Unnoticed LGBTQ+ references in Barbie, the movie: what you might have missed

The much-awaited and celebratory "Barbenheimer" weekend has passed, leaving in its wake Greta Gerwig's blockbuster as the ultimate summer movie of the year. With an impressive opening, the film attracted a mixed audience, including women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who were herded to theaters nationwide. The pink Corvette's success shows no signs of slowing down.

It's clear that the director and co-writer Noah Baumbach were well aware of the film's appeal to queer spectators, as they artfully infused it with campy humor, a diverse cast, and subtle queer references. Amidst the delightful surprises scattered throughout the movie, you may not have caught all the nods to queer culture on your initial viewing. Now that Barbie is out in the real world, it's time to delve into the generous gay references, both out and hidden, in a detailed (and spoiler alerts!) analysis.

The Wizard of Oz inspiration

The unforgettable influence of the beloved queer fan-favorite, starring the iconic Judy Garland, can be felt throughout the world of Barbie. As Margot Robbie's main character cruises through Barbie Land in her pink Corvette, viewers will notice the local movie theater adorned with character posters advertising The Wizard of Oz. What's more, Barbie Land boasts its own pink brick road, paying homage to the legendary film's iconic yellow brick road.

In a recent interview, director Greta Gerwig revealed that old Hollywood musicals inspired the Barbie movie. She particularly highlighted The Wizard of Oz's enchanting songs and decor, as well as the story overall.

However, while both Barbie and Dorothy embark on vividly colorful journeys of self-discovery, resonating deeply with many queer viewers, their paths diverged significantly. Dorothy finds herself in a fantastical realm surrounded by kindred spirits, while Barbie departs from a seemingly ideal, one-dimensional world and embraces the beautiful flaws of being human. This evolution adds a unique and empowering dimension to the movie's narrative.

The intricate storyline depicts a Stereotypical Barbie experiencing malfunctions and consults with Doctor Barbie who recommends a visit to Weird Barbie, played by Kate McKinnon, in Barbie Land. The hope is to unravel the existential crisis that Barbie faces due to reality-shifting issues, which originated in the human world. To resolve her troubles, Weird Barbie presents Robbie's character with a significant choice: either return to her regular life, remain oblivious to the truth about the universe, or embrace knowledge and face her true self. This choice cleverly alludes to the iconic red pill/blue pill allegory from the Wachowskis' 1999 action classic, The Matrix. But in this instance, ignorance is symbolized by a classic Barbie heel, while knowledge is represented by the lesbian footwear staple, the humble Birkenstock.

Initially, Barbie opts to remain in ignorance, but the illusion of choice eventually dissipates. She must inevitably accept her Birkenstock fate and confront her authentic self. While no shoe can be inherently gay, the film leaves intriguing subtext.

In the film's poignant conclusion, Barbie, now fully human, dons pink Birkenstocks as she heads to her gynecologist appointment, presumably to have her brand-new vagina checked out. This heartfelt moment resonates with the experiences of trans women who have undergone surgery and visited the doctor for the first time, finding hilariously familiar ground in the narrative.

Last but not least, among the growing list of casual lesbian staples in the Barbie movie, the iconic 1989 song "Closer to Fine" by the queer band The Indigo Girls plays a major role as a recurring musical cue. During her departure from Barbie Land, the main character sings the beloved song. Later in the film, her newfound human friends Gloria and Sasha join in, harmonizing with its empowering lyrics. The song's presence further enhances the movie's LGBTQ+ representation.

To elevate this delightful inclusion, Grammy Award-winning lesbian singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile contributes to the Barbie soundtrack's deluxe edition with her remarkable cover of "Closer to Fine." In a heartwarming collaboration, she sings alongside her wife, creating a truly special and celebratory musical moment that resonates with queer audiences.