Disney brought back the same-sex kiss to Lightyear from Pixar

“Even if the creation of LGBTQIA+ content was a response to correcting discriminatory legislation in the world, we are prohibited from creating it.”

Along with Chris Evans as the titular space cadet, Lighter also features Uzo Aduba as the female character Hawthorne, who is reportedly depicted in a relationship with another woman.

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Variety reports that the kiss between Hawthorne and her partner was originally cut from the film but has now been brought back.

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The drastic change has to do with Disney’s response – or lack thereof at first – to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.

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A recently passed bill “prohibits ‘classroom instruction’ on sexual orientation or gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade, as well as teaching ‘inappropriate for the age or developmental level of students’.”

Clearly, Disney has a huge corporate presence in the state with Walt Disney World, but many inside and outside the company were disappointed by their initial lack of response.

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“We all share the same goal of making the world a more tolerant and respectful place,” Disney CEO Bob Chapek said in a widely criticized memo. “Our differences may lie in tactics to achieve this goal. And because this fight is so much bigger than any single state bill, I believe the best way for our company to make lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the benevolent culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support. . “.

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“Talking to you, reading your messages and meeting you helped me better understand how painful our silence was,” he wrote. “It is clear that this is not only about the bill in Florida, but also about another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights, and I failed you. I’m sorry. .”

Days before Čapek’s apology, Pixar employees released a statement alleging that Disney executives had been actively censoring “overtly gay affiliations” to their films over the years.

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“We at Pixar have personally witnessed beautiful stories full of diverse characters returning from Disney corporate reviews, cut down to the crumbs of what they once were,” the letter says. “Even if the creation of LGBTQIA+ content was a response to correcting discriminatory legislation in the world, we are prohibited from creating it.”

So it seems that Lightyear’s recent decision is a response to these allegations – a small step for a company that has a long way to go.

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Learn more about Florida’s Don’t Say Gay Bill here.