Oklahoma cinema removes homophobic sign about Lightyear after internet pressure
Lightyear, a movie following the adventures of the ‘real-life’ Buzz Lightyear, has faced a wave of homophobic backlash since it was discovered that the movie contained a same-sex kiss.
One of the most recent examples of homophobia comes from an Oklahoma cinema, the 89er Theatre in Kingfisher. On a sign that was posted just outside of the cinema house, a warning read:
“Attention parents: The management of this theatre discovered after booking Lightyear that there is a same-sex kissing scene within the first 30 minutes of the Pixar movie.
We will do all we can to fast-forward through that scene, but it might not be exact. We apologize for any inconvenience this late discovery of this scene causes.”
The tweet, showcasing the picture of the warning can be found below. It has since been reported by KOCO News (via Pink News) that the cinema hadn’t actually made any changes to the Lightyear screenings. “They took the sign down and never actually fast-forwarded through any showing of the movie.”
The incendiary behaviour towards the Lightyear film is far from surprising, especially in right-wing, conservative spaces. The likes of Ben Shapiro have pushed the inclusion of something as measly as a 2 second same-sex kiss as Disney pushing an agenda, whereas Senator Ted Cruz implied that same-sex kiss would lead to a desire for “Mickey and Pluto going at it”, as though homosexuality and bestiality are somehow related. Lightyear is also banned in 14 countries, such as Qatar and Saudia Arabia.
However, the lead of the film and the voice behind this version of Buzz Lightyear, Captain America actor Chris Evans, has taken a stand against the homophobic reactions across the globe. Speaking to Reuters, Evans said that “real truth is those people are idiots.”
“Every time there’s been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and that’s what makes us good.”
Lightyear is available to watch now in cinema.
