I have to give credit to Disney.

They create touching stories that both my children and I genuinely enjoy. They claim they will steer clear of contentious plots in these films, emphasizing that it’s up to me, not studio executives, to guide my children’s viewing choices.

They certainly know how to hit a parent’s emotional chords. But is it really that straightforward?

I’m starting to think it’s more complicated than that.

Disney+ series retracts transgender storyline

Recently, Disney made headlines by removing a transgender narrative from an upcoming Pixar animated series titled “Win or Lose.”

This series, which is set to debut soon, depicts a co-ed middle school softball team, known as the Pickles, as they gear up for a championship match. Each of the eight episodes is centered around a different character. “Win or Lose” is scheduled for release on Disney+ in mid-February.

A representative of Disney confirmed to the media that they had excluded “a few lines of dialogue” that related to a character’s gender identity. In a statement to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, Disney mentioned: “When it comes to animated content for younger viewers, we acknowledge that many parents prefer to engage in discussions about certain topics with their kids in their own time and manner.”

That seems reasonable. As a parent of four, who has sat through countless films with my kids, I can appreciate this approach.

However, I’m not so naive as to believe that Disney’s choice to eliminate this potentially controversial plot stemmed purely from a desire to respect parents’ choices. Sure, that might be part of it. Right?

In fact, it appears this is more about business strategy, and a sound one at that.

Children’s entertainment is a major industry

Have you recently taken your kids to the movies? With ticket costs ranging from $8 to $15 or even higher, it’s enjoyable but pricey. Nevertheless, children always want to catch the latest films, leading to family outings that can easily exceed $100 once snacks and drinks are included.

Disney+, the platform hosting “Win or Lose,” costs around $120 to $160 annually. This price is actually more economical compared to a trip to Disney World or Disneyland, where a family can quickly spend thousands over just a few days.

The business of entertaining children is remarkably profitable. Film studios like Disney recognize that parents are the primary financial supporters of their successes. This year, four out of the top ten box office hits were animated films aimed at kids.

This reality means that Disney and similar companies in the children’s entertainment sector must keep parents satisfied.

Most parents are not inclined to accept controversial themes in entertainment meant to be enjoyable or uplifting. A few clever jokes for parents can enhance the experience. (An exception might be films like “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2,” which poignantly portray the journey of growing up.)

Disney is aware that many parents would be displeased if their child, while watching Disney+ at home, casually asks about the meaning of being transgender.

Thus, the company made a pragmatic choice by deciding, “No. The backlash and potential financial ramifications aren’t worth it.”

Is Disney reevaluating its approach to DEI?

This situation sparks interest because, in recent years, Disney has fervently embraced the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, akin to the passion of Remy from “Ratatouille” enjoying gourmet cheese. (The 2007 film holds its place as one of Pixar’s finest works.)

Disney even delved into political matters regarding this theme. In 2022, the company’s CEO openly criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Parental Rights in Education legislation, which restricts discussions around sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools.

DeSantis responded firmly, passing legislation that revoked Disney’s unique self-governing privileges, leading to a protracted legal battle that concluded this year.

In a 2022 company meeting, Disney executive Karey Burke mentioned her experience as a parent to a transgender child and a pansexual child, expressing her aspiration for more “LGBTQIA characters” to take center stage in stories where their identities do not overshadow the narrative.

An additional Disney production coordinator, Allen March, conveyed his commitment to “exploring queer narratives,” ensuring that there was sufficient representation of “gender-nonconforming characters” in prominent storytelling roles.

It seems that the transgender character in “Win or Lose” was on the verge of becoming such a focal point.

For families with LGBTQ+ youth, these storylines may be seen as positive and supportive. However, some parents find these narratives, particularly regarding transgender topics, to be challenging and perplexing for their kids.

It seems that Disney might be coming to terms with the idea that their emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their programming appears more like political messaging than engaging and uplifting content for children.

I would like to believe that Disney values the important influence parents have in their children’s lives. Yet, it’s possible they have realized that removing scenes like the one cut from “Win or Lose” could be a wise financial decision.

Regardless of the situation, many parents view this as a positive outcome.