Disney-owned Pixar has reinstated same-sex kisses in its Lightyear origin story after employees protested the removal of gay storylines from Pixar films, reports recently said. Citing unnamed sources, Variety said the storyline will appear in the Lightyears movie, which hits theaters on June 17.
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Although the characters in the Toy Story spinoff animated film Lightyears included two women in a relationship, the studio removed a kiss between them from the film, Variety reported. The kiss was revived after employees protested that Disney leadership did not immediately condemn Florida’s so-called “Don’t SayGay” law. The act prohibits discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom.
While former Disney CEO Bob Iger denounced the bill back in February, current CEO Bob Chapke has refrained from fully condemning the bill until it passed both houses of the Texas Legislature . Instead of issuing a company statement opposing the bill before it was passed by the Legislature, Chapke said: “I believe the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce.”
However, a letter sent by Pixar employees to Disney leadership last week reportedly said overtly gay storylines had been removed from Pixar films by Disney.
“We at Pixar have witnessed beautiful stories, filled with diverse characters, and returned from Disney’s scrutiny that had been slashed,” the letter said. “Almost every openly gay Emotional scenes were cut at Disney’s behest, and Pixar’s creative team and executive leadership will protest.”
Pixar’s 2020 animated film “Onward” featured the studio’s first openly gay character, but that scene passed quickly and didn’t put her on screen with her buddies. Pixar also released a SparkShorts animated short called Out, which tells the story of a gay couple.
Chapke wrote a letter to employees last week following protests within the company. “It is clear that this is not just a question about a Florida bill, but another challenge to fundamental human rights,” the letter states. “You need me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights, while I let you down. I’m sorry.” Chapke also said Disney would increase its support for advocacy groups opposing similar laws in other states.
Despite Chapke’s eventual condemnation and apology, some LGBTQ Disney employees and allies have gone on strike this week, including one at Pixar on Friday. The strike is planned to continue next week, culminating in a general strike on Tuesday.
“The recent statements and lack of action by TWDC leadership regarding the ‘No Discussion of Homosexuality or Transgender Persons’ Act is completely inconsistent with the magnitude of the threat this legislation poses to LGBTQIA+ safety,” some Disney employees said.