Words by Smiley Team
Disney's “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative is a part of a push from Disney to amplify underrepresented voices and untold stories, "because we are all greater than a single story and we all deserve to feel seen, heard, and understood," they say.
During a virtual conference about the new initiative, a Disney official said they will be working toward helping their employees obtain gender-affirming procedures.
“The other big area [we are focusing on] is gender identity and expression," the company official said during the virtual conference. "So doing all of this work to ensure that our employees and cast can express their gender here authentically and proudly at the company."
The types of support they’re referencing typically include things like puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, genital reassignment surgery, as well as social support, and social transition like name change and pronoun usage.
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“So, you know, coming up with guides on how to change your photo, information about pronouns, working with our benefits team to give information about gender-affirmation procedures, both for our employees who are transitioning and trans, but also our employees who have kids who are transitioning,” said the official.
The “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative is a part of a broader push from Disney to increase the representation in its projects whether it be parks, shows, or movies, and bring exposure to those things.
“To achieve lasting, meaningful change we must all work together, and we want this to be a place where people from all walks of life, socio-economic backgrounds, and belief systems can gather and learn from one another, showcase their creative talents, and celebrate the wonderful differences that make every individual truly special,” Disney CEO Bob Chapek said in a statement.
This follows a dispute between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis involving Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
On April 7, White House press secretary Jen Psaki called the controversial gender procedures “lifesaving.”
SUPPORT: You can check out Equality Florida, and its work for trans equality.
DONATE: Support Trans Equality, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting this community.
