I have heard about that stereotype. Personally, I think it was done the way it was because:
– They did it with secondary characters whom they couldn’t fit into the main story in a meaningful way (or couldn’t be bothered).
– They had to rewrite the Ruby/Mulan story to Ruby/Dorothy because of Disney interference, so a relationship spanning two episodes was reduced to one. The switch also meant that we lost the careful build up of Mulan’s sexuality.
– They just don’t have the skills to show a deep, meaningful relationship developing.
Even if they were influenced by that stereotype, it doesn’t justify their poor storytelling. Fairytales or not, they should know that the audience will become more invested if they know the characters and they can see the relationship develop over time.
Also, two cents about this…
BUT, the problem is that at no point in OUAT, has there ever been a hint that Ruby wasn’t straight.
I actually started thinking of Ruby as bi or at least questioning, ever since I saw her in S2. In several scenes, it really seems like she was flirting with Belle. In S1 there were no signs, but then again, she was cursed. The curse was supposed to separate you from things that you loved so if Ruby liked girls, it makes sense that she wasn’t aware of it. Plus, she didn’t turn during the time that she was cursed, and if the wolf is meant to be a metaphor for bisexuality then it’s like she’d be cut off from that part of herself. Mind you, I don’t know whether to give the writers credit for any of this. When I saw Ruby and Belle, I thought it was queerbaiting. I guess we’ll never know if they ever intended to develop her character in the way that they have.