A new Disney Plus show is swapping out a transgender character for a Christian one in what appears to be a radical shift for the network.
First, Disney announced that a new show called Win or Lose, Pixar’s first original animated series, would no longer carry a planned transgender storyline.
Now it appears that not only is the company reversing course on LGBTQ+ content, they may in fact be pivoting towards the realm of faith instead. In the show’s first episode, the character of Laurie – who is the focus of the episode – is a Christian, and she’s even shown praying to God.
It’s a quick turnaround for a company that's been targeted in recent years for their perceived “wokeness.” Is Disney changing course?
Win or Lose
Disney made headlines for their increased representation of LGBTQ+ characters, whether that was a gay character in kids' films or a “gay explosion” on television.
Disney’s embrace of better LGBTQ+ representation led to a very public battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who established a board to review Disney products for “wokeness” – and punish Disney World accordingly.
Now, Disney appears to be pumping the brakes on queer content.
Late last year, Disney made the announcement that they were dropping the trans storyline from Win or Lose, a highly-anticipated television debut from Toy Story and Cars creators Pixar.
Storyboards of the planned transgender storyline were nevertheless leaked online:
Many suspected the storyline was dropped because of possible fear of political backlash from President Trump. However, Disney insisted that the decision had been made months prior.
As a Disney spokesperson said at the time, “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.”
How Are Fans Reacting?
The decision left Evangelicals who’ve long called on Disney to stop featuring gay characters vindicated, and LGBTQ+ advocates fuming. And the introduction of an explicitly Christian character, reportedly Disney’s first since 2007’s Bridge to Terabithia, has anti-LGBTQ+ Christians taking a victory lap.
Meanwhile, others were disappointed by the character swap.
And one user posed the question: is Disney's reasoning hypocritical?
It’s clear that one side views the omission of the planned trans storyline a disappointing and cowardly betrayal, and the other views it as a return to form for a wayward kids’ entertainment juggernaut that lost their way. What is your reaction?
44 comments
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Blake Andrew Tallman
its sad to see disney drop a transgender character i mean i loved the owl house cause they finally had a same sex characters in it for once cause everyone exists and every relationship exists everything is supposed to be different if it wasnt then the world would be a very boring world so disney needs to put it back they were in the right for having the transgender character in thier shows it teaches kids that there r more relationships in existence than just heteroe remember if u keep the kids in the dark then they will never learn from the human races mistakes
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Walter J. Holbrook
Do anyone that is not a hypocrite know what the true meaning of "Woke" really stand for? Let me help you out. It was used by slaves to warning each other of their slave masters and those siding with slavers. It means to be aware!
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Walter J. Holbrook
Do anyone that is not a hypocrite know what the true meaning of "Woke" really stand for? Let me help you out. It was used by slaves to warning each other of their slave masters and those siding with slavers. It means to be aware!
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Walter J. Holbrook
Do anyone that is not a hypocrite know what the true meaning of "Woke" really stand for? Let me help you out. It was used by slaves to warning each other of their slave masters and those siding with slavers. It means to be aware!
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Walter J. Holbrook
Do anyone that is not a hypocrite know what the true meaning of "Woke" really stand for? Let me help you out. It was used by slaves to warning each other of their slave masters and those siding with slavers. It means to be aware!
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Ari Joseph Bertine
Disney is a corporation. It does not have morals, core values, or deeply held beliefs. It is an entity that feeds on money, and it is designed to follow the scent of money the way a shark follows the scent of blood. Every decision it makes is in order to try to make more money, based upon demographic trends and its stockholders and backers. I never expect anything but that from any corporation. People tend to anthropomorphize these money machines as if the humans working in them are adding humanity to them, but it's very much the opposite.
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Religion as a Weapon is Wrong
Disney is a business just like Facebook and Truth Social and X. Disney is a business just like Ford or Tesla. Disney is a business just like Macy's or Target. They go along with whatever popular sentiment is at the time. Most of Hollywood does the same. That is why I don't worry about it very much. They wet their finger and hold it up to see which way the wind is blowing. They were not standing up for trans rights and they are not standing up for Christianity. They are standing up for profits. No religious discussion is needed because there is nothing to discuss unless you are a shareholder or politician that likes to yell about culture wars. It has nothing to do with anything at all except money because that is what businesses do.
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JT Sunrise
Beloved in Truth and Grace,
This is Rev. JTSunrise of Celestial Nexus Church in Seattle, WA. I come to you today not to argue over fleeting culture wars but to proclaim a simple and unshakable truth—the Divine’s love is not a limited resource. It does not shrink to fit human divisions, nor does it play favorites based on who gets screen time in a television show.
Much has been said about Disney’s decision to remove a transgender storyline while adding a Christian character. Some see this as a victory, others as an erasure. But I ask—since when has the Eternal measured faith by corporate decisions? Since when has our call to love been dictated by the entertainment industry?
God’s love is vast, infinite, and not bound by human anxieties. The transgender individual longing to be seen? Loved. The Christian child seeking affirmation? Loved. The artist trying to tell stories in a divided world? Loved. The executive making decisions behind the scenes? Loved. Even those who react in anger, confusion, or fear—all are loved.
But love is not an abstract idea. Love is action. Love is showing up, lifting up, and refusing to cast out. Love is Jesus Christ sitting at the table with tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts (Matthew 9:10-13), not demanding their exclusion to make others comfortable. Love is the Good Shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to bring home the one who has wandered (Luke 15:4-7).
So let me be clear: a society that removes representation of marginalized people while celebrating itself as righteous does not reflect the love of Christ. A culture that demands Christian visibility while denying others the same dignity is not following the Gospel—it is following power. And power, beloved, has never been the way of the cross.
We do not gain righteousness by erasing others. We do not serve the Divine by silencing voices. Faith does not need to be mandated, and it does not need to be centered in media for it to remain true. If we truly believe in the power of the Word, then we should live it—so boldly, so lovingly, so radically, that no one needs a television show to know what God’s love looks like.
Jesus did not come to build an empire of exclusion, nor to establish a cultural hierarchy. Jesus came to open the gates of Heaven to all. If we claim to follow Christ, then we must do the same.
Let us be known, not for what we silence, but for whom we embrace.
In the Everlasting Light of Divine Love, Rev. JTSunrise Celestial Nexus Church, Seattle, WA
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Sharrell Ronald Taylor
Well said and you are right
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Rev Ned
Jesus was the “wokest” man to ever walk the face of the earth. Most “Christians” AKA “Hypocrites” think they can hate and still get to Heaven. If one exists, they won’t. Their favorite hymn goes, 🎼Jesus loves me but He can’t stand you.
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Jed Gaylin
If this were a purely financial decision about broadening its viewership, it seems Disney would include both a trans character and an openly religious character. This choice would open up its viewership most, it seems to me, and would be both a decent corporate decision and one that promotes American values of openness and tolerance. Or neither, if they wanted to play it super safe. That choice would be unfortunate. So we have to consider that Disney was weighing other pressures, and buckled to them. It would be great to have both characters on the show, opening up interesting frictions that might come to beautiful resolution, or perhaps not even resolution but some degree of sympathetic acceptance. This is how America was founded, right? At least in theory. Let's remember that ordained Presbyterian Minister Fred Rogers, a registered Republican, bucked the zeitgeist of his time for tolerance and acceptance. In our specifically non-denominational ministry here, it seems acceptance and even curiosity about as many different approaches to spirituality, religion, and to a relationship with the cosmos and creation are what we signed up for, right? Most prominent religions support notions of love, acceptance, charity, and non-judgment, even as they may contain some more problematic kernels. I read The Monastery to help challenge my beliefs and grow from the discussion. I believe this site has the potential to raise difficult questions of spirituality, religion, and ethical concerns and that we can address them with respect. I wish Disney had stood up for the broad range of American beliefs by including both characters. In the absence of Disney's approach, I think we can do that on this site.
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Lion on the Beach
Disney quit being relevant long ago. They now fall into the same category as ESPN, the MSM, liberals and atheists.
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Patricia Sydney Solis
Emperor Constantine is coming for your children disguised as Disney.
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Colleen McAllister
May not be a popular opinion but I think Disney made the correct decision. I understand this show was to be for very young children and as such should not have any LGBTQ+, racial, political, or other adult subjects as part of the storyline. As to the character being switched to a "Christian" character I myself object to the sign of the cross being made by the character. Not all Christians are Catholic or make that sign. To many Christians, Catholics are not "true" Christians at all. There are so many denominatios that it would be impossible to please them all.
Disney is a business and the bottom line is what makes the decisions. As it should.
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Rev Comrade Rowley
Very disappointing for Disney to take this move. As a ordained transgender male asexual forgotten australian liberation hermeneutic clergy activist that's just outrageous. guess well all have to watch Disney reruns of past Disney LGBTIQA+ cartoons,movies such as the little mermaid, the owl house, Lightyear, Strange world, Raine whispers, the muppets, mickey etc.
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ServantOfJudgement
Are you really a ordained transgender male asexual forgotten australian liberation hermeneutic clergy or are you being sarcastic?
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Rev. BH
Good point, Theresa.
Except if you remove every controversial concern from all entertainment forms (books, movies, TV, internet, etc.) you're creating some pretty dull content. Take out violence, there go Marvel movies and comics. Take out scary creatures like Dracula, Godzilla and zombies, there go horror movies. Take out car crashes and fires, no more NASCAR, take out fights and injuries, there goes hockey, boxing and football. Soon nothing will be left but My Little Pony.
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Theresa C. Marquess
Rev. BH, it's obvious that you are a contrary person and totally missed the point of my comments or the people who agreed with me. I'll pray for you.
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Rev. BH
OK, did you miss or ignore the "Good point, Theresa" comment above? Skip the prayers, and the word "contrary" in the future .Some people agree with you, some people agree with me. Vive la différence.
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Theresa C. Marquess
Rev BH, No I did not miss the 'good point.' It's the rest of your comment that I disagreed with. Attitude comes across in writing, so I addressed yours as I saw it. PLEASE don't ask me to skip the prayers...they are genuine. I simply thought your comment went a little too far. Yes, we are different, so be it.
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Pastor Lyn
I'm getting pretty sick of the petty stories in here and setting everyone up to argue or to be hateful or whatever.
Why can't this place have more meaningful conversations. Like, how can we help those who are currently at high risk the best? How can we ensure our elderly and children get the food the need to survive and thrive in these trying times? How about how to ensure our children get an education that will propel them into a successful future.
Disney sucks. Christianity is no longer about a decent, merciful god. It's more about a shallow, vindictive son of God who apparently hates everyone not white or something.
It's now about Disney, hating gays and immigrants and women should not have any rights and all babies must be born no matter what. It's about who's right and who shouldn't be alive. It's become extremely shallow and sickening and is rotting from the inside out. It's about distraction and making sure all of the wrong people are heard.
At this point I'm seriously considering a mantra of go Satan whoohoo.
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Theresa C. Marquess
It's amazing just how hypocritical a company like Disney can be when it comes to making the almighty dollar. Please don't get me wrong. I thought exposing young children to the idea of transitioning sex was all wrong, but I dislike them chasing that dollar in the name of Christianity. They are trying to 'use' all of us, regardless of our persuasion.
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DubSpell
Disney almost always has been a government lapdog: https://www.latinousa.org/2017/11/17/time-walt-disney-went-latin-america-fight-nazi-sentiment/ As an animator, I have absolutely no respect for anything they do as a lot of it was also built off of creative plagiarism and other general whore-ish nonsense.
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ServantOfJudgement
Yep, they didn't learn a single thing Theresa.
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Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
Wow!!! Someone brought Team Mouse to a knee!?!?!?
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
I’m extremely disappointed in Disney for attempting to erase transgender human beings such as one of my children. There was a much simpler solution to this fake “issue.” Disney claimed to do this to appease those parents who might want to discuss certain things with their children in their own way and in their own time. The very simple way to take care of this fake “situation” was to recommend those parents not take their children to see the movie. Problem solved. But no, Disney chose to throw a group of human beings to the curb by pretending they don’t exist. Additionally, Disney bowed to the christian nationalists and pretended no other religion exists. What a load of Bull. I expected far more honesty from Disney but no, they have bowed down to a loud minority of pretend christians who manufacture lies and outrage because they cannot face the truth that transgender human beings have always existed, currently exist, and will always exist. You can live in the fantasy world where you lie lie lie to yourselves, but your beliefs do not make your lies truth.
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Barry Lee Lopatic
I think it was an ongoing show, not a one time movie.
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Brien
I wish that instead of invoking your mythical god character, you would instead see it for what it is really about, MONEY. Business runs on....money. Everything runs on money, including FAITH, which is besides prostitution one of the oldest businesses in history. Disney does not want to alienate its' customer base, families. Many families do not want their children taught ideals that they may not agree with. Some say it is due to their faith, when they could just say they don't want their children indoctrinated into ideas that they disagree with. This is the same argument that people use, (including me), when schools try and teach the bible in class. Now, I understand your position with Disney, as long as you understand about my position involving bibles in the classroom. All of these battles come down to MONEY. The stronger the flow of money, the greater the voice. That is the way it is.
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ServantOfJudgement
I can't find any fault with what you've said Brien. Anything a corporation does will always be centered on its blood, which is money. Once a corporation becomes anemic it'll do whatever it can to fill it's arteries and restore vitality.
Disney, if it's leadership were wise, would stay clear of the political flavor of the day and instead focus on making quality entertainment filled with exciting adventures. That's what kids want and need. Stimulate their imagination and help grow their creativity.
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Robert Gagnon
That was the most confusing animation I've ever seen. Without words I couldn't understand the message other than an individual couldn't approach a bathroom or look in the mirror without a meltdown. Maybe a fractured psyche? If so, they need help. Maybe gender dissociative disorder should be treated rather than promoted. Disney channel is a business and decisions are always money driven. They looked at the demographics and measured the viewers loss to gain from making this change.
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Amber Fry
For the most part yes, they are a business first and the bottom line will be their main concern. But they have become a target from this new ChristoNationalist administration and they have a very deep autocratic reserve of cash. Being constantly sued by them would bury the mouse once and for all.
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Rev. BH
Juan, well stated.
But when god stops war, cancer, deadly fires, floods, disease, suffering, poverty, gun murders, child abuse - then I will believe in his love and his plan. If god created us, surely he can fix us.
I do not fear god, I fear hardline evangelicals creeping into politics, business and schools.
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Stacey Owens
Rev. BH, it's already done. If your a child of God, you should know this. Don't fear what's taking place in the world. These things must take place because of unbelief. In the name of Jesus Christ your an overcomer. Because Christ dwells with your spirit man. He'll never leave you nor forsake you. This is what Jesus meant when he said ask anything IN HIS NAME, which means in him. The power to overcome is in him. Not just saying in the name. This is the victory we as believer have, acknowledging him, which means, walking in this world in Christ. This is the name of Jesus Christ. The victory will only take place when you trust in him. Your lead to overcome in him. This pleases God. This is what it means to be in the spirit of Christ. We fear God because of our nature, this is why we stand in the presence of God with humility, but Jesus Christ is our victory. He does the work. The Father don't look at what you have done, He only looks at Christ in you. John the Baptist said, they're one coming, because he was before me to baptize with the Holy Spirit AND with POWER. Don't fret, Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen.
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Jennie McKenzie
I agree with everything you said. You really know your Bible. Amen!!!
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Shirley Jean Davis
There was no reason to add a Christian character than to impress fundamentalists and raise their rates to make more money.
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Patricia Law
exactly not needed unless you add a Buddhist ,Muslim ,Hindi and pagan
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Patricia Law
Comment removed by user.
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Juan Rolón Rosario
Ok, that is my personal opinion. The creation that God Almighty made many centuries ago is given to evolution. Physical, mental and spiritual. In my position as a traditional minister, many people might not like it, judge this whole situation, but no. I know that many colleagues will criticize me and of course I am not worried, it is the freedom that we have as citizens of this creation, no matter their creed, thoughts, point of view, etc. EVEN THOUGH we do not like it, it evolves for better or worse. The concept of gay for men and women is very old. This is not limited to humanity itself, but to animals, birds themselves. I am of the belief that God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Stephen, but well, that is the world we live in. The problem is that we involve politics in our lives. Even if I do not like it, I must respect the point of view of each person. Of course, according to our belief, in the future God will play, and He will be in all his right, He is our creator. Although I have my point of view, I do not decide.
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Juan Rolón Rosario
Ok, that is my personal opinion. The creation that God Almighty made many centuries ago is given to evolution. Physical, mental and spiritual. In my position as a traditional minister, many people might not like it, judge this whole situation, but no. I know that many colleagues will criticize me and of course I am not worried, it is the freedom that we have as citizens of this creation, no matter their creed, thoughts, point of view, etc. EVEN THOUGH we do not like it, it evolves for better or worse. The concept of gay for men and women is very old. This is not limited to humanity itself, but to animals, birds themselves. I am of the belief that God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Stephen, but well, that is the world we live in. The problem is that we involve politics in our lives. Even if I do not like it, I must respect the point of view of each person. Of course, according to our belief, in the future God will play, and He will be in all his right, He is our creator. Although I have my point of view, I do not decide.
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Reverend Paula Copp
My opinion, and it is just that, is god knew us while we were in our mother’s womb and we were perfect the way she made us.
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Donald R. Wooster
It's also obvious that if HE knows us in the womb, we aren't some unconscious ball of cells, to be up for destruction on the abortion chopping block by an uncaring "mother".
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Patricia Ann Gross
Juan,
There is no way to compare the creation story to the scientific understanding we have with evolution and the creation of a gender norm. When the stories were written, the world was flat, women were property, and fire was created by knocking rocks with kindling. They were all stories passed down through an oral tradition over generations for figuring out how the world came to be, who the creator was, and how the social order was to be defined. The notion of an "intersex" or female that had male capabilities were not concepts that could be understood, so they are not included in the creation stroy. I'm not one that wants to return to the technology or the social order that is depicted during that part of history.
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Lawrence Pearce
It's a monetary decision. Disney is a corporation and the shareholders want to see profits, not losses. The stock price peaked in 2021 at $201 per share and it's been falling because of nationwide boycotts for a loss of 46.7%. That's a big loss for investors. Disney is now firing workers who are stuck in the failed past and changing directions. Look for the DIS stock price to begin rising in the next few months.
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Amber Fry
While I agree it was about money it was more they cut some deals with the administration to cut down the government funded lawsuits. The government has deep pockets through the autocrats now more than ever.
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I believe Disney should be neutral in everything they do. It should be a place where everyone can go to forget about the world and their problems. Disney should keep any and all controversy out and just be a happy place for EVERYONE. Just Disney! Nothing more, nothing less.