Disney Just Showed Ron DeSantis Who is Boss

The company will host a major LGBTQ Rights conference in September

Ron DeSantis and Disney World go together like pickle juice and cotton candy, and I'd continue to joke around about it all if the possible 2024 presidential candidate wasn't such a serious threat to LGBTQ rights in this country.

Despite DeSantis' attempts to undermine Disney's advocacy for LGBTQ equality, the entertainment giant appears unfazed. The Walt Disney Company is poised to host a prominent conference promoting LGBTQ rights in the workplace this September in Central Florida, called “Out & Equal”. Executives and professionals from the world's largest companies will attend, in a bold display of resistance against DeSantis' campaign against diversity training.

“The annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit is the largest LGBTQ+ conference in the world, with more than 5,000 attendees every year. It brings together executives, ERG leaders and members, and HR and DEI professionals and experts – all working for LGBTQ+ equality. Over more than 20 years, Summit has grown to become the preferred place to network and share strategies that create inclusive workplaces, where everyone belongs and where LGBTQ+ employees can be out and thrive,” reads their website.

Disney's decision to host the conference comes amidst a year-long tussle between the company and the Republican governor.

Last month, Governor DeSantis signed a bill into law that would endow the State with the authority to assume jurisdiction over municipal services and development activities within the designated special zone comprising Walt Disney World. This maneuver constituted a severe setback to the corporation's capacity to function with unfettered independence.

At the core of the bill lies a provision calling for the establishment of a state board comprising five individuals to oversee and regulate municipal services, including but not limited to fire protection and road maintenance, in areas where Disney World conducts operations.

"The corporate kingdom finally comes to an end," DeSantis said during a news conference announcing the move "There's a new sheriff in town, and accountability will be the order of the day."

Despite the animosity, Disney has maintained its steadfast partnership with Out & Equal, the organization behind the upcoming conference. It is even listed as one of the organization's most generous sponsors on its website.