Here’s an episode dedicated to children of same-sex parents.
Disney Junior, a network aimed at children aged 2-7, reveals same-sex parents in a recent episode of Doc McStuffins, a show about a girl who fixes broken toys.
The episode, “The Emergency Plan,” is about teaching kids the right steps to take during an emergency, featuring a “doll family” trying to come together safely after a toy dragon causes chaos. The parents are voiced by openly gay celebrities Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi.
"I always envision Doc McStuffins as a show about what it means to accept everyone as part of our communities,” said show creator Chris Nee in a statement released by GLAAD. “As part of a two-mom family, I’m proud to have an episode that reflects my son's world, and shows everyone that love is love in McStuffinsville."
GLAAD claimed the episode was “groundbreaking,” with President and CEO Sara Kate Ellis stating: “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. 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.”
To nearly no one’s surprise, One Million Moms spoke out against the episode.
“Controversial topics and lifestyle choices should be left up to the parents to discuss and Disney Junior should not introduce this to young children,” they said. “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 group is threatening to boycott Disney in a letter for the third time this year.
“Families tuning in to watch this children’s program will encounter a premature discussion on sexual orientation that is completely unnecessary,” the pre-written letter states. “If your producers keep this episode as originally planned, then my family will have no choice but to no longer watch the Disney Channel Network in our home so we can avoid the previews and commercials for this irresponsible episode as well as any reruns of the episode. I will not allow the Disney Channel in my home unless you produce and air family-friendly programming,” declares One Million Moms.
Watch Sykes’s praise of the episode below.
