Transgender actress Chanel Stewart was initially thrilled to voice a transgender character in Disney’s animated series Win or Lose, but the opportunity was short-lived. Stewart, who had been cast to voice a transgender teenage girl, was left disappointed when Disney decided to remove her character’s storyline from the show.
Casting and Initial Joy
When Pixar released an audition call for Win or Lose, the casting specifically sought an “authentic trans girl” to portray a character on the show. Stewart immediately felt a strong connection to the role, knowing she met all the criteria. Speaking to Deadline, she recalled her reaction to the casting notice:
“I was exactly what they wanted to a T, and that’s why it felt so right. It felt just so right,” Stewart said.
Excited by the opportunity, she asked her mother for permission to audition. “I just felt like if I don’t do this, it wouldn’t make sense. You know what I mean?” Stewart continued. Her instincts were proven correct when she was chosen for the role.
The Character and Storyline
Win or Lose follows a middle school co-ed softball team, the Pickles, preparing for a championship game. Stewart was cast to voice a transgender girl, a character that would have added an important dimension to the show’s diverse representation. For Stewart, the role was more than just a job—it was a personal milestone.
“I wore it as a badge. I wore it with pride. I wore it with honor because it meant so much to me,” Stewart shared about her excitement. She saw the role as an opportunity to represent other transgender children like herself.
The Disappointment
However, a few days after Stewart was cast, Disney delivered some unexpected news. The company informed Stewart’s mother, Keisha Stewart, that the transgender storyline was being cut due to concerns over how the subject matter might be received by young viewers. Disney’s official statement explained that animated content typically targets children and that the topic of LGBTQ+ issues should be introduced at the discretion of parents. The company emphasized that it wanted to allow parents to decide when and how to discuss such topics with their children.
“We recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline,” the statement read.
This decision upset Keisha Stewart, who felt that her daughter’s real-life identity was being ignored. She expressed her frustration, stating that it was unfair for Disney to eliminate the storyline. “I felt like it was very important that we not hide that fact,” Keisha said, emphasizing that although some parents may not be ready to have such discussions, it is an important topic in today’s world.
Stewart’s Reaction
Despite the removal of her character’s transgender identity, Stewart remains part of the Win or Lose series. According to Stewart, Disney informed her that her character would now be portrayed as a cisgender girl rather than a transgender one. Although the character’s storyline was altered, Stewart was reassured that her role in the show would continue.
“It’s just that my character would now be a cis girl, a straight cis girl. So yeah, that’s all they really told me, and that I was still a part of the show,” Stewart explained.
Even though her character’s narrative was altered, Stewart is still honored to be a part of Win or Lose. She takes pride in the representation her character brings, even without the transgender storyline.
“It’s a true honor to be a part of queer history,” Stewart added.
While Disney’s decision may have been disappointing, Stewart’s presence in the show, even in a changed form, remains a significant contribution to the show’s queer legacy.
For more updates on Chanel Stewart and Win or Lose, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Source: Deadline
