Pixar has reinstated a same-sex kiss that was trimmed from Lightyear after employees called out Disney.
A same-sex kiss in Lightyear had been removed, but Disney employee protests led to it being added back to the film. The movie is the origin story of the astronaut the Buzz Lightyear toy is based on and was introduced in an animated series called Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
The new story shows Lightyear's astronaut training and within the world a character voiced by Orange is the New Black's Uzo Aduba is in a same-sex relationship. A kiss between Aduba's character, Hawthorne, and her partner was originally in the movie but was cut. Employees said in a press statement that the omission was part of a long history Disney had of censoring Pixar's efforts to have LGBTQ+ content in their films.
Variety reported that the protests, which included a walkout of LGBTQ+ employees, had the desired effect: the kiss will be back in the film.
The cast includes Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, James Brolin, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. As Buzz himself, Chris Evans takes the helm to protect the world from the evil Emperor Zurg.
Pixar has made efforts to introduce more queer-friendly stories in their movies. They've included openly gay characters such as Lena Waithe's character in Onward and created films that can be interpreted as a metaphor for LGBTQ+ experiences. Given that people on earth are, in fact, LGBTQ+, it makes sense to include stories that show their romances, loves, and lives just as much as we see straight romances.
Disney's about-face also comes on the heels of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, which "bans 'classroom instruction' on sexual orientation or gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade and teaching 'in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.'"
Disney is a huge presence in the state of Florida and many were disappointed with Disney's initial silence on the bill.
“We all share the same goal of a more tolerant, respectful world," Disney CEO Bob Chapek wrote in a memo that did not go over well. "Where we may differ is in the tactics to get there. And because this struggle is much bigger than any one bill in any one state, I believe the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support.”
He ultimately gave an apology. "Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was," he wrote. "It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry."
Meanwhile, Pixar released a letter about Disney's censorship.
“We at Pixar have personally witnessed beautiful stories, full of diverse characters, come back from Disney corporate reviews shaved down to crumbs of what they once were,” the letter stated. “Even if creating LGBTQIA+ content was the answer to fixing the discriminatory legislation in the world, we are being barred from creating it.”
The post Disney Puts Same-Sex Kiss Back In ‘Lightyear’ After Employees Protest appeared first on The Mother of All Nerds.
Disney Puts Same-Sex Kiss Back In ‘Lightyear’ After Employees Protest
Source: Pinoy Inquirer News
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