Disney’s Role in the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill

The controversial “Parental Rights in Education” bill, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” was passed on March 11 into Florida State law by the House and Senate. The bill outlined multiple new provisions regarding the LGBTQ youth in Florida, mainly preventing any lessons on gender identity and sexuality to be taught in classes from kindergarten to third grade. It also allows parents to sue teachers or schools if any lessons on this subject are made. Though law has already passed, it doesn’t contain any specific guidelines about what is considered “age-appropriate” or about what type of lessons are prohibited. 

Critics of the bill state that the legislation is hateful towards LGBTQ+ children and that the it would make it much harder for students to accept themselves in a society where they’re already being bullied for being gay or transgender. Proponents remark the bill will be a protection against discussion of topics that aren’t age-appropriate and that it gives parents the authority to decide how to teach their children about gender identity and sexuality.

In order to try and fight its adoption, LGBTQ+ youth in Florida that oppose the bill came together and mobilized. Youth-led organizations including the group PRISM and Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs in schools spoke out out against the bill before it’s successful implementation, organizing letter-writing campaigns advocating against it, and protesting.

Disney, the popular entertainment company, played a key role in getting it passed and is receiving a large backlash from its influence. 

It was recently revealed that Disney made financial contributions to Republicans voting on the bill, which could have influenced their decision. Representatives of the company deny those allegations and instead insist the company supported legislators on both sides. In response to the discovery of the funds they made, Disney stated that they would reevaluate their political donations and that they still openly support the LGBTQ+ community.

Tensions continued to rise as critics pointed to the fact that their response could merely be a typical corporate statement. In the wake of criticism, Disney’s CEO, Bob Chapek, publicly stated that the company opposed the bill, and declared he would meet with Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis in efforts to donate $5 million to LGBTQ+ organizations.

Many at this time are wondering what implications the bill will have for LGBTQ+ youth in the future. Some might be concerned about elevated suicide rates for gay and transgender youth and how restricting the discussion of these topics will affect their mental health. Others however, might feel content that children will be able to have closer discussions with their families instead of schools and that sexuality and gender identity won’t be taught to kids at such a young age. 

Whether Disney follows through on auditing their donations or supporting LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations, as they have stated that they will do, remains to be seen based on their future decisions.

Written by Zoe Duni of Walter Johnson High School

Photo courtesy of Orange County Register via Getty Images