Disney is turning a transgender character into a cisgender character in its next Pixar series

A bet won or lost? Disney announced Monday, December 16, removing references to transidentity in its next Pixar series, Win or Lose. A choice made several months ago according to the American press and a decision since defended by the Pixar animation studios. « When it comes to animated content aimed at younger children, we understand that many parents prefer to discuss certain topics with their children in their own words, at a time that suits them.declared the American subsidiary to Hollywood Reporter .

Trailer – Win or Lose

This targeted character, whose name has not been revealed, confided in a dialogue his transidentity. He was part of the Pickles, a junior baseball team. If the character’s presence in the series has not been called into question, his identity and sexual orientation have been modified.

From a transgender character to cisgender

It is now a matter « of a heterosexual, cisgender girl », confided to Deadline Chanel Stewart, voice actor of the character in question and herself transgender. In 2020, the American actress, then aged 14, applied for an ad from Pixar animation studios in which it was indicated that they were looking for a transgender actress to play this type of character. « I was exactly what they were looking for, that’s why it seemed obvious to me »she said.

« Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard »

Chanel Stewart

But on Monday, Chanel Stewart learned of the removal of her lines through a call from Disney received by her mother. « I was very dejectedshe testifies. From the moment I received the script, I couldn’t wait to share my story and help other young trans people feel powerful. I knew it was going to be something very important. » Before adding: « Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard ».

This episode comes as the question of managing the inclusion of LGBT characters in Disney productions has been part of the public debate for months. In 2020, the Pixar animated film, Ahead was censored in many Middle Eastern countries and Russia, because it featured a lesbian Cyclops. In 2022, the American press revealed that Disney had cut during the editing of Buzz Lightyear (2022) another lesbian kiss. However, it was reinstated in the final cut of the film following a protest movement by Pixar employees, but Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates still banned its screening. Disney was then accused by its collaborators of censoring attempts to include LGBT characters in their productions. At the same time, the firm, a recurring target of the Maga movement, went to court against Governor DeSantis at the height of the controversies over the “Don’t say gay” legislation that was shaking up Florida.