Transgender actress Chanel Stewart speaks out after Disney cuts storyline in ‘Win or Lose’

Chanel Stewart, a transgender actress who voices a character in Pixar’s Win or Lose, has spoken out after Disney removed the show’s transgender storyline.

The decision, which eliminated dialogue referencing gender identity, has left Stewart “very disheartened” as she emphasized the importance of trans representation in media.

Stewart, now 18, first auditioned for the role at 14 after spotting Pixar’s casting call for an authentic transgender teenager. The animated series follows a middle school co-ed softball team, the Pickles, during the week leading up to their championship game. Disney stated, “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”

In an exclusive interview, Stewart expressed disappointment, saying, “From the moment I got the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other trans youth.” Her mother, Keisha, added that Disney’s decision feels like “another setback” for the LGBTQ+ community. While Stewart’s character remains part of the show, Disney reportedly altered her to be a cisgender girl.

Stewart still views the opportunity as groundbreaking, calling herself “one of the first” transgender girls to voice a major animated character. She remains proud to be part of “queer history,” even as the storyline changes.

Win or Lose, featuring Will Forte as Coach Dan, premieres on Disney+ on February 19, 2025.