Dana Terrace, creator of the Disney animated series The Owl House, is making history with the show’s lead character, 14-year-old Luz Noceda. Luz is now Disney’s first bisexual lead character. Earlier this year, they introduced audiences to Manuel, a gay character in the Pixar short film Out, which can be seen on Disney+.
“In [development], I was very open about my intention to put queer kids in the main cast,” Terrace wrote on Twitter. “Representation matters! Always fight to make what YOU want to see!”
The Owl House, which is currently nearing the end of its first season, follows Luz, a Dominican-American teenager who discovers a portal to another world where she pursues her dream of becoming a witch. The character is voiced by actress Sarah-Nicole Robles (Olaf’s Frozen Adventure).
Initially, including an LGBTQ+ character was not an idea that some Disney executives supported.
“When we were greenlit, I was told by certain Disney leadership that I could not represent any form of bi or gay relationship on the channel,” Terrace explained. “I’m bi! I want to write a bi character. Luckily, my stubbornness paid off and now I am very supported by current Disney leadership.”
Reaction to the news has been incredibly positive from fans of the show. “I remember when I was a kid people like us were the butts of jokes on TV,” one Twitter user commented. “Now, we’re getting good representation all over the place.”
The Owl House has been renewed for a second season. A premiere date has not been announced just yet.
“I can’t wait to explore things that are important to me and my crew,” Terrace said of the upcoming season. She, and viewers, are “looking forward to the next chapter.”