Disney Parks releases new statement in support of LGBTQIA+ cast, crew, and guests opposing Florida's 'Don't Say Gay Bill'

Mar 22, 2022 in "The Walt Disney Company"

Posted: Tuesday March 22, 2022 10:5am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney is ramping up its opposition to Florida's "Don't Say Gay Bill" with new posts on Instagram this morning.

The official Walt Disney World Instragram account posted the following statement.

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, guests and fans who make their voices heard today and every day.

The Walt Disney Imagineering Instagram account also posted a statement.

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.

Disney has come under fierce criticism for its apparent lack of action in fighting Florida's "Don't Say Gay Bill", leading to Disney's top executives taking to various platforms multiple times over the past weeks in an attempt to clarify Disney's position.

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wdwmagicApr 01, 2022

I'm closing this thread pending any further news or developments.

ImperfectPixieApr 01, 2022

That book was in the libraries of HIGH SCHOOLS and was NOT part of the curriculum. It is also not marketed towards young adults. Let's please at least be clear in our facts before we start further discussion. https://www.wfae.org/race-equity/2021-11-18/why-is-the-book-gender-queer-being-removed-from-public-school-libraries-and-is-it-obscene https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-education-gender-identity-virginia-a3d4b656bb58d0472af2a1a69ab62708 Personally, because the book is a graphic novel and I've read about some of the pictures in it, I would prefer to limit it to public libraries that aren't inside public k-12 schools, and college campuses. I wouldn't label it as obscenity, because I'm sure (as stated in the AP article) that the book has it's merits, I just think not all high school students are old enough or mature enough to handle the material.

CaptainAmericaApr 01, 2022

"Any gay adult man who felt a kinship with that little boy dressed as Tinker Bell should be made aware of this: It is a very different world from the time you grew up—even from the world ten years ago. In today’s culture, that little boy would not be told it is OK to be gay; he would be led to believe he is ‘really a girl’. Across the nation and the world, gender non-conforming boys and girls are being pushed into believing they are trans. THIS is what is at the core of teaching ‘gender identity’, and it is a form of CONVERSION, just as contemptible as those religious groups that attempt to ‘pray the gay away’."

ImperfectPixieApr 01, 2022

You do realize that young children don't make a connection between pregnancy and sex until they're taught to, correct? (And such education is prohibited outside of approved sex-ed classes, which parents are free to opt their children out of.) They don't see a pregnant person and automatically know how the baby got into their belly. The LGBTQ+ community has just as much right to expect representation in media as everyone else. Ostracization? You mean feeling threatened because they aren't the only voices being heard anymore? The LGBTQ+ community has spent years being shunned, ignored, abused, and worse...is it any surprise that when they finally get someone to listen, they're very loud?

CommunicoraApr 01, 2022

The moderator and site owner have asked us to focus on Disney's reaction to the bill rather than personal political beliefs. If you want the thread to stay open, please consider this when you post.

CommunicoraApr 01, 2022

Another Disney employee has written a piece about Disney's reaction to the law. This one wrote it without a pseudonym. I wonder if there will be repercussions for him. https://flashinggreen.substack.com/p/i-am-a-gay-employee-at-walt-disney

crawaleApr 01, 2022

Excellent. Teachers should stick to teaching academics until American kids have reached a much higher standard in education than we have now.

CaptainAmericaApr 01, 2022

I don't, but the law is a poor way to address those concerns. It is overly broad in some ways, and overly narrow in others.

crawaleApr 01, 2022

Why do you think 5 year olds need to learn about transgender, LGBQ and other sex related issues?

CaptainAmericaApr 01, 2022

This thread is about Disney's reaction to the law and the associated corporate culture that has led them to their current predicament.

Disney4LyfeApr 01, 2022

No. It's about Bob's response to the law.

fgmntApr 01, 2022

Isn’t this thread about the law?

CaptainAmericaApr 01, 2022

I'm not talking about the law, I'm talking about Disney. I don't support the law. It's a bad law.

fgmntApr 01, 2022

The new law applies penalties to the first thing. You get that, right?