Disney Parks To Allow Staff To Have Visible Tattoos And Gender-Inclusive Costumes

Disney theme parks will allow staff to have visible tattoos and wear gender-inclusive costumes in a policy change to become 'more diverse and inclusive'.

A post on the company's website from chairman Josh D'Amaro said the new policies will help create 'a place where everyone is welcome' and will result in 'richer, more personal' experiences for visitors to the park.

The post reads: "We're looking at other traditions, too - including the policies that guide how our cast members show up for work.

"Our new approach provides greater flexibility with respect to forms of personal expression surrounding gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewellery, nail styles, and costume choices; and allowing appropriate visible tattoos.

"We're updating them to not only remain relevant in today's workplace, but also enable our cast members to better express their cultures and individuality at work.

"Moving forward, we believe our cast, who are at the centre of the magic that lives in all our experiences, can provide the best of Disney's legendary guest service when they have more options for personal expression - creating richer, more personal and more engaging experiences with our guests."

Disney has previously had pretty strict rules on how its workers could look - staff weren't even allowed beards until 2012, so this change to allow 'appropriate' tattoos and gender-inclusive hairstyles is a big change for the company.

PA

Alongside the changes to how staff can dress and express themselves, D'Amaro also promised to make the parks' attractions 'more inclusive'.

He wrote: "We're reimagining our attractions to be more inclusive, like upcoming enhancements to Jungle Cruise and new adventures with Princess Tiana.

"We're celebrating the diverse and inspiring stories of our cast and fans with creator collaborations and exciting experiences, like The Soul of Jazz exhibit at Walt Disney World Resort."

D'Amaro ended the post by saying Disney still had 'more to do' to become more inclusive.

"This is just the beginning as we continue to work toward a world where we all belong - including a more diverse and inclusive Disney Parks, Experiences and Products," he wrote.

"There's more to do, but we're committed to listening, learning, and making meaningful improvements."

Topics: Disney

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

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