Now, Charlee Corra Disney, who uses their pronouns, speaks. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times published over the weekend, the 30-year-old high school science teacher said she regretted not doing more to help. “I do not call senators or take action,” Charlee, whose great-grandfather was Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney, told the Times. “I felt I could do more.” Last month, at the annual Campaign for Human Rights gala, Charlee and his family announced they would exchange up to $ 250,000 in donations to the nonprofit. Later, their parents, Sheri and Roy P. Disney, said they were raising the fight to $ 500,000, according to the Times. The charity event served as a public event for Charlee, the newspaper reported. “Equality is very important to us, especially because our child, Charlee, is a trans and proud member of the LGBTQ + community,” Roy wrote in an appeal to HRC. Florida law restricting LGBTQ discussion in schools is being explained Disney executives have come under fire in recent months for failing to speak out against a recently signed Florida law banning LGBTQ discussions or lessons in kindergarten to elementary school children. Disney CEO Bob Chapek remained silent on the proposed legislation as it approached the finish line. In a note to Disney employees March 7, Chapek acknowledged that many employees were upset that the company had not publicly condemned the law. He added that a statement from the company would not do that affect change and that such statements “are often armed on one side or the other for further division and inflammation,” the Washington Post reported. “I do not want to confuse the lack of a statement with the lack of support,” he added. The next day, the state Senate approved the bill. Chapek publicly broke his silence on March 9, saying during a shareholders’ meeting that Disney was “against the bill from the beginning, but we chose not to take a public position on it because we thought we could be more effective working behind the scenes. interacting directly with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. “ “And we were optimistic that our long-term relationship with these legislators would allow us to achieve a better result,” he added. “But, despite weeks of effort, we were ultimately unsuccessful.” Chapek said the company is pledging $ 5 million to LGBTQ organizations, including the Campaign for Human Rights. But in a press release that day, the nonprofit’s interim president, Joni Madison, criticized the company for being silent for so long and said the HRC was refusing to donate “until we see [Disney] rely on their public commitment and work with LGBTQ + supporters to ensure that dangerous proposals… do not become dangerous laws and, if they do, work to remove them from the books ”. How Disney got into a fight over LGBTQ talk in Florida schools On March 22, hundreds of Disney employees across the country went on strike in protest of Chapek’s response. In Burbank, California, workers gathered outside the company office building holding signs and shouting, “Say gay!” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (D) signed the Parental Education Bill on March 28th. Charlee, who was initially identified as gay before appearing as a trans man four years ago, told the Times he would not tolerate legislation that would put more obstacles in the way of LGBTQ children already suffering from high levels of anxiety, depression, bullying and suicide. . “Then should we put something like this law on top of it? “Can’t they learn about their community and their history at school, play sports or use the bathroom they want to use?” said Charlie. Charlee’s mother, Sheri, said the family was disappointed with Disney’s prolonged silence as the bill passed the state legislature. The $ 500,000 contribution to HRC was a gesture of proof that her family is defending LGBTQ rights, she told the Times, adding that it is also a reminder that children need their family support. “I have a trans child and I love my child no matter what,” he said.
