https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/light-year-same-sex-kiss-restored-pixar-disney-backlash-dont-say-gay-1234709382/
Upcoming Pixar film "Lightyear" has officially restored a same-sex kiss between two romantically involved female characters amid the backlash against Walt Disney Co.'s stance on the homophobic Florida bill dubbed "Don't Say Gay."
In the animated film, Chris Evans voices the titular Buzz Lightyear, the real astronaut who inspired the "Toy Story" action figures. Uzo Aduba plays fellow scientist Hawthorne, who is described as in a romantic relationship with another woman. Per unnamed Pixar sources, as reported by Variety, Hawthorne's sexuality was never in question, but a kiss between her and her partner was cut from the film.
The scene has now been returned to the film, marking a turning point for LGBTQ+ representation in Pixar animated features. Per Variety, Disney creatives have a history of trying to curb Pixar's attempts to represent a variety of romantic relationships onscreen.
Disney was criticized for financially backing Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, which prohibits "classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity" in Florida primary schools. Amid the "Don't Say Gay" backlash, Pixar employees issued a statement on March 9 citing that "Disney corporate reviews" set out to diminish LGBTQ+ storylines at Pixar. The allegation comes on the heels of Disney CEO Bob Chapek applauding the "inspiring content" produced by the Walt Disney Co. while simultaneously funding anti-gay legislation. Select Disney employees also planned a week-long walkout protest.
and.... go!
Upcoming Pixar film "Lightyear" has officially restored a same-sex kiss between two romantically involved female characters amid the backlash against Walt Disney Co.'s stance on the homophobic Florida bill dubbed "Don't Say Gay."
In the animated film, Chris Evans voices the titular Buzz Lightyear, the real astronaut who inspired the "Toy Story" action figures. Uzo Aduba plays fellow scientist Hawthorne, who is described as in a romantic relationship with another woman. Per unnamed Pixar sources, as reported by Variety, Hawthorne's sexuality was never in question, but a kiss between her and her partner was cut from the film.
The scene has now been returned to the film, marking a turning point for LGBTQ+ representation in Pixar animated features. Per Variety, Disney creatives have a history of trying to curb Pixar's attempts to represent a variety of romantic relationships onscreen.
Disney was criticized for financially backing Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, which prohibits "classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity" in Florida primary schools. Amid the "Don't Say Gay" backlash, Pixar employees issued a statement on March 9 citing that "Disney corporate reviews" set out to diminish LGBTQ+ storylines at Pixar. The allegation comes on the heels of Disney CEO Bob Chapek applauding the "inspiring content" produced by the Walt Disney Co. while simultaneously funding anti-gay legislation. Select Disney employees also planned a week-long walkout protest.
and.... go!
