaning. The words “don’t let them in, don’t let them see, be the good girl you always have to be” and “conceal, don’t feel” ring true to every adolescent struggling to hide their sexuality from friends and family. The message of the song is the freedom felt once you can openly be yourself, saying “the fears that once controlled me can’t get to me at all” and even “I’m free.”

Throughout the film and its production, there are hints to Disney’s opinion on the topic of homosexuality. During the scene in which Anna enters “Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post (And Sauna!)”, the hulking man working at the counter turns to the door of the sauna, shouting “Hi, Family!”, the family that waved from the sauna appeared to be a man surrounded by children. The adult in the sauna is clearly implied to be the husband. Why would this unimportant moment occur if not to hint at the true meaning of the film?

Another detail is the casting of love interest Kristoff, played by Jonathan Groff, the first openly gay actor to be hired by Disney. He represents the change in Disney’s commercial interests, as ten years ago they would have never considered an openly gay actor to be in any part of their films, especially not a main character.

These strong undertones and subliminal messages are what make the film special, especially in regard to the malleability of children’s minds. The undertone in “Frozen” is one of acceptance and appreciation of individuality, and by exposing youth to these ideas while they are still easily influenceable, Disney is contributing to the creation of a generation geared toward open-mindedness and compassion.

At the end of the film, Anna and Elsa open the doors to the kingdom for good. Never again would a person be hidden from society for a small difference, or treated like an embarrassment, as many homosexual adolescents are today. “Frozen” exemplifies that love is not right or wrong, or confined by society’s rules, as Olaf the Snowman said, “Love is putting someone else’s needs before your own.”