Disney’s New Pride Clothing Collection For Kids Kicks Back At Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Act

Disney (DIS) took a dig at what has been dubbed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” act as it released a new line of LGBTQ+ clothing for kids.

The newly named Pride apparel collection from Disney comes as the entertainment company has faced controversy for its opposition to the Parental Rights in Education Bill, signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in March.

The law prohibits the instruction of gender identity, sexual orientation and LGBTQ themes in schools until the third grade, and if they are taught in a classroom setting, parents have the right to sue the school district for violating the law.

Disney has openly opposed the law, saying in a statement in March that it should “never have passed and should never have been signed into law.

“Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the Legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that. We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country.”

Disney’s recent launch of the Pride children’s collection seemingly sends a message to its critics. The Pride lineup features a series of children’s clothing and accessories such as T-shirts, pins, hats, mugs and backpacks with the same rainbow colors of the “Pride” flag, which has become a symbol of the LGBTQ community.

Disney has been producing similar items with the rainbow theme under the Rainbow Disney Collection brand since 2018, but renamed the collection to the Disney Pride Collection this year.

In a statement on its website, Disney said the new Pride collection was “created by LGBTQIA+ employees and allies at The Walt Disney Company and is a reflection of their incredible contributions and place at the heart of the company. We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community everywhere.”

All profits from Pride collection sales made through June 30 will be donated to “organizations that support LGBTQIA+ youth and families.” Disney then listed all the organizations it is supporting through donations, including GLSEN and the Zebra Coalition, which have also spoken out against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay" bill.

In response to opposing the law, DeSantis revoked Disney World’s special tax status, which allowed the theme park to operate its own government policies.