The much-anticipated Barbie movie has garnered significant attention from queer audiences, who have embraced the film’s campy charm and innuendo-laden trailers with enthusiasm. While some may have hoped for overtly queer representation, the movie’s subtle nods to LGBTQ culture and characters have left audiences divided.
Embracing Camp: Barbie as a Drag Performance of Heterosexuality
For queer fans, Barbie’s exaggerated portrayal of heterosexuality serves as a captivating form of entertainment. Alex Avila, a digital creator specializing in social theory and pop culture, explains that queer audiences can enjoy poking fun at the flamboyant heteronormative image Barbie embodies. By exaggerating traditional gender norms, the iconic doll highlights the constructed nature of heterosexuality and allows queer individuals to reclaim and subvert these notions.
Imagination and Queer Possibilities
Kate McKinnon, an openly gay actor who plays “Weird Barbie” in the movie, emphasizes that Barbie represents a canvas for imagination, allowing individuals to explore various facets of themselves and the world. For queer fans, this potential for transformation and expression holds particular significance, offering a space to experiment with identities and experiences.
A Controversial Queer Appeal
Despite celebrating the queer cultural phenomenon, some critics point out the absence of overt queer characters in the film. The story revolves around a society ruled by conventionally attractive men and women, perpetuating traditional norms. While LGBTQ actors and coded minor characters offer some representation, the movie ultimately adheres to a traditional view of society.
The ‘You Can Be Anything’ Message: A Queer Connection
The slogan “You can be anything” has long resonated with queer Barbie fans, epitomizing the doll’s malleability and potential for self-expression. Although the movie’s promotion largely centers on empowering themes like #MeToo-era feminism and Mattel pride, this message inadvertently becomes the queerest aspect, as it invites viewers to challenge gender norms and embrace individuality.
Queer Origins and Barbie’s Impact
Barbie’s influence on queer culture has sparked scholarly interest, with writings exploring the doll’s queer appeal and impact on gender exploration. The concept of “gay window advertising” within the movie’s promotional clips subtly gestures to queer audiences while escaping the notice of disapproving viewers. While some may have anticipated more explicit representation, many fans still find joy in the film’s campy celebration and its potential for queer interpretations.
In the end, the Barbie movie emerges as a playful, campy experience that resonates with diverse audiences, including the LGBTQ community. Embracing Barbie’s queer appeal goes beyond explicit portrayals, emphasizing the power of imagination and the societal reflections this iconic doll inspires.
