In a disappointing move, Pixar has announced that it will be cutting a storyline involving a trans character from its upcoming series Win or Lose, set to debut in 2025. Originally, the animated series was set to feature a trans character with their gender identity being a key part of the storyline. However, the studio has decided to remove dialogue and story elements addressing the character’s gender identity in later episodes.
A spokesperson for Pixar explained that the decision was made out of concern for parents, stating that many would prefer to discuss certain topics, like gender identity, with their children on their own terms and timeline. The character will still appear in Win or Lose, but the storyline involving their gender identity has been scrapped.
Chanel Stewart, the transgender actress who voiced the character, expressed disappointment in the change, saying she was excited to share a story that could empower trans youth and contribute to important conversations. Pixar fans have voiced their frustration, criticizing the studio for what they perceive as a step back in inclusivity and representation, with some accusing Disney of transphobia and a reluctance to take bold stances on LGBTQ+ issues.
This move is part of a broader trend at Pixar and Disney, where LGBTQ+ storylines have been altered or shelved in recent months. For example, an episode of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, which also featured a trans character voiced by a transgender actress, was reportedly shelved due to external pressures related to the political climate. Additionally, there were reports of changes to Inside Out 2, with the studio requesting that the character Riley be portrayed as “less gay.”
The situation echoes broader frustrations voiced by Pixar employees in an open letter in 2022, which detailed how LGBTQ+ moments were frequently cut during the corporate review process, even when the creative teams opposed such changes. Despite these setbacks, there have been moments of LGBTQ+ representation in Pixar films, such as the brief same-sex kiss in Lightyear and the lesbian couple in Finding Dory. However, these instances have often been minimal or heavily scrutinized.
