Emmy-nominated actress, media personality, and musician Raven-Symoné walked off the set of Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home in protest of Florida’s recent “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Symoné and her fellow cast members reportedly staged the walkout, called “Disney Do Better,” in response to the bill (HB 1557). Formally titled the Parental Rights in Education bill, it would prohibit discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida’s elementary school classrooms.
According to the Florida House Of Representatives website, “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”
Parents could even sue any school district if its officials violated the bill.
In response, the 36-year-old star took to Instagram to upload a video of herself making a statement with her costars and Disney staff behind her.
“What’s up! We’re the cast of Raven’s Home…and we are walking out today in support of this ridiculous bill!” she said in her signature comedic voice. “We don’t like it! We’re walking out; it’s stupid. We love everyone, and umm, support! Support, support. Bye! We out! We walkin’ out!” Symoné concluded before the show’s cast members applauded.
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In addition, she added a lengthy post expressing her feelings regarding the sunshine state’s new bill backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“In support of our LGBTQ+ family, and those who will be damaged by the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, we, the cast of Ravens Home, are walking out,” she wrote. “In today’s world, [it’s] imperative that we take stands, show support, and move forward, not backward. Every family, every person, and every child deserves to be recognized no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Education that reflects the truth and the world we live in is something we must fight for. #dontsaygaybill.”
Symoné came out about her sexuality in May 2016 and married her girlfriend, Miranda Maday, in June 2020. In 2021, she claimed that, at one point, she even broke up with Maday in fear of criticism from the Black community for being with a white woman.
Disney Channel reportedly released a statement on Mar. 22, in support of her walkout.
“Production on our series Raven’s Home was interrupted today when members of the cast participated in a walkout designed to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Our colleagues have both our respect and our support,” they wrote.
The company’s streaming service also released a statement that day via Twitter.
“Disney+ stands by our LGBTQIA+ employees, colleagues, families, storytellers, and fans, and we strongly denounce all legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of people in the LGBTQIA+community–especially legislation that targets and harms young people and their families,” they wrote.
— Disney+ (@DisneyPlus) March 22, 2022
