In a cultural landscape where minority representation is more important than ever, the House of Mouse remains stuck in its ways. Disney has removed a transgender storyline from Pixar’s Win or Lose animated show, which was originally planned for a later episode.

Debuting in 2025, the latter’s first-ever-long-form series follows the members of a co-ed middle school softball team in the week leading up to their championship game. Each episode focuses on a character’s life off the pitch and their perspective, be it “the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, [or] even a lovesick umpire”. Reportedly, a few lines referencing gender identity are being axed, but the character will stay in the eight-episode show.
“When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognise that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline,” said a representative for Disney (via The Hollywood Reporter).
The role is voiced by 18-year-old Chanel Stewart, who is a transgender individual herself. “I wore it as a badge. I wore it with pride. I wore it with honour because it meant so much to me,” she said in an interview with Deadline, about scoring the stint then. “The thought of authentically portraying a transgender teenage girl made me really happy. I wanted to make this for transgender kids like me.”
“I was very disheartened,” Stewart added. “From the moment I got the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other trans youth. I knew this would be a very important conversation. Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard.”
It’s far from Disney’s first brush with LGBTQ+ controversy, especially regarding its animated content. In 2022, former CEO Bob Chapek’s insensitive response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill drew heavy backlash, with the inclusion of a same-gender relationship and kiss in Pixar’s Lightyear also sparking dissension. Strange World, released within the same year, would come under scrutiny as it featured an openly gay lead character. Both films ultimately underperformed at the global box office.

In contrast, LGBTQ+ content has featured prominently in the studio’s more adult-focused offerings on Disney+, namely Marvel Televsion’s Agatha All Along, Searchlight Pictures’ All of Us Strangers and Fire Island, FX’s Pose, 2022’s Willow, and more. It’s nothing short of disappointing that a similar space to explore and navigate queer content hasn’t been extended to younger audiences, who could use the encouragement as they struggle to find solace in who they are and who they want to be.
Part of the reason stems from political implications, following the reelection of former U.S. President Donald Trump, often known for criticising Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Still, this shouldn’t be an excuse for anti-queer sentiments, particularly since they give a voice to the voiceless and can serve as a beacon of hope amid stifling, suffocating societal expectations.
Win or Lose will premiere on 11 February 2025 on Disney+. The forthcoming movie is written, directed, and executive-produced by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, alongside David Lally, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Lindsey Collins.