Pixar’s upcoming Win or Lose series has ignited controversy after Disney removed a transgender storyline before its release. The decision, reportedly made in response to parental concerns, has renewed debates about Disney’s approach to inclusion and representation in children’s programming.
Win or Lose
After multiple delays, Win or Lose will debut on Disney+ on February 19, 2025. The eight-episode show follows the “Pickles,” a middle school co-ed softball team, as they prepare for their championship game. Each episode focuses on a different character’s perspective, ranging from players and coaches to umpires and parents.
While the Pixar series was set to feature a transgender storyline in one of its later episodes, Disney recently removed the dialogue referencing the character’s gender identity. The character will still appear in the series, but the storyline has been cut.
Disney Responds to Parental Concerns
A Disney spokesperson addressed the change in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
“When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”
The company declined to comment further but said the decision was made a few months ago.
Disney and Pixar’s History With LGBTQIA+ Representation
This isn’t the first time Disney and Pixar have been at the center of debates surrounding LGBTQIA+ inclusion. In 2022, Pixar’s Turning Red reportedly removed a scene referencing a same-sex relationship, and Lightyear faced backlash for nearly cutting a brief lesbian kiss. That same year, Strange World (2022) introduced Pixar’s first openly gay teenage protagonist, marking a milestone for representation despite the film’s poor box office performance.
Disney’s position on LGBTQIA+ issues became a focal point when former CEO Bob Chapek publicly opposed Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The move fueled tensions with Governor Ron DeSantis, leading to the dissolution of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District and a lengthy legal battle.
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