Continuing its trend of censoring LGBTQ+ content, Disney has confirmed the removal of a transgender storyline from its upcoming Pixar series, Win or Lose. This series, poised to debut on February 19, 2025, on Disney+, follows the exploits of a middle school co-ed softball team, the Pickles, as they strive for championship glory.
Initially, one episode of the eight planned was set to focus on a transgender character, providing potential for much-needed representation within animated content for younger audiences. A Disney spokesperson highlighted the company's intent, stating, "When it Comes To Animated Content For A Younger Audience, We Recognize That Many Parents Would Prefer To Discuss Certain Subjects With Their Children On Their Own Terms And Timeline" (Reported by various outlets including The Hollywood Reporter and Variety). While the transgender character remains part of the series, references to their gender identity have been stripped, with their role now limited to the background and reduced dialogue.
The industry response to this latest move has largely been one of disappointment. 18-year-old Chanel Stewart, the actress who voices the transgender character, shared her feelings candidly with Deadline, saying, "I Was Very Disheartened. From The Moment I Got The Script, I Was Excited To Share My Journey To Help Empower Other Trans Youth. I Knew This Would Be A Very Important Conversation. Trans Stories Matter, And They Deserve To Be Heard." Chanel had originally viewed her role as significant, not only for herself but for the representation of transgender youth on such a wide-reaching platform.
Stewart's mother, Keisha, voiced her own frustrations over the decision, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation. She stated, "It Was Upsetting Because My Daughter Is Transgender And This Is Her Life... Everyone Should Be Represented. Everyone Deserves To Be Recognized. And It Felt Like It Was Just Another Setback For The LGBTQ Community." Her comments resonate with many who believe children need equitable representation to feel understood and acknowledged.
This incident continues Disney's historical and controversial relationship with LGBTQ+ themes across its many productions. Questions surrounding LGBTQ+ representation have long lingered within the Disney-Pixar narrative, marked by films such as Onward, which introduced the first self-identified lesbian character, and Lightyear, which faced backlash for including LGBTQ+ elements. Both films had significant box office impacts attributed variously to their inclusivity.
Following the passage of the Florida legislation known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, then-CEO Bob Chapek spoke about creating inclusive content. This statement, nevertheless, received backlash, as many within Pixar felt the company was stifling their creative opportunities. A letter released by Pixar's employees expressed their discontent at having to scale back LGBTQ+ narratives, stating, "Even if creating LGBTQIA+ content was the answer to fixing the discriminatory legislation in the world, we are being barred from creating it." This has prompted questions about how effectively Disney manages LGBTQ+ narratives within its family-oriented products.
A cohort of social media users has taken to platforms like X to express their views on Disney's decision. One comment read, "Trans kids don't experience their transness on their parents' timeline. Children are not property, and need and deserve the language and tools to understand and describe themselves." Another lamented, "Idc about the parents who 'prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms' what about the kids going throughthat s**t rn who would’ve seen this and maybe finally feel seen for the first time?" These reactions highlight the broader sentiment among viewers—concerns about representation, acceptance, and the role of media in educating youth about diversity and inclusivity.
While the series Win or Lose seems to have lost this opportunity to address significant social issues, it still provides hope for inclusion within future narratives. Its premise of centering around relatable childhood experiences remains relevant. Yet, the decision to cut the storyline resonates more deeply, reminding audiences of the societal struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially the transgender community, as they seek visibility and acceptance.
With its premiere set for February 2025, many are left pondering what this absence says about the future of LGBTQ+ narratives in family entertainment, and whether companies like Disney will pivot back toward inclusivity or continue down the path of avoidance.
