Gabrielle Union on ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill’: “If You Think it is Just a Them Problem, Oh Baby You Are Next”
FilmMagic Reading Time: 3 minutes
Gabrielle Union recently attended the premiere of her new Disney+ movie, Cheaper by the Dozen. During the red carpet, she addressed the new “Don’t Say Gay” bill that just passed legislation in Florida. The actress did not hold back as she spoke out against hate, knowing where it could lead to next.
“Hatred doesn’t shock me at this point,” Union says in the interview. “I’ve been a Black woman in America since ’72, nothing shocks me.”
The actress does not hesitate to show her emotions while answering the question. Union has been an advocate for the LGBTQIA community for decades. In 2020 Union’s daughter Zaya came out as trans. Since then, Union and her family that she shares with basketball legend Dwyane Wade have been in the spotlight. The family have been celebrated but also criticized for how they handled their young daughter’s announcement.
“Every moment in history there has been a this moment,” the author says about this moment of hatred. “We know how this ends. We know where hatred and oppression lead.”
Union shares the same sentiment as most Americans. A new poll found that more than six out of 10 Americans are against legislation prohibiting classroom discussion over sexual orientation or gender identity. It was discovered that 62 percent of respondents oppose the Bill and 37 percent support it.
“It can start now with the LGBTQIA community, but if you think it is just a them problem, oh baby you are next,” the actress says, warning other marginalized groups to pay attention.
Union fights back tears as she acknowledges Florida kids who will be affected by the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. She points out how quickly hatred can spread before turning her attention to corporations.
Gabrielle Union Calls Out Disney
Although Union does not say Disney by name, the actress took the chance to call out corporations who could help make a change in the world.
“If you are going to take a stand and be all about diversity and inclusion… you need to actually put your money where your mouth is,” Union said.
The Bring it On actress was bold in her stance, seeing as though she was calling out corporations like Disney, the company behind the second Cheaper by the Dozen remake. The Walt Disney Company has been in the headlines recently for their support behind the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Disney came under fire for not only contributing nearly $200,000 to the Florida Republicans behind the hateful “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but also for not denouncing the bill until after it had already passed both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate.
“You can’t stand against hate and oppression and fund hate and oppression. That doesn’t work,” Union said.
Disney’s silence and funding has resulted in employees organizing to stage walkouts in the weeks ahead. The backlash has led the company’s CEO Bob Chapek to announce that Disney will reassess its advocacy efforts, including political donations.
This isn’t Union’s first time being outspoken against her employer when she notices any form of hatred or bigotry. The former America’s Got Talent judge recently settled a lawsuit she filed against NBC in 2019 for the competition show’s toxic work environment.
The wind continues to blow!