Chloe Cole, a detransitioner and advocate, made a compelling case at Disney’s annual shareholder meeting for the company to cover expenses for individuals choosing to detransition. Representing Do No Harm, a coalition of medical professionals focused on keeping identity politics out of medical education and practice, Cole argued that Disney funds gender transition but overlooks detransitioning care, alleging gender-based discrimination. Despite her passionate plea, all proposals, including Cole’s, were swiftly nullified by the board.
The meeting marked the climax of Disney’s most significant and contentious proxy contest to date, with proposals from both conservative and liberal factions. Cole, only 19 years old, stood out as a prominent advocate against “gender-affirming care” for minors, presenting the proposition on behalf of the National Legal and Policy Center, a conservative watchdog group targeting abuse and corruption. She compared Disney to Ursula, the villain in “The Little Mermaid,” accusing the company of silencing thousands of little Ariels worldwide by denying them the opportunity to detransition.
However, the rejection of Cole’s proposal was not unexpected. The majority of votes come from large institutional shareholders like Blackrock, Vanguard, and Fidelity, who typically align with the company on shareholder motions. Despite this setback, Cole and her supporters remain determined to challenge the vote and continue their fight for detransitioners’ rights.
The detransitioner movement has gained attention in recent years, with individuals like Cole sharing their stories of transitioning and subsequent disillusionment with the medical system. Cole herself underwent a double mastectomy due to a diagnosis of gender dysphoria but now regrets the decision. She believes that she needed therapy and compassion rather than affirmation of her delusion that transforming into a boy would solve all her problems.
While detransition and experiences of regret following medical treatment are statistically uncommon, they have become an important topic in political discourse. A report published by the National Library of Medicine found that only 1 percent of transgender patients regretted their “gender-affirming” surgeries. However, the report also highlighted the importance of clear regrets among those who did regret their surgeries.
Legislative efforts related to transgender individuals have been impacted by the detransitioner movement. Over 20 states have enacted laws prohibiting “gender-affirming care” for minors, with five states considering it a felony to medically transition minors. Florida’s attempts to enforce such bans were temporarily blocked by a federal judge in 2023, and lawsuits have been filed in other states opposing similar bans.
Cole’s lawsuit against her former doctors and insurance provider for medical malpractice sets her apart, as she is among the few detransitioners to pursue legal action. She argues that these bans infringe upon constitutional rights and parents’ authority to determine medical interventions for their children.
The debate at the Disney shareholder meeting highlights the ongoing struggle within the company, not only concerning detransitioners’ rights but also regarding the board’s composition. CEO Bob Iger successfully thwarted activist investor Nelson Peltz’s bid, putting an end to a lengthy battle over the company’s direction.
As the detransitioner movement continues to gain traction, the fight for detransitioners’ rights will likely intensify. Advocates like Chloe Cole are determined to challenge discriminatory policies and ensure that individuals who choose to detransition receive the support and coverage they need. It remains to be seen how Disney and other companies will respond to these demands for inclusivity and equal treatment.