Gravity Falls creator Alex Hirsch has congratulated Dana Terrace's The Owl House for being able to tell the LGBTQ+ Disney story that he could not. This comes after the episode "Enchanting Grom Fright," in which Luz -- the show's protagonist -- is revealed to be bisexual and goes to Grom (a magical version of prom) with another female character, Amity.
On Twitter, Hirsch -- who also stars in The Owl House -- discussed his experience working on Gravity Falls, which aired on Disney Channel and Disney XD from 2012 to 2016. "Back when I made [Gravity Falls], Disney forbade me from any explicit LGBTQ+ [representation]," he said. "Apparently 'happiest place on Earth' meant 'straightest.' But as of today, thanks to [Dana Terrace] and team there are explicitly queer animated main characters on Disney TV. I'm so proud and happy to say that."
Hirsch went into detail regarding the difference between how LGBTQ+ stories were treated when he worked for Disney and how they are treated today. "In 2012 the Disney censor note on this image would have been: 'inappropriate for channel, please revise, call to discuss' (to avoid a paper trail),†he explained. “Now in 2020 -- there's no note at all. Props where props are due! This time, Disney -- you did good."
Additionally, Hirsch addressed those out to those who still LGBTQ+ storylines in children's cartoons to be inappropriate. "Also if you have a problem with this stuff, take it up with your therapist, or whoever in your upbringing taught you to fear something totally normal. They did you a disservice, and you can still grow," he said. "Gay people exist. They live with your bullshit, you can live with theirs."
The Owl House tells the story of Luz Noceda, a Dominican-American girl who attends Hexside Academy to train as a witch. Created by Terrace, the series is currently airing on Disney Channel and stars Sarah-Nicole Robles, Wendie Malick and Alex Hirsch. The show was renewed for a second season prior to its series premiere.