Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder just ran an episode about the bias faced by two kids with two dads. The lessons in the episode are ones the company itself would be wise to heed, as it has dragged its feet over condemning anti-LGBTQ legislation in Florida.
Disney has come under fire recently for donating money to legislators who back the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and for not speaking out against the bill. CEO Bob Chapek told employees in a memo that the reason the company didn’t take a public position against the bill because “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.”
After LGBTQ advocates rightly said that wasn’t enough, Chapek finally conceded, and promised to meet with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), a supporter of the bill, along with “a small delegation of cast members who are involved in this movement,” and to reassess the company’s political giving. He also promised to donate $5 million to LGBTQ rights organization HRC.
HRC is refusing the donation, however, “until we see them build on their public commitment and work with LGBTQ+ advocates to ensure that dangerous proposals, like Florida’s Don’t Say Gay or Trans bill, don’t become dangerous laws, and if they do, to work to get them off the books…. While Disney took a regrettable stance by choosing to stay silent amid political attacks against LGBTQ+ families in Florida—including hardworking families employed by Disney—today they took a step in the right direction. But it was merely the first step.”
Disney would be wise to heed the lessons of one of its own shows. In the The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder episode “Father Figures,” Maya (Keke Palmer) and KG, children of Randall (Billy Porter) and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins (Zachary Quinto), are outed on social media as having two dads. They show up at school the next day to find “UR Family Don’t Belong Here” painted on their lockers, with the image of a skull and crossbones. Kids in the cafeteria tease KG for having two dads, although he stands up for himself and they leave.
Penny (Kyla Pratt), the show’s protagonist, comments to her friends Dijonay (Karen Malina White), LaCienega (Alisa Reyes), and Zoey (Soleil Moon Frye) that the lead bully was being “a jerk.” When she finds out that Dijonay was the one to out KG and Maya, she isn’t happy, but also asks, “What does it even matter that they have two dads?” LaCienega says “It’s weird.” Penny presses them, asking “Says who?” Dijonay and Zoey each reply “My dad.”
“I’m running for class president. I’ve got to remain neutral on this issue. However, I could evolve later.”
“Well, my dad taught me how to treat people how I want to be treated,” Penny retorts. The other girls start to leave, and when Penny questions Zoey’s position on the matter, Zoey offers the most telling response: “I’m running for class president. I’ve got to remain neutral on this issue. However, I could evolve later.”
Disney’s own attempt to remain neutral and play both sides rings similarly hollow. Such a position will likewise allow the bullies to continue bullying.
Gender non-conforming Michael (EJ Johnson) sticks with Penny, who tells him, “I know how difficult this must be for you.” They then tell Maya not to pay attention to the haters, but joke about the bullies being jealous of two dads because some don’t even have one dad or mom. Maya leaves, obviously angry. KG explains that they shouldn’t joke about things they don’t understand. “You were talking about kids not having fathers or mothers and we’re both adopted—that’s wrong.” Penny is ashamed of her actions.
When Penny gets home, her father Oscar (Tommy Davidson) tells her he doesn’t want her hanging out with Maya and KG. She and her mom Trudy (Paula Jai Parker) press him on why. He can’t formulate an answer, but grandma Suga Mama (JoMarie Payton) wisely notes that it’s “Because they got two daddies—and he wonders why I don’t like to admit that he’s my son.”
“I just can’t believe how ignorant people are. It’s not fair,” says Penny. The rest of the family leaves, clearly not in agreement with Oscar. “I was just trying to protect her,” Oscar explains. “When she has kids, she’ll understand.”
That’s the argument made by many supporters of anti-LGBTQ legislation. They think they’re trying to protect children. The goal is noble. I want to protect my kid, too. What proponents of anti-LGBTQ legislation don’t see is that their legislation actually harms children, stigmatizing those who are LGBTQ or who have LGBTQ parents, and leaving others shamefully ignorant and prone to perpetuating cycles of hate and violence. The millions of children raised by openly LGBTQ parents since before Stonewall, just as likely to be happy and well-adjusted as any others, are testament to the fact that knowing about LGBTQ people does not harm children. In fact, seeing representation of people and families like themselves, or like those in the world around them, is beneficial to children’s development.
Disney, as arguably the world’s leading brand of children’s entertainment, should take this lesson to heart. It has slowly begun to show more LGBTQ characters in its shows, but many of their efforts have been fleeting glimpses (if they even get the chance for that) rather than substantial, authentic, well-rounded portrayals. And they must back up their on-screen representation with off-screen support. Would I want to watch a Disney film about a Jewish character if the company supported antisemitic politicians? Or one about a Black character if the company supported white supremacist politicians? No. Same for LGBTQ characters and anti-LGBTQ politicians.
Back to the episode. When Oscar shows up at the bank for a business loan the next day, however, the loan officer is Maya and KG’s dad Randall. Oscar doesn’t realize this until midway through their conversation. Then Randall’s husband Barry shows up to drop off Randall’s lunch. When the couple kisses each other goodbye, Oscar’s squeamish reaction costs him the loan.
Back on the playground, Maya is still getting harassed. Penny rallies her friends to help, and Maya tells them she appreciates it.
Trudy and Suga Mama bring Oscar to the Leibowitz-Jenkins’ to apologize. Turns out, the husbands are having a housewarming party and the whole neighborhood is there. Oscar apologizes, and finds out that Randall approved the loan because Penny had stood up for Maya. Randall suggests that Oscar try to see the world through Penny’s eyes, because “You might learn a little something something.”
Oscar sees Barry and Randall kiss again, but also sees them dancing with the whole crowd, just two of the neighbors. Penny confronts her dad. “I’m just glad you listen to the smart things we say and ignore the dumb stuff,” he tells her, before joining Barry and Randall in the dance line.
Let’s hope Disney turns itself around and shows true, committed allyship to its many LGBTQ employees and fans. Herewith some ideas. First and foremost: There’s plenty of horrific anti-LGBTQ legislation pending in other states. How about speaking out against that and making significant donations to the state LGBTQ advocacy organizations there, while committing to withholding political donations from anyone who supports such legislation? Other ideas: A commitment to producing more LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books through its publishing arm (there are some, but could be more), and a queer Disney princess with her own feature-length movie (with at least two other well-rounded queer characters) and associated merch. And heck, if Disney does one thing well, it’s marketing. How about creating a national public service advertising campaign, starring Disney characters, in support of LGBTQ youth? If they do all that, only then might I be convinced to ignore their own dumb stuff.