The General entertainment president for Disney Karey Burke has called for 50 percent of characters and content to be from underrepresented groups.
Ms Burke announced the change at a company-wide Zoom call, vowing to increase representation of the LGBTQ community or from racial minorities.
The Disney executive remarked that the changes reflected her personal life, saying: "I'm here as the mother of two queer children, actually, one transgender child and one pansexual child, and also as a leader."
The campaign will be called 'Reimagine Tomorrow' and pledges that "by 2022, 50 percent of regular and recurring characters across Disney General Entertainment scripted content will come from underrepresented groups."
A demonstrator wearing a rainbow colour face mask takes part in a protest as Disney's employees demonstrate against Florida's %22Don't Say Gay%22 bill, in Glendale, California, U.S., March 22, 2022. REUTERS/Ringo Chiu/Ringo Chiu
RINGO CHIU
A demonstrator holding a sign takes part in a protest as Disney's employees demonstrate against Florida's %22Don't Say Gay%22 bill, in Glendale, California, U.S., March 22, 2022. REUTERS/Ringo Chiu
RINGO CHIU
This comes as Disney employees have protested Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill, walking out of the company's headquarters last week.
Florida Governor Ronald DeSantis signed the Republican-backed bill that bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for many young students, drawing swift criticism from companies, Democrats and advocacy groups.
The Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Disney Parks, Vivian Ware, has also spoken out about changes in the theme parks where visitors are no longer greeted as "ladies and gentleman, boys and girls" but instead as "dreamers" and "friends".
Ms Burke said: "I have heard so much from so many of my colleagues over the past few weeks in open forums, through emails and phone conversations.
"I feel a responsibility to speak not just for myself but also for [my kids]."
Christopher F. Rufo, conservative journalist from Manhattan Institute's City Journal, leaked a video of the online Disney meeting on Twitter.
Disney will also re-add a kissing scene between two women in the upcoming spin off to 'Toy Story' called 'Lightyear'.
Karey Burke is pushing for more inclusive content
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