SBG 72: The Lion King with Bethany Brown

Leigh (@lshfoster) and Ellie (@elliebrigida) sit down with actor Bethany Brown (@bethanybrown) to chat about why The Lion King Should’ve Been Gay.

We are always talking about how important the concept of “found family” is to the gays, and what could be more “found family” than The Lion King? We all grew up watching this movie, and even though it was glaringly obvious the entire time that Timon and Pumbaa are gay, it was even more apparent when we rewatched it with a queer lens. Not only are Timon and Pumbaa gay, but there is a whole slew of queer characters from pansexual Rafiki with his “we are one” attitude to flamboyant gay uncle Scar and his unrealized twin flame Zazu. We analyze the Circle of Life, the implications of Timon and Pumbaa choosing to not only live together but also to adopt and raise a child together, and the queer-coding of Disney villains.

We deep dive into Bethany’s notebook to learn about the same-sex relationships that lions participate in and are overjoyed to find out that 8% of lions engage in same-sex activities that would 100% be considered queer if they were humans. In our perfect gay Lion King, the great Drag Kings of the past are watching over Simba and his gay dads from above while they teach him the importance of accepting who you are and letting go of your past through the incredibly gay anthem, Hakuna Matata. One thing is for sure, The Lion King Should’ve Been Gay.

Follow along on Twitter: Lez Hang Out (@lezhangoutpod) and answer our Q & Gay at the end of every episode. Leigh Holmes Foster (@lshfoster) and Ellie Brigida (@elliebrigida). You can also join us on Facebook.com/lezhangoutpod and follow along on Instagram (@lezhangoutpod).