Disney has come under many criticisms for its position on LGBTQ+ sexualities – criticism which will get louder with the announcement of Better Nate Than ever in Disney+. The film sets out questions of sexual and gender representation in an era when lawmakers are trying to remove these issues from the curriculum.
The movie focuses on Nate Foster, a middle school student who heads to Pittsburgh to go to Broadway to try out for a part in Lilo & Stitch. Ruby Wood portrays the title character Nate Foster in his first movie role.
Wood’s star-making performance as Nate has raised questions about his gender.
Ruby refers to himself as a man and uses the pronouns he/she.

Rueby Wood has a gender identity of male. He/she uses pronouns like he/him. Wood’s pronouns of preference are listed on his Instagram page to prevent confusion.
Wood is yet to address questions of sexuality or gender however, he’s confident in himself. Wood has recently made fashion decisions that challenge traditional gender stereotypes, and he’s done it with style.
Rueby said to people that his character in the film Better Nate Than Ever helped him feel more secure in the persona he is. Ruby said that
“Nate was a great inspiration to me to live my life as I do without a doubt every day, no matter what. It’s a wonderful account of discovering what you are and getting to know your light and embracing yourself. I believe it will bring joy to many children out on the streets.”
Wood introduces Tim Federle’s true-life story in Better Nate Than Ever

Tim Federle is the writer and executive producer for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The Disney+ show featured an openly gay romance as well as a gay kiss that was a first in any other thing associated with Disney.
In the quest for Better Nate Than Ever Tim determined to test the boundaries the film had created by incorporating his own coming-out story. Tim said to CinemaBlend that his experience with the good reviews that the actors from High School Musical received inspired him to share his story.
“And all of that inspired me to write a version of the Nate Movie that wasn’t watered down or wasn’t censored, but also I think a very age-appropriate adventure story about a middle schooler who wants to see the big wide world.”
The semi-biographical film is an adaptation of Tim’s novel that has the same title. The latest film showcases a determination by Disney to integrate tales similar to his. However, Tim says that the studio is still a way to take.
The actor spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the intended effects of Better Nate Than Ever:
“There are a lot of times when I felt unsafe in a room because I’m homosexual. Being a middle-schooler who was gay I wasn’t comfortable at every event, and it’s a good thing this is taking place right today and brings in an increase in people watching and declaring, “Nate may differ from me, and yet I’m quite a bit like me than I think and we’ve accomplished some amazing things.”