Recent political developments have significantly impacted various sectors, including entertainment. An Executive Order by current President Donald Trump has revived debates surrounding gendered language, particularly at renowned institutions like Disney. This order reaffirms the perspective of “biological reality” in defining “male” and “female,” aligning federal policy with traditional gender roles.
Consequently, certain Disney attendees have begun to voice a desire for the reinstatement of previously used gendered language in both its theme parks and entertainment offerings. This situation presents Disney with a dual pressure: maintaining its commitment to inclusivity while responding to segments of its audience advocating for nostalgic elements.
Related: Donald Trump Ends LGBTQ+ Diversity in Disney Films, New Executive Order Ends Inclusive Gender Roles
Disney’s Response to Political Pressure
Over the years, Disney has endeavored to promote a highly inclusive environment within its parks, exemplified through policies that sought to eliminate gender-specific terms in favor of more neutral language. As society evolves, the challenge facing Disney becomes increasingly pronounced—define a new space that respects contemporary values while also respecting the brand’s legacy.
Unlike many corporations that simply avoid political entanglements, Disney stands at the juncture of family-oriented entertainment and pressing societal discourses on gender identity.
In recent years, Disney made a conscious effort to implement policies favoring gender-neutral language. An initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity led to the replacement of traditional greetings, such as “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” with a more inclusive “Good evening, dreamers of all ages.” The rationale behind this shift is rooted in a desire to create welcoming and accommodating experiences for all park guests, including those identifying outside the binary male-female spectrum.
These changes were not merely superficial; they were part of a broader series of practices tailored to represent diverse identities across Disney’s platforms. This initiative not only reflects changing societal values but also addresses community feedback over past practices seen as exclusionary.
Hey @DisneyParks bring back "ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls" you bunch of Gen z pronoun dorks!! https://t.co/TUYeAvmbuF
— DocEpcot 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@DocEpcot) January 21, 2025
Reactions from Guests
However, responses from guests have been a mixed bag. Many guests appreciate Disney’s new approach and view it as a progressive move aligned with modern understanding.
Conversely, some guests have criticized the removal of gender-specific phrases, expressing nostalgia for traditional language that many believe added a distinct charm to Disney’s magic. Social media has become a battleground for these contrasting opinions, with increasing calls for Disney to reconsider its language policies in light of Trump’s Executive Order. The discourse reflects broader societal divisions, where individuals wrestle with their views on gender and its representation.
As debates intensify, the future implications for Disney remain unclear. The company’s decisions regarding language usage could set a precedent for how other corporations approach inclusivity and tradition in the face of political pressure.