It’s really too bad that Disney has only started backtracking on their left wing content because they’ve been losing money over it, not because they care. I wish it was because they cared about the majority of the fanbase that has made the company a success for the last 100 years… The majority that is comprised of traditional families who don’t want extreme left wing content.
As a mother and grandmother, I am profoundly disappointed in Disney’s decision to backtrack on featuring a storyline about the struggles of a young teen dealing with gender dysmorphia in its tentpole series, Win or Lose. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of Sesame Street, which has addressed complex societal issues with grace and heart since its debut in 1969, I can’t help but wonder: Why can’t Disney show the same courage?
For decades, Sesame Street has seamlessly integrated lessons on emotional intelligence, mental health, gender equality, disability representation, and more into its programming—- entertaining children while meeting cultural and societal needs in ways that parents have celebrated. It didn’t shy away from sensitive topics; instead, it embraced them, helping generations of families navigate an ever-changing world with empathy and understanding.
Pixar, too, has built a reputation for creating stories that resonate deeply with families. Through its honest storytelling, Pixar has given children and adults alike the tools to explore complex emotions, celebrate diversity, and appreciate shared humanity. That’s why it’s especially disheartening to see Disney bow to the pressure of a small but vocal opposition. By abandoning this important episode, Disney sends a message that pandering to perceived backlash outweighs the value of uplifting all families—- especially those who would wholeheartedly embrace Win or Lose for its inclusivity and authenticity.
Addressing themes like identity, belonging, and acceptance is not only timely but critical for children today. Families—whether directly impacted by struggles like gender dysmorphia or not—benefit when media reflects the diversity of the real world. Kids grow up more compassionate and prepared for the future when they encounter stories that celebrate differences rather than erase them.
It’s not just about one storyline. It’s about Disney’s responsibility as a global media leader to stand firm in its commitment to inclusion and representation. Backtracking on this episode diminishes Disney’s ability to address the very issues families grapple with daily:
•Emotional Intelligence: Teaching children how to process and respect emotions, especially those that arise from being different or misunderstood.
•Mental Health: Acknowledging the struggles that marginalized teens face and showing kids they are not alone.
•Gender Equality and Empowerment: Elevating underrepresented voices, especially in a series meant to foster connection and understanding.
•Disability Representation: Normalizing diverse experiences and breaking stereotypes.
•Environmental and Social Awareness: Stories that show all kinds of families facing and solving challenges together.
By pulling back, Disney risks alienating the very audience it claims to serve: families who value empathy, authenticity, and progress. The world needs stories that reflect its diversity, and children deserve media that teaches them how to embrace and celebrate it.
I urge Disney to reconsider this decision. As someone who has raised children and now guides grandchildren through life, I know how much these stories matter. Disney has the power to create a legacy of inclusion, just as Sesame Street has done for over 50 years. It’s time for Disney to lead boldly —- not retreat.
Comments for Parents Applaud Disney’s Decision To Remove Transgender Storyline
JustSomeGuy
It’s really too bad that Disney has only started backtracking on their left wing content because they’ve been losing money over it, not because they care. I wish it was because they cared about the majority of the fanbase that has made the company a success for the last 100 years… The majority that is comprised of traditional families who don’t want extreme left wing content.
Gary
Good Disney did something right !!
Ellen Fuller
As a mother and grandmother, I am profoundly disappointed in Disney’s decision to backtrack on featuring a storyline about the struggles of a young teen dealing with gender dysmorphia in its tentpole series, Win or Lose. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of Sesame Street, which has addressed complex societal issues with grace and heart since its debut in 1969, I can’t help but wonder: Why can’t Disney show the same courage?
For decades, Sesame Street has seamlessly integrated lessons on emotional intelligence, mental health, gender equality, disability representation, and more into its programming—- entertaining children while meeting cultural and societal needs in ways that parents have celebrated. It didn’t shy away from sensitive topics; instead, it embraced them, helping generations of families navigate an ever-changing world with empathy and understanding.
Pixar, too, has built a reputation for creating stories that resonate deeply with families. Through its honest storytelling, Pixar has given children and adults alike the tools to explore complex emotions, celebrate diversity, and appreciate shared humanity. That’s why it’s especially disheartening to see Disney bow to the pressure of a small but vocal opposition. By abandoning this important episode, Disney sends a message that pandering to perceived backlash outweighs the value of uplifting all families—- especially those who would wholeheartedly embrace Win or Lose for its inclusivity and authenticity.
Addressing themes like identity, belonging, and acceptance is not only timely but critical for children today. Families—whether directly impacted by struggles like gender dysmorphia or not—benefit when media reflects the diversity of the real world. Kids grow up more compassionate and prepared for the future when they encounter stories that celebrate differences rather than erase them.
It’s not just about one storyline. It’s about Disney’s responsibility as a global media leader to stand firm in its commitment to inclusion and representation. Backtracking on this episode diminishes Disney’s ability to address the very issues families grapple with daily:
•Emotional Intelligence: Teaching children how to process and respect emotions, especially those that arise from being different or misunderstood.
•Mental Health: Acknowledging the struggles that marginalized teens face and showing kids they are not alone.
•Gender Equality and Empowerment: Elevating underrepresented voices, especially in a series meant to foster connection and understanding.
•Disability Representation: Normalizing diverse experiences and breaking stereotypes.
•Environmental and Social Awareness: Stories that show all kinds of families facing and solving challenges together.
By pulling back, Disney risks alienating the very audience it claims to serve: families who value empathy, authenticity, and progress. The world needs stories that reflect its diversity, and children deserve media that teaches them how to embrace and celebrate it.
I urge Disney to reconsider this decision. As someone who has raised children and now guides grandchildren through life, I know how much these stories matter. Disney has the power to create a legacy of inclusion, just as Sesame Street has done for over 50 years. It’s time for Disney to lead boldly —- not retreat.