‘The Little Mermaid’ Fan Activists Aim to Protect the Ocean & Trans Youth

A fundraiser for Fandom Forward and Mermaids UK: Protect the Waters, Protect the Mermaids

When the first teaser trailer for the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” dropped in September of 2022, over one million “dislikes” hit the YouTube video — all because the lead actress, Halle Bailey, is Black.

Now that the movie has made its cinematic debut, critics (and racists) are “review bombing” the film, to again, troll Bailey and the film’s creators, for their more inclusive casting move. 

But “Little Mermaid” fans — like the thousands of young Black girls who have reacted to the film with unbridled enthusiasm — are swimming on a completely different wavelength.

One group of fans, led by the fan activist nonprofit Fandom Forward, is using the drama of the Disney film to make real change off the screen.

The organization launched the Protect Ariel’s Home campaign during Earth Month in April, to train Disney fans to become eco-activists, learning how to take collective action to protect water — especially for BIPOC communities.

A screenshot of a Fandom Forward webpage for the Protect Ariel's Home campaign
What started as a campaign for environmental justice has expanded even further to include activism for transgender youth. Photo courtesy of Fandom Forward

As the movie entered theaters and seeped into June’s Pride Month festivities, Fandom Forward wanted to take the project one step further. 

Now, organizers have launched a campaign called Protect the Water, Protect the Mermaids, which supports two urgent causes: defending the planet and transgender youth.  

“So much of Fandom Forward's community is trans and queer, and we're obviously so disheartened by the anti-trans legislation and rhetoric that is sweeping through the U.S. and UK,”  Fandom Forward campaigns director, Sara Mortensen, told Good Good Good. 

The campaign was created alongside UK-based nonprofit Mermaids UK — which provides support to transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families. 

Every dollar raised in donations is split between both organizations and their efforts of training folks in climate activism and supporting trans youth.

A fundraiser for Fandom Forward and Mermaids UK: Protect the Waters, Protect the Mermaids
Protect the Water, Protect the Mermaids is a two-fold campaign supporting water protectors and trans youth. Photo courtesy of Fandom Forward

“All of the online discourse inspired us to develop a climate campaign that was very grounded in intersectionality already, and when Pride Month approached, we started to think about how we could organize a queer offshoot of the Protect Ariel’s Home campaign and do something that felt positive and impactful for the trans community,” Mortensen said.

The campaign features a number of activations, such as informative blog posts about clean drinking water, coral reef preservation, and more; digital training livestreams hosted with other fan activists (and even actors from shows like “Our Flag Means Death”) to protect LGBTQ+ rights; and accessible training toolkits for folks to access after live-stream events.

The training videos and toolkits include information on topics such as representation in media and environmental justice (and the impact climate change has on marginalized communities), guided discussion topics, crafts, resources, and action steps. 

Participants can track their climate actions in a public spreadsheet (aptly called “Ariel’s Action Grotto”). Action steps include tasks like learning about Tribal Water Rights, contacting elected officials about the urgency of clean water legislation, and even ringing a digital “fish doorbell” to help fish pass through waterways safely in the Netherlands. 

Additionally, each donation toward protecting trans youth includes fun “perks” as a thank you for fan support, including access to a drag makeup tutorial in recreating Ursula’s iconic look, or plushies made from recycled plastic bottles.

While the perks sure are fun, fans have quickly mobilized to make a splash all on their own.

Mortensen said over 200 fans have taken free online trainings or accessed informational toolkits to grow in their climate activism — and over 80 climate justice actions have been documented in Ariel’s Action Grotto. 

A screenshot of a Google Sheets spreadsheet for Ariel's Action Grotto
Fans come together in community to share their action milestones and resources. Photo courtesy of Fandom Forward

On the fundraiser side of things, organizers are taking a new approach to measuring success: the number of people engaged, as opposed to the amount of money donated. 

A week into the campaign, Fandom Forward is 20% of the way toward its goal of connecting 100 donors to the fundraiser in support of Mermaids UK. 

Fandom Forward knows climate racism and transphobia are sadly “part of our world,” but also that the power of a community can truly create ripple effects — under the sea and beyond. 

“The power fan communities have is incredible, especially when they work together on a common goal,” Fandom Forward’s training toolkit reads. 

“While this campaign is about bringing attention to the environmental needs of communities, it is also about celebrating the visibility of BIPOC characters and the joy that diverse stories bring to these communities.”

Article Details

June 9, 2023 10:25 AM
A photo collage of a sign that says 'McKnight Lane' in front of a house, a dog being carried, a man sitting on top of a desalination system tank, a colony of penguins at the shoreline, and a WFLA news reporter holding a microphone

Good News This Week: October 12, 2024 - Oceans, Rescues, & Shelters

Your weekly roundup of the best good news worth celebrating...
Two images side-by-side. On the left, Malala Yousafzai wears a green top and purple hijab against a yellow walled background. On the right, three hands reach out together, all wearing Taylor Swift-themed friendship bracelets up their arms.

Malala Yousafzai shares powerful story of how a Taylor Swift era gave her strength under the Taliban

In a recent interview, Malala shared why being a Swiftie is so important to her.
Fandom Forward Logo on a blue Good Good Good gradient

Fandom Forward: How Fan Communities Make a Difference

Fandom Forward is using fan activism, training, and community building to empower fans from across the globe and make the world a better place.
Ocean Quote Graphic: The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul. — Robert Wyland

74 Best Ocean Quotes To Inspire Awe & Care

Whether you are an ardent ocean conservationist, a nature enthusiast, or someone who enjoys long walks on the beach, these quotes will touch your heart and stir your thinking.

Want to stay up-to-date on positive news?

The best email in your inbox.
Filled with the day’s best good news.