The Barbie era is upon us. For months and months, fans have been deep in anticipation for the film to drop, hoping that by some miracle the film itself would live up to the hype — and thankfully it did! And it’s a record-smashing hit.
Gays are girlies are delighted by the plastic fantastic world and the feminist messages, thanks to the brilliant writing of director Greta Gerwig. Conservatives of course are absolutely in their feelings about the film’s “woke” agenda (please stop, I’m sold already, I can only buy so many tickets!). The question is though, just how queer is the movie.
The answer is: pretty darn gay. Let us count the ways!
Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images; Courtesy of Mattel
In the annals of Barbiedom there have never been gayer Kens than the Earring Magic and Sugar Daddy Kens — and both appear in the film. For those unfamiliar Earring Magic Ken arrived briefly on the scene in 1993 as a part of the Earring Magic Barbie line. He is decked out with blond highlights, a pink mesh shirt, a purple leather vest, and what appears to be a cock ring necklace. He was an instant gay classic.
In that same scene, Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken appears in all his flamboyance and with his little dog companion, too.
Allan is the newest gay icon on the block. Played endearingly by Michael Cera, Allan is Ken’s bestie who is not like the other boys and has broken free of the gender binary. Really all he wants is for everyone to get along — oh and to give Ken all the foot rubs.
Mermaids are gay. It’s a biological fact. And muscle-bound mermaids are even gayer. Sorry, we don't make the rules.
Courtesy of Warner Bros
While there may not be any textual queer characters, the people playing them are gayer than Allan giving Mermaid Ken a fin rub. Hari Nef, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Scott Evans, and Ncuti Gatwa all appear in the film. And joining them are dozens of queer faves including Dua Lipa, Connor Swindells, Issa Rae, Ryan Gosling (and his abs), and of course our new reigning queen herself, Margot Robbie.
A forever lesbian fave the “Closer to Fine” needle drop moment is one that had Sapphics everywhere cheering. It reoccurs throughout the film and a cover was released for the soundtrack by fellow lesbian fave Brandi Carlisle. Levels on levels of queerness!
Speaking of queer anthems, Sam Smith is adding a new one to the canon with their homoerotic ode to the “Kendom.” Check these cheeky lyrics: “See I’m the groove catcher, hottest thing / Six pack and tight G-string,” so gay, even if it is followed up by “No, I’m not gay, bro!” Sure, sure.
When emotions run high between the Kens there is only one way to release all that tension and pressure: to "beach" one another off. Barbie may have a Dream House, but the Kens deserve a Dream Bath House.
Ultimately, we get to decide just how queer something is. We chose what is queer culture and what isn't. It's both a celebration of the toys many of us proudly (or quietly) loved and played with as children and a commentary on modern life, gender, and sexual politics. And lewks, the lewks. Baby it's decided the Barbie movie is gay.
