What Made Disney React to DeSantis? They Had ‘No Choice’

Let’s be honest about something: Disney isn’t exactly the longstanding champion of progressive values. For decades, Disney ignored the LGBTQ+ community, but in fairness, so did most American corporations. Only when it became financially beneficial did Disney, and other companies, begin their outreach to those communities.

Sure, Walt Disney World in Florida has hosted Gay Days since 1991, but for decades, Disney made it clear that this was not a sanctioned Disney event. And even though Disney rolls out the red carpet for the LGBTQ+ community, it still isn’t a sanctioned Disney event. There is no reference to it on Disney World’s website.

And in the 1990s, Disney was one of the first companies in America to extend health benefits to employees in a committed same-sex relationship. But Disney was following a trend, not leading one. Most other Hollywood studios had already extended those benefits.

So, given its half-in/half-out approach to LGBTQ+ issues, what made Disney go all in on its feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis? In an OPED in the New York Times, Author Sean Griffin believes Disney had “no choice.”

As Florida passed its “Don’t Say Gay” bill, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek largely remained silent. And then Disney employees revolted. When Chapek finally spoke out, it was a weak gesture and sealed Chapek’s fate with the Walt Disney Company.

When Disney CEO Bob Iger returned last November, Disney was knee-deep in the controversy. And if we’ve learned anything about Iger, he hates losing. So when Gov DeSantis and the Florida Legislature stripped Disney World of its governing body, the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the war was on.

Now Disney is at the center of a controversy that will be dragged into the 2024 Republican Presidential Primaries. And with Disney and Governor DeSantis suing each other, there’s no end in sight. According to Griffin, Disney learned a lesson that Bud Light and Target don’t seem to understand: there is no half in anymore. You’re either in or out. But Disney has learned that being in has financial benefits.

Griffin wrote:

Disney is not the hero here. The real heroes and heroines are the LGBTQ consumers and employees who buy Disney merchandise, who work for the company and who have helped lift it up for generations– and the company’s decisions are partly in recognition of that history.

Disney has realized that they are now fighting for the entirety of Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney’s lawsuit over freedom of speech could be more significant than just one company. And its future in Central Florida is on the line.

So, Disney will continue its fight with DeSantis because, at this point, the only way out is to go forward.

We will continue to update this story at Disney Fanatic.