In a recent and disheartening development, Pixar Animation Studios—known for championing nuanced storytelling and rich character diversity—has reportedly cut references to a transgender character’s gender identity from its upcoming, first-ever long-form television series, Win or Lose. Originally set to include dialogue acknowledging the character’s trans identity, the series now moves forward without that explicit representation, leaving many transgender individuals, their families, and allies disappointed and concerned about what this editorial shift means for inclusive media going forward.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Win or Lose, slated to premiere on Disney+ on February 19, 2025, centers on a co-ed middle school softball team known as the Pickles in the lead-up to a championship game. Each of its eight episodes spotlights a different character’s internal struggles and dreams, from an anxious player to a lovesick umpire. Among these characters is a transgender girl—voiced by 17-year-old actress Chanel Stewart—whose presence was initially meant to break new ground for trans visibility in children’s animation. Instead, recent reports indicate the creative team has stripped away any reference to her gender identity, effectively rendering her another cisgender character in the series.
According to statements made to Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and CNN, Disney acknowledges that lines referencing gender identity were removed “a couple of months ago.” In a public statement, a Disney spokesperson said: “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”
While the character will still appear, the absence of explicit transgender representation feels like a heavy blow. For trans viewers, especially trans youth who rarely see themselves in mainstream media, this decision is not just a narrative tweak—it’s a lost opportunity for validation and visibility. The fear is that these erasures send the message that transgender identities are somehow too complex, controversial, or unfit for children’s stories. But let’s be real: transgender people exist. Trans kids are in schools, on playgrounds, and yes, even playing softball, just like everyone else. They deserve to see themselves in the stories they love without having their identities diluted for the comfort of others.
Context: Disney’s Ongoing DEI Debate
This development occurs during a period when media corporations are grappling with challenging issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While Disney previously took stances that included more direct LGBTQ+ representation—such as restoring a same-sex kiss in Pixar’s Lightyear—it has also faced backlash from conservative groups and right-wing media that decry such gestures as “woke” or “political.”
In the current U.S. political climate, transgender rights have become a hot-button issue, weaponized by politicians who would rather demonize trans communities than protect them. With recent leadership shake-ups at Disney and tensions around what some call “culture wars,” the company’s decision to omit trans-inclusive dialogue from Win or Lose can’t be separated from the broader national discourse. The re-election of former President Donald Trump, who frequently criticizes DEI initiatives, may also be contributing to a climate of caution—some might say fear—within media conglomerates seeking to avoid backlash.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has publicly pushed back against being perceived as pushing overt messages. “The bottom line,” Iger said in 2023, “is that infusing messaging as a sort of number one priority in our films and TV shows is not what we’re up to. They need to be entertaining.” One could argue that centering a trans character isn’t about “messaging” at all, but rather reflecting the rich tapestry of human experience. Still, Iger’s words, combined with Disney’s recent action, can feel like an attempt to preempt political controversy at the expense of genuine representation.
Missing the Mark on Representation
The fact remains: cutting trans representation sends an unfortunate signal. Removing a handful of lines may seem like a small edit—just a blip in a script. But for a marginalized community hungry for authentic media representation, those few lines are a lifeline. They could have assured a transgender child that they are not alone and that their story matters. Instead, those lines have been erased, and with them, an acknowledgment of a reality that many children know all too well.
Chanel Stewart, the young actress who landed the dream role as the transgender character, was excited to break new ground. She saw this as an opportunity to portray a character who could empower other trans youth. This erasure now means that a historic moment—likely one of the first times a major studio like Pixar would have openly recognized a trans character’s identity in a project aimed at children—has slipped out of reach.
In an interview, Stewart expressed heartbreak at the decision. She’s still in the show, but the character’s identity is no longer explicit. Stewart’s mother, Keisha, voiced disappointment too, noting that representation is crucial, especially for trans teens who rarely see themselves in positive, everyday narratives. “Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard,” Stewart said. Seeing such a narrative cut away isn’t just a creative decision; it’s a human one, with real emotional consequences for viewers and storytellers alike.
Trans Visibility: Not Just a “Mature” Topic
The notion that acknowledging a character’s transgender identity is somehow too advanced or complicated for younger viewers is an underestimation of children’s capacity for empathy and understanding. Kids are observant and curious. They often understand differences among their peers long before adults explain them. By not showing diverse identities on screen, adults create stigma and unfamiliarity. Conversely, by openly portraying trans characters as part of everyday life, we can help normalize diverse experiences and foster empathy from an early age.
When media companies shy away from this representation, they risk feeding into misconceptions that being transgender is a topic too “adult” or “inappropriate” for children. In reality, many transgender people know who they are from very early ages. It’s not a concept too mature for young audiences—it’s the lived experience of some of their classmates, neighbors, and teammates. Shielding kids from these truths does them no favors. Instead, it can fuel isolation for trans kids and encourage ignorance rather than understanding among their peers.
The Impact on Mental Health and Belonging
For transgender youth especially, representation is about more than just feeling seen—it can be a matter of mental health. According to research, transgender teens are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, often due to discrimination, stigma, and lack of understanding. Positive media portrayals can counteract these negative forces, providing hope and a sense of belonging.
If trans kids never see themselves celebrated or acknowledged in the media they consume, they may internalize the idea that something is wrong with them. By failing to tell their stories—and then actively censoring them—media companies risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes and negative self-images. In short, it’s not merely a missed opportunity; it could be a damaging one.
We live in a time when media has the power to shift societal perspectives. Countless studies show that exposure to diverse stories helps reduce prejudice. Had Win or Lose maintained its trans-inclusive storyline, it could have educated and enlightened young viewers—trans or not—showing them that everyone deserves a fair chance at happiness, acceptance, and a spot on the softball team’s roster.
Encouraging Change and Staying Hopeful
This news is tough, no doubt. But it’s also a reminder that advocacy matters. Today’s disappointment can fuel tomorrow’s action. Allies, parents, and transgender community members can send a powerful message by voicing support for authentic representation. If Disney and other studios understand that removing trans storylines doesn’t go unnoticed—and that it affects real people’s sense of self-worth—perhaps they’ll think twice next time.
Despite the setback, Stewart, her mother, and countless other trans advocates remain steadfast. Transgender people are not going anywhere. Our stories, our families, and our voices will continue to push for more visibility in media. Maybe it won’t come from Win or Lose, but it will come. Already, we see LGBTQ+ characters in other Disney-owned properties and beyond. We see subtle shifts happening behind the scenes, more creators stepping forward, and more audiences demanding stories that reflect the world’s full spectrum of identities.
The Bottom Line
Win or Lose was shaping up to be groundbreaking. Even now, it might still be entertaining, heartwarming, and funny. But the removal of the trans-inclusive dialogue dims what could have been a bold step toward truly representative storytelling. Instead, we got a timid retreat, a decision seemingly born from fear of political backlash rather than a commitment to authenticity and inclusion.
For trans viewers, their families, and allies, it’s essential to remember: one decision by one studio does not define our worth. Our identities deserve celebration, not censorship. Our stories belong in children’s media, just as surely as the stories of cisgender kids do. This moment, however painful, can also be a catalyst. It can inspire creators and decision-makers to listen more closely and commit more firmly to honoring the truth of diverse experiences.
In the end, kids learn acceptance not by ignoring differences but by seeing them embraced and respected. Transgender children are not freaks or fodder for political debate; they’re simply part of the human family—one that includes people of all genders. As trans advocates, families, and allies, we’ll keep pushing for a media landscape in which everyone finds a place, a voice, and a sense of belonging. This setback won’t silence us, and it won’t stop the march toward a future where “trans stories matter” isn’t a plea—it’s just an obvious fact.
