Disney U-turn on transgender content for children

Disney has cut a transgender storyline from an upcoming animation because it is aimed at children.

The animated show ‘Win or Lose’ follows a co-ed middle school softball team. It is set to be released in February 2025.

The character will stay in the show, but all lines about gender identity will be removed.

Age appropriate

A spokesperson from Disney explained: “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.”

In some countries, there is the possibility that including LGBTQ+ content could face more restrictions or higher age limits.

However, for its shows made for an adult audience, the corporation continues to release several shows with LGBTQ+ content and characters.

Recent productions ‘Lightyear’ and ‘Strange World’, both featured gay couples and characters, were box-office flops both in the US and internationally.

Merch

Disney has been criticised in previous years for launching a huge range of LGBT-branded merchandise ahead of ‘Pride month’.

Among the items were Mickey and Minnie dolls daubed with the LGBT movement’s multi-coloured flag. The company said it would use money from sales of its Rainbow Disney Collection to support a number of LGBT activist groups.

While the Rainbow Collection is still available, its range has been vastly reduced to just two items which are both targeted towards adults.