Raven-Symoné and the cast of "Raven's Home" participated Tuesday in a walkout with other Disney employees to protest Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill. The legislation would restrict classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Raven shared a video on Instagram of the cast and the Raven's Home" executive producers opposing the bill. As we previously reported, LGBTQ+ Disney employees organized the walkout protest after Disney's CEO CEO Bob Chapek refused to publicly deny the bill, stating that “corporate statements do very little to change outcome or minds” and that the company’s words are “often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame”.
It was also later revealed that the company had provided financial support for some of the bill’s backers in the state legislature.
In the video Raven calls the bill "ridiculous" and "stupid". She captioned the video: “In todays world it is imperative that we take stands, show support, and move forward not backwards. Every family every person and every child deserves to be recognized no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Education that reflects the truth and the world we live in is something we must fight for. #dontsaygaybill”
Chapek later apologized for their silence, stating that they’re original approach was “working behind the scenes, engaging directly with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.”
Disney also attempted to donate $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBTQ rights organizations, but the HRC rejected their donation and suggested that the company take a more direct approach to combat the bill.