Another take on Gay Days?

[Nauf]

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for sharing all the wonderful information in the Gay Days 2008 thread. There's probably more here than on either of the official sites. Its helped me realize that it might not be in the cards for me (crowds+humidity= me not a happy camper)

I was wondering if people had seen this link, and how everyone felt about what he says (full disclosure: I kind of completely agree with him):

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-gay-days.htm

 

[Viki]

We've talked about this article from time to time and of course there are all sorts of opinions on the issue, but the clear consensus is that of those who actually attend, aside from red shirts and a real sense of pride and belonging, it's just like any other day at the park.

 

[ConcKahuna]

That article is several years old, and I also seem to remember someone saying that Pete hasn't actually been, or at least in a very long time.

I would link some of the reports and threads from last year's GayDay, but it seems the forums only keep threads for a month or so now

 

[PghLybrt]

Don't even get me started.

 

[paigevz]

Interesting, I haven't read that before. I can't give an opinion on Gay Days as I have not been there during that time.

I do think from the stories I've heard, there seems to be a big difference between how things go in the host hotels and in the parks. I've heard party stories from the hotels, and family stories from the parks. Pretty much like most gatherings of many people.

 

[PHILCT]

I have listened to the Gay Day's PodCast, and I must say Pete Werner has a sexy voice ! Was he ever a radio announcer ?

Phil

 

[Nauf]

Oops. I had gotten the impression that it was written last year (the podcast does explain that he updated it last year).

You know, it really is kind of amazing that even in the process of critiquing Gay Days, Disney gets a big thumbs up for their treatment of the gay community.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

You know, it really is kind of amazing that even in the process of critiquing Gay Days, Disney gets a big thumbs up for their treatment of the gay community.

They've improved drastically since they kicked 2 guys out of the park for dancing together almost 30 years ago. Has it really been that long? I feel old.

 

[zeitzeuge]

My partner and I have never been but have been comtemplating it lately. I've heard both good, bad and absolutely horrible stories. Not sure what to believe. I do however agree with him on some points. Just makes me wonder since the article was written a few years ago, whether or not things are the same.

 

[rpmdfw]

The thing is, most of the behavior he objects to, is the same behavior that you see from straight people (mostly teenagers) every day in the parks.

I refuse to believe that it's more objectionable when a gay or lesbian couple gets "overly affectionate" than when straight kids do.

Perhaps it's not terribly appropriate, but I find it no more embarassing than the parents of those kids apparently do.

Besides, Gay Day is way too much fun to worry about what other people are doing.

 

[audrabolster]

I think that every point he brings up are also activities that straight people do as well. When I've gone, other than a lot of red shirts, I don't really notice anything that different. Although I've only gone to DL, not WDW.

As for the "once of a lifetime" trip that was ruined? Come on! I think the family should have planned their trip a bit better to see what was going on in town that weekend. I always do this for my trips.

 

[Etoile]

Wow, I get the impression he is mixing up Gay Days with a circuit party or Atlantis cruise or something! *rolls eyes*

 

[DVCajun]

The thing is, most of the behavior he objects to, is the same behavior that you see from straight people (mostly teenagers) every day in the parks.

I refuse to believe that it's more objectionable when a gay or lesbian couple gets "overly affectionate" than when straight kids do.

I agree. And therein is the beef with Pete's review.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Wow, I get the impression he is mixing up Gay Days with a circuit party or Atlantis cruise or something! *rolls eyes*

Well, the Beach Ball at Typhoon Lagoon is very much a circut party, but in swim trunks (or smaller LOL). The same goes for the One MIghty Party. Both of these, however are private events that Disney has nothing to do with other than being paid to host.

 

[CanadianGuy]

As for the article Pete wrote.. it is at least three years old.

I have tremendous respect for Pete and like him a lot... but it's funny, long before I was a moderator, I actually wrote Pete a very strongly worded letter of complaint over that article. We didn't agree then and we don't agree today.. on this one issue.

I keep after Pete to go to Gay Days and update the article but somehow I think I'll settle for lunch the week before somewhere else.

The substance of the article hasn't changed since at least 2006 and probably before.

Its just one of those things that he and I will probably have to agree to disagree on.. My experience in 2006 was NOTHING like that.. and in 2007, I actually attended with Conck and I think I can safely say we were both disappointed.. (giggle) ... I mean happily surprised.

Seriously - I don't know where all that stuff was happening.. but where ever it was - we weren't. And that was fine by me.



Knox

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Hey Gang

If anyone is interested in a more recent discussion Pete and the DIS Unplugged Team had concerning Gay Days check out the 5/8/2007 show - start her http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-podcast/archives.htm and scroll down to that date.

I'm sure as Gay Days approaches again this year we will have another discussion on it.

John

 

[CanadianGuy]

Pete sure seems less adament in that podcast piece than in the article

Knox

 

[wallyb]

Pete sure seems less adament in that podcast piece than in the article Knox

The Gay Mafia probably got to him!