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

[Alex2kMommy]

Ok.... but they never ever even logged back in to read ANY of the responses... IMO they are a troll... most likely a semi regular here, who created another screen name, just to stir something up.

DISers do that?! What a curious form of entertainment!

I heard a genuine voice in the post, someone tentatively asking a sincere question she knew could come across as offensive, and apologizing for the question. That's not to say it couldn't be a troll, I certainly have been known to be wrong about people's intentions. I do tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, and occasionally I get burned because of it.

I just wanted to respond to it as a sincere question, because it has come up before, and I'm sure it will again.

This was only the second board I joined, and the first I visited regularly. In my early days here I posted a link to a newspaper article related to a topic I'd seen mentioned. The topic was not a friendly debate (as I'd naively thought) but a very hot button for many people, and I was called a troll. I had no idea then what a troll was, but it didn't sound like a good thing since people were so ticked off by my post!

I don't remember if I apologized before I tucked my tail and ran or not, but I have not been back to that section of the DIS since then.

 

[Laurabearz]

DISers do that?! What a curious form of entertainment!

Yes they do... sad to say.

 

[Beth76]

THEN... I was waiting with the baby outside of soaring for my guys to get off, and there was a man next to me with a baby.. We got to talking, and he was going on and on about how upset he was that it was gay days, and how he never would have come if he had known... He was sooooo nasty about it, I was shocked!! But... whatever. We still had fun!

Isn't it amazing how people will just spout off that garbage to complete strangers, assumming the rest of the world feels as they do? I was working at a preschool in college and one of the other teachers and I were talking about this one little girl. She said (and it had no bearing on the conversation--she just had to say it) "Did you know she has two moms? Isn't that terrible?" I didn't even know how to respond to that.

 

[oregonkids]

Wow! Okay - I almost forgot I had posted on this website. Checked back today a few weeks later - I never knew I would start so much controversy. To set the record straight - here is some background. I am sorry I used the word "protect" - maybe not exactly the right terminology. I read an article, written by a member of the gay community, who himself will no longer participate in "Gay Days" and talked about horrible sexual displays going on that were way beyond g-rated and his concern for young children seeing what was going on.

He had previously attended "Gay Days" with his partner and felt that the event no longer represented the majority of the Gay/Lesbian community. That it was taken over in some ways by an extreme minority who was overtly sexual in public. Do you now understand why I am slightly nervous about being there during this time period with a 3 year old??? Yes, I mentioned my other child a one year old. Yes, I am bright enough to realize that he will probably NOT understand what is going on. But, you must admit that the 3 year old might.

I have many gay/lesbian friends. I no longer live in Oregon, but did previously. It is an incredibly liberal state - I have lived in Portland and Eugene. Obviously I have been with gay/lesbian couples on a regular basis.

I wrote that email late in the evening and in a hurry after I had read the article and was looking for help. Please, before you jump to conclusions and are judgmental - just as you accused ME of being judgmental, try to put yourself in the other person's shoes, show some mercy and give them the benefit of the doubt. You might find that they are not as horrible of a person as you originally assumed.

I do not care if any of you respond to this - my goodness, it is the internet and I will never meet ANY of you in real life. I just couldn't pass up a chance to clarify where I was coming from. And, if anyone has a helpful answer to my question - maybe saying yes or no the event is or is not as graphic as that article made it out to be? And, if it is, how I can avoid it, that would be great. Although from what I've read now, I gather that it is not as X-rated as that article made it sound. Thanks.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Welcome back.

Do you possibly have a link to the article? I'm just curious about the specifics the author witnessed.

As I stated previously, this question has come up several times before, and there always seems to be at least one poster who says they'll never go at that time of year because of the "inappropriate PDA." But the vast majority of people indicate they've never seen anything inappropriate, and that was our experience also.

 

[IluvDISNEYLAND!]

Wow! I just finished reading all of the post and my goodness one thing led to another. I think your post was innocent and it seems as though some were a little hard on you. After you mentioned that article I would have been concerned to. I have a son who just turned 4 and he amazes me with the questions he asks and the things he says. I agree with you in that a 3 year might know what is going on(in general) because mine would.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Wow! Okay - I almost forgot I had posted on this website. Checked back today a few weeks later - I never knew I would start so much controversy. To set the record straight - here is some background. I am sorry I used the word "protect" - maybe not exactly the right terminology. I read an article, written by a member of the gay community, who himself will no longer participate in "Gay Days" and talked about horrible sexual displays going on that were way beyond g-rated and his concern for young children seeing what was going on.

He had previously attended "Gay Days" with his partner and felt that the event no longer represented the majority of the Gay/Lesbian community. That it was taken over in some ways by an extreme minority who was overtly sexual in public. Do you now understand why I am slightly nervous about being there during this time period with a 3 year old??? Yes, I mentioned my other child a one year old. Yes, I am bright enough to realize that he will probably NOT understand what is going on. But, you must admit that the 3 year old might.

I have many gay/lesbian friends. I no longer live in Oregon, but did previously. It is an incredibly liberal state - I have lived in Portland and Eugene. Obviously I have been with gay/lesbian couples on a regular basis.

I wrote that email late in the evening and in a hurry after I had read the article and was looking for help. Please, before you jump to conclusions and are judgmental - just as you accused ME of being judgmental, try to put yourself in the other person's shoes, show some mercy and give them the benefit of the doubt. You might find that they are not as horrible of a person as you originally assumed.

I do not care if any of you respond to this - my goodness, it is the internet and I will never meet ANY of you in real life. I just couldn't pass up a chance to clarify where I was coming from. And, if anyone has a helpful answer to my question - maybe saying yes or no the event is or is not as graphic as that article made it out to be? And, if it is, how I can avoid it, that would be great. Although from what I've read now, I gather that it is not as X-rated as that article made it sound. Thanks.

 

[LauraAnn630]

Troll. They should delete the thread!

IMO - its insulting no matter how you sugar coat it.

I still can help but wonder was this posted to cause trouble? IMO

If your that worried just dont go those days. Why post about it?

 

[mariezp]

Glad you decided to come back. Your response certainly explains your question well. Hope you don't give up on trying to get answers to help you plan your trip. The DIS board can offer lots of invaluable information. Have a great trip!

 

[Etoile]

Troll! They should delete the thread!

Did you even read the OP's second post on the previous page?

 

[Amy&Dan]

OP is possibly referring to the disboard's own Web Master Pete's article written a couple of years ago regarding Gay Days at WDW. Totally different thing. Gay Days at DL is not as big of an event as the one in WDW. That article was posted here on the dis and caused quite a hoopla. If OP read that article or something similar, no wonder she is wigged out. I did too, since it referenced drugs and in your face PDA's that of course would cause somebody to think twice about a trip planned when this supposedly occurs. I have now found out this really isn't an issue of concern for the average person and again, this article I am talking about (Pete's, founder of the disboards) is about WDW not DL and mostly referenced the MK on the first Saturday in June.

I could probably find the link but its really not worth it because it was not about Disneyland and many people who have been to the Gay Days in WDW disagreed with his points. His reasons and experiences for posting this article awhile back are his own I guess. For what its worth, Pete is gay and I think lots of people were surprised at his viewpoint and strong opinion. You will see far more people (straight and gay) I think who disagree with his viewpoint than agree and again this was all about WDW. At the time he wrote it, I was researching our WDW trip (which will be over Gay Days) and was wondering about crowd levels. After that article I was alarmed about the whole thing and I think may have even posted on some thread about it saying its always a shame people, any people have to be tacky. But after more research have found that even at WDW it probably is only a big deal as far as crowds. And the funny thing is, that now that my trip is coming up in just a few months, I had completely forgotten about the fact we will be there over Gay Days! So I guess I am not bothered about the crowd levels anymore, heck I am just happy to go to WDW. If you go to the Gay Days website, you can see the schedule and avoid the parks they are having their time at if you wish to avoid crowds at WDW during Gay Days (which is in early June) as well as information on Disneyland's Gay Days. In the end, I really believe the OP didn not mean to offend but there is absolutely no way you can post something like that and not offend somebody I guess. If this is the artcle she read, go to ww.wdwinfo.com and read it and you'll see why she was upset.

And again, every post I read about this issue indicates that other than crowds and red shirts, you wouldn't notice a thing, especially at Disneyland's Gay Days.

I see threads similar to this over on the WDW side all the time, in reference not only to Gay Days but Brazilan tour groups, Jersey Week , Star Wars Weekends and other events that bring lots of people from one group at the time people not from that group want to go to Disney. All year long there are huge amounts of some group at WDW in particular. Disney (Land or World) is going to bring in lots of people. And some of them will annoy you but if you really concentrate on having fun and enjoying your time with friends and family, it shouldn't have an impact regardless of when you go and what group might be there with you.

To the OP, I hope you have a great time at Disneyland! Ask questions, its how we learn and plan and you probably could never come up with something this controversial again! In all, this has for the most part been a civilized discussion. People feel passionately about their lives, lifestyles and the people they love. Nothing wrong with that, we just have to all realize where we each come from and get along. And for what its worth, October in general is just more crowded. Try September, anytime after Labor Day, its nice and for the most part deserted! Much easier on a family with two tiny kids.

I'll add one more thing. If you do plan to attend DL during this event, make your hotel reservations early, many of the hotels do sell out. And I believe the Gay Days participants attend other venues besides DL so even sold out hotels do not necessarly indicate the parks will be mobbed. They'll just be a bit more crowded than weekends prior and after the event.

 

[VWCat]

seems a bit trolly to me as well...

 

[dkerwood]

Just to throw in my two cents... When I was researching our trip to WDW last year, I ran across several articles on Gay Days. Since we went in early January, it wasn't a big concern to me. I looked it all up again today, and found this, which may be the same article she's referring to: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-gay-days.htm

These are legitimate concerns brought to light here. From what I gather, Disney has a history of turning somewhat of a blind eye on the activities as well.

I don't feel that it's a terrible thing to ask if it's a similar occasion at DL. It seems like a responsible parent asking for information before deciding how to deal with a vacation with her children.

What DOES offend me, is one of the first responders calling anyone who does not agree with her lifestyle a bigot. That word should not be thrown around lightly.

 

[jemilah]

I was there last year and boy was it busy ..........Iwas alone with my 2 sons and I hope to raise open minded kids and we had a blast. But it was
WAY too busy ! I would avoid it just because I hate crowds. As for my kids it was just another lesson that people are people .

 

[mwrogers]

Wow, how did I miss this thread?

To the OP, ignore all the rhetoric being thrown around here like people think it's pixie dust. If you're comfortable going during gay days, go. Plan ahead with how you'll address any questions your 3yo will have. If you're really concerned, discuss it with your 3yo before you go.

To those accusing the OP of being offensive, she stated right in the header she wasn't bashing. Then, if that wasn't enough, she stated several times in her post that she didn't intend to offend anyone with her question. If you still get offended, that's your fault. How much clearer does she need to be?

 

[IluvDISNEYLAND!]

Just to throw in my two cents... When I was researching our trip to WDW last year, I ran across several articles on Gay Days. Since we went in early January, it wasn't a big concern to me. I looked it all up again today, and found this, which may be the same article she's referring to: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-gay-days.htm

These are legitimate concerns brought to light here. From what I gather, Disney has a history of turning somewhat of a blind eye on the activities as well.

I don't feel that it's a terrible thing to ask if it's a similar occasion at DL. It seems like a responsible parent asking for information before deciding how to deal with a vacation with her children.

What DOES offend me, is one of the first responders calling anyone who does not agree with her lifestyle a bigot. That word should not be thrown around lightly.

I couldn't have agreed with you more!!!

 

[LauraAnn630]

Troll? They should delete the thread!

IMO - its insulting no matter how you sugar coat it.

I still can help but wonder was this posted to cause trouble? IMO

If your that worried just dont go those days. Why post about it?
__________________

 

[dkerwood]

Troll? They should delete the thread!

IMO - its insulting no matter how you sugar coat it.

I still can help but wonder was this posted to cause trouble? IMO

If your that worried just dont go those days. Why post about it?
__________________

As I understand it, the OP read an article about inappropriate behavior at WDW. She then simply asked for some firsthand experience at DL.

ANY responsible parent gathers information when faced with any concern for their kids' well being. The only controversial thing here is the sexual orientation of the participants. If it was straight people arriving en masse and bringing with them tons of borderline PDA and drug problems, nobody would question the OP's concerns.

But since it deals with "Gay Days" at DL, she's suddenly insensitive? She should just "explain" to her kids, which will lead to being "open minded"? Would you sit your 3-year-old in front of a PG-13 movie and just "explain" the objectionable material in an effort to make them "open minded"? Ridiculous.

 

[IluvDISNEYLAND!]

AGAIN, I couln't agree with you more!!!!!!! Very well said!!!!

As I understand it, the OP read an article about inappropriate behavior at WDW. She then simply asked for some firsthand experience at DL.

ANY responsible parent gathers information when faced with any concern for their kids' well being. The only controversial thing here is the sexual orientation of the participants. If it was straight people arriving en masse and bringing with them tons of borderline PDA and drug problems, nobody would question the OP's concerns.

But since it deals with "Gay Days" at DL, she's suddenly insensitive? She should just "explain" to her kids, which will lead to being "open minded"? Would you sit your 3-year-old in front of a PG-13 movie and just "explain" the objectionable material in an effort to make them "open minded"? Ridiculous.

 

[MunkyMe13]

I find it odd that people can be so judgemental on both sides of the spectrum. I personally believe love knows no sex. Even funnier is people worry about PDAs but back when Haunted Mansion first opened people used to have "relations" during the ride. I mean PDAs are so common I don't think I even notice the sex anymore. I have never been over gay days but I think that no matter who goes those who are going to have pda be apart of their trip are going to do it whether its gay day or not. I know plenty of homosexual who do not run around sucking face all day. LOL... I also think that saying you need to protect your children is a bit ridiculous given the society we live in. Homosexuality has been documented for hundreds of years and isn't going anyway. Why not let your children ask questions and maybe learn that even if it isn't their thing they should be non judgemental about it. Thats just my 2 cents.

 

[mwrogers]

Munky,

At the risk of being flamed, and not speaking for the OP (as I have no idea who she is or what her views are), I think a lot of people misunderstand the idea of "protecting" children from gay people. As has been stated here many times, almost no one believes children need to be "protected" from being attacked by gays. Gays are no more likely (in my opinion) to be predators than strait people. That's not what's being protected against.

The "protecting" many parents feel needs to be done is from the idea that being gay is a morally acceptable lifestyle. Gay parents have the right to teach their children that it is. Strait parents have the right to teach that it isn't. But seeing it en masse in a public place lends credibility and furthers the PC notion that goes against what some parents teach their children. I highly doubt gay parents would take their children to a vacation spot if they know there is going to be an anti-gay rally there the same day.

Parents don't keep their children away from gay days to prevent exposure. As has already been pointed out here, children are going to find out one way or another. I think a lot of parents avoid gay days because its contradictory to teach heterosexuality at home and then go to Disney and see homosexuality "endorsed" by seeing it in public at a family place.