Following a series of virtual walkouts by employees and just ahead of planned in-person walkouts across the company Tuesday (March 22), The Walt Disney Company’s various studios, parks and other businesses have issued a series of statements to official social media channels voicing support for the LGBTQ+ and condemning discriminatory legislation like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The bill, HB 1557 / SB 1834, bars public schools from educating kindergarten through third grade students on sexual orientation and gender identity, and opens the doors for parents to sue school districts over violations. Formally known as the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, it has been dubbed a censorship bill by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. The legislation’s passage in the state house and senate and Disney’s lackluster response have inspired mass action and criticism among the company’s queer employees, allies and supporters outside the Mouse House.
Catch up on previous coverage here, here, here and here.
The statements of solidarity included:
@DisneyPlus — “Disney+ stands by our LGBTQIA+ employees, colleagues, families, storytellers and fans, and we strongly denounce all legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of people in the LGBTQIA+ community — especially legislation that targets and harms young people and their families. We strive to create a service that reflects the world in which we live, and our hope is to be a source for inclusive, empowering and authentic stories that unite us in our shared humanity.”
@DisneyAnimation — “To our LGBTQIA+ community in the studio and across the world, Disney Animation stands by you! We Denounce any legislation that infringes on your fundamental human rights. You deserve to be safe, respected and able to live your lives as your whole selves free from discrimination.”
@Pixar — “All of us at Pixar stand with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, friends, families, and fans around the world who are targeted by laws that marginalize and diminish their identities and lives … We value authenticity, inclusion, and community, and we denounce the discriminatory bills advancing in states across the country that are harmful to all of us. Everyone deserves love, dignity, respect, and safety.”
@Hulu — “Today and every day, we Hulugans are united against all legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community … We stand with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, storytellers, families, friends, and fans who are targeted by laws that marginalize and diminish their identities and lives. We remain committed to telling inclusive stories that unite us and celebrate the diverse LGBTQIA+ community.”
@MarvelStudios — “We strongly denounce any and ALL legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Marvel Studios stands for hope, inclusivity and strength; and we proudly stand with the community. Today, we pledge to continue our strong commitment as allies who promote the values of equality, acceptance and respect.”
@FXNetworks — “FX fearlessly stands with, fully supports and celebrates our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, their families and community. Furthermore, we condemn any legislation that seeks to erase the identity or history of this or other marginalized communities. We at FX will continue to maintain our steadfast commitment to inclusion and be allies in the fight for equality.”
@DisneyParks — “To ALL who come to this happy place, welcome. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is committed to creating experiences that support family values for every family, and will not stand for discrimination in any form. We oppose any legislation that infringes on basic human rights, and stand in solidarity and support our LGBTQIA+ Cast, Crew and Imagineers and fans who make their voices heard today and every day.
@WaltDisneyImagineering — “We proudly support our LGBTQ+ Imagineers and recognize their incredible contributions in creating countless experiences that bring happiness to millions of guests from around the world each and every year. We strongly oppose any legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and stand in solidarity with our colleagues, families, friends, fans and allies as they make their voices heard.”
The Twitter account for protesting employees and supporters, @DisneyWalkout, responded to the companies’ attempts to #DisneyDoBetter:
“We would like to address the statements you will be seeing from some Disney corporate accounts.
We support these messages. They were tirelessly advocated for by our own LGBTQIA+ co-workers to show support today.
It’s an act of magic and is a true marker of how far we’ve pushed.”
The demands outlined by employees at whereischapek.com include an immediate, indefinite halt to donations to politicians supporting the bill, including Governor Ron DeSantis; public commitment to an actionable plan protecting employees; substantial contributions to human rights advocacy groups like The Trevor Project; and meaningful momentum in content that represents the LGBTQ+ experience.
