Raven-Symoné and Castmates Join Disney Employees in Latest Walkout
Raven-Symoné and the cast and creators of Raven’s Home joined hundreds of Disney employees in a full-scale walkout in Burbank, Calif. on Tuesday morning. The protest was a direct response to The Walt Disney Company’s failure to immediately denounce Florida’s Parental Rights in Education legislation (dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), which seeks to prohibit classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation. The corporation’s decision to stay silent was met with significant backlash, and employees are demanding action.
In a passionate post on Instagram, the former That’s So Raven star shared a video of her and her fellow team members on the day of the walkout. “In support of our LGBTQ+ family and all of those who will be damaged by the “don’t say gay bill” we the cast of Ravens Home are walking out,” she wrote in the caption, “In today’s world it is imperative that we take stands, show support, and move forward not backwards.”
The video’s content was even more assertive. “We are walking out today in support of this ridiculous bill; we don’t like it,” Raven-Symoné yelled, “We’re walking out. It’s stupid. We love everyone and support, support, support!”
The 36-year-old actress was not the only Disney alum to speak out against the company’s response (or lack thereof). Other Disney employees, including Kerry Washington, Josh Gad, and Gabrielle Union, have also expressed their outrage.
#SayGay ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💗
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) March 22, 2022
Sign the petition 🙏🏾 https://t.co/CEscP9thXc pic.twitter.com/i9ZjM1Z0sj
On Twitter, Washington shared a petition demanding Disney to immediately cease all donations to any politicians involved in the creation of the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill. Josh Gad also tweeted, “I too love Disney. But everyone must grow.” Cheaper by the Dozen star Gabrielle Union — stepmother to trans daughter Zaya Wade — told Variety that “the damage is done.”
Florida’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is abhorrent, and The Walt Disney Company needs to take action. The employee walkout on Tuesday was a step in the right direction, but the work is far from finished.
