Beyond the Heteronormative in the Audience of German Disney Musicals: Gender and Sexuality in (Non-)Audience Research in Musical Theatre

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between queer audiences and Disney musicals in Germany, which has only been sporadically researched to date. Using a meta-analysis of existing audience and population surveys as well as two studies on the topic, the article discusses deficits in the research on musical audiences. Despite significant evidence of queer fan cultures and corresponding marketing strategies, differentiated surveys on gender and sexual identity have so far been lacking in the context of (non-)audience research. In addition, economic, cultural-political and social dimensions of Disney musicals, such as so-called rainbow-washing, are discussed and, finally, a clear desideratum for interdisciplinary research is expressed.