Anyone encountered any anti-gay hostility-updated!

[easleygrls]

I've just finished reading some posts on another board in which the poster remarked about the "disgusting & perverted" things she witnessed while visiting during Gay Days. This makes me wonder...has anyone encountered any hostility from other guests over 'appearing' or 'acting' gay?

The last time DP & I were at WDW was in '95, and the most frequent comment we got was "are you two sisters?" (No, we all look alike...!?!).
When we go the week after Gay Days this summer we'll have DD7 in tow. Quite a different dynamic.

Living in the Bible Belt has made me used to all the staring from the good 'ol boys (and broads too!), and we are waaaaaaaay past the PDA stage, but this poster has made me a little nervous. 1) DD has managed to make it this far without being exposed to any negative comments about her family and I hope I can keep her sheltered a bit longer, and 2) I know how cranky I get in the heat...I'd hate to snap on someone who made some inappropriate comments.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Chuck S]

The only thing I have encountered personally was a guest who was talking one of those park exit polls where the CM with an electronic pad asks about their day. It was at EPCOT, and I was waiting while Mom was in the restroom, and the guy just went off on the poor CM (who was a Senior Citizen) about the "make up of the crowd, how can Disney alolow such a thing, etc. The CM waited until the guy was done, said he was sorry he didn't enjoy the day and left it at that. Then the CM walked over to me an apologized on behalf of the guest. That CM had the patience of a saint.

[ConcKahuna]

The worst I had was a gentleman who came up to me with his daughter in tow and told me "you people are disgusting!" Of course both this gentleman and said daughter had dreadlocks (not the stylish kind, the nasty kind) and reeked of B.O., so I didnt take offense.

[Bocabear]

I was there with a friend and we were just walking...and there was this redneck family all in camouflage and t-shirts...the 8 year old son said "Hey Daddy, look at the ******s" and the father glared at us as if to intimidate....we just smiled and walked on by...
Nice to see someone instilling hate at such an early age....geeez.
other than that experience, we had no problems whatsoever and most people were friendly...CM were especially frindly and there was a really festive air to the crowd ...:goodvibes

[tiggr33]

Padalyn and I have received glares. I have two responses to the gawkers.

The first: Picture this in a flattered tone. I say loud and happily, "Oh do you recognize her. Do you want an autograph, or would you like a picture with her" Cayla is usually hysterical in laughter by the time I get the last word out. The best is if anyone else iwe know walks by and runs over and chimes in (flustered excited tone) with an "OHHH MY GAWD I can't believe your here"

The second, I dont really want to post I like my PG rating, but is along the lines of "yes we are, no you cant"

[lillielil]

Just once... we were standing in line for Space Mountain and holding hands (in a totally G/PG sort of way). A family of four (mom, dad, kids about 5 and 7) was in line behind us. The parents suddenly noticed that we were holding hands, and took a few steps backwards. They then stood in front of the kids to form a wall, and just kept glaring at us, giving us some of the nastiest looks I have ever seen.

I can deal with nasty looks. What really bothered me is that they were using the two of us as a tool to teach their children hate.

And not that it should matter, but we could just as easily have been sisters or close friends. It's not like we were groping on each other (which is gross, and not something anyone should be doing while in line for Space Mountain).

Other than that... nothing but fabulousness. Well, the occasional quizzical look. And there then there was that woman who asked us if we were "kin" and wanted to fight about it when we said no.


And WOW! I just noticed your name/location. I'm originally from Anderson. Hi, neighbor!

[SkyMedik]

OK...here's my take...and, yes, I am 24 years old and it may be a young mindset. And, yes, I am waiting from a phone call from the police academy. And, yes, I work in areas where people aren't overly liberal.....

I don't want to be the bigger person. I don't want to rise above it. I -do- want to sink to their level. I realize many of you think it's perpetuating the problem (OK, I admit it does, but I'm sick of kissing people's butts). But if you make a rude comment to me, gawk at me, teach your kids to hate me...you're going to hear how I feel about it. And if you push the issue, I'll push back harder. And if you wanna take it to the next level, go for it, I'll match you. 'Cuz I've had a bad week, I'm out of espresso and I'm sick of biggots wasting my oxygen.

*shew!* I feel better now.

[Am_I_There_Yet]

This is my first post on this board, and I'm here because I want to know how crowded the parks are going to be when I'm there. :rotfl:

I just want to say, as a straight woman, I'm appalled at some of the comments I've seen on the other boards in regards to the Gay Day celebration. Of course, parents who shelter their children needlessly get on my ever-living nerves anyway... but to couple that with hate/bigotry, is reprehensible in my opinion.

I hope that those who have made those comments, see the comments that you have all posted. There is a flip-side to the coin, and this has been an eye-opener for me. I feel horrible that there are people out there who are so insecure in themselves, that they have to project that on others.

My whole family will be there from June 2nd, thru June 9th, AND we will be at the MK on the 2nd. Maybe I'm wrong, and I love to get your opinions on this - but my husband and I did have a discussion on how to handle it if his daughter does mention something. Really, the only reason we even had that discussion, is because I don't want her to say anything that will cause someone else any discomfort.

(She doesn't live with us, and lives in a small, red-neck town, and I can't vouch for how she's being raised, and I think that has everything to do with how accepting you are of others, no matter what the differences are.)

We just simply figured if she asked, we say that they're holding hands (or whatever) because they love each other. If she asks more questions we'll use it as an opportunity to show her that we have no problem with it and she shouldn't either. Of course she may not even ask. Who knows?

So, if you see a family of five, one daughter with two colors of hair (we're sort of hard to miss), stop and say hello! :)

[easleygrls]

And WOW! I just noticed your name/location. I'm originally from Anderson. Hi, neighbor!

Ahhhh! So you know where I'm coming from with the "Y'all sisters?" comments

[lillielil]

Ahhhh! So you know where I'm coming from with the "Y'all sisters?" comments

Unfortunately, yes. We get quite a bit of that here in Virginia too. In college (before we were dating) we used to say "Yes! We are twins/sisters/whatever!" and we thought it was a lot of fun. Now that we're married, it's just creepy. I don't think we look alike, but we're about the same height/build, which I guess is enough for a lot of people to conclude that we must be kin. Yuck.

[SkyMedik]

Am_I_There_Yet - Your post was very uplifting for me. :) Thank you. I will now promise to refrain from berating any evil doers I encounter.

It means so very much to me and many others that you are so open-minded in bringing your daughter. I imagine answering those kinds of questions must be tough on you, and it speaks wonders of your character. Please, please - if you see anything inappropriate, report it. Gays need to be held to the same standards of conduct as anyone else - no excuses. I wish your family a wonderful trip, and if I ever see you in the Kingdom I'll buy you an ice cream :)

[easleygrls]

my husband and I did have a discussion on how to handle it if his daughter does mention something.

Maybe you can feel her out ahead of time, kind of prep her for what she might see. How old is she? When it comes up, we talk about how there are many different types of families...most have a Mom & Dad, but some have 2 Moms, 2 Dads, some only one, or none etc. I bet you will mostly encounter couples without kids though. So, maybe you can have the talk about some boys like other boys/girls like other girls (keeping it age appropriate, of course!) and this week a lot of those boys & girls (men & women, whatever) are having a huge Disney party!

I remember when I was about DD's age my Dad having a talk with me & DBro when a relative kept using the N word. He said that while we couldn't keep my aunt from using that language, in our house we didn't use that word or believe the things she did. Maybe you could try that if any bad raisin' by her redneck relatives pops up.

[lillielil]

1) I love this thread now.
2) I wish I had kids right now so that I could have a gentle little talk with them about how some kids have a mommy and a daddy, and that's ok, and that they're a family as long as they love each other.

[gcrw11]

First time posting on this thread also. I am a straight married woman with 2 sons. We have a few gay relatives and to me, they are my family. Period. My kids have never asked questions about why Chris is with another guy, he's always been around my kids with other male friends. My sons just accept this. Anyone teaching thier kids differently should be ashamed of themselves. You don't choose to be straight or gay, so if you teach your child all thier young lives it's wrong, what will happen one day when they come home and say they are gay? Not a great relationship in thier adult lives I would assume. I would be sad for my kids if they came home and told me that they were gay, but it's because I would worry about the idiots in the world that would treat them badly. I would be sad that my grandchildren would always have people giving them dirty looks for something that has nothing to do with them.
We will be in DW in 2 weeks and if you are there, I promise you the only time I would stare is if you had something on your face or something inappropriate on your shirt. By all means hold each others hands, we do.

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Am_I_There_Yet - Your post was very uplifting for me. :) Thank you. I will now promise to refrain from berating any evil doers I encounter.

It means so very much to me and many others that you are so open-minded in bringing your daughter. I imagine answering those kinds of questions must be tough on you, and it speaks wonders of your character. Please, please - if you see anything inappropriate, report it. Gays need to be held to the same standards of conduct as anyone else - no excuses. I wish your family a wonderful trip, and if I ever see you in the Kingdom I'll buy you an ice cream :)

Actually it's daughter(s). I have three of them, but the older ones are mine and I raised 'em right! They both have numerous gay friends, of both gender.

They've never bat an eyelash at their friend's sexual orientation. Never got into drugs either! I'd have to say it's the one thing I know I did right! :thumbsup2

It's the little one I'm concerned about. I don't know what she's been told, or hasn't been told. :scared:

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Maybe you can feel her out ahead of time, kind of prep her for what she might see. How old is she? When it comes up, we talk about how there are many different types of families...most have a Mom & Dad, but some have 2 Moms, 2 Dads, some only one, or none etc. I bet you will mostly encounter couples without kids though. So, maybe you can have the talk about some boys like other boys/girls like other girls (keeping it age appropriate, of course!) and this week a lot of those boys & girls (men & women, whatever) are having a huge Disney party!

She turns nine a few days before we leave. She's at that "I'm so cool" stage and I've heard her make some pretty ignorant comments before, but I think it's stuff she's picked up in school.

I actually did want to talk to her ahead of time, but then that brought up the issue of her going home and talking to her mother about it, and then we'd have no control over the situation. I have no idea how her mother would react. I don't know her that well.

I figure if we went and answered any questions as/if they came up, then she'd learn a good life lesson and we would know for a fact that it wouldn't be bigoted. I'm not saying her mother is a bigot by any means, I just would rather not find out the hard way, and her go with preconceived notions. KWIM?

Those are great suggestions on how to bring it up. Much more eloquent than my "because they love each other"! :thumbsup2

I remember when I was about DD's age my Dad having a talk with me & DBro when a relative kept using the N word. He said that while we couldn't keep my aunt from using that language, in our house we didn't use that word or believe the things she did. Maybe you could try that if any bad raisin' by her redneck relatives pops up.

Another great way of approaching it! Thanks so much! I'm so glad I stopped in here!

[Am_I_There_Yet]

2) I wish I had kids right now so that I could have a gentle little talk with them about how some kids have a mommy and a daddy, and that's ok, and that they're a family as long as they love each other.

:rotfl:

That's what drove me to post in the first place.

Here are all these straight people worrying about what their innocent kids are going to get exposed to at the parks, and then I read about gay park goers who have to worry about the stupid comments straight people make in front of their kids.

It's just all so stupid!

There are two sides to every coin, and your statement reflects that perfectly! To your children, you will be the normal family and we'll be the odd ones. I never thought about that! I wonder how many gay couples instill heterosexual hatred to their kids? :rolleyes:

[PghLybrt]

My answer is yes , yes , yes oh and yes.

Unfortunately Disney is no exception from what we encounter in everyday life. Now I have never had anything but very pleasant to downright heartfelt experiences with any of the cast members. I have run into trouble with other guests however. From things ranging from comments made at us at the California Grill (how dare we have adult conversation and hold hands over a dinner at 10 at night) to people pulling cast members aside to get us kicked out of the bathroom (I mean my girl could have been a man in the bathroom!!!!) With that said we have never experienced the kind of violence that we have at home nor have we heard remarks as severe.


Would it ever stop me from going? Not a chance…does anything?

[Boston5602]

I remember when I was about DD's age my Dad having a talk with me & DBro when a relative kept using the N word. He said that while we couldn't keep my aunt from using that language, in our house we didn't use that word or believe the things she did. Maybe you could try that if any bad raisin' by her redneck relatives pops up.

We have to do the same thing with my dad. We tell the girls thats the way he thinks about it , but we know differently ! ( notice I did not say better , even though we do know better !!!!! :-)

I have not seen anything terrible in the parks in regards to pda's except for from kids , either straight or gay . I honestly feel so warm and included during gay days , if anyone has stared or something to me I never noticed . At least it doesn't stand out in my mind.

[mickeymousemom]

Am I There Yet...

Your posts are very well put. I lurk over here every so often(haven't posted in MONTHS) just to see what's going on. We will also be down during gay days and I have no worries. I have 3 DD's. They range in age from 3-17. We're an open-minded family and I do my best to talk to my kids about ANY differences they may see in ANYONE as they grow. When my 3 yo sees 2 people of the same sex holding hands, etc. I will tell her what I tell my others: Sometimes two men or two women love each other. No biggie. Sometimes kids live with 2 mommies or 2 daddies. No biggie there either. I have no doubt she'll grow up thinking that these scenarios are perfectly normal. I don't tolerate intolerance very well. I hate that this is even an issue, period.

[easleygrls]

I feel better knowing that most of you haven't had any major problems! I really didn't think there would be but thought I'd ask.

Ya know, if it was just me & DP, I would either just ignore any stares or comments or give the, ahhhh, adult version of "yes I am, no you can't" (love it!!). But with DD, I feel obligated to try & be a better human being. Oh the pressure!

[DVC~OKW~96]

We get the "are you sisters" comment too. :confused3 We don't even come close in looking like each other, ok? Gets old.

The CMs during the Gay Days time period seem to have on "extra nice." They are quick to smile, and greet you and warmly welcome you to whichever park you are entering/in. It's nice to have nearly a week of super pleasant service!

Guests? Well, they can be pretty ignorant sometimes, but hey, that's life, huh?

I do like skymedic's thoughts though! LOL. Sometimes I feel just like that.

We were on a Disney bus when the fat, white man behind us started to talk with his daugher (16 maybe?) about how he isn't going to go on the Ellen Degenerate ride... he kept it up and kept it up. Made for a tedious ten minute bus ride.

We were sitting on a bench in the WS when the father figure (could have been a grandfather) started lecturing his son on how bad things were in this country anymore. He went on to talk about drinking (one of us was holding a beer) and smoking (can't help there) and the "disgusting and indecent evil practices some people get up to." Staring at us, of course. We put on the total ignore and continued to talk between ourselves. When they left to board the ferry, they left behind their fairly large, and quite expensive camera bag. We brought it to the CM on the dock, who then handed it over to the grumpy man. He thanked her. She directed him to thank us. He didn't of course, but we waved and smiled. Let the son digest that.

We have younger friends (early twenties) who are the handsomest couple you'd want to see. Blonde, sweet and oh so buff. :teeth: They were standing and waiting for the resort bus at the MK, when a group of four older people started gay bashing quite badly. I have to hand it to these men, young though they are, they just smiled sweetly at them the whole time. Not so sure I could have done it. THEN, stood aside to let them enter the bus first!

So yes, you may encounter ignorance and hatred. Unfortunately, Disney isn't a sanctuary from that.

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Am I There Yet...

Your posts are very well put. I lurk over here every so often(haven't posted in MONTHS) just to see what's going on. We will also be down during gay days and I have no worries. I have 3 DD's. They range in age from 3-17. We're an open-minded family and I do my best to talk to my kids about ANY differences they may see in ANYONE as they grow. When my 3 yo sees 2 people of the same sex holding hands, etc. I will tell her what I tell my others: Sometimes two men or two women love each other. No biggie. Sometimes kids live with 2 mommies or 2 daddies. No biggie there either. I have no doubt she'll grow up thinking that these scenarios are perfectly normal. I don't tolerate intolerance very well. I hate that this is even an issue, period.

This is how I've raised my daughters too. They're their own people; why should I tell them how to think?

I give them enough credit to think they're intelligent enough to form their own opinions, based off of their own experiences and beliefs, without feeling the need to cram mine down their throats.

Have fun on your trip! :)

[4eyedbuzzard]

When we go the week after Gay Days this summer we'll have DD7 in tow. Quite a different dynamic...Anyone have any thoughts?

We (DH50-me, DW46, DD19, DS16, DD15) are going at roughly the same time, June 6 - 13. We really wanted to go the week before, during Gay Days, even though the kids have final exams that week, but being rural heteros had to black out those "gay dates" so as not to expose our children to the sight of any "abominations.":scared1: One look, or worse - God forbid brushing up against one of you - might just influence their orientation(I think one of televangelists said it can rub off, ya know).:scared: I would therefore request that you respect my RIGHT not to have to witness such disgusting behavior, and please refrain from any innate perverted gay displays while in our presence. Oh, and please maintain your distance. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

/sarcasm

I love the several "are you sisters?" comments. If it were me in your shoes I'd probably just HAVE to reply, "Why yes! Are you two siblings, too?!"

Have a wonderful trip and don't let the slack-jaws bother you.

[SkyMedik]

DVC, thank you for understanding me....LOL...I thought for sure I was going to get some PM's over that....

Am_I_There_Yet....pleased to see you are married to a fellow FFer :) But how were you saved by cat poo? :eek:

and 4eyed, that was too funny! :rotfl:

[BubblPopElectrc]

I must have gotten lucky, as I've never had either guests or cast members say anything rude or offensive.

I will say that I feel as though the cast members are extra accomodating, never blinking an eye when we request a single king bed. :wizard: (Trust me.. been there, done there.. once at a hotel in NYC we had to BATTLE with the worker who was confused with why we wouldn't want two beds.)

[FamilyGuy]

I took the time to read much of this thread and and see comments on other boards about gay days...

As a father of 5, I wanted to make it a point to say that I firmly believe the negative comments you may have received are truly ignorant and show the lack of respect and tolerance that can be found in society today.

Perhaps I am wrong, but I would like to believe that most people are completely comfortable and accepting of differences today - perhaps it's simply because that's what I was raised to believe and what my wife and I have raised our children to believe. There are all types of differences, not only sexual orientation, but also shape, size, skin tone/race, religion, etc between people today. The beauty of America is that we can freely be all those different things and still be equal.

Those who attempt to assert otherwise by starting, commenting, condesending, or other lame method are simply showing their own lack of self assurance and confidence.

I guess the other reason I am posting is that I made a private comment to my wife, and she made me realize that I should not make a comment that I would no be willing to make infront of someone else. Her sister (my sister-in-law) has a co-worker and very close friend who is a gay male. They are very close, someone who did not know both of them might think that are boyfriend / girlfriend. They are together now, on vacation, half way across the country. I casually said "hey, your sister makes a good *** hag." My wife glared at me as she asked why I would say that? I told her I would have no problem saying that infront of them, it's just an affectionate term. She reminded me that, though it MAY not be the case, there is a chance that he (or maybe even she) could be offended, and if so, then how would I feel? Furthermore, if I wouldn't say it infront of them (which I wouldn't reallly, without knowing that they were comfortable with it), why would I say it behind their back... Good thing the my wife helped me realized that before I said an "affectionate term" infront of them, and inturn possibly offended them!

Have fun at WDW everyone. We all deserve to have fun and not be bothered by others on our vacation!

[Am_I_There_Yet]

DVC, thank you for understanding me....LOL...I thought for sure I was going to get some PM's over that....

Am_I_There_Yet....pleased to see you are married to a fellow FFer :) But how were you saved by cat poo? :eek:

and 4eyed, that was too funny! :rotfl:

Yep! Been married to one for four years! He's going on his 13th year. :thumbsup2

The cat poo... well, there is a cat that uses the side of our house as her personal litter box. She goes in the same spot every day.

Well, someone left our gate open and my golden, Chloe, got out. She's the daughter I never gave birth to and very special to me. Anyway, I walked to the kitchen window and noticed her out there snacking on the cat poo.

So, if it hadn't of been there, she might have kept on going, and I might have never seen her again. So, I was saved by cat poo. :laughing:

Aren't you glad you asked? :rolleyes1

[tiggr33]

Yep! Been married to one for four years! He's going on his 13th year. :thumbsup2

The cat poo... well, there is a cat that uses the side of our house as her personal litter box. She goes in the same spot every day.

Well, someone left our gate open and my golden, Chloe, got out. She's the daughter I never gave birth to and very special to me. Anyway, I walked to the kitchen window and noticed her out there snacking on the cat poo.

So, if it hadn't of been there, she might have kept on going, and I might have never seen her again. So, I was saved by cat poo. :laughing:

Aren't you glad you asked? :rolleyes1

http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra2/puke1.gif Eww, now that is a disgusting and perveted act, if I ever heard one.....:rolleyes1

SkyMedik, I think everyone of us can relate to not wanting to stand taller.

[DawnM]

Personally, I am discusted by anyone who really should be "getting a room." This isn't limited to any sexual orientation. Gay or strait I think it is not appropriate at Disney.

I have only really ever encountered it at Disney with teenagers though. Most adults are restrained enough in front of little kids.

Holding hands is fine, but making out heavily, well......that is a whole different issue.

Dawn

[LukenDC]

Perhaps I am wrong, but I would like to believe that most people are completely comfortable and accepting of differences today - perhaps it's simply because that's what I was raised to believe and what my wife and I have raised our children to believe. There are all types of differences, not only sexual orientation, but also shape, size, skin tone/race, religion, etc between people today. The beauty of America is that we can freely be all those different things and still be equal.


I agree with you. I have never had a problem traveling at WDW and the first year I went I took my boyfriend. No problems whatsoever.

[madcam]

Have you ever noticed that the people who are so affronted by the homosexual community's "lack of decency" and "horrible perversions" (sarcasim) are some of the most hateful, un-Christian, *******s you will ever meet? How can we, as humans, teach tollerance and kindness if we spew such ugly, hurtful words or adopt such hostile attitudes? To all those people who are concerned about "exposing" your kids to something that you are uncomfortable with: I think it is sad and offensive that my children have to be exposed to small minded bigots who don't know how to conduct themselves in public much less think it is ok to perpetuate hate in the hearts and minds of their children. NO ONE should grope each other in public! Not gay people, not straight people. My kids would be uncomfortable and confused to see ANYONE behave that way but I garantee that they wouldn't blink an I to see people together, happy and, yes, even (gasp!):rolleyes: holding hands in the "Happiest Place on Earth". Sexual orientation is not contagious but hate is. I hope you have a great trip!!!!!:goodvibes

[wildeoscar]

We are a couple of fun bear types that look like brothers and thanks to years of hanging out together have simular mannerisms. So when we get asked "are you two related" or "are you brothers" the easy answer is yes, it saves time, I am often not in the mood to educate.

Our most recent trip, Baloo was outside of AK and we stopped to get our pictures with... who ever was in the costume had to be family as from the get go there was giggleing. Other then that, there was a creepy guy hitting on me during the Great Movie Ride. It's like like we are over the top gay, but two middle aged men with no kids at Disney, no that hard to figure out. Never got a second look or comment that we noticed.

When it comes to events like Gaydays... we avoid them. There is such a thing as too gay. We did a few "gay" vacations, Toronto Pride, Southern Decedance, IML/Bear Pride Chicago. And we do not have near as much fun on "gay" vacations as we do on "go be tourists and take pictures" vacations.

**** wow my spelling and typeing on this sucked, I need more coffee.

Anyway, in ever diverse group ya get those on the edge and those that just wanna ride Soarin one more time before we go home.

[Ava]

My partner and I have never encountered any negative comments or hostility at WDW. Well, none that we heard at least. I tend to be kind of oblivious to the people around me, which probably serves me well, except when I miss a celebrity sighting because I just don't notice them, lol.

We did get "Are you twins?" once when we were wearing matching t-shirts, but the comment came from a little girl, maybe 8 years old or so, who was in line for the bus with us. We chatted with her and her family while we were waiting, and then she sat next to us when we got on the bus and was telling us all about the parks she'd visited and the rides she'd been on. It was cute.

[steven_&_daniel]

As for the "are you sisters/brothers" thing...

We used to attend a gay-friendly church which had about a dozen gay couples. The average age at this church was about 70 or 75. There was this one little old lady who was very sweet but for some reason always thought that my partner and I were brothers. The fact that there were so many other gay couples didn't seem to help her figure out that we were a couple and not brothers.

My favorite though was when we lived in an apartment for 5 years and had a neighbor who thought we were the same person. My partner worked days and I worked nights. She rarely saw the two of us together and she was a little off center to start with (if you know what I mean). She was always starting a conversion with one of us and finishing it with the other. It was too funny!

[kelma]

First, I just have to say how much more I've enjoyed THIS GayDays discussion than the one on the other board :sad2:

I don't know if this makes you feel any better about the sibling comments, but I will say that couples often do look alike. My DH and I have been together since high school (17 years now :eek: ) and people always thought we were brother and sister. My DH loved it and would often not correct them and then inappropriately put his arm around me or whisper in my hair, or kiss me (hey we were young :lmao: ). He got a ridiculous amount of joy out of doing that. People don't do it anymore now that we're in our early 30's and have kids hanging onto us everywhere we go, but I think he misses those days. I imagine that his advice would be for you to enjoy their confusion ;) or, alternately, have a few kids - worked for us :lmao:

Kelma

[addicted_to_WDW]

Hi all! I have a question about how I should handle my DS.

We were at WDW during gay days last year and we'll be there again this year. DS has been raised to believe that people love who they love and that it's ok to be who you are. Still, even though I know he knows this, he still found the few gay PDAs we saw very amusing and I'm embarassed to say that there was definitely some staring and giggling going on. He was 12. I don't want him to embarass himself or anyone else, but at the same time I don't want to make a bigger deal out of it than necessary.

Advice?

[Chuck S]

Hi all! I have a question about how I should handle my DS.

We were at WDW during gay days last year and we'll be there again this year. DS has been raised to believe that people love who they love and that it's ok to be who you are. Still, even though I know he knows this, he still found the few gay PDAs we saw very amusing and I'm embarassed to say that there was definitely some staring and giggling going on. He was 12. I don't want him to embarass himself or anyone else, but at the same time I don't want to make a bigger deal out of it than necessary.

Advice?


Truthfully, he's 12, that's kind of what 12 years olds do. Sort of like the "Ewwwwwww" factor when they see a hetero couple hold hands or kiss. 12 years olds are walking embarrassment factories. :rotfl: I guess it has to do with them becoming "aware" of their own feelings and sexuality.

[rwrocksme]

Truthfully, he's 12, that's kind of what 12 years olds do. Sort of like the "Ewwwwwww" factor when they see a hetero couple hold hands or kiss. 12 years olds are walking embarrassment factories. :rotfl: I guess it has to do with them becoming "aware" of their own feelings and sexuality.

i think that even after the whole "ewww!" stage, PDAs of any kind are gross. there is only one place anyone, gay or straight, teen or adult, should make out, and that's on Tommorrowland Transit Authority, when you go through Space Mountan and it's all dark. :upsidedow

Actually, that might be fun...

[Am_I_There_Yet]

i think that even after the whole "ewww!" stage, PDAs of any kind are gross. there is only one place anyone, gay or straight, teen or adult, should make out, and that's on Tommorrowland Transit Authority, when you go through Space Mountan and it's all dark. :upsidedow

Actually, that might be fun...

I'll never look at that ride the same way again. :scared1:

[odd1]

I'll never look at that ride the same way again. :scared1:

oh, don't act like you've never done that!!!! :upsidedow

[ConcKahuna]

And don't forget to wave to the infra-red cameras while you go through there!! If you look towards the back of the vehicle, you can see them as you pass by.

[Am_I_There_Yet]

oh, don't act like you've never done that!!!! :upsidedow

Are you kidding me? I've never been able to go to WDW without my kids. Give me time... :laughing:

[PrincessJasmine]

I haven't been to Disney with her yet so not at Disney I haven't. But everywhere else? Sure! We can't go anywhere without at least one person staring. Sometimes we get comments called out to us but more often than not it's teenaged boys thinking they're being funny. Although two teenage boys did harass us at Busch Gardens this past February, going so far as to follow us around.

[cybertheo]

And if you miss your chance to make out on the Tommorrowland Transit Authority there is always the Haunted Mansion. But then you have to ride it again because you missed all the other cool stuff that goes on in there.

[TinkerbellMama]

First time posting on this thread also. I am a straight married woman with 2 sons. We have a few gay relatives and to me, they are my family. Period. My kids have never asked questions about why Chris is with another guy, he's always been around my kids with other male friends. My sons just accept this.


The best thing I have EVER heard from a child regarding two uncles, who were a couple:

Other Child (in bewildered/half-disgusted tone): "Why is your Uncle John holding that guy's hand?"
Awesomely Funny Kid (in dang-you're-stupid tone): "Because he likes guys, and that is his boyfriend. DUH!"

This kid was seriously irritated that his friend was so clueless!:rotfl:

[Joevn]

I've been to Disney several times with my boyfriend and we've never encountered anything negative from other guests or cast members in regards to our sexuality. Then again, we aren't the types to hold hands in public and whatnot. I must say, though, the cast at Disney has been great. This one guy who was helping us with our luggage obviously figured us out and told us about Mannequins at Pleasure Island on Thurs night. And during our last trip, the lady checking us in was able to switch us to a king bed room at the Pop Century which are, at least in my experience, very hard to come by.

[hematite153]

I don't think we've had anyone SAY anything directly at us. But I have seen several families wearing t-shirts with homophobic and derogatory comments on them.

We also had one depressing (humourous in retrospect) encounter on the "family" issue. My DW has a skin disorder that makes it impossible for her to do the walking involved in a wdw vacation. (She tried once on a half-day and then couldn't walk at all for the rest of the week.) So, in order to make the parks accessible, I push her in a w/c most of the time. One day, we were trying to move in at SSR right after they had cleaned the halls. The floor was wet and VERY slippery. I tripped and twisted my ankle while attempting to push and carry bags simultaneously. Later, a woman who had seen this said to my DW, "you need to get a motorized w/c or your daughter is going to have a heart attack." We were both so thrown we had essentially no response. Yes, my DW is older than I am, but only by 6 years! She doesn't even have gray hair yet!

[SeattleRedBear]

We are a couple of fun bear types that look like brothers and thanks to years of hanging out together have simular mannerisms. So when we get asked "are you two related" or "are you brothers" the easy answer is yes, it saves time, I am often not in the mood to educate.

DHB & I are the same height (tall) and build (big) but otherwise really don't look alike, but we get that question ALL the time. I know I will never say it (because I know the question is coming from a good place) but one time I just want to say NO, WE'RE NOT BROTHERS....WE'RE LOVERS!!!! BWA-HA-HA-HA ;)

[easleygrls]

Well, we are halfway through our visit, and have nothing but an awesome time so far! As a matter of fact, we have had many CMs go out of their way to make things more magical for us (imagine that!).

We had some CMs who, with a wink & a nod, told us they could squeeze just one more kid in for a character signing, or came up to us out of the blue and gave us some tips or heads up about things that were going to happen. If I could only find one to buy DD's souvies!!

[Tinkmom]

I had to say that as a resident of a southern state I am not thrilled with the use of "redneck" repeatedly to describe apparently every anti-gay bigot on the planet. Just to be sure that I wasn't too confused on the issue, I went to Merriam to check the definition of redneck. It said: "redneck: 1 sometimes disparaging : a white member of the Southern rural laboring class; 2 often disparaging : a person whose behavior and opinions are similar to those attributed to rednecks."

First, let me make it perfectly clear that I think that any anti-gay comments are ridiculous and agree that anyone who teaches their child to hate any group is very, very wrong. But I personally know people who are literally rednecks, i.e., white folks who live in rural areas of the south who are part of the laboring class. Plenty of them are kind, open-minded people who admit to being rednecks. Along the same lines, there are many people from the northeast, midwest, west coast, etc. who are bigoted, including some who consider themselves quite "sophisticated".

Maybe it wouldn't hurt to step back and realize that painting any entire group of people with a very broad, very negative brush is wrong.

[FamilyGuy]

Maybe it wouldn't hurt to step back and realize that painting any entire group of people with a very broad, very negative brush is wrong.

Good Point. And if I might say so myself, it's in an appropriately fitting thread!

[Rence]

The most anti-gay hostility that I experience in my life is in some of the discussions here on the disboards - most of the community here is wonderful but in some of the discussions (especially on the community board) there is some astounding ignorance and bigotry displayed.

[PghLybrt]

I had to say that as a resident of a southern state I am not thrilled with the use of "redneck" repeatedly to describe apparently every anti-gay bigot on the planet. Just to be sure that I wasn't too confused on the issue, I went to Merriam to check the definition of redneck. It said: "redneck: 1 sometimes disparaging : a white member of the Southern rural laboring class; 2 often disparaging : a person whose behavior and opinions are similar to those attributed to rednecks."

First, let me make it perfectly clear that I think that any anti-gay comments are ridiculous and agree that anyone who teaches their child to hate any group is very, very wrong. But I personally know people who are literally rednecks, i.e., white folks who live in rural areas of the south who are part of the laboring class. Plenty of them are kind, open-minded people who admit to being rednecks. Along the same lines, there are many people from the northeast, midwest, west coast, etc. who are bigoted, including some who consider themselves quite "sophisticated".

Maybe it wouldn't hurt to step back and realize that painting any entire group of people with a very broad, very negative brush is wrong.
Sorry but that post really irked me. Once again any comment (or action ) negatively about a gay person is in no way as important as a negative comment about someone else. That is what I got from the post. What I highlighted should have been the first sentiment and maybe it would have come off better.

While I am not a fan of using derogatory names with anyone I think the term “redneck” has become associated with a certain type of person, not just southern. In fact many people now walk around in t shirts, with bumper stickers and what not saying how proud they are to be one.

I know you didn’t mean any offense by the post. However from my standpoint it was offensive, this wasn't a thread about "rednecks" it was a thread about gay hostility which you thought was not as important as the whole "redneck" reference. At least that is the way I read it.

[Tinkmom]

Sorry but that post really irked me. Once again any comment (or action ) negatively about a gay person is in no way as important as a negative comment about someone else.

Not AT ALL! I don't see how you got there! If you go back to the first page it is repeatedly redneck redneck redneck to describe these bigots. That bothered me, and prompted my post. I certainly didn't think nor I think in any way said or intimated that "...any comment (or action) negatively about a gay person is in no way as important as a negative comment about someone else." What?? I found it ironic and offensive that people were doing the same sort of thing about which they complain, that is, using a term to describe a group (whether they believe now twisted to mean something new so okey dokey to use derogatively) about another group.

While I am not a fan of using derogatory names with anyone I think the term “redneck” has become associated with a certain type of person, not just southern. In fact many people now walk around in t shirts, with bumper stickers and what not saying how proud they are to be one. Do you view that as saying that they are proud to be bigots? Maybe some but I know that there are plenty of these people who are just trying to say that they know they aren't sophisticated, they are simple folk and are okay with that and not trying to pretend to be more. There isn't any reason to be ashamed to be a farmer in Mississippi with only a high school degree, for instance; they should not automatically feel inferior to someone from a large city with multiple college degrees. I think they get to "claim the term" and when someone comes along and uses that term to describe anyone who is anti-gay then that isn't right. The actual term simply refers to the rural labor class, and clumping hateful bigots in with all of them is not fair IMHO. Again, there are plenty of bigots who are well-educated (at some level!), financially well off and from urban and surburban areas. So why the continual reference to those who express anti-gay sentiments as rednecks? If you are not a fan of using derogatory terms then join the club and perhaps you can see the reason for my post. I don't think I have to prioritize what wrong is more wrong. I saw something that bothered me and wanted to express that.

I know you didn’t mean any offense by the post. However from my standpoint it was offensive, this wasn't a thread about "rednecks" it was a thread about gay hostility which you thought was not as important as the whole "redneck" reference. At least that is the way I read it.

See my first response. Sorry that you feel that way and I am a bit disappointed that you won't step back and even attempt to see my point.:confused3

[Tinkmom]

Originally Posted by Tinkmom
Maybe it wouldn't hurt to step back and realize that painting any entire group of people with a very broad, very negative brush is wrong.

Good Point. And if I might say so myself, it's in an appropriately fitting thread!

Thanks! :goodvibes

[dennis-in-ct]

I posted my trip report on laughing place .com and just had a comment.

ladypirate said ...
"Maybe that was a little harsh but why do Gays feel the need to tell everyone and show everyone that they are gay. Can't you just keep it private like most people do. I don't get it! Why does Disney promote Gay Day? "


I wrote:
"well ... THAT's a fine how-do-youdo?

Let me guess ... you support President Bush’s recent nomination of Dr. James Holsinger as surgeon general and other hateful bigots?"



and I got a response that said:
"No, I just hate the way you gays push your agenda on America, keep it to yourself that's all we ask, we don't care about your life style."




I lost it ... and wrote back ....
"<<< Can't you just keep it private like most people do >>>

Because we do not have the laws in place to recognize and protect our civil rights.

There are bigots who see being gay as a behavoir and not an attribute. I cannot go a shrink and pay money for sessions and say "fix me" It doesn't work like that.



Gays today are fighting for civil rights just as black people did in the 60s.

We cannot be driven down by hate and accept being second class citizens because we make people uncomfortable. Do you know it was only 40 years ago that black and white people were allowed to marry? Can you imagine something like that had to be fought in the supreme court???

Why were black people made to sit in the back of the bus? Drink from a different water fountain? Not allowed to go to schools with the whites?

Why?

Because they were different and made people uncomfortable. Other's felt they were better. And black people are no different than anyone else. And they know it and fought for laws to protect them.


Gay people make other people uncomfortable too. It is sad and true. There are hateful out there who think we should be killed and dragged by cars just as Mathew Sheppard was. Why? Well, he was just a queer. Nice.


Don't under estimate the rights and privillages you have as a citizen. You don't realize it until someone WITHOUT those rights reminds you of what you have.

We gays need the laws in place for us. Until that happens, we are not sitting back and being quiet so YOU can feel comfortable.

<< I just hate the way you gays push your agenda on America >>

You mean equal rights. Oh yeah. That's bad.

You need to be educated. You need to learn how NOT to be a bigot. You need to learn you are part of a global community and Gay people exisit because they do.

Science and American Psychological Association have made offical statements on the matter back in 1975.

For you to tell me I don't deserve *my* civil rights is frightening.


You sound like you would fit nicely in the bigoted era of the 60's and a good NAZI sending everyone who isn't YOU to die - because they are different.... yeah ... way to be a citizen ... nice....




<<< it to yourself that's all we ask, we don't care about your life style. >>


Who is *we* ???
You mean ignorant bigots?


---------------------------------




I really love that the disboards has a forum specifically for gay and lesbian.

Thanks! This is very nice indeed


Dennis

[Tinkmom]

Dennis,

You know, sadly, I figure people like that are pretty much hopeless. The funny (not haha) part is that when I see that sort of close-mindedness it is often because this person has a family member who is gay and/or their have some concern about their own sexuality, and they are SO in denial and SO afraid of some sort of, I don't know, taint or backlash from others.

Part of my ex's family was so freaky about this sort of thing. There were a few who, at large family gatherings, made negative comments about gay people. I was floored because there are 3 family members who attend every gathering who are gay. They just sort of rolled their eyes and ignored it. I found out that they never OPENLY stated their sexual orientation, so some family just pretended it was otherwise. WHO CARES? Would they love these people less for their sexual orientation? Just bizarre. But the gay members of the family asked me to also ignore the comments, because they felt there would be no progress in getting those to understand and accept, and it would just cause problems for them. I never "outed" anyone, but couldn't help but let my general feelings be known when those, and other :sad2: bigoted remarks were made.

I did see the point, though, that it was like beating your head against the wall to try to get anywhere. Then my ex BIL who went on a rant about gay people and I was more or less dragged from the room before I could ask how he could not be aware that his own father is gay. Logic and compassion seem to be excluded from their discussions of the subject. Very frustrating . . .

[Ex Cast Member]

I'm gay and a redneck!
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia (ok, In LA now but once a redneck, always a redneck). Some of the hottest guys are rednecks!

Mmmmm Pick up trucks!

[dennis-in-ct]

Hi tinkmom - very nicely put indeed!!

My "civil-union" husband had a former life. he was married 26 years and has three beautiful daughters who all love their Dad. At our wedding, they stood up for him and my two brothers and Dad stood up for me.

His youngest daughter ( 16 ) stays with us every weekend, holiday and summer. I have learned first hand that LOVE really does make a family. She wrote a paper about people sticking up for their rights - she wrote about us.

When I hear that and how many schools today have gay/straight allience groups, I have hope that gay people will be successful in gaining equality.


It amazes me the hate and bigotry people have. *sigh* ...

Here's to a PRIDE!! and I will be going to the Rhode Island pride this weekend and NYC pride the following weekend .. don't you just LOVE June :)

[dennis-in-ct]

<< I'm gay and a redneck! >>

lol ... hey .. works for me :)


I love how there are all types of gay people. I read an article ont he QUEER EYE TV show a while back. Apparently there was an uproar over that show. Many gays were outraged that they projected the image that ALL gays are like that.

Yes ... QUEER EYE is the unobtainable BARBIE equivilant for us :)

[Coopsmum77]

I had to say that as a resident of a southern state I am not thrilled with the use of "redneck" repeatedly to describe apparently every anti-gay bigot on the planet. Just to be sure that I wasn't too confused on the issue, I went to Merriam to check the definition of redneck. It said: "redneck: 1 sometimes disparaging : a white member of the Southern rural laboring class; 2 often disparaging : a person whose behavior and opinions are similar to those attributed to rednecks."

First, let me make it perfectly clear that I think that any anti-gay comments are ridiculous and agree that anyone who teaches their child to hate any group is very, very wrong. But I personally know people who are literally rednecks, i.e., white folks who live in rural areas of the south who are part of the laboring class. Plenty of them are kind, open-minded people who admit to being rednecks. Along the same lines, there are many people from the northeast, midwest, west coast, etc. who are bigoted, including some who consider themselves quite "sophisticated".

Maybe it wouldn't hurt to step back and realize that painting any entire group of people with a very broad, very negative brush is wrong.

I have to agree with you. Don't judge one group when you are asking not to be judged yourself. My DP often wonders how she got tied up with a (northern) redneck. I come from a very blue collar family, and come garden season, we all have rednecks and farmers tans.

So far, knock on wood, we haven't experienced any problem while we've been in Disney.

[Coopsmum77]

Do you view that as saying that they are proud to be bigots? Maybe some but I know that there are plenty of these people who are just trying to say that they know they aren't sophisticated, they are simple folk and are okay with that and not trying to pretend to be more. There isn't any reason to be ashamed to be a farmer in Mississippi with only a high school degree, for instance; they should not automatically feel inferior to someone from a large city with multiple college degrees.


I have to agree. I would prefer to be a redneck than an elitist, any day. :) Now, the folks that fly the Confederate flag are a different issue. I think they are trying to say something, while hiding under the "rebel" image.

[Coopsmum77]

I knew a couple, one of whose family was so not accepting, they had weekly bible meetings in their home. Like way to the religious right meetings. Needless to say, they aren't together anymore.

We are blessed with our families. We have been trying to get preg for a while, but DP had an ectopic in Feb. My mom was at the hospital, family was devastated. My grandparents are hoping we're the ones who have the first great-grandson. All this from a rural, redneck family. From day one, DP has had her place in their hearts.

[Sparx]

I was browsing the boards, and I found this thread. It reminded me of something that happened in my town.

There was a gay man who lived in a very old, historical home. About a month ago, a bunch of teenagers paint balled his house and wrote gay slang (I don't think I can type the words on this board, but it starts with an F) and they threw rocks through his windows.

Three kids got put on probation and had to write a letter of apology to be published in the news paper. Honestly, I think more should've been done to them.

[liltinkers]

1) I love this thread now.
2) I wish I had kids right now so that I could have a gentle little talk with them about how some kids have a mommy and a daddy, and that's ok, and that they're a family as long as they love each other.

This is why this country is going straight to hell.:mad:

[Viki]

lilSOMETHING ... you've been warned, darlin" :)

[olbear]

Vicki,

Shouldn't that be...
"Ye be warned...ARRRGGGHHHH!!"

Sorry, couldn't resist, my bad...
Love ya mean it!

[ConcKahuna]

Vicki,

Shouldn't that be...
"Ye be warned...ARRRGGGHHHH!!"

Sorry, couldn't resist, my bad...
Love ya mean it!

:rotfl2:

[klineyqueen]

Hi, I am a straight married woman with 2 kids. We were in Disney over Gay Days with my family and some exteneded family. I think the people who are hostile are doing nothing but being rude and drawing attention to themselves. We obviously saw many gay couples and families...but we also saw many straight couples and families. My DD is only 1 so she didn't even notice anything at all. My DS is 4...guess what...he didn't either! We saw people holding hands...but straight, gay, mom and kid, dad and kid, you get the picture. My kids don't even notice anything because it is no big deal for us. Although...I am a music teacher and a more liberal kind of person. I just don't understand why anyone would act rude.

One funny thing we did see. There was a woman who had a tattoo on her chest that said "I am attracted to women." I thought that was very funny. I would never get any tattoo...anywhere (I am a total wimp...I still cry at 30 over shots.) I know that was off topic...but I just wanted to share. I told my DH that I wanted him to get a tattoo that said "I am attracted to my wife." LOL

Have a great day everyone. I hope you didn't get any bad looks, if you did I hope you don't take it to personally.

[ConcKahuna]

I told my DH that I wanted him to get a tattoo that said "I am attracted to my wife." LOL



RFLMAO!! That would be great!

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Hi, I am a straight married woman with 2 kids. We were in Disney over Gay Days with my family and some exteneded family. I think the people who are hostile are doing nothing but being rude and drawing attention to themselves. We obviously saw many gay couples and families...but we also saw many straight couples and families. My DD is only 1 so she didn't even notice anything at all. My DS is 4...guess what...he didn't either! We saw people holding hands...but straight, gay, mom and kid, dad and kid, you get the picture. My kids don't even notice anything because it is no big deal for us. Although...I am a music teacher and a more liberal kind of person. I just don't understand why anyone would act rude.

One funny thing we did see. There was a woman who had a tattoo on her chest that said "I am attracted to women." I thought that was very funny. I would never get any tattoo...anywhere (I am a total wimp...I still cry at 30 over shots.) I know that was off topic...but I just wanted to share. I told my DH that I wanted him to get a tattoo that said "I am attracted to my wife." LOL

Have a great day everyone. I hope you didn't get any bad looks, if you did I hope you don't take it to personally.

I posted awhile back about my step-daughter and how we should approach explaining things to her during that week.

You know what we had to do? A whole bunch of nothing.

She didn't notice a thing and we were at the MK that Saturday. I saw some t-shirts that left a little to be desired (and I'm very liberal), but other than that, I noticed a lot of people, both gay and otherwise, having fun.

I would go again during that week, in a heartbeat. But keep the bigots away! It was cool being at the MK on a Saturday and having all the rides practically a walk-on! :rotfl:

[lillielil]

This is why this country is going straight to hell.:mad:

I sincerely hope that was a failed attempt at humor.

[Viki]

Vicki,

Shouldn't that be...
"Ye be warned...ARRRGGGHHHH!!"

Sorry, couldn't resist, my bad...
Love ya mean it!

Where are my whips ... I know I had them someplace .... oh, wait, here they ... are!!!

[olbear]

pirate: that;s our girl!!

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[savannahjean85]

I went a few years back on gay day with my best friend April. I'm straight but most of my friends are gay except April. To start with me and April call each other hetro lifemates, we are close having no problem to hold hands or hugging we're just close. April's mom is gay and we're both very proud of her mom and love her. In fact it was April's mom who sent us as a graduation present. In Epcot, MGM, and Animal Kingdom we didn't ever any rude comments. Magical Kingdom was where we did hear some rude comments about all the gay couples, while standing in line in tomorrow land. I knew it was hurting April and she wasn't going to say anything, trying to be the bigger person. But finally while in line for the Astro Orbiter there were some teenage boys picking on one of their friends because he had on a red shirt (the Gay Days shirt was red that year), the boy went on to proclaim that he wasn't gay and "boy if someone to hit on me..." I lost it; I turned around and informed him that just as straight girls have standards that so gay guys and that just as not all straight girls found him attractive that neither would all gay guys, that he and his friends had nothing to worry about from what I could see. He and his friends didn't say anything after that. April reached over and grabbed my hand and held it until we got on the ride. All I could think was that if April's mom or any of my other friends were with me that I wouldn't want them to have to listen to such hate. After that we went to the other parts of the park and didn't have any problems.

[dkostel]

I've never experienced any anti gay hostility from guests or CMs. My exGF & I used to take my niece frequently. Once when she was 7 or so, she had made friends with another little girl at the CR pool. I struck up a conversation with her mom who was from Chicago as well. My GF came over & I got up to get a drink & the woman says to her something like, "I was just talking to, I'm sorry I forgot your friend's name...." well my niece jumps in with they are girlfriends, not friends, girrrlllllll friends. The lady about died, she was all apologetic, saying she doesn't assume anything about anyone, etc. etc. Once my girlfriend could stop laughing & speak, she told her that my niece is our biggest advocate and she had absolutely nothing to apologize about. She invited us all to her MK view room to watch the fireworks that night.
To be honest I'm sure that if anyone ever did make a disparaging remark about gays in front of my niece, she'd make them think twice about giving voice to their ignorance in the future.
Just this weekend she was plotting, out loud, how to get me hooked up with Ellen. She was saying how she just loves her and her show and that we should get married. This was from a 13 year old in line in a crowded waterpark, among a bunch of teenagers. She's awesome:thumbsup2

[easleygrls]

Once when she was 7 or so, she had made friends with another little girl at the CR pool.

I already posted that the CMs were great, but this last post reminded me of a couple of positive experiences we had with other vacationers too.

We were waiting in line at MGM for GMR next to a mom, a teenaged girl and a girl about DD's age. The mom struck up a conversation with DP when she noticed the Costa Rica T-shirt she was wearing. So naturally DD and the little girl started chatting too (it was a long wait). I heard DD say "Actually, both of them are my Moms, I have two". The Mom and teenager kind of raised an eyebrow, but then went back to talking about Costa Rica with DP. They even made sure we sat on the same row as them when it was finally our turn.

Then later that night on the bus back to the hotel, DD struck up another conversation with a girl who was interested in her BBB hairdo. Somehow the two Mom thing came up again. The girl said "You don't even have a Dad?" and DD said "Well I do have two Grandfathers and lots of Uncles." The Mom, who hadn't really said anything the whole ride, said goodbye to us all when we got off the bus.

[Kat77]

You know what we had to do? A whole bunch of nothing.

She didn't notice a thing and we were at the MK that Saturday.

From experience, I suspected that would happen... we attended gay day at Six Flags once and even my DH did not notice. When I laughed about someones shirt ("I'm not gay... my boyfriend is") my silly dh says "wow, there are a lot of gay couples here today", it took me a minute before I asked IF he even realised it was gay day?!

[ConcKahuna]

From experience, I suspected that would happen... we attended gay day at Six Flags once and even my DH did not notice. When I laughed about someones shirt ("I'm not gay... my boyfriend is") my silly dh says "wow, there are a lot of gay couples here today", it took me a minute before I asked IF he even realised it was gay day?!

LOL That kind of thing cracks me up. At those gay events you get 3 types of straight men:

Mr. Oblivious. He doesnt know anything is going on and doesn't care.

Mr. If-I-Didn't-Like-Girls-I'd-Be-Gay. Normally with his girlfriend and thier gaggle of gay friends.

Mr. Super-Macho. He normally has a death grip on his girlfriend/wife as if he is afraid he'll get assimilated into the gay crowd if he gets to far. This is also the type that will normally make snide comments at every chance.

[mermaidtheresa]

I was becoming discouraged as I read through this thread and your post lifted my spirits. Thank you.