Disney has decided to remove a trans character’s storyline from Pixar’s upcoming animated series Win or Lose, sparking significant backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and members of the creative team. The show, scheduled to debut on Disney+ in February 2025, follows the Pickles, a co-ed middle school softball team, with each episode offering a glimpse into the personal life of one character. However, a subplot featuring Pixar’s first transgender character, voiced by trans actor Chanel Stewart, has been altered to remove dialogue referring to the character’s gender identity.   

In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney defended their decision, stating, “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.”  

Stewart, who expressed her disappointment in an interview with Deadline, stated, “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.”

Stewart’s mother also condemned Disney’s decision, adding, “There may be some parents out there who are not ready to have that conversation, but this is the world that we live in. Everyone deserves to be represented. This feels like yet another setback for the LGBTQ community.”  

This is not the first time Disney and Pixar have faced criticism over their handling of LGBTQ+ representation. Earlier this year, the company reportedly shelved an episode of the Disney Channel show Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur that featured a trans character. Two years ago, staff at Pixar protested when a same-sex kiss was cut from the Toy Story spinoff Lightyear. Following public outcry, the kiss was restored in the final release.  

The repeated removal of LGBTQ+ content has drawn responses from queer advocates, who argue these decisions reflect a larger unwillingness by major studios to fully embrace inclusivity in storytelling. The debate highlights the persistent struggle for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media and its impact on audiences who rarely see their realities reflected on screen.