Isabela, from the Disney’s 2021 movie “Encanto,” is a vibrant and spirited young girl with a heart as bright as the magical world she inhabits. She’s the eldest daughter of Agustín and Julieta Madrigal and the older sister of Luisa and Mirabel. Isabela is known as “Señorita Perfecta” by her youngest sister due to her remarkable gift: the ability to create beautiful flowers and plants.

As the first grandchild of the Madrigals and Abuela Alma’s favorite, Isabela lived up to high expectations after receiving her magical powers. She grew up in the nursery alongside her cousin Dolores and later with her younger sister Luisa. Guided by a vision from her uncle Bruno, Isabela’s powers began to flourish.
However, the burden of perfection took a toll on her. Isabela felt compelled to meet everyone’s expectations and hid her true self to avoid disappointing her family. She was even engaged to Mariano Guzmán, a suitor chosen for her. With Mirabel’s support, Isabela breaks free from these expectations, discovering her authentic self and embracing her powers to create unique and colorful plants. This journey allows her to shed the facade of perfection and live life on her own terms.
There had always been rumors among fans of the animated movie that the character is gay. Well, is she? Is Isabella from Encanto gay? Let’s find out.
VOTE: What is Isabela Madrigal’s Sexuality?
Isabela Madrigal’s Sexuality Explored
Disney has taken a significant step towards promoting diversity in its latest Pixar film, “Lightyear”. Although the movie has sparked controversy among some conservative viewers and has been banned in 14 countries, the majority of people are pleased that Disney is introducing more diverse characters.
Previously, LGBT+ representation in movies tended to be subtle or implied. Numerous fans believed that Isabela from Encanto fit into this category. Encanto, being a highly popular film, sparked extensive social media discussions, with fans sharing numerous theories about the characters. While some theories were far-fetched, the one concerning Isabela’s identity appeared highly convincing.

Fans saw that moment when Isabela showed her true self and stopped trying to be the perfect daughter to please her family, as a powerful symbol of breaking free from all societal rules and expectations placed on her. While a lot disagree with the theory, it turns out they may have been somewhat correct. Even Diane Guerrero, Isabela’s voice actor, has openly stated that she believes Isabela is gay.
In an Entertainment Weekly interview, wherein the actress was questioned about a potential movie sequel and her character’s future development, she directly mentioned that she believes Isabela is gay. She also expressed her desire to explore this aspect of her character on screen, particularly how the rest of the Madrigal family would respond to it. She emphasized that such a storyline would hold significant meaning.
I think that Isabela is gay. So I hope to, well, actually no, I know Isabela is gay and I would like to see the story go there.”
Diane Guerrero told the Entertainment Weekly
We know, I think we’ve been seeing like this awful mess that’s happening in Florida where kids can’t be themselves or people can’t be themselves and I think that we already saw sort of like the beginning of these women, these strong women in Encanto, knowing what they want. Knowing that they are different from what they are told they’re supposed to be. And we see Isabela sort of shattering the norm of getting married and having this like, you know, traditional life with a husband. She’s kind of like shattering all of those expectations in being herself and I really hope that it can go that way for Disney. Really, I think that would be really meaningful.”
she added
When asked if there was any discussion happening, the actress, however, clarified that it was just wishful thinking.
When asked if she had discussed her character’s sexuality with other actors, she replied no, stating that it’s a matter she’s handling herself, especially since she’s also in the process of exploring her own sexuality.
No, I think as an actor and as a person who’s breaking free and starting to get to know her own sexuality, and as a person who is just like living in this world to understand that there is just a huge spectrum and there’s like so much love and so much to be. That I don’t wanna be constricted by societal norms or what, you know, my gender dictates or what anybody else dictates.”
the voice actress said
It’s important to note, however, that Isabela’s sexuality has never been confirmed by Disney or the “Encanto” producers. While Isabela wasn’t the only character some fans thought of as gay, there were also moviegoers who believed that Bruno, the estranged uncle, was also part of the LGBTQ+ community. They theorized that his sexuality might have been one of the main reasons for his banishment from the family. Nonetheless, it’s essential to clarify that these theories have neither been confirmed nor denied by those involved in the animated movie.
Is Isabela Gay?
While many fans believe that the eldest Madrigal sister is gay, it has neither been confirmed nor denied by Disney or the “Encanto” producers. Nevertheless, the voice actor behind the character, Diane Guerrero, expressed her belief in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that Isabela is gay. She emphasized that Isabela’s actions, such as breaking societal norms by not conforming to traditional expectations of marriage and a conventional life with a husband, carry significant meaning regarding her sexuality.