AHF TV Ad Campaign Implores Disney to Oppose ‘Don’t Say Gay!’

Zoom Press Teleconference: Wednesday, March 2, 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)

LGBTQ+ advocates launch Florida TV ad campaign today demanding Disney speak out publicly against hateful Florida legislation; also announce rallies at Disney in Orlando and Burbank, CA Thursday, March 3

ORLANDO, Fla. & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AHF is rolling out a new TV ad campaign in the greater Orlando area imploring the Walt Disney Company to speak out publicly and loudly in opposition to the hateful “Don’t Say Gay” legislation pending in Florida (FL’s HB1557 and SB1834). In response to Florida’s “Don’t’ Say Gay” bill targeting LGBTQ+ youth, their families, teachers and school counselors that is pending in the Florida legislature. AHF’s 30-second spot will run on stations WOFL (FOX), WKMG (CBS), WESH (NBC) and WFTV (ABC) starting today.

WHAT:	ZOOM PRESS TELECONFERENCE: Disney and “Don’t Say Gay” legislation
WHEN:	Wednesday, March 2, 2022 - 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)
HOW:	You are invited to a Zoom press conference.
	https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81371780917?pwd=dkxqYVQ5cS9XSFRUVjBMK1VhNk0vdz09
	Meeting ID: 813 7178 0917
	Passcode: 908133
	One tap mobile
	[phone],,81371780917#,,,,*908133# US (San Jose)
	[phone],,81371780917#,,,,*908133# US (San Jose)

WHO:

• Mike Kahane, AHF Southern Bureau Chief
• Ebonni Chrispin, Legislative Affairs and Community Engagement Manager for AHF
• Tracy Jones, AHF National Director of Advocacy and Midwest Regional Director
• Corey Lyons, Global Board Member, Impulse Group - United
• Other speakers TBD

MEDIA CONTACT: Ged Kenslea, AHF Sr. Dir., Communications 323.791.5526 cell [e-mail]

To date, Disney, which has thousands of LGBTQ+ employees and regularly participates with large contingents in Pride parades in both Orlando and Los Angeles, has been publicly silent on the legislation. This, despite its Disney Parks, Experiences & Products website (DPEP.Disney.com) claiming: “As a leader in LGBTQ+ content and workplace equality, the Walt Disney Company is committed to creating inclusive workplaces and supportive and welcoming environments in local communities.”

Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell also noted last week that “The parks preach inclusion in their marketing campaigns. But Disney has given money to every single sponsor and co-sponsor of this year’s infamous 'Don’t Say Gay' bill.”

AHF’s TV spot urges Disney to speak out and fight back against discrimination by publicly opposing the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, concluding “… because the happiest place in the world must have a place for every child.”

FL & CA “Don’t Say Gay” Disney Rallies Thurs., March 3 at 10:00 am in Orlando at and at Disney HQ in Burbank

As part of its campaign urging Disney to combat hate and discrimination, AHF will spearhead simultaneous rallies urging the Walt Disney Company—what has its famed Walt Disney World in Orlando, the very heart of Florida—to speak out publicly and vocally opposing the divisive bill. AHF’s Protests will take place Thurs., February 3 at 10:30 a.m. in ORLANDO, FL and in BURBANK, CA home of Disney’s corporate HQ.

WHAT:	ORLANDO, FL: @ WALT DISNEY COMPANY "Don’t Say Gay" RALLY Advocates to demand Disney to SPEAK OUT now against "Don’t Say Gay" legislation pending in Florida
WHEN:	Thursday, Mar. 3 at 10:00 a.m. ET
WHERE:	ORLANDO, FL—Walt Disney Company 1375 East Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830
WHO:	80+ community advocates, including AHF and partner organizations
MEDIA CONTACT & NEWS DESK NOTE	MEDIA CONTACTS: Ebonni Chrispin, Legislative Affairs and Community Engagement Manager for AHF +1.954.298.4699 mobile [e-mail] Tonya Thurman, MHA, Associate Director of Mobilization Campaigns for AHF 614.223.11532 mobile [e-mail] B-ROLL—80+ advocates w placards marching and chanting
WHAT:	BURBANK, CA: @ DISNEY HEADQUARTERS "Don’t Say Gay" RALLY Advocates to demand Disney to SPEAK OUT now against "Don’t Say Gay" legislation pending in Florida
WHEN:	Thursday, Mar. 3 at 10:00 a.m. PT
WHERE:	BURBANK, CA—Walt Disney Co. Alameda Ave Gate 2300 Alameda Ave (East of Buena Vista St) Burbank, CA 1506
WHO:	80+ community advocates, including AHF and partner organizations
MEDIA CONTACT & NEWS DESK NOTE	MEDIA CONTACTS: Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, Communications for AHF +1.323.791.5526 mobile [e-mail] John Farina, Associate Director of Advocacy - Social Media Platforms for AHF 216-832-7106 mobile [e-mail] B-ROLL—80+ advocates w placards marching and chanting

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.7 million clients in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare