Disney explains reason for cutting transgender storyline from upcoming animation series following backlash
A brand new Pixar series has cut a transgender storyline from the plot, with Disney now speaking out to explain the decision.
Win or Lose is an animated TV series forthcoming to Disney+ on 19 February, 2025.
The series is set to centre on the life of school softball team, the Pickles, and the events leading up to their middle school championship match.
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Each episode will revolve around a different character - which, according to The Independent, includes players, a parent, a coach and an umpire - and one was set to focus on a transgender character, which has now been replaced.
Disney confirmed reports that the storyline had been removed, while the character in question remains in the series but no discussion around their gender identity will reportedly take place.
In a statement, Disney said to the Hollywood Reporter: "When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognise that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline."
Not everybody is happy with the decision, believing its a missed opportunity to teach children about the importance of acceptance and helping them to understand people's differences.
18-year-old transgender actress Chanel Stewart, who voices the Win or Lose character, told Deadline: "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."
She added: "I wore [getting the role] as a badge. I wore it with pride. I wore it with [honour] because it meant so much to me. The thought of authentically portraying a transgender teenage girl made me really happy. I wanted to make this for transgender kids like me.”
Stewart's mother, Keisha, also weighed in.
She said to Deadline: "It was upsetting because my daughter is transgender and this is her life. I felt like it was very important that we not hide that fact.
“There may be some parents out there who are not ready to have that conversation, but this is the world that we live in and everyone should be represented. Everyone deserves to be [recognised].
"And it felt like it was just another setback for the LGBTQ community, because it’s very hard on transgender teenagers … transgender people, period.
"Especially when you’re young and you’re trying to figure out how to navigate this world that you live in and be able to grow into your own person.”
Over on social media, one person reacted on X: "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 added: "Idc about the parents who 'prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms' what about the kids going through that s**t rn who would’ve seen this and maybe finally feel seen for the first time in their life."
Topics: LGBTQ, Disney, Disney Plus, TV And Film
Kya Buller