The Disney Channel reiterated the network’s mandate to reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness in their programming despite backlash around its first same-sex kiss.
Disney’s first gay kiss was featured in an episode of the animated children’s cartoon Star vs. the Forces of Evil last week – and, not surprisingly, right-winged pressure groups took issue with its “gay-inclusion”.
However, the family network responded by putting out a statement similar to the one they released two years ago responding to criticism of their inclusion of a lesbian couple in its adolescent show Good Luck Charlie.
“Our programming is developed to be relevant to kids and families and to reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness,” a Disney Channel Spokesperson said.
In the recent episode of the Disney XD series, characters Star, Marco, and Jackie attend a concert of their favorite band. The music inspires most of the audience to lock lips with their significant others, and a few same-sex couples are included: first, a male couple kiss midway through the song, then at least two female couples are featured.
Watchdog group, One Million Moms, has gone as far as to start a campaign against Disney, calling for parents to boycott Disney “until they produce family-friendly entertainment”. The group is also up in arms about the apparent gay character, and interracial kiss, in Beauty and The Beast which releases next week.
Check out the Disney’s first same-sex kiss right here:
