Celebrities & employees showed their anger for Disney with massive walkout
Raven-Symoné, Mark Ruffalo, and Kerry Washington all took a stand.
Raven-Symoné, Mark Ruffalo, and Kerry Washington all took a stand.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Raven-Symoné and the cast of Raven's House walked out in support of LGBTQ people.Photo: Screenshot
On Tuesday, Disney employees across the country participated in a walk out to protest the company’s lackluster response to Florida’s discriminatory “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
It is difficult to determine how many employees participated, since some did so virtually, but at the very least, small groups of employees from Pixar to Disneyland to Walt Disney Animation Studios showed their solidarity in person by walking off the job to demand that Disney to more to protect its LGBTQ employees.
Related: DeSantis’s press secretary says anyone who opposes Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill is a pedophile
Others, including some Disney-affiliated celebrities, expressed their support on Twitter.
Actress Kerry Washington, who works for ABC, posted a message that she is happy to be part of the Disney family but that “sometimes family members disagree” and “this is one of those times.”
“I don’t condone the actions or inactions of Disney in this moment,” Washington continued. “I wholeheartedly support the LGBTQIA+ employees, and stand with them in this walk out today. Please know that you matter. Your rights matter. Your voices matter. I encourage you all to help their voices ring louder today.”
Mark Ruffalo wrote, “Standing proud and in solidarity with our LBGTQIA+ family! #SayGay”
Out actress Raven-Symoné, along with the cast of her Disney Channel show Raven’s Home, participated in person, walking off their set.
She posted a video on Instagram expressing her hatred for the bill, adding in the caption, “In support of our LGBTQ+ family and all of those who will be damaged by the ‘don’t say gay bill’ we the cast of Ravens Home are walking out. In todays world it is imperative that we take stands, show support, and move forward not backwards. Every family every person and every child deserves to be recognized no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Education that reflects the truth and the world we live in is something we must fight for.”
The controversy began when it was revealed that Disney had donated money to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill’s main sponsors. In addition, Chapek initially refused to publicly condemn the measure. He wrote that “corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds” and “are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.” Instead, he highlighted the company’s commitment to telling diverse stories.
Chapek then said he would meet Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to discuss somehow preventing the bill from being weaponized against LGBTQ people. In response, DeSantis said that he refused to bow down to “woke corporations” and released a video accusing LGBTQ people of trying to “inject transgenderism into kindergarten.”
Trying to do damage control, Disney said it would donate $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other LGBTQ rights organizations. HRC rejected its donation and said Disney needed to take more direct action to combat the bill.
Soon after, employees at Pixar claimed that Disney censors LGBTQ content and that executives had cut every attempt to show same-sex affection or LGBTQ characters.
Chapek eventually apologized to employees for not denouncing the bill, and has since taken a stronger stance against it. But for many, it’s simply too late.
On Monday, Disney released a statement to CNN stating, “This morning we held a virtual company-wide conversation on anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and Disney’s response to it. We know how important this issue is for our LGBTQ+ employees, their families and allies, we respect our colleagues’ right to express their views, and we pledge our ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights.”
Raven-Symoné and the cast of Raven's House walked out in support of LGBTQ people.Photo: Screenshot
On Tuesday, Disney employees across the country participated in a walk out to protest the company’s lackluster response to Florida’s discriminatory “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
It is difficult to determine how many employees participated, since some did so virtually, but at the very least, small groups of employees from Pixar to Disneyland to Walt Disney Animation Studios showed their solidarity in person by walking off the job to demand that Disney to more to protect its LGBTQ employees.
Related: DeSantis’s press secretary says anyone who opposes Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill is a pedophile
Others, including some Disney-affiliated celebrities, expressed their support on Twitter.
Actress Kerry Washington, who works for ABC, posted a message that she is happy to be part of the Disney family but that “sometimes family members disagree” and “this is one of those times.”
“I don’t condone the actions or inactions of Disney in this moment,” Washington continued. “I wholeheartedly support the LGBTQIA+ employees, and stand with them in this walk out today. Please know that you matter. Your rights matter. Your voices matter. I encourage you all to help their voices ring louder today.”
Mark Ruffalo wrote, “Standing proud and in solidarity with our LBGTQIA+ family! #SayGay”
Out actress Raven-Symoné, along with the cast of her Disney Channel show Raven’s Home, participated in person, walking off their set.
She posted a video on Instagram expressing her hatred for the bill, adding in the caption, “In support of our LGBTQ+ family and all of those who will be damaged by the ‘don’t say gay bill’ we the cast of Ravens Home are walking out. In todays world it is imperative that we take stands, show support, and move forward not backwards. Every family every person and every child deserves to be recognized no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Education that reflects the truth and the world we live in is something we must fight for.”
The controversy began when it was revealed that Disney had donated money to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill’s main sponsors. In addition, Chapek initially refused to publicly condemn the measure. He wrote that “corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds” and “are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.” Instead, he highlighted the company’s commitment to telling diverse stories.
Chapek then said he would meet Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to discuss somehow preventing the bill from being weaponized against LGBTQ people. In response, DeSantis said that he refused to bow down to “woke corporations” and released a video accusing LGBTQ people of trying to “inject transgenderism into kindergarten.”
Trying to do damage control, Disney said it would donate $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other LGBTQ rights organizations. HRC rejected its donation and said Disney needed to take more direct action to combat the bill.
Soon after, employees at Pixar claimed that Disney censors LGBTQ content and that executives had cut every attempt to show same-sex affection or LGBTQ characters.
Chapek eventually apologized to employees for not denouncing the bill, and has since taken a stronger stance against it. But for many, it’s simply too late.
On Monday, Disney released a statement to CNN stating, “This morning we held a virtual company-wide conversation on anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and Disney’s response to it. We know how important this issue is for our LGBTQ+ employees, their families and allies, we respect our colleagues’ right to express their views, and we pledge our ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights.”
Disney employees are walking out today to protest company’s response to “Don’t Say Gay” bill
Disney brands are standing with employees.
Disney brands are standing with employees.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
The Disney Gay Community in an Orlando Pride parade
The Disney Gay Community in an Orlando Pride parade
Photo: Shutterstock
Disney employees are engaging in a “full-scale walkout” today to protest the company’s lackluster response to Florida’s discriminatory “Don’t Say Gay Bill.”
For the past week, disgruntled employees planned daily 15-minute walkouts, both virtual and in-person. All was planned to culminate in today’s larger demonstration.
Related: Disney’s current and former CEO on bad terms as company sorts out botched “Don’t Say Gay” response
An open letter posted to the “Disney Walkout” Twitter account last week declared, “The recent statements by The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) leadership regarding the Florida legislature’s recent ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill have utterly failed to match the magnitude of the threat to LGBTQIA+ safety represented by this legislation.”
“Primarily, those statements have indicated that leadership still does not truly understand the impact this legislation is having not only on cast members in the state of Florida, but on all members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the company and beyond.”
The letter notes that the walkout isn’t being organized by the company’s business employee resource groups or Disney PRIDE organizations. It also notes that the full-scale walkout isn’t legally protected, meaning that anyone who participates could be fired.
The group planning the walkout has also released a list of demands, which includes the creation of a brand focusing on LGBTQ creators and a focus on expanding Disney’s content catalog to better represent LGBTQ people.
According to WESH, which struggled to find employees who had actually walked out today, those participating may not have physically walked off the job. Employees are staying home from work, working from home, calling out sick, or leaving away messages in their email explaining their support of the walkout.
The Associated Press said it isn’t clear how many employees are participating, and that unionized workers have been advised against doing so.
In the meantime, Disney brands are standing with employees. On its Instagram account this morning, Walt Disney World posted a message of solidarity.
“To ALL who come to this happy place, welcome. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is committed to creating experiences that support family values for every family, and will not stand for discrimination in any form. We oppose any legislation that infringes on basic human rights, and stand in solidarity and support our LGBTQIA+ Cast, Crew, and Imagineers and fans who make their voices heard today and every day.”
Disney+ also tweeted support, stating that it “stands by our LGBTQIA+ employees, colleagues, families, storytellers, and fans, and we strongly denounce all legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of people in the LGBTQIA+ community – especially legislation that targets and harms young people and their families.”
And in a Twitter thread this morning, ESPN wrote that it “believes in inclusivity and denounces legislation and actions across the United States that infringe on any human rights. We stand with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, friends, families, and fans.”
The company then expressed its commitment to “never stop telling stories about LGBTQIA+ athletes” and proceeded to share several in the thread.
The controversy began when it was revealed that Disney had donated money to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill’s main sponsors. In addition, Chapek initially refused to publicly condemn the measure. He wrote that “corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds” and “are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.” Instead, he highlighted the company’s commitment to telling diverse stories.
Chapek then said he would meet Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to discuss somehow preventing the bill from being weaponized against LGBTQ people. In response, DeSantis said that he refused to bow down to “woke corporations” and released a video accusing LGBTQ people of trying to “inject transgenderism into kindergarten.”
Trying to do damage control, Disney said it would donate $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other LGBTQ rights organizations. HRC rejected its donation and said Disney needed to take more direct action to combat the bill.
Soon after, employees at Pixar claimed that Disney censors LGBTQ content and that executives had cut every attempt to show same-sex affection or LGBTQ characters.
Chapek eventually apologized to employees for not denouncing the bill, and has since taken a stronger stance against it. But for many, it’s simply too late.
On Monday, Disney released a statement to CNN stating, “This morning we held a virtual company-wide conversation on anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and Disney’s response to it. We know how important this issue is for our LGBTQ+ employees, their families and allies, we respect our colleagues’ right to express their views, and we pledge our ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights.”
Disney employees are engaging in a “full-scale walkout” today to protest the company’s lackluster response to Florida’s discriminatory “Don’t Say Gay Bill.”
For the past week, disgruntled employees planned daily 15-minute walkouts, both virtual and in-person. All was planned to culminate in today’s larger demonstration.
Related: Disney’s current and former CEO on bad terms as company sorts out botched “Don’t Say Gay” response
An open letter posted to the “Disney Walkout” Twitter account last week declared, “The recent statements by The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) leadership regarding the Florida legislature’s recent ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill have utterly failed to match the magnitude of the threat to LGBTQIA+ safety represented by this legislation.”
“Primarily, those statements have indicated that leadership still does not truly understand the impact this legislation is having not only on cast members in the state of Florida, but on all members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the company and beyond.”
The letter notes that the walkout isn’t being organized by the company’s business employee resource groups or Disney PRIDE organizations. It also notes that the full-scale walkout isn’t legally protected, meaning that anyone who participates could be fired.
The group planning the walkout has also released a list of demands, which includes the creation of a brand focusing on LGBTQ creators and a focus on expanding Disney’s content catalog to better represent LGBTQ people.
According to WESH, which struggled to find employees who had actually walked out today, those participating may not have physically walked off the job. Employees are staying home from work, working from home, calling out sick, or leaving away messages in their email explaining their support of the walkout.
The Associated Press said it isn’t clear how many employees are participating, and that unionized workers have been advised against doing so.
In the meantime, Disney brands are standing with employees. On its Instagram account this morning, Walt Disney World posted a message of solidarity.
“To ALL who come to this happy place, welcome. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is committed to creating experiences that support family values for every family, and will not stand for discrimination in any form. We oppose any legislation that infringes on basic human rights, and stand in solidarity and support our LGBTQIA+ Cast, Crew, and Imagineers and fans who make their voices heard today and every day.”
Disney+ also tweeted support, stating that it “stands by our LGBTQIA+ employees, colleagues, families, storytellers, and fans, and we strongly denounce all legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of people in the LGBTQIA+ community – especially legislation that targets and harms young people and their families.”
And in a Twitter thread this morning, ESPN wrote that it “believes in inclusivity and denounces legislation and actions across the United States that infringe on any human rights. We stand with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, friends, families, and fans.”
The company then expressed its commitment to “never stop telling stories about LGBTQIA+ athletes” and proceeded to share several in the thread.
The controversy began when it was revealed that Disney had donated money to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill’s main sponsors. In addition, Chapek initially refused to publicly condemn the measure. He wrote that “corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds” and “are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.” Instead, he highlighted the company’s commitment to telling diverse stories.
Chapek then said he would meet Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to discuss somehow preventing the bill from being weaponized against LGBTQ people. In response, DeSantis said that he refused to bow down to “woke corporations” and released a video accusing LGBTQ people of trying to “inject transgenderism into kindergarten.”
Trying to do damage control, Disney said it would donate $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other LGBTQ rights organizations. HRC rejected its donation and said Disney needed to take more direct action to combat the bill.
Soon after, employees at Pixar claimed that Disney censors LGBTQ content and that executives had cut every attempt to show same-sex affection or LGBTQ characters.
Chapek eventually apologized to employees for not denouncing the bill, and has since taken a stronger stance against it. But for many, it’s simply too late.
On Monday, Disney released a statement to CNN stating, “This morning we held a virtual company-wide conversation on anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and Disney’s response to it. We know how important this issue is for our LGBTQ+ employees, their families and allies, we respect our colleagues’ right to express their views, and we pledge our ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights.”
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