Avoiding Gay Days- Not bashing the weekend just have kids and need help

[bumbershoot]

Respectfully,

I appreciate that the subject is apparently important to you, but it seems that when some people "take a stand against intolerance", they are actually not being tolerant of others opinions or perspectives. It also seems to me that the original poster was very clear that she was trying not to offend anyone, but simply looking for some advice. The question could have been posed in a very narrow minded or malicious way, and I don't think that it was. Good for you, for being strong in your opinions, but please allow for the original poster's concerns as well...

I'm pretty sure it was this line, "I'm just a mom needing some insight to protect her kids", that might have gotten to D_L.

I have a 3 year old, and while I feel the need to protect him from bad people who might want to steal him, etc, and I want to protect him from falling, or burning himself, or unclipping himself from his carseat....it's never even occurred to me to protect him from people who love people who happen to be the same sex. If it occurred to me to do that, I'd have to keep him away from his uncle, and he loves his uncle and his uncle loves him, so that's not going to happen.

And my 3 year old notices everything and talks about everything, but he'd never care one little bit if someone was hugging or kissing someone else, except that it might make him want a hug or kiss, too!

And he doesn't read yet, but if he were like me at 2years old (I just started reading one day) and could do so, then it might cause conversation because of the few people who go outside of Gay Days standards and wear naughty shirts, but I'm sure that I would already be talking about other shirts already!

My only wonder is...where in Oregon (oregonkids being the name) does this first-time, never-came-back, poster live, where they don't encounter gay people? Though I'll admit I mainly stay in Portland and Eugene, which are pretty much like Seattle and the surrounding areas, when I'm in OR, so there's a whole lot of the state I'm not familiar with, and those areas might be different!

 

[Laurabearz]

Personally I think all the Gay days folks should play up that it's a horrid weekend to go, thus making smaller crowds for their visit

 

[JadeDarkstar]

dakota yes my parents meet in germany in the airforce. got married in denmark and had me. I learned german as my first langage and then when was moved here at 3 or 4 was forced to learn english and forgot al my german tho i have started picking up some not much.

It is butifull and I wish to visit some time in my adult life
hope you have fun for you'll month trip

 

[Mom2Joce]

I don't know why I'm posting. I'm a straight mom of two (6 and 1), know few gay people, not a Christian, live in a small upscale suburban neighborhood with little diversity and LOVE Disneyland

Acutally, I do know why I'm posting...
Do I think the OP meant to offend in any way...NO!
Do I like what Dakota had to say...YES!!
I actually LOVED reading EVERY SINGLE POST!! I loved the passion and the lessons.
(My fav was, "kids know family/love not sex!")

GIVEN our very little diverse surroundings I want my kids to grow up loving and accepting ALL. When out, I actually hope to come across different people, cultures, lifestyles so that I have the chance to explain that there are so many different people and ways of life in our world and that that's OK! They too have hearts and feelings!

So far there has only been a few times where my 6yo has questioned homosexuality and like some of Dakota's explainations or mock converstations I have kept the discussions simple, about love, family (there are all kinds) and acceptence...that meets her needs and she moves on with whatever she was doing.

In our household WHENEVER something comes up (ie. kids are talking) about differences, be it, weight, skin color, So & so doesn't have a daddy, so & so can't sleep away from home, ANYTHING...I always say out loud..."AND THAT'S..." The kids jump right in and finish with, "OK!!!"

I feel that preparing our children for a world that is as diverse as ours is the greatest gift I can give them. I don't want them thinking they are the only ones on this earth or that everyone else is JUST LIKE THEM!!!
Is this where I bust out into song "I believe the children are our future..."

Ok, I'm done...just wanted to thank Dakota for her inspirational words and teachings (I know not everyone took them that way but I did).
Education from others = growth and understanding!!

 

[mommaU4]

I didn't read the whole thread. Skimmed it mainly, but I just thought I'd share that when my family and I were there in December to see the Christmas decorations there was a gay male couple in front of my kids in line for the teacups.
They were holding hands, but nothing more.

I noticed them and was keeping an eye on my kids to see if they noticed anything. (I wasn't in line with them, as I cannot ride the teacups without getting ill!! lol) My 3 girls (ages 7, 7, and 11) were oblivious to it. They were far too interested in watching those on the ride and waiting for their turn to come.

My DS13 who was with me because he didn't want to do the ride either, snuck a few glances their way, so I know he saw. But he didn't say anything and we've already had that discussion a long time ago, so it was no big deal.

And it's really not a big deal to me. I'd have no problem going during Gay Days, but then I'm pretty open when it comes to talking with my kids. And living here in Vegas, they see alot so we've had some interesting conversations about what it means to be Gay, what a Gentlemen's Club is, etc.

I guess my point is you can see something like that just about anywhere at anytime, so I wouldn't worry about it and just go about your vacation and have fun.

I doubt the kids would even notice or think twice about it. Kids take their cues from their parents so if you are casual and don't make a fuss about it, then they won't either.

Good luck with planning and have fun!!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We went a few days after Gay Days this year. We avoided the weekend because of the crowds, and no other reason! Just like we avoid Spring Break! Because I like my DL as less crowded as possible! Even though it still ended up being crowded *sigh*

I guess if it makes you uncomfortable for yourself or your kids, plan your vacations around it. But it wouldn't bother me to have my 9 year old there at all during the event. We've had discussions years ago, and I don't think my son would think anything of it. I'm in the camp of believing love is love, and it's what I teach my son. Some of the comments in this thread I must admit were pretty surprising!

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

We went on the the this past Gay Days weekend, and if you went and didn't know it was Gay Days, the only reason why you would figure it out is because everyone is wearing red shirts.. And it was SUPER packed.. I didn't see ANY overt PDA, and believe me, I'm a huge people watcher... I see more PDA from straight teenagers on normal DL days..

I highly doubt your children will ask.. There's nothing to sweat..

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I hate to break it to you, but quite a few Cast Members at Disneyland are gay. And you chance running into a gay couple any time you go. Disneyland is very gay friendly. If you're worried about your kids seeing two men or two women holding hands or showing PDA you better just never take them outside your home.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

Cast members probley wouldnt show it in front of every one. and you'll post is verry negitive. The OP was just asking a question and ment no offince jesse

 

[jory29]

When we went to DL in November, (this was not during the October Gay Days), we saw some same-sex couples holding hands, etc., but it certainly didn't bother us if our children happened to notice. (11 and 5 years old.) We've already discussed with our children that there are many different families out there, and that some couples are the same sex, etc.

So, OP, you still may see some same sex couples displaying signs of affection in DL, no matter when you go to the Park.

We found that it tended to be the young heterosexual teens that had open displays of uh, amorous affection.
(So if that is the case, your kids still may be asking questions....)

 

[audrabolster]

ok and has any one heard of AIDs I have known three ppl who have died from aids becouse they wanted to sleep around with same sex ppl. Look I have no problem with ppl chosing what they want and how to live but some the things you have said here is just to wrong. let the one who wrote this post fill safe. She dosnet want to excpose her kids to that I totaly understand that and you shouldnt be makeing it seem that shes so wrong for even thinking that way. and it still is the dark ages it isnt acceptbule to some and why subject our kids to it if we dont want to.

WOW. Do you realize that statistically 1 in 10 people are gay? That means your kids more than likely are around gay people EVERY DAY. Gay people are hardly different from straight people. Of course there are promiscuous gay people- just like there are the same in the straight population.

I am not even going to touch your AIDS comment.

Have you forgotten about the people who are infected through blood transfusions??? Or that straight people get AIDS too???

 

[audrabolster]

I hate to break it to you, but quite a few Cast Members at Disneyland are gay. And you chance running into a gay couple any time you go. Disneyland is very gay friendly. If you're worried about your kids seeing two men or two women holding hands or showing PDA you better just never take them outside your home.

I am a AP holder and I see gay families EVERY time I am there. I have seen more STRAIGHT people acting more innapropriately- mostly teenagers. I usually just see gay couples holding hands. What is so offensive about that????

 

[audrabolster]

I have to say that I appreciate Dakota_Lynn's considered and reasonable posts. She makes a good point that, though you may not wish to offend, you may still be insulting others. It's a point we would all do well to consider, regardless of our points of view. D_L, your message comes through loud and clear.

If the OP is concerned about PDAs and, the other favorite complaint, obscene sayings on t-shirts, I'd watch out for straight teenagers. I hope the fad of wearing t-shirts that read "Porn Star" and pants with things written across the rear end portion has finally died.

What I see at DLR during Gay Days are fellow adults who love the Disney magic as much as any group of straight adults as well as GLBT couples bringing their families to enjoy the day. If we weren't wearing our red t-shirts, you wouldn't know we were there.

See you there in October, Dakota_Lynn!

Very well put!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I am a AP holder and I see gay families EVERY time I am there. I have seen more STRAIGHT people acting more innapropriately- mostly teenagers. I usually just see gay couples holding hands. What is so offensive about that????

Yup. It's usually the 16 y/o boy and girl on a "date" who need to be directed to the motels across the street if they want to continue on with what they are doing.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I am a AP holder and I see gay families EVERY time I am there. I have seen more STRAIGHT people acting more innapropriately- mostly teenagers. I usually just see gay couples holding hands. What is so offensive about that????

Yup. It's usually the 16 y/o boy and girl on a "date" who need to be directed to the motels across the street if they want to continue on with what they are doing.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I am a AP holder and I see gay families EVERY time I am there. I have seen more STRAIGHT people acting more innapropriately- mostly teenagers. I usually just see gay couples holding hands. What is so offensive about that????

Yup. It's usually the 16 y/o boy and girl on a "date" who need to be directed to the motels across the street if they want to continue on with what they are doing.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I am a AP holder and I see gay families EVERY time I am there. I have seen more STRAIGHT people acting more innapropriately- mostly teenagers. I usually just see gay couples holding hands. What is so offensive about that????

Yup. It's usually the 16 y/o boy and girl on a "date" who need to be directed to the motels across the street if they want to continue on with what they are doing.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

Oh wow, a woman goes to sleep for a few hours and there’s tons to catch up on! Thanks a lot to those who have supported what I have had to say. I was beginning to wonder about the Disneyland board!

Respectfully,

I appreciate that the subject is apparently important to you, but it seems that when some people "take a stand against intolerance", they are actually not being tolerant of others opinions or perspectives. It also seems to me that the original poster was very clear that she was trying not to offend anyone, but simply looking for some advice. The question could have been posed in a very narrow minded or malicious way, and I don't think that it was. Good for you, for being strong in your opinions, but please allow for the original poster's concerns as well...

Why the prednisone?

Oftentimes when people stand up against discrimination, they are told that they themselves are not being tolerant either. I strongly disagree! We MUST be intolerant towards discrimination. If people hadn’t been intolerant against bigotry and insensitivity towards minority groups, where would women, blacks and other minority groups be today? If somebody started this thread, and substituted “black” for “gay” every single person on this thread would have responded with the passion I did. Why? Because it is overt discrimination. We are out of the dark ages. In 2008, we know that our kids are not in danger if a lot of African Americans show up at Disneyland!!! How did we get to this wonderful place in time where it is no longer acceptable to start a thread like this in regards to black people? Because people refused to allow it to happen without a fight. Because people called bigots on their behavior and ignorance. Being afraid of black people is stupid, as is being afraid of homosexual people. We all know that there was a time that people felt just as strong about their kids being around black people as they do having their kids around gay people. Someday, 20-30 years from now, people will look back and wonder why we could have allowed such useless bigotry to happen. But the only way we’ll get there is to refuse to tolerate it.

So to sum it up, it is inappropriate to not tolerate the vast majority of opinions or perspectives, whether it be in regards to religious beliefs or who you support for president. I strongly disagree with our current administration, but I respect people who do support Bush. Christianity is very much not for me, but I would fight to the death for other people’s rights to practice their religion. But when an opinion or belief oppresses a group of people who are doing NO HARM, that is different. I cannot and will not stand back and say nothing when somebody expresses an opinion that reduces them to something so bad that their kids need protected. As I have said, I do not believe the OP meant harm, but her words are the very words that send minorities backwards. Therefore opinions like that do not qualify for the same kind of tolerance that most opinions deserve. Oppressive words simply do not deserve tolerance.

The prednisone is for autoimmune diseases. I have lupus, RA and Sjögren’s Syndrome.

 

[Tink208]

Oftentimes when people stand up against discrimination, they are told that they themselves are not being tolerant either. I strongly disagree! We MUST be intolerant towards discrimination. If people hadn’t been intolerant against bigotry and insensitivity towards minority groups, where would women, blacks and other minority groups be today? If somebody started this thread, and substituted “black” for “gay” every single person on this thread would have responded with the passion I did. Why? Because it is overt discrimination. We are out of the dark ages. In 2008, we know that our kids are not in danger if a lot of African Americans show up at Disneyland!!! How did we get to this wonderful place in time where it is no longer acceptable to start a thread like this in regards to black people? Because people refused to allow it to happen without a fight. Because people called bigots on their behavior and ignorance. Being afraid of black people is stupid, as is being afraid of homosexual people. We all know that there was a time that people felt just as strong about their kids being around black people as they do having their kids around gay people. Someday, 20-30 years from now, people will look back and wonder why we could have allowed such useless bigotry to happen. But the only way we’ll get there is to refuse to tolerate it.

So to sum it up, it is inappropriate to not tolerate the vast majority of opinions or perspectives, whether it be in regards to religious beliefs or who you support for president. I strongly disagree with our current administration, but I respect people who do support Bush. Christianity is very much not for me, but I would fight to the death for other people’s rights to practice their religion. But when an opinion or belief oppresses a group of people who are doing NO HARM, that is different. I cannot and will not stand back and say nothing when somebody expresses an opinion that reduces them to something so bad that their kids need protected. As I have said, I do not believe the OP meant harm, but her words are the very words that send minorities backwards. Therefore opinions like that do not qualify for the same kind of tolerance that most opinions deserve. Oppressive words simply do not deserve tolerance.

Very well said.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

Christianity is very much not for me, but I would fight to the death for other people’s rights to practice their religion. But when an opinion or belief oppresses a group of people who are doing NO HARM, that is different

This line reminds me of a convo i had with a friend a few days. She is morman and I was telling her it was alright (becouse misunderstanding night before I thought she thought i didnt) any ways we all have freedoms to be the way we are beliave in what we want and not be stoned or burned if I belive in magic. Yes we have had many fight and die for those rights and lets never be afraid to stand up for our rights as I have alreayd done I apoligize again. I for one know what many familys have sacrificed for these freedoms (21 year airforce dad. and all though my family many served)God bless america weather or not I beliave in god its what our country was brought up on. Freedoms to beliave in what we want. say what we like and now be with who we chose. Let those freedoms never be tookin away