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Disney continues to advance LGBTQIA+ representation with a new Disney Plus special just in time for the end of Pride Month: Say It With Pride: Disney+ Celebrates Pride 365. The special will premiere Thursday, June 30 at 5 p.m. ET on the streaming platform’s YouTube and Facebook pages, free to all subscribers and non-subscribers alike.
According to a press release, through song and storytelling, the variety show “aims to elevate the voices of the community to speak about their journeys, celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community, and look forward to a future that embodies diversity.” and drive with PRIDE.”
The special, which will be directed by Tee Vaden, features a wide variety of participants from different mediums, including Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, Alex Newell (Happiness), Angelica Ross (Pose), Jessica Darrow (Charm), Reuby Wood (better nate than ever), Topher Ngo (turning red), the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, the a cappella singing group DCapella, the artist Jack Hughes, What’s up Disney Plus? presenter Jenny Lorenzo, former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Nina West, who hosted last year’s Disney Plus Pride Show, and more.
Disney has doubled down on Pride this year after mishandling the company’s initial response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which will ban discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity in public schools when it goes into law. Effective July 1. , the company fell out with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has since dissolved Disney’s autonomous powers in the state.
Earlier this month, Disney also announced a new Pride collection on Disney Plus to highlight LGBTQIA+ stories. The selection featured queer characters from Disney properties like Brittany S. Pierce (Heather Morris) from HappinessJeri Hogarth as Carrie-Anne Moss Jessica JonesNate Foster (Rueby Wood) better nate than everZoey” Howzer (Soleil Moon Frye) by The Proud Family: Stronger and Prouderand the 2020 Pixar SparkShort Outside.
“This Pride Month and beyond, The Walt Disney Company stands with the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies by proudly supporting storytelling that is inclusive, diverse and authentic,” Disney Plus wrote in a statement at the time, adding : “Today and every day, we are committed to reimagining tomorrow by amplifying LGBTQIA+ stories and championing the importance of accurate representation in media and entertainment.”