Disney seems to find their way into hot water, especially when it comes to the storylines of some of their latest movies. It seems as if they are in trouble, regardless of which direction they go and now they are being criticized again.
The upcoming Pixar animated series, Win or Lose was set to have a transgender character storyline included within it. The series centers on a middle school softball team that is preparing for a championship game.
Reports say that the decision was to eliminate dialogue that referenced the gender identity of the character. They did not remove the character from the movie.
According to Disney, parents should be permitted to discuss these topics with their children at their own pace. They have been criticized for including them in movies in the past.
Then again, there are those who are unhappy with the decision, including Chanel Stewart, the 18-year-old actress who played the part. She was cast in that role at the age of 14 and said that the storyline had a personal and societal importance to her. She was hoping that the role would empower transgender youth.
The storyline depicted her character, Kai as receiving support from the coach when she was stressed about her gender identity. They have kept her in the story but have removed the storyline at that part.
Stewart’s father was also concerned, saying that the LGBTQ+ community should be represented more. She said that the decision is a setback for the forward progress in supporting those who are transgender.
Disney was also criticized for other decisions involving the LGBTQ+ storylines within the movie. This includes movies, such as Moon Girl, Out 2, and Devil Dinosaur.
Disney continues to include LGBTQ+ themes in productions aimed at older audiences but animated films for younger viewers have received some negative feedback for including those themes.
Some attempts to do so, including Strange World and LightYear received a mixed reaction at the box office, which may have had an impact on their decision to include in future films.
