EXCLUSIVE: In 2020, Chanel Stewart stumbled upon a post on X detailing Pixar’s quest for an authentic, 14-year-old transgender girl to lend her voice to a transgender teenager in an upcoming animated series.
Having already appeared in several commercials by the age of 14, Stewart recognized this opportunity as her quintessential role.
“I epitomized exactly what they were seeking, and that is why it resonated deeply with me. It felt so profoundly right,” reflects Stewart, a transgender girl from Los Angeles. “I immediately consulted my mother, imploring her to allow me to audition, as I felt this was an opportunity too significant to forgo. Do you see what I mean?”
Ultimately, Stewart secured the voiceover role in Win or Lose, which centers around a co-ed middle school softball team known as the Pickles during the week leading up to their pivotal championship game. Stewart was eager to share her exciting news with friends.
“Oh my God, it was surreal,” the now 18-year-old recalls. “I embraced the role with immense pride and honor, as it meant a great deal to me. The prospect of authentically representing a transgender teenage girl filled me with joy. I aimed to create a narrative for transgender children like myself.”
However, when Disney informed her mother, Keisha, that Win or Lose would omit the transgender storyline, both Chanel and Keisha felt devastated. (Disney’s statement indicated a preference for content that parents can discuss with their children on their own terms and timelines.)
“It was disheartening because my daughter is transgender, and this is her reality. It is crucial not to conceal that truth,” Keisha remarked to Deadline. “While some parents may not be ready for such discussions, this is the world we inhabit, and representation is vital. Everyone deserves acknowledgment. It felt like another setback for the LGBTQ community, making it particularly challenging for transgender teenagers who are navigating their identities.”
Chanel added, “I was deeply disheartened. From the moment I received the script, I was eager to share my journey and empower other transgender youth. Trans narratives hold significant importance and deserve amplification.”
By removing the transgender storyline, Disney excised a few lines of dialogue referencing a character’s gender identity. While Chanel was unable to disclose detailed information about her character, Disney assured her that she would remain an integral part of the show.
“Now, however, my character will be portrayed as a cisgender girl, specifically a straight cisgender girl,” Stewart explained, representing KEY Talent Management and Innovative Artists. “That was the extent of the information they shared, but I’ve been reassured that I remain part of the cast.”
Nonetheless, there is one aspect of this journey that remains with Stewart. “I take great pride in being one of the first transgender girls to achieve this milestone!” she exclaimed regarding her voiceover role. “It is a true honor to contribute to queer history.”
Win or Lose, featuring Will Forte as the voice of softball Coach Dan, is set to premiere on Disney+ starting February 19, 2025.
Vocabulary List:
- Authentic /ɔːˈθentɪk/ (adjective): Of undisputed origin; genuine.
- Significant /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ (adjective): Having meaning; important.
- Representation /ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən/ (noun): The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or something.
- Devastated /ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪd/ (verb): Cause severe and overwhelming shock or grief.
- Eager /ˈiːɡər/ (adjective): Having or showing keen interest or intense desire.
- Narrative /ˈnærətɪv/ (noun): A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.
