„We feel abandoned by a company that we thought had our backs,“ one employee tells TheWrap
Carrying signs and calling for change, Disney employees across Southern California staged walkouts Tuesday, to speak out against the company’s response to Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Anger over the legislation, which prohibits instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten to third grade, brought dozens of LGBTQ+ employees, their friends and family members to Glendale, California for a rally at the Bette Davis Picnic Area. “We think it’s important for us storytellers that everyone’s stories be told, for people to be seen, acknowledged and recognized. We feel like this bill in Florida denies that for a large section of people right now,” Beth Osisek, VP of content development at Hulu, told TheWrap. Osisek, who is a parent, said it’s time to take a stand against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. “We want to raise awareness,” she said. “As an ally, as a mom, I see that as a company [Disney] is very inclusive. They made strides in the past few years to become even more inclusive,” Osisek said, before admitting she was disappointed by Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s response to the Florida bill. “I was shocked,” she said. James Warren, who works with Disney branded television on health and safety for productions, was also bothered by the company’s official response to the legislation. “I was absolutely surprised by the initial comments,” Warren said.
