Just Found Out about GAY DAYS!!! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

dove

03-22-2002, 11:25 AM

We are going June1-8, which is part of the "gay days week". I'm not too worried about it. Go to www.gaydays.com. They have their agenda posted there. It tells where people are staying, as well as what parks they will be at each day. I was a little concerned at first too. But from what I've been told, it's not so bad. Just avoid the parks on the days they will be there because they're supposed to be very crowded on those days. Also, I don't believe that they are staying at any "Official" Disney Resort. A lot of the time it looks like they'll be at Pleasure Island in the evenings. We stay away from that atmosphere with our kids anyway. Good luck!

disneyag

03-22-2002, 01:42 PM

We have been before with our young kids and plan to go again this year. The biggest problem with the Gayday celebration is that it makes crowds at the MK on Saturday, June 1 absolutely horrible!!!!! So, we avoid the MK on that day and no problem! Their website posts their schedule, so you can avoid the participants on the other days as well.

Dr. Happy

03-22-2002, 05:43 PM

Before we had kids, my wife and I were at WDW during Gay Days, and although we saw a lot of guys, they didn't act out of the ordinary at all. I wouldn't go through the trouble of changing your ressies. I'm sure you won't find anything objectionable happening. Afterall, Disney is a company that primarily caters to families. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about, except controlling your homophobia!!

:D

lisapooh

03-23-2002, 06:56 PM

Been to Gay Days the last few years and it is a blast. No really bas behavior. They stay at various resorts and have their own parties. Really a nice crowd. Funny thing happened 2 years ago. I was coming out of the Haunted Mansion in my power wheelchair and all these gay guys were teasing and telling everyone to make way for the wheelchair. I got through in record time.

sky

03-23-2002, 07:54 PM

Hi...this is my first post here and I just want to add my 2....
My husband and I (before kids) happened upon MK on Gay Day. We had no idea such a day even existed. Well, we were not comfortable at all. The crowd was just not our "scene". The people were obviously there to been seen and heard. I saw couples kissing, men dressed in drag, and people forming a chain (arm in arm) across walkways in the park. I would definately not go to WDW during Gay Day again and would not even fathom taking my daugher. If you don't want you family exposed to a "bombardment" of gay-ness, I would go someother time.

Good luck,

Pam

JonHM

03-23-2002, 09:13 PM

during Gay Days for our first trip since our honeymoon in '95, and it was *fabulous*!! We hadn't even known about it before we went down, but thought it was absolutely wonderful. There was a wonderful sense of community and tolerance - if we can stand the early June heat again, we would definitely go back and bring our little boy with us (the trip last June was only DW and myself)

It was a really wonderful time to be at WDW.

Dr. Happy

03-24-2002, 02:47 AM

Wow, I'm really surprised Sky had that experience...

Men kissing, men dressed in "drag", people forming "chains"...

Foregive me, but I have never heard of such happenings. I've been on these Boards for years and had taken a trip (coincidently) during Gay Days and had never seen, or heard of, anything like what you are describing...

Has anyone else experienced similar happenings?? Was my experience not representative??

:confused:

Gillian

03-24-2002, 06:52 AM

I've read enough about it here that I wouldn't mind going at all. Our anniversary is june1, and there's a good chance we'll celebrate it at WDW sometime (hopefully soon!).

During a crowded saturday, it would be next to impossible to form a chain of more than 2 people! That is, if you want to walk anywhere

The only thing that concerns me, as someone who needs her beauty sleep, is activites at some of the hotels or other off site venues. They sound quite wild & well, LOUD. Fun, but not something I want to be anywhere near. Shouldn't be hard to avoid though :)

timC

03-24-2002, 07:21 AM

We were there last year, during that week, but stayed away from MK on Gay Day, simply to avoid the crowds... We never had any concerns all week.

Disney owl

03-24-2002, 07:25 AM

We were there last June The Gay Day Saturday in Magic Kingdom & had no problems.

Our youngest DS noticed all the red t-shirts & thought it was Red nose day . Another name for comic relief day over here which raises money for charity But no problems when we explained.

I didn't think the crowds were so terrible.

We did have PS for dinner at the Crystal Palace & wouldn't have got in without them.

So my advice is go - enjoy & remember to make a PS if you want a sit down meal.

:jester: :jester: :jester:

Coldpony

03-24-2002, 03:22 PM

We were there in 1999 and went to the MK on GayDay with our 1,1,3 year olds. Crowds started small but by 11am it was a sea of red and rainbow! I would avoid the park to avoid crowds but not because of what the crowds are comprised of on this day. We were actually going to skip the MK on that day but curiosity got to us. It was just people having fun. I did notice holding hands and arms around each other. But not enough than any other day. I think people just have heightened awareness during this week. I would suggest avoiding if your schedule allows, if not get there early and do the major rides first and then do the minor attractions.

Have Fun!

Mooobooks

03-24-2002, 05:17 PM

Don't you think there are already lots of gay men and women at Disney parks on any given day? Disney is gay friendly. Just because they're not all wearing red shirts doesn't mean they're not there.
But, you've never noticed them, have you? Do you notice the Jews at Disney parks? Probably not unless they were to wear, say, a yellow star.
Since about 3% of the total population is gay, that's about what you would expect to see at a Disney park on any given day, however when you add in the other socioeconomic factors, and I would imagine that gays tend to be in the mid to higher income brackets, that means they have more leisure time, so let's double the number to 6%. Still don't notice them on an average visit, do you?
How many blacks are there at Disney parks on a given day--used to be mostly white faces, now you see a lot more people of color. And Latinos, Asians, Jews, etc.
As the populations mixes, and more people of different ethnicities rise on the economic scale, so mixes the attendence at Disney parks.
It's a wonderful thing. Enjoy the diversity and stop worrying about whether your child is going to see two people of the same sex holding hands.

wdwdreaming

03-24-2002, 07:35 PM

"Enjoy the diversity and stop worrying about whether your child is going to see two people of the same sex holding hands."
Excuse me Mooobooks, I realize this is part of "society", but I certainly don't need to
nor want to "Enjoy the Diversity" of this lifestyle.

All others, I appreciate your comments, Thank You

JonHM

03-24-2002, 09:45 PM

but it's not a lifestyle. People who are gay just... are. It's not a lifestyle or a choice, it's just who they are.

I loved being there for Gay Days, but it sounds like you have some issues with it, so maybe you should just avoid the MK on that day.

I have not seen or heard of any sort of 'bad behavior' that you would have to explain to your kids, so I would not stress over it, but maybe do Epcot or AK that day.

BethC

03-25-2002, 08:53 AM

This comes up every year and is always a hot topic. Let's all remember to be respectful of one another's feelings.

Gay days this year are from May 29-June 3. Saturday June 1st is the scheduled day for the Magic Kingdom. You can expect the park to be VERY crowded on this day. I have been at WDW during this week in the past and did not notice anything objectionable, just a lot of same sex couples in red shirts, some holding hands, some laughing, most just having fun like any other family on any other day.

Walt Disney World is a magical place every day of the year. :)

Jen80370

03-25-2002, 12:27 PM

wdwdreaming...First of all..."where do they stay?" Umm everywhere. They are everywhere. Senate houses, classrooms, churches, synagogues, executives...The red t-shirts just make them easier to spot on that day. LOL

Mooooobooks...great sentiments! One problem, there are many ostriches in society who choose not to embrace diversity...or things foreign to them...if they cannot handle it, how are they supposed to explain it to their children? If it makes someone that uncomfortable, you should not go, because the worst part would be a parents' discomfort and uneasiness translating to a bad trip for the children. If a person is unable to be open at home, they won't be able to on vacation either. The saddest part is that it could open some great dialogue between parents and children.

This debate reminds me of an evening last spring. I had gone with my husband and son to NYC to visit a friend working at the car show. After her shift, we all headed downtown for Thai food in Greenwich Village. Keep in mind, it was a Saturday night at about 9 p.m. Many of you are thinking I should be tarred and feathered for bringing a 12 year old boy to the Village. Let me tell you what I saw...freaks...lots of them...mohawks, piercings....and those were the straight folks. Then I saw gay people, tall, short, man, woman...all colors and shapes.

As we were lost on a corner looking for our restaurant, I walked into a store to get directions...my son was standing out front with my husband, when a couple (male) walked up to my husband and son to comment on his t-shirt (I believe it said "Never underestimate the stupidity of people in large groups") and they struck up a conversation...weather...what we were doing in the city, etc...when I walked out of the store, one of the guys (Paul) pulled me aside and said something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. "Ma'am, thank you for the tolerance and acceptance you have taught your son. He chatted with us as if we were no different then any other people on the street." When I responded, "you are no different...just people..." I thought he was going to cry right then and there.

That's what it boils down to folks, they are just people. What happens in their bedroom is no more my business then what happens in mine is their business. People who appear "normal" usually have much scarier bedroom scenarios. Look in the news at politicians, athletes, priests...

No one at Gay Days is going to be committing "acts" you'd have to explain to your children. If you live in an all caucasian town and your child sees a black woman kissing a white man...would you need to explain that? The bigger a deal you make it, the bigger a deal it will be.

I have experienced more tolerance and joy for diversity at Gay Days then at any other time. Enjoy the warmth!

OK I promise, no more soapbox...

JonHM

03-25-2002, 02:25 PM

Excellent, excellent post.

fanofwalt

03-25-2002, 03:26 PM

why is it that we have to make a big deal out of these " gay days " who cares, why even announce that this is a "special" time. I'm confused, what are they trying to tell us??? Is there a "special" well announced "hetero" days. I personally don't care what your life partner is, thats your choice. I am much more concerned w/a criminal element rather than someone who is gay!!:confused:

sky

03-25-2002, 08:42 PM

Man, I hate to jump in on this subject, but.....you see, I have a 3 yr. old and don't want to expose her to the gay culture, just like I don't want to expose her to other things that are outside of MY value system. What you want to do is your decision, but it does not make it alright for me and my family.....
now, to change gears....going to WDW on just any old day and seeing that 3-6% of the folks are gay (not necessarily wearing red or rainbow) is fine with me....but I would not take my daughter on THE day, just like I wouldn't take her if a day was set aside for "black pride day" or for another other day that celebrates the individuality of any group that I am not a part of. Simply because I just don't fit that group so it kind of takes the politics out of it for me (and keeps me from explaining to my daughter)

Pamela

JonHM

03-25-2002, 08:59 PM

????

2 things: *what* connection is there between 'Gay Days' and any sort of 'criminal element'? I'm just not sure I understand what in this thread has anything to do with anything criminal.

I really don't subscribe to the argumentative question "Is there a "special" well announced 'hetero' days?" I mean, come on. Does there *need* to be?

From that question, which is a fairly common viewpoint within our society, by the way, I would guess (and of course, I really don't know) that you are not a member of a minority group. I think that people who are part of the majority and do not know what it is like to be on the outside of that simply cannot grasp how hard it is for those who *are* on the outside.

Jen80370

03-26-2002, 08:50 AM

JonHM...as a member of one minority that is often overlooked, I want to say I get it. When are they going to have the "freakishly tall chicks(6'1) who can't keep their mouths shut and lives to love others who are different" day? LOL I see a need...they could sell tshirts long enough and I for one would be thrilled!

Folks, it is "announced" because it is a gathering of like minded people vacationing in a place together sharing common interests, they advertise "Grad Nights" for example, because the parks will be teeming with hormonal teenagers on a happy bender because they finished school, but I don't see people avaioding the parks on those days. Personally, as the mother of a teenager, I can unequivicably say that teenagers scare me much more in this day and age then gays do. :) (Please see that my tongue is firmly planted in my cheek.)

Gillian

03-26-2002, 09:12 AM

johnhm, I think fanofwalt was just saying that he/she is more worried about things like theft than about gay people. I didn't see that a connection was being made, but rather the opposite. Why worry about lifestyle choices when there are worse things out there? I didn't take the post as negative at all!

And maybe the other point, about the special day, is Why do we need to have a special day for gay people if they just people after all? Again, NOT negative.

Anyhow, like I said earlier, I'll probably be there some year in June. I'll forget about "the event" and wear a red shirt (my favorite color) and I'll have a great time! My family won't be able to find me in the crowd, but we'll use our 2-way radios :D

Jen80370

03-26-2002, 12:28 PM

Gillian...I love your attitude! It is people like you with your warmth and calm that keep life fun! What a gift! Red t shirts for everyone! LOL

fanofwalt

03-26-2002, 03:29 PM

jonHM
As you can see I'm no writer, sorry you missed my point. I believe Gillian straightened it out!!

JonHM

03-26-2002, 09:39 PM

Gillian : thanks for the clarification on the previous post on criminal behavior - that just hadn't made sense to me - I see what you're saying. The only thing you said that bugged me was something very innocent from your perspective, I would guess, but something that I think is extremely significant and that I commented on earlier. PLEASE don't use the words 'lifestyle choice' - there ain't *nothing* about being Gay that's a choice - any more than being black, or jewish, or latino - people who are gay simply *are*.

As for your quote, "Why do we need to have a special day for gay people if they're just people after all?" IMHO, that's a little silly. EVERYONE, and I mean *EVERYONE* on the whole planet are 'just people after all' - and we have LOTS of special days for LOTS of different groups. Why begrudge them that? You might as well say "Star Wars Weekend? Well, *why*? Do they have 'special' weekends for NON-Star Wars fans???"

Thanks again for the clarification on FanOfWalt's post. I really appreciate that.

Jen80370 : LOL! I wouldn't say 'freakishly' tall - now if you were *7*'1"... I used to have a friend Sandy in college who was 6 feet but whenever she had to say her height to someone she would say she was five foot twelve... :D

Planogirl

03-26-2002, 10:11 PM

I have a few gay friends who go to gay days each year and they've told me that other than large crowds that they don't see any difference than at any other times at the parks. They said that Disney regulars shouldn't notice a difference really except maybe an enormous amount of red and that it's easy to avoid the larger crowds if you skip the "park of the day". I even considered trying to take my son there last year while they were there but I couldn't get off of work during that time. They said that some of the parties that I believe are posted on the website can be a bit wild though but you shouldn't have any problems avoiding those!

Jen80370

03-27-2002, 07:47 AM

JonHM... :) It took me until I was 25 to be able to say six feet and not five twelve! LOL...Now that I can actually find clothes online, I beam 6'1 with pride...and it doesn't seem freakish until I try to sit on some rides and feel like Gulliver! LOL

As for Gay Days, I'm jealous...I wish I could go. I'm going in late June...maybe I'll pack red t-shirts and tell people I'm fashionably late! :) Or I could pack all yellow t-shirts and tell people it is freakishly tall chick day! :)

To each their own. If you feel uncomfortable...don't go...if you do decide to go though, and you are truly open, you will discover (for the most part...no group of people is all kind, but none are all bad either) a group of people with more acceptance of others then any one group I have ever been around. There's a stereotype I wish could make the rounds...because I see it time and time again...

Happy Wednesday!

Jen

Mooobooks

03-27-2002, 07:42 PM

Not exposing your children to gay men and women? Okay, how about not exposing them to ... (select your favorite group you don't care for). I feel sorry for your kid(s)! They need every ounce of education, experience, and advice you can instill in them. Kids don't become gay because they encounter gay people and see them interacting: people are generally either born gay or not, as has already been pointed out. If you say you don't want to expose your child to gay people, that really means you don't want your child to see that as a lifestyle choice, because you're afraid your kid might turn out to be gay. It isn't going to happen, so get over it.
Having grown up in New York City, I don't know why someone felt it necessary to apologize for taking their 12 year old son to Greenwich Village. You don't think they're doing nasty things in the streets, do you? Please. Kids get experience and diversity growing up in Manhattan.
Now, I will tell you that I made it a point to stay inside most of St. Patrick's day when I lived in Manhattan because of all the drunken Irish folks drinking, peeing, and vomiting in the streets. Not a joke, just an observation. Anyone who has lived there has seen the same thing. Same as Halloween: watch out for eggs if you're walking around in Manhattan on Halloween--they have a habit of dropping out of the sky or getting tossed at you from moving cars.
Since I don't think gay people are tossing eggs, or drinking, peeing, and vomiting on Main Street, I wouldn't worry about going to Gay Day this year.

SandraC

03-27-2002, 09:27 PM

We have never been to WDW for Gay Day, but last year during the Toronto Gay Parade (one of the biggest in North America) we were at Paramount Canada's Wonderland (our local theme park) and I noticed lots of great looking guys. It finally occured to me that they were visiting for the Gay Parade. Once I clued in, I noticed at least 100 gay fellas. They were at the park for the same reason I was there, to have fun!

I don't think I would worry too much about gay guys messing around at the pools or in public. I mean, you don't see hetrosexual couples making out all over the place, why would gay folks be any different?

skeezixspud

03-28-2002, 11:32 AM

You do realize that no one is having orgies in Fantasyland, right? Think about this, I mean really. Have you explained heterosexuality to your 3 yo?

Three year olds hug and kiss anyone they care about; irrespective of gender. A healthy 3 yo has no understanding of sexual context. In their minds, holding hands is something that you do so that you don't get lost. They will not question two adults kissing one another, anymore than they will question a little boy kissing his daddy; they just don't notice these things at all.

A child who is old enough to be aware of sexual context should also be old enough to understand that it has nothing to do with him/her. It is just like any other public situation: it is impolite to stare/point at strangers or make comments on their behaviour.

Spinning

03-28-2002, 06:03 PM

skeezixspud

That was exactly what I was thinking! This shouldn't be a big deal....think about it every trip you go to Disney they have some type of groups there! wouldn't it be nice to have a schedule so you can avoid the crowds? So what if this is a group with different sexual orientation? Just think if you going during the DIS CON then you will have a see of lime green! I have been around many gay men and women and I have never once been uncomfortable.
Think about it do you see hetrosexual people making out at Disney world? NO! so why would that be any different with same sex couples!?!?!I hold hands with my mom, put my arms around her in public...so what people could wonder... she is a very young looking mom....
3 year old don't care about any of the people at Disney unless of course they are dressed as POOH!
If you feel this strong about it then go another time Personally if I had the opportunity to go to Disney any time I would go...couldn't care less who was there! And think about it, if it is a sea of red then wear yellow! That way you can find your family easy!

Jennifer_Jayhawk

03-29-2002, 12:06 PM

To get back to the original post...we had our trip scheduled last year and then found out
about gay days. I did a little research and discovered that MK on Saturday was to be avoided
(because of the crowds). So we went to another park that day. I consider myself very
tolerant of any lifestyle but did have concerns that my 5 and 8 year old MIGHT ask a question
or two. We had a character breakfast in the Crystal Palaace that morning and were going to head over MGM after that. Well, let me tell you was it crowded at the entrance to MK---in all the years I have been going there, I have never, never seen that many people trying to get into MK. I also found out about the red shirts. My husband, a KC Chiefs fan, decided not to bring any of his favorite shirts on the trip that year. My daughter mentioned as we were walking out of the park to get on the bus for MGM that there were sure a lot of Chiefs fans here today. We just said yes, it sure looks that way.

My concerns really turned out to be a waste of my time. My son was at disney and that is all he cared about, my daughter, the same.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk, GO KU!

Jen80370

03-29-2002, 12:57 PM

"My daughter mentioned as we were walking out of the park to get on the bus for MGM that there were sure a lot of Chiefs fans here today. We just said yes, it sure looks that way. "

Jennifer_Jayhawk...I have not laughed that hard in weeks! Oh thank you! I really need to reiterate that story, but I promise to give it proper credit.

I am thrilled to see so much tolerance...that to the majority, it just isn't a big deal anymore. Yippee! Now if I could only get parents to stop their children from saying...gee lady, you sure are tall. You must play basketball. I want to answer...gee you are short...you a jockey?

Moooobooks, people outside of metro areas tend to think I am insane for bringing my son into the city...espeically the village on weekend nights. I personally see no reason to apologize, just explaining that while some might expect one, there is no need BECAUSE of the lessons learned in the city. And as for the St. Pat's Parade...AMEN! I won't go near the city with a ten foot pole on parade day.

Happy Friday Folks!

Talking Hands

03-31-2002, 12:44 PM

Sky first of all, at 3 your child will not care what is going on aside from seeing Mickey and Minnie. There is nothing you will have to explain. Your child is not going to be uncomfortable.
Second you don't want your child exposed to those outside of your values. Ok so you aren't comfortable with those different from you. I guess you would have a problem having me as your child's teacher. You see I am not the same as you. I am deaf and physically handicapped. I am different. But I am a teacher.
Your kids will be exposed to those who are different from you. You can't wrap them up and hide them away. It just doesn't work.
Don't worry about Gay Day. I have been the last 3 years and have never seen behavior that was out of line. I have seen more obnoxious PDA from heterosexuals. Last year my daughter meet a wonderful deaf man at the Adventurers Club and we hung out with him later at MK on Sat. I also bumped into the choreographer of my old church's Christams Pageant and one of my ASL teachers the same day. There are really a vast variety of people there. Some gay some not. The only problem with Gay Day. IT IS CROWDED! Very crowded/

Cameo

03-31-2002, 02:03 PM

We were in WDW during Gay Day on our last trip. We did avoid the MK on that Saturday only because we heard it would be so busy. I have no problem with people who have a different lifestyle. All we noticed during Gay Days was several large groups of people with matching t-shirts on. They were all having a lot of Disney fun, just like my family and some groups even added to the entertainment value as they were pretty silly and made everyone laugh.

I just have to say that I have seen plenty of 'get a room' situations at WDW between opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples and they were not during Gay Days. I don't really think it's appropriate for ANY COUPLE to be touchy-feely at WDW - save that for Mardi Gras or other 'adult' celebrations (then I have no problem with it.)

matu8063

04-04-2002, 10:59 PM

My boyfried and I will be in Disney 5/31-6/8 and are looking forward to it just as much as everyone else is gay or not. Disney World is the Happiest Place on Earth, I really think that people are forgetting that. Who cares who is there as long as you are with the people you love and care about. I may wear a red shirt just because I look good in red. IMOH I think the people that are thinking about changing their dates of travel are to concerned with their own self image, find a better way to spend your time. Like trying to get a PS at Cinderella's Royal Table. What is your worry! Are you afraid if you have a good time at Disney durning Gay Days you might be thought of differently. If I go to an action movie people might think i like them. Maybe you should change you dates of travel and maybe you should come to your senses.

Melissa

raidermatt

04-05-2002, 08:37 PM

Its ironic how tolerant some people are until they run across somebody who has a different opinion about tolerance than they do. If you are truly tolerant, you won't tell somebody else what they should and shouldn't do, provided they aren't hurting anyone else.

Parents have the right to decide when and where to expose their children to different things, and when to explain those things. True, you cannot avoid gay people at MK even if you tried. But being there when the 3% who are gay are merely another group blending with everybody else is far different than going on Gay Day.

Somebody tried to equate Gay Day to Grad Night, but that was a poor analogy because Grad Night is a private party that takes place after the park closes to the public. Surely there are some people who would rather not go to MK if it were Punk Rock Day, or Teenager Day, White Supremecists Day, or whatever group there is that you feel uncomfortable being around. (I've seen numerous posts about people who try to avoid cheerleader events...) As long as the group does nothing illegal, they have every right to have their day if they choose to. If someone prefers to choose a different day to go, they are neither right nor wrong, they are merely excercising the same rights as somebody who chooses to go that day. If you would not be bothered by any group on the planet, that's great. You've made your choice, just as everybody else makes theirs.

For those who are concerned, for whatever reason, there is a website that has the events for that week. www.gayday.com

There are other activities besides Gay Day at the MK, but from other posts I've read, the effects on the size of the crowds is only felt on Saturday (MK).

Dr. Happy

04-06-2002, 06:08 AM

I agree with you, RaiderMatt!!!

And to think that this thread has received so much play is next to amazing...

I suppose it has a lot to do with what you are saying...

But, I am glad to hear the "moderates" make their points...

;)

nalley clan

04-06-2002, 02:14 PM

Wow! What a difference a few weeks makes. We posted about this a while back and we got slammed as if we were some kind of Bible thumping white sheet wearing cave dwellers. Nice to see everyone has lightened up a bit.:p

Spinning

04-06-2002, 07:35 PM

nalley clan
That's the way of the DIS...not sure I read the thread you are talking about! But things are aways changing...
Oh and welcome to the DIS! If it hasn't been done before!

Gillian

04-10-2002, 07:47 AM

Nalley clan -- your thread wasn't too bad. Most people gave you helpful answers! Hang out on the DIS a bit more (BTW, welcome!), and you will learn that some people just like to cause trouble. you can ignore them & just pay attention to the people who want to answer your questions & not teach you a lesson.

Although I personally have no problem with gay days (or "straight" days), I do think there are some parenting decisions that each family has to make for themselves. This includes explaining about gay couples & no one can tell you when it is the right time.

It may depend on where you live or what your kids will be exposed to in their daily lives. We have gay friends, so I expect that my 18 month old will start asking questions sooner than other kids. I guess I'd better figure out what to say soon :)

Baloo

04-10-2002, 09:06 AM

Wow am I glad to be back and see how well you're all getting along!!! I'll tell you my stomache tightened when I saw this post. I was expecting to have to haul all your behinds over to the Debate Board like in past years!LOL! Everyone is making their point without getting catty.Thanks DISers!!!
I've been to the parks with my son,he's 8 now, during Gay Days and avoiding the crowd is my biggest worry.I agree with Gillian that there are parenting decisions families have to make for themselves and it's nobody's business but their own when and how they do it.I grew up Catholic in a very small Indiana town.Things use to be pretty black and white to me.The older I get,the more I LIVE life the more I see the shades of gray. It's tough being a parent but I try to teach my son to see the good in all people.Jen Jayhawk the Chief shirt thing was a scream! Thanks for the laugh!
Anyway folks thanks for playing nice.I also recommened checking out the Gay Days link to see where activities are on certain days to avoid crowds.
Thanks!

Chuck S

04-11-2002, 09:45 PM

OK, well, how about a real, actual (gasp!), gay person weighing into this discussion. I agree, parents should make the decision as to when and how to explain things to their children, it is their responsibility. Please remember, though, that many of us will be at WDW with our biological family members and certainly don't want or expect to see anything too outrageous. Mom and I usually go during this time of year, and I've never seen anything that would make me feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, and I'm a little on the conservative side when it comes to public behavior. We expect the same respect from you at the parks that you want from us. We're there to enjoy what WDW has to offer.
'
What never ceases to amaze me, though, is that the folks that are most against a minority group don't hesitate to accept the good things that that group has to offer. For instance, if you hate Jewish people, please don't take the polio vaccine. If you are against gay people, don't enjoy the art of Michaelangelo. After all, if you can't "accept" someone, why should you accept the good and beauty they bring to humanity?

And please remember that on this board, you don't know who you may be having a conversation with, this board is very good about accepting diversity and is much like a family. I hope no one decides that hate and prejudice should replace love as a "Family Value".

Desnik

04-13-2002, 11:59 AM

We had to change the dates for our upcoming trip and we opted not to go the first week of June, but because of the heat and the crowds. I can't imagine not going just because of "Gay Days". I consider myself very lucky to have been raised in a very open minded family. I also consider myself lucky to have a mother-in-law who is a lesbian. I think my 4yo daughter is lucky to be raised with tolerance, open mindedness and respect for others. She has such a special relationship with her grandma and though she recently broke up with her long time girlfriend, my daughter knew her as grandmas friend. I would never think of trying to explain to a 2-3yo about the relationship between her grandma and her friend. I do now tell my daughter and my lil sis who is 10yo that, sometimes people of the same gender feel about each other as I do with my husband, they are no different than anyone else. It is simply not a big deal to our famliy. I guess it is normal for us.
This subject is very "touchy" for me right now. My husband and I recently lost a very good friend of ours who happened to be a gay man. Do you know what almost everyone I know(outside of our families) asked me when I told them my friend died at age 36? Oh, AIDS right!!!??? I can't tell you how angry that has made me. He died of cancer, just because he was gay doesn't mean he has aids. I guess it amazes me how far this world has come in alot of areas, but there are still so many close minded, ignorant people.
Every parent has the right to explain what they want and what their values and beliefs are to their children. Sheltering a child will only backfire. Teaching children ignorence only breeds more ignorence.(I'm not pointing a finger at anyone here, just trying to make a point.) I have met some very wonderful gay people in my life and am greatful that I had the opportunity to have people in my life I would have otherwised missed an opportunity to know.

tar heel

04-14-2002, 10:40 PM

To answer the question originally asked -- we've been at wdw on gay day the past three years and even went to the MK two of them! We saw absolutely nothing that bothered us. A young child will NOT know that there is anything unusual about the day. Our youngest (4, 5 and 6 at the time) did not have a single question. A young child will notice nothing unless you make a big deal out of it. Adolescents, on the other hand, will have plenty of questions because their brains are preoccupied with sex, differences, fitting in, etc. -- we actually thought it provided a great opportunity to discuss homosexuality with our child. Just remember that the people in red shirts are there for the same reason as you -- to have fun at Disney World.

Jen80370

04-15-2002, 07:56 AM

DESNIck...I am sorry for your loss...

I am so happy to see a debate of honest to goodness differences of opinions, without it getting ugly...Bravo to everyone...

As for the red shirts...check out Jennifer Jayhawk's post..puts things in perspective...

raidermatt

04-15-2002, 05:49 PM

Again, its up to the parents to decide when and where to explain things. Sure, you'll get thrown a curveball now and then, but if a parent doesn't want to explain this to their, 8 year old or 12-year old yet, that's their right. And it doesn't mean they are raising them to be intolerant. Tar Heel, for example, felt comfortable explaining homosexuality to their child at WDW, and it worked fine for them. It someone else would rather have this conversation at a later date, there's nothing wrong with doing their best to avoid the situation until then. Its really no different than any other topic.

Probably what the original poster wants to know is will they see hand-holding, kissing, etc.

Having not been to WDW at this time (though we will be this year) I can't answer for sure. But from reading other posts, it sounds like it'll be similar to what you'd expect from heterosexuals, meaning some hand-holding, kissing, etc. (Feel free to correct me if this is wrong)

So based on that, do what you think is best for you and your family. My son is 3 1/2, so I'm not too concerned about him asking any questions. We were at a Paramount Park on a day that turned out to be a "gay day" of some kind, and we didn't see anything other than hand-holding/kissing. There were a few explicit t-shirts, and even a few leather outfits, but I'm guessing it will be a little tamer at Disney.

We were going to avoid MK on June 1st completely, mainly due to the crowds, but since Spectro is only running once a week at this time, we plan to go to MK late in the afternoon.

LADYnTRAMP

04-15-2002, 10:44 PM

Who needs to watch TV or go o the movies when you have The Dis?!? Any and every feeling, including all the mixed ones I have, have been represented here so there's no real need for me "to go there" but I guess I'm going to anyway. I am someone who was "awakened" recently when a close friend felt comfortable enough with a few friends to "come out of the closet". Nothing changed, like they feared it would. Most of us were pretty sure already anyway. This "revelation" was NOTHING compared to their most recent news. They have since found out that they have a very serious, neuromuscular disease. Life is SO short. The world is in chaos right now and it's even made it's way right here in our own back yard (i.e. NYC, DC). If I've learned nothing else in my short 40 years I've learned that it is ALWAYS better to love than to hate. We need to be looking at the big picture and start thinking what this world is going to come to if we don't embrace tolerance, individuality, respect and love. Otherwise, when we are gone and our children are still here, our world and life as we know it will be no better, only worse. It will only be worse because we chose to look the other way and "shelter and protect" them when we should have been trying to teach them to open their hearts so hopefully they won't turn out like us. I've been rambling but you know what I mean.
Susan

rascalmom

04-16-2002, 12:08 AM

Our family was at WDW last year during "Gay Days". We didn't go to the MK on Saturday because we had heard of the heavy crowds, but we were staying at the POLY and rode the monorail around to the TTC at near park opening time.

My youngest DD, who had just turned 9, saw all the red shirts. "Look Mom- all those people are on a field trip together - I bet they're gonna have fun" was her comment. We agreed, that "yes, we think they will too." (At her school, the students all wear their school T-shirts on field trips to make the kids easier to spot in big crowds.)

My 13 year old knew what was going on, but there was no reason to go into any big discussion with her because I have tried to be very open with her in explaining and talking about sexuality issues with her. She was much more confused when she saw Michael Jackson recently on TV!

We enjoyed our day at Epcot & except for the June Florida heat saw nothing embarrassing or objectionable. We live in Oklahoma now, I grew up here in a very small town, was raised Southern Baptist & have even been a registered Republican. ;) I didn't feel the atmosphere was objectionable in any way. But then again, I feel openness, honesty & a restraint in our human tendancy to judge others are important values to teach my kids.:D

Jen D

04-17-2002, 03:19 PM

There seems to be a little angst about "explaining things"-- I guess I just haven't found it as nail-biting as some. My daughter is 4 1/2, and the questions get answered as they come; I don't offer extra information unless asked. When she noticed a friend of hers had two mommies and no daddy, I just told her all families are different; some people have a mommy and a daddy, some people have two mommies, some have two daddies, some have just one mom or one dad, and families come in all shapes and sizes, etc. We haven't really gotten into the issue of romantic attraction yet- it doesn't really interest her personally, she is more interest in how it relates to her as a kid. We do have gay friends, and they occasionally come over with dates, or partners, but we don't really bother to explain it any more than we bother to explain the dating habits of our hetero friends.

When she does get interested in the "romantic" aspect of things, I guess I'll just say that some men fall in love with women and some men fall in love with men and so on.

But we're just a bunch of NYC liberals don't mind us :D :D :D :D :D

Jen D

04-17-2002, 03:29 PM

rascal mom wrote:
She was much more confused when she saw Michael Jackson recently on TV!

I still get confused when I see Michael Jackson on TV. :D

roque

04-17-2002, 06:03 PM

when i first saw this posting...i said to myself "pls. let this not turn into that ever present hostile debate, the gays are here! the gays are here!" i was very surprised it did not become that :) I have been to GayDays the last 3 years (yes, i am gay) and rediscovered what I loved about Disney as a child. So much so that my other half and taken several quick trips to get our disney fix over the last 3 years. And when I discoverd this site I have visited every days (I am hooked :D

Should you reschedule your trip?? No, but if you really dislike crowds avoid the MK on saturday. Every person realizes this is a family park and yes there are those who forget and dress inappropriately (we all cringe at that). However, my favorite disney photo opt. was when i saw a very,very mature woman from belguim (i heard her speaking) wearing a bikini top and something best described as "daisy dukes" at MGM....point is every group has there members that you just shake your head at. You will see hand holding, pecks on the cheek, but I have never seen anyone do what some of the people are afraid will be happening. everyone is there to ride the rides, see the parades, take pictures with the characters (my favorite is Tigger), and be exhausted by the end of the day, and wonder if you can really walk on blisters for another hour.

As the parent it's your call. However, if it's between seeing to 2 guys hold hands and seeing Mickey Mouse...my money is on your child going to the Mouse. That's where I'll be going too (i need to get a new Mickey and Me photo).

anyway, that's my .02 worth and I am counting the days. Oh, on June 1, saturday, I'll be the one in the red shirt, shorts (white linen), and teva sandals (thanks to this website these things are soooooo comfortable). :bounce: :D