‘Finding Dory’ actress Ellen DeGeneres has revealed that the new film will feature Disney’s first trans character.
Ellen, who voices the lead character in the upcoming sequel to ‘Finding Nemo’, has revealed that when the sequel is released later this week, viewers will be introduced to a transgender stingray, a first for Disney and Pixar.
Speaking to USA Today, Ellen revealed: “There's a stingray that's becoming sting-Rhonda, so there's a trans sting in the movie.”
The news of the new character comes a matter of weeks after the film’s trailer revealed what appeared to be the first same-sex couple in a Disney film.
A short clip of the film revealed two women with a baby in a pushchair, sparking speculation they were a lesbian couple.
Although Disney have chosen not to confirm or deny whether the women are a couple, Ellen told journalists at a press conference to promote the film (via People): “I personally think it's a great thing.
“I think everything that we see in the media - whether it's television or film or anything you see - should represent everything that's happening in the world. I think everybody that is in the world should be seen and represented.”
Earlier this year, Disney were named by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) as one of three major production companies who were “failing” to represent LGBT+ people in their films.
This was quickly followed by the #GiveElsaAGirlfriend Twitter campaign, which saw fans of ‘Frozen’ keen for Queen Elsa to enter a same-sex relationship in the film’s upcoming sequel.
'Finding Dory' hits UK cinemas on Friday, 17 June.
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"They get that it’s about love, so I think that’s really given me perspective. I think people can deal with it, and they get it."
"I think there are a lot of people who are afraid to be who they are and if I have to sacrifice a little bit of fame and a little bit of success because I’m being 100 percent truthful with who I am, hopefully that will create a paved way for someone else."
"I really want the parents of my audience to see these videos actually. And realise that their reaction influences their kid’s entire experience. Showing them two sides of the coin: this is how it could go or this is how it could go. It’s up to you."
