"We have been forced into an impossible and unsustainable position," LBGTQ employees said in a statement.
Walt Disney Company employees at corporate locations across the US got up from their desks and walked out on Tuesday to protest CEO Bob Chapek's response to a Florida law that LGBTQ advocates have dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Hundreds of demonstrators marched outside Disney's headquarters in Burbank on Tuesday afternoon, some with tortuous signs (#DisneyDoBetter) and others saying "Say gay!" Like they were shouting.
"It was amazing to see everyone here in support of all of our queer employees and their families," said Nora Rogers, production supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Throughout the day, several Disney employees also expressed solidarity with the protesters on social media.
In recent weeks, Chapek has come under intense internal criticism and public scrutiny for not taking a more forceful stance against HB 1557, a bill that denies "sexual orientation or gender identity" in kindergarten through third grade in Florida. will prohibit instructions about.
Chapek drew criticism for saying in a companywide memo on March 7 that the corporation could make "the biggest impact" by "creating a more inclusive world through the persuasive content we produce."
The corporation's position on the bill appears to be particularly troubling for some of Disney's thousands of employees in Florida, which is home to the sprawling Walt Disney World theme park and resort in Orlando.
Chapek, who ascended the Magic Kingdom's throne in 2020, apologized directly to employees in a letter released on March 11.
Chapek said, "It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a strong ally in the fight for equal rights and I did." disappointed you." in the letter. "I am sorry."
He also announced that the company would stop all donations to elected officials in Florida.
But the commotion did not end with the letter.
LGBTQ employees began planning several protests during the break, culminating in a general walkout on Tuesday. He announced his plans on a website (whereischapek.com) and an Instagram account called disney_walkout.
“The recent statements and lack of action from TWDC [The Walt Disney Company] leadership regarding the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill have completely failed to match the magnitude of the threat to LGBTQIA+ protections represented by this law ,” said the staff.
"We have been forced into an impossible and unsustainable situation. We must now take action to persuade TWDC to protect employees and their families in the face of such open and unreported bigotry."
According to The Wall Street Journal, Chapek tried to rectify the situation at a virtual town hall on Monday, telling employees that he and other top executives were "to use this moment as a catalyst for more meaningful and lasting change." were determined."
The Journal reported, citing people who attended the event, that Chapek said he and other senior leaders would go on a global tour of employees.
A Disney spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday: "We know how important this issue is to our LGBTQ+ employees, their families and allies, we respect the honor of expressing the views of our partners, and We pledge our continued support of the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights."
The commotion underscores a new reality for corporate titans, particularly those in the media and entertainment industries: Employees are increasingly oblivious to policies they deem offensive or wrong.
The backlash has also sparked a public relations crisis for Chapek, who is trying to navigate the corporation through the streaming revolution and pandemic-era business challenges.
Chapek's predecessor, Bob Iger, came out against parental rights at Education in Florida on February 24 — weeks before Chapek apologized.
Responding to an email to a list of questions, the employees behind the walkout said their main goal is to prevent the corporation from donating to elected officials who sponsor "weaponized and abhorrent laws."
Organizers said they hope the company will take a stand against a similar "Don't Say Gay" bill in Georgia, a major production center for movies and television shows.
Organizers said, “We believe that TWDC’s recent statements about its commitment to our community mean they will take a more explicit stance whenever such legislation comes back, and we will help them to do so.” planning to be held accountable."
The organizers of the walkout differ from various professional employee resource groups (BERG, in company parlance) and the Pride organizations sponsored by Disney.
Hours before the protest, various units of the Empire expressed solidarity with the LGBTQ community.