The latest episode of Disney’s Doc McStuffins features two lesbian mothers and their children learning about the importance of having a plan in place, in case of an emergency.
The episode entitled “The Emergency Plan” is being widely praised for featuring the same-sex parents—who are voiced by Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi.
But not everybody is happy about it—with conservative group One Million Moms urging their supporters to take action against Disney’s “gay agenda”.
“Many have found the animated program, 'Doc McStuffins,' to be a clean show; 1MM has recently found that this to be no longer true.”
The statement goes on to say that the episode features a doll family with “two females and two children”.
“This should not come as a surprise since the show’s creator and executive producer of the series, Chris Nee, is lesbian and has stated in an online interview that she will instil subtle messages about sexual orientation into the storyline.”
The One Million Moms post adds that it’s not the first time Disney has portrayed LGBT+ themes in kids shows—the finale of Good Luck Charlie in 2014 and a recent episode of Star vs. the Forces of Evil both featured gay characters.
“Controversial topics and lifestyle choices should be left up to the parents to discuss and Disney Junior should not introduce this to young children.
“Just because an issue may be legal or because some are choosing a lifestyle doesn’t make it morally correct. Disney should stick to entertaining and providing family-friendly programming instead of pushing an agenda,” the post concludes.
One Million Moms has previously claimed ‘victories’ after TV shows they’ve campaigned against—The Real O’Neals, Dating Naked, The Muppets—have been cancelled for unrelated reasons.
LGBT+ visibility in children's TV
Other organisations such as GLAAD have Disney for “breaking new ground” and teaching valuable lessons with the rainbow family episode.
"Children like mine deserve the chance to see their families reflected on TV, and this episode does just that in a beautiful and positive way,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD.
"Shows like this reflect our real world, and today that includes the many children being raised by gay and lesbian parents who are all going to celebrate this story."
Comedian Wanda Sykes says she’s always been a fan of the show and is glad her kids will be able to relate to the new episode she helped to voice.
“We’re two mums, and we have a boy and a girl, and it’s going to be very exciting for them to see our family represented,” she said in an interview with Disney.
“It’s a great episode. You learn a valuable lesson because an earthquake happens, and you see this family. They get out of this house and become separated. Doc tells them, ‘hey, where’s your emergency meeting place?’, and they’re like, ‘what is this emergency meeting place?’.
“It’s teaching a family to have a plan in case of emergency, so you know where to meet, and also to have a kit.
“The diversity of the show, having an African-American little girl be the star of the show and also being a doctor, sends a great message. It is just such a positive role model.”
