Embracing Asexual and Aromanticism in Elsa and Merida: A Critical Analysis of Disney’s Frozen and Brave

Abstract

In a world where the spectrum of human identity is as vast as the colours of the rainbow, it becomes imperative to unravel and celebrate the myriad ways individuals experience attraction, love, and connection. Aromantic individuals may not experience the same pull toward romantic relationships as society often expects. Asexual individuals may not experience sexual attraction, and their identities are recognized as distinct from other sexual orientations. Queer studies provide a platform for understanding and validating diverse experiences, identities, and orientations that fall outside the heteronormative and cisnormative frameworks.This article delves into the exploration of aromanticism and asexuality within the characters of Elsa of Disney’s Frozen and Merida of Disney’s Brave.These beloved and iconic characters challenge the conventional narratives of romance and desire in the realm of animated storytelling. Elsa’s journey in Frozen and Merida’s adventure in Brave are dissected to uncover subtle hints and nuances that suggest potential representations of aromanticism and asexuality. By navigating the intricacies of these characters’ narratives, this article aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on inclusive representation in mainstream media, shedding light on the importance of acknowledging diverse romantic and sexual identities.