Disney World to host LGBTQ+ conference in light of DeSantis ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill
Disney is responding to Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ attempt to crack down on diversity and inclusion measures.
DeSantis is continuing to push for the Florida Parental Rights in Education bill, commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Within the bill, DeSantis restricts teachers from providing classroom instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity.
NPR provided the complete phrasing of the bill.
“Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards,” the bill says.
Supporters of DeSantis’ conservative legislation claim the bill will allow parents to determine when and if it is appropriate to introduce their children to LGBTQ+ topics. The outlet also states parents will also have the option to sue a school district if they feel the policy is violated.
Disney World is countering this by serving as the location to what is being called “the largest LGBTQ+ conference in the world,” according to the Orlando Sentinel. The 43-square-mile park will provide ample room for the first annual 2023 Workplace Summit, organized by Out & Equal, which is expected to draw over 5,000 people.
The conference centers around implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. Disney has had a relationship with the California-based LGBTQ+ workplace equality organization for years. The outlet states that Disney marketing executive, Lisa Becket, is on Out & Equal’s Board of Directors. The park previously hosted events with Out & Equal, including its LGBT Equality Institute workshop in 2015.
Disney is listed as a title sponsor on the organization’s website, alongside Apple, Walmart, Amazon, McDonald’s, Uber, Hilton, Boeing, Pfizer and Google. Partners also include several government agencies, such as the State Department, the CIA and the FDA.
The brand has never swayed its opposition to DeSantis’ bill. The Orlando Sentinel shared that former CEO Bob Chapek spoke out against the legislation, and the company suspended political contributions in Florida after DeSantis signed the law. Detour reported in February that the governor retaliated by attempting to abolish Disney’s use of special land, utilities and a public service district called Reedy Creek. While the attempt was unsuccessful, DeSantis did gain control of the board that oversees development at the theme park.
The Miami Herald claims that Out & Equal Chief Marketing Officer Michael Chamberlain reported Disney World will host the organization’s 2024 summit, just in time for the presidential election campaign.
The 2023 Out & Equal summit will be held at the Disney resort in Orlando from Sept. 11 to 14.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.
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This story was originally published March 29, 2023 at 11:20 AM.