Gabrielle Union has never been the one to bite her tongue even if it's at her job. The Hollywood actress attended the premiere of her new film Disney’s Cheaper by the Dozen and while walking the red carpet, she seemingly called out her employer to bring awareness to The Parental Rights in Education bill, which has been dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill.
She was speaking with The Hollywood Reporter when she was asked about the controversial bill that many people have viewed as anti-LGBTQIA. “I don’t want to say shock because hatred doesn’t shock me at this point,” she said.
“I’ve been a Black woman in America since ’72. Nothing shocks me, but the fear that gripped me because I know what this leads to. Every moment in history, there has been this moment. We know how this ends. We know where hate and oppression lead. And it can start now with the LGBTQIA community, but if you think that it’s just a them problem, oh baby, you’re next.”
At the premiere of #CheaperbytheDozen, actress and executive producer Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) faced the issue of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill head-on pic.twitter.com/rQQipsdo6z
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 17, 2022
She then called out corporations to do more than just preach diversity and inclusion on social media. “If you’re going to take a stand and be all about diversity and inclusion — and it’s not just about black boxes after George Floyd died — you need to actually put your money where your mouth is,” she said.
“You can’t stand against hate and oppression and fund hate and oppression. That doesn’t work. Obviously, our family has a big spotlight. My child is one child. There are countless children who deserve peace and the ability to survive and thrive in this world, just like everybody else. And if you think that your kid isn’t next, you are so sadly mistaken.”
The clip went viral with fans praising the star for speaking up.
SHE DID THAT: Gabrielle Union is starring in the new @Disney’s ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ movie, so she goes to the Disney movie premiere & called Disney out on the red carpet for supporting & funding this anti-LGBTQ #DontSayGay bill. Legendary! Iconic! Thank you! @ItsGabrielleUpic.twitter.com/qw1H8UXr6i
— Jerome Trammel (@MrJeromeTrammel) March 17, 2022
I don’t think folks understand how powerful this is. @itsgabrielleu is putting her own money and career on the line to stand up and speak out. It’s not the first time she’s shown this courage. #DontSayGay must end. https://t.co/4RTkoQPyb9
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 18, 2022
The “Don’t Say Gay” bill prohibits “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” It was recently passed by the Florida Senate with other states such as Georgia and Texas following in their footsteps by presenting similar bills.
Many critics have pointed out that the bill is vague meaning it can be left to anyone’s interpretation while others are simply calling it unconstitutional.
This bill hits home for the Being Mary Jane star as she is a bonus mom to Zaya Wade who is transgender. Gabrielle along with Dwyane Wade and their family have supported her through her transition.
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Featured image by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images