During the 33rd annual GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday (April 2), Marvel Studios executive Victoria Alonso shared with the audience some of the details of her 45-minute conversation with Disney CEO Bob Chapek about his initial response to Florida’s controversial “Parental Rights in Education” bill, which critics have labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
After what opponents of the bill called an apathetic response from Chapek, he apologized for his failure at being a “stronger ally” for the LGBTQ community.
Alonso, who is part of the LGBTQ community, is the President of Physical, Post Production, VFX, and Animation at Marvel Studios. She explained to the GLAAD audience why the bill, which was signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last week, will hurt LGBTQ families nationwide.
“I asked him to look around and truly if what we sell is entertainment for family, that we don’t choose what family,” Alonso said. “Family is this entire room. Family is the family in Texas, in Arizona, in Florida, and in my family, in my home. So, I ask you again, Mr. Chapek: please respect if we’re selling family, take a stand against all of these crazy outdated laws. Take a stand for the family.”
Victoria Alonso added, “As long as I am at Marvel Studios, I will fight for representation.”
The so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill limits discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity for students “in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” It also allows parents to sue school districts if the policy is not followed.
Supporters of the bill say it gives parents more control over what their children are taught in school. The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth, said the bill erases “LGBTQ identity, history, and culture, as well as LGBTQ students themselves.”