Episode 195: Ben Siemon

Ben Siemon is an animation writer at Disney, and he loves his job. But when the infamous "Don't Say Gay" bill was on its way to becoming law in Florida and Disney didn't come out against it (AND was revealed to have donated to the politicians behind it), Ben got upset. So upset, in fact, that one day last month he made a video explaining why Disney's silence was dangerous in general, and hurtful to the company's LGBTQ employees specifically. Ben's video ended up going viral, prompting other Disney writers and actors to speak up as well. Within several days, Disney's CEO had issued a statement. Ben helps us wade through Disney's complicated history with the queer community, and provides some insight as to what we can do when a company we love is causing harm. Plus, he tells us how his own coming out collided with a NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE!

Follow and help amplify Ben on Twitter at @BenjaminJS, and watch his *hilarious* Barbie doll brunch videos at @brunchtheseries on TikTok!