By Zach Johnson
This Pride Month, Disney+ will celebrate its community of LGBTQ+ creators, employees, and fans with its first-ever virtual variety show, This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular, premiering on the Disney+ YouTube and Facebook on Sunday, June 27, at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT. The concert will feature one-of-a-kind musical performances of songs from the iconic movies and series available to stream on Disney+, reinterpreted through a LGBTQ+ lens.
Hosted by Nina West, This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular will feature performances by Alex Newell; DCappella; Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini; Hayley Kiyoko; Jackie Cox; Jesse James Keitel; Kermit the Frog; West; Michael James Scott; and Todrick Hall. This Is Me: A Virtual Pride Month Spectacular is directed by Ann Marie Pace, who most recently directed Disney’s LAUNCHPAD short film Growing Fangs, currently streaming on Disney+.
“At Disney+, we believe in the power of inclusive storytelling to bring us together and inspire us to live authentically,” said Joe Earley, global head of Marketing and Content Curation for Disney+. “We are committed to amplifying the voices of our LGBTQ+ creators and talent, and platforming content that reminds people to love loud—and sing louder—in this special event.”
Produced in partnership with Disney Music Group and the Disney PRIDE Employee Resource Group, the assembled team behind the spectacular is predominantly comprised of members of the LGBTQ+ community, with the support of allies. This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular will raise awareness for GLSEN, a nonprofit The Walt Disney Company is proud to support, which works to ensure LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. The Walt Disney Company proudly contributes towards organizations that support LGBTQ+ communities and people.
Subscribers can discover LGBTQ+ characters and stories in the “Celebrate Pride Month” content set now streaming on Disney+ and join in recognizing the community all month long with special spotlights, musical moments, laughter, and love. To further celebrate Pride Month, the Pixar SparkShort OUT is now available to watch on YouTube with a special introduction from writer and director Steven Hunter and producer Max Sachar.
