Pixar’s upcoming Win or Lose series has made headlines for a controversial decision to cut a transgender storyline ahead of its Disney+ debut. The studio, citing parental preferences, removed references to gender identity from one of the episodes, sparking renewed conversations about inclusivity and external pressures on The Walt Disney Company.
Win or Lose – A Long-Awaited Premiere
After multiple delays, Win or Lose is set to premiere on Disney+ on February 19, 2025. The eight-episode show tells the story of a co-ed middle school softball team, the “Pickles,” as they prepare for a championship game. Each episode highlights a different character’s perspective, including players, coaches, umpires, and parents.
While fans have eagerly awaited the series, a report from The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Pixar recently cut a transgender storyline from one of the later episodes. According to the report, the character will still appear in the series, but lines of dialogue referencing their gender identity were removed.
Disney’s Explanation
A spokesperson for The Walt Disney Company addressed the decision, stating, “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.” Disney stated that the change was made months ago and declined to provide further comment.
A History of LGBTQIA+ Controversies
This isn’t the first time Disney and Pixar have faced scrutiny over LGBTQIA+ representation. In 2022, Turning Red reportedly cut a scene that referenced a same-sex relationship, and Lightyear faced backlash for nearly removing a brief lesbian kiss. Pixar’s Strange World (2022) also made headlines for featuring the studio’s first openly gay teenage lead, though the film struggled at the box office.
Disney’s decisions surrounding LGBTQIA+ representation have often fueled debates among fans, critics, and policymakers. The company’s outspoken opposition to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, escalated tensions with Governor Ron DeSantis and led to the dissolution of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Should Pixar have kept the transgender storyline in Win or Lose? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
