Disney Issues New Inclusivity Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation

The Walt Disney Company has issued a new statement across social media accounts citing a commitment to inclusivity for all families and Cast Members. The statement invokes the phrase originally used during Walt Disney’s speech at the opening ceremonies for Disneyland Park in 1955 “To all who come to this happy place, welcome,” with an emphasis on the fact that all are welcome at Disney Parks and experiences.

The complete statement from Disney reads:

To ALL who come to this happy place, welcome. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is committed to creating experiences that support family values for every family, and will not stand for discrimination in any form. We oppose any legislation that infringes on basic human rights, and stand in solidarity and support our LGBTQIA+ Cast, Crew, and Imagineers and fans who make their voices heard today and every day.

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The new statement of inclusion has been shared publicly across all social media platforms for numerous accounts officially run by the Walt Disney Company, with Disney Park accounts from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, as well as the Disney Cast and Community Facebook pages, and D23. It should also be noted that Disney shared the statement today, March 22, 2022, when employees have been planning a walkout over these very issues. 

The statement follows Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s apology for the company’s mishandling of Florida’s controversial legislature with the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, that left many Disney fans and Cast Members feeling discouraged by the lack of support from the company toward the LGBTQIA+ community as well as discomfort in knowing that Disney had previously sent financial contributions to those in favor of the bill. In Chapek’s initial apology, the CEO admitted that the community needed him to be a stronger ally, and by trying to work on the issues with the bill behind the scenes, he understands the company let fans and Cast down.

Disney’s position on the legislature has caused a number of issues for fans from all angles of opinions on the issue, ranging from those wanting to see Disney do more in support of the LGBTQIA+ community to people simply wanting the company to stay out of politics altogether. Recently, a new bill was issued fighting Disney’s “woke” Cast Member training, officially called the “Stop Wrongs Against Our Kids and Employees Act.”

Reactions to the new statements issued on Disney social accounts have been mixed with fans both for and against continued statements from the company, and those wanting to see more action taken by Disney certainly waiting to see what comes next after issuing such corporate statements.

Disney had previously updated Disney Look guidelines for theme park Cast Members, and launched a new social responsibility website which includes information on promoting diversity and inclusion within the company, ways to support LGBTQ employees, as well as information on additional programs for Disney employees.