Commitment ceremonies at WDW

[PghLybrt]

Now I am not trying to start a debate of whether or not WDW should allow them.

I am asking the people who do feel that WDW should have them if it makes it harder for you to give your money to WDW when they so openly discriminate against us?

In every other aspect of my life I try to support those who support us. I drive a Subaru, I buy Bridgestone tires, I will not shop at JC penny’s ect ect….. The only thing I cannot do is to stop patronizing WDW and its drives me nuts!!

So does it bother any of you? And does it ever make you think twice about going?

This year instead of going to WDW (which we do every year at least once) we are choosing to go on an Olivia vacation again because they actually want our money and I will admit the scenery is much better…..

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Ooooh, Olivia. Someday...

Yes, it bothers me and yes, it gives me pause, and yes, I'm addicted to WDW.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

Not really as they've been ahead of the curve in other areas (workplace discrimination and DP benefits) and are generally gay-friendly in terms of guest relations. I assume if the states of Florida or California legalized gay marriage that the Disney operations in those areas would extend use of their wedding facilities and services to gay couples.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

That's a fair response. I believe WDW does prohibit same gendered ceremonies because of the archaic laws in the respective states.

Still bugs me though. Committment ceremonies aren't weddings.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm not gay - but my step-daughter is. I love her and her partner, not to mention their 4YO son. Now, with that disclaimer out of the way.

Yes, I'm anoyed. But there are bigger things to be anoyed at. The fact that they don't live in MA means they can't get married, period. I wish I could change that.

BTW, I'm also anoyed that Disney makes a point of saying it doesn't sponsor gay days. But they readily sponsor religous things like Night of Joy.

Anyway, I'm rambling...

 

[Master Mason]

I'm not gay - but my step-daughter is. I love her and her partner, not to mention their 4YO son. Now, with that disclaimer out of the way.

Yes, I'm anoyed. But there are bigger things to be anoyed at. The fact that they don't live in MA means they can't get married, period. I wish I could change that.

BTW, I'm also anoyed that Disney makes a point of saying it doesn't sponsor gay days. But they readily sponsor religous things like Night of Joy.

Anyway, I'm rambling...

I'm sorry, how does gay day and a religious day compare? If they had a straight day, and refused to have a gay day, then I could see the complaint. lets compare apples to apples please.

As to the OP's question, I think they should allow them, but them not doing so would not effect my attendence or not.

 

[PghLybrt]

BTW, I'm also anoyed that Disney makes a point of saying it doesn't sponsor gay days. But they readily sponsor religous things like Night of Joy.

...

I agree!
And i do agree that they have made strides to have training with employees and have other programs for them in place..... But the fact still remains that they do not want my money for a ceremony and it drives me insane! I think the older I get the more I want to stay in a comfort zone and that means dealing with companies that actually care.

 

[MrVisible]

I'm sorry, how does gay day and a religious day compare?

How are they different?

 

[Master Mason]

How are they different?

Does your sexual preference determine your faith in God? I have many friends that are Gay that are religious...

 

[PghLybrt]

Ooooh, Olivia. Someday...

Yes, it bothers me and yes, it gives me pause, and yes, I'm addicted to WDW.

go olivia... at any cost....go olivia...i cannot stress enough go olivia!!!

 

[Psychometrika]

It gives me pause constantly. The love/hate relationship extends to Disney himself - who was well beyond a reds under the beds hysteric. It is also ironic that the WD company is progressive in so many aspects of gay relationships.

One comment above suggested it was the archaic laws in Florida that prevented them from allowing ceremonies. Wrong. They wouldn't be legal (as in a piece of paper) but they could be performed nonetheless. Such ceremonies are performed all over the state every day.

Another comment suggested that gay days and "night of joy" are apples and oranges. Perhaps, but don't dismiss the comparison so easily. They are alike in that Disney has chosen to single out one group of individuals for a special day to the unofficial exclusion of all others. If you insist upon apples to apples then do so! Where's the Jewish day? The Muslim day? The Hindu day? The atheist day? They don't exist - why? - you'd have to ask Disney. But Disney doesn't mind offending us non-Christians because there aren't as many of us.

Disney can have all sorts of official days..doesn't bother me. What DOES bother me is that they pick and choose - they discriminate. "We like the Christians, but we don't like the gays." It's a policy that makes me ill. But Disney is like crack, and I can't get off of it. I also hope, that as time goes on and more of us make our voices heard - this too will change. Change from within is sometimes as important as change from without.

I generally tend to believe that my paying first class taxes only to be considered a second class citizen is a far more substantive problem. Disney has at least raised the bar by offering domestic partner benefits. Even my own university forbade that until last year. Money talks, ultimately.

 

[MrVisible]

Does your sexual preference determine your faith in God? I have many friends that are Gay that are religious...

Does your faith in God determine your sexual orientation?

And the question still stands... how are the two days different?

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

I'm kinda thinkin' you (or people you would know) are probably right in the thick of this. What can I do (besides vote, of course) to help block Prop 107? -- now that it looks like the court won't stop it.

 

[Master Mason]

Does your faith in God determine your sexual orientation?

And the question still stands... how are the two days different?

One would be a day celebrating a faith or religion. The other would be a day celebrating a sexual preference. They are not compareable. Do they allow a straight day at WDW? Where being heterosexual is celebrated? Nope they don't.

As I said in my first post, if they had a Straight day, then they should have a gay day. If they have a christian day then they should have a jewish day.

Lets compare things that are comparible. Religion and sexual preference are not the same.

(as a side note, I understand that a lot of biggots hide behind religion as their reason for being against homosexuality, but that doesn't make homosexuality the same as a religion.)

(second note, expecting special privilages for being something is just as bad as being descrimiated against for that same thing. Lets judge everyone on their merits as a person and leave everything else at the door, then and only then will there be equality)

 

[Jobie]

It gives me pause constantly. The love/hate relationship extends to Disney himself - who was well beyond a reds under the beds hysteric. It is also ironic that the WD company is progressive in so many aspects of gay relationships.

One comment above suggested it was the archaic laws in Florida that prevented them from allowing ceremonies. Wrong. They wouldn't be legal (as in a piece of paper) but they could be performed nonetheless. Such ceremonies are performed all over the state every day.

Another comment suggested that gay days and "night of joy" are apples and oranges. Perhaps, but don't dismiss the comparison so easily. They are alike in that Disney has chosen to single out one group of individuals for a special day to the unofficial exclusion of all others. If you insist upon apples to apples then do so! Where's the Jewish day? The Muslim day? The Hindu day? The atheist day? They don't exist - why? - you'd have to ask Disney. But Disney doesn't mind offending us non-Christians because there aren't as many of us.

Disney can have all sorts of official days..doesn't bother me. What DOES bother me is that they pick and choose - they discriminate. "We like the Christians, but we don't like the gays." It's a policy that makes me ill. But Disney is like crack, and I can't get off of it. I also hope, that as time goes on and more of us make our voices heard - this too will change. Change from within is sometimes as important as change from without.

I generally tend to believe that my paying first class taxes only to be considered a second class citizen is a far more substantive problem. Disney has at least raised the bar by offering domestic partner benefits. Even my own university forbade that until last year. Money talks, ultimately.

Many of thoes special events are not really ran by Disney, basically a promoter rents out the facility. Same as the Rock the Universe at Universal. Now I am not 100% sure, but 75% But I do not see how religion and sexual orrentation can be compared to each other, especially when somone who is gay can be a believer of a religion.

 

[MrVisible]

One would be a day celebrating a faith or religion. The other would be a day celebrating a sexual preference. They are not compareable. Do they allow a straight day at WDW? Where being heterosexual is celebrated? Nope they don't.

Yeah, it's too bad that there's not a day that straight people can feel comfortable being at a Disney park, and not have to worry about being a tiny minority. It's terrible that heterosexuals can't hold hands in the park without being laughed at, that they can't kiss each other during the fireworks without worrying...

Oh wait. That's every other day. And even on Gay Days, straight people don't have to worry about the kind of discrimination my boyfriend and I do.

Every day is Straight Day. And you're beefing about one measly weekend, not even officially supported by Disney.

As I said in my first post, if they had a Straight day, then they should have a gay day. If they have a christian day then they should have a jewish day.

The day that straight people need a special day to feel like they belong in the parks is the day they should establish Straight Days. But that seems like it'll never happen. In the meantime, the situation is unequal, and you're quibbling over one of the few steps that's being taken to even the playing field.

Lets compare things that are comparible. Religion and sexual preference are not the same.

I'd consider it a personal favor if you'd stop referring to it as a preference. My sexual orientation is not, was never a choice. It's not like saying I like chocolate more than vanilla. Which is, I suppose, one way in which it differs from religion. Religion is a choice.

Other than that, what is your objection to certain groups congregating at the park on certain days?

(as a side note, I understand that a lot of biggots hide behind religion as their reason for being against homosexuality, but that doesn't make homosexuality the same as a religion.)

You're right. It makes it better.

(second note, expecting special privilages for being something is just as bad as being descrimiated against for that same thing. Lets judge everyone on their merits as a person and leave everything else at the door, then and only then will there be equality)

As soon as I can hold hands with my boyfriend without having to worry about getting beaten or killed for it, I'll consider the possibility that that kind of equality is achievable. It's not a special privelege to be allowed into the parks, it's not a special privilege to get to marry the person you love, it's not a special privilege to be allowed to live where you want to and not get fired for something that has nothing to do with your work.

Once we've got that, then I'll be convinced that people can just judge each other as individuals. Until then, arguing against the tiny steps we've made towards equality, in the name of equality, is hypocrisy.

 

[PghLybrt]

I know we are really off topic now but reading some of these made me think of what my mom used to say to me. We always complained that there was no “kids day” but we had Mothers day, Fathers day and even Grandparents day. My mom would always say it was because “everyday is Kid’s day!”. I think it is the same idea when straight people say “ Why do we need a gay day when we don’t have a straight day?”

 

[Master Mason]

Yeah, it's too bad that there's not a day that straight people can feel comfortable being at a Disney park, and not have to worry about being a tiny minority. It's terrible that heterosexuals can't hold hands in the park without being laughed at, that they can't kiss each other during the fireworks without worrying...

Oh wait. That's every other day. And even on Gay Days, straight people don't have to worry about the kind of discrimination my boyfriend and I do.

Every day is Straight Day. And you're beefing about one measly weekend, not even officially supported by Disney.


The day that straight people need a special day to feel like they belong in the parks is the day they should establish Straight Days. But that seems like it'll never happen. In the meantime, the situation is unequal, and you're quibbling over one of the few steps that's being taken to even the playing field.

No I am saying as long as your holding yourselves out as being different, then you'll be treated different. Let me give you an example of where I am coming from. Affermative action in College placement. It let less qualified people in because of their race. It created an artificial handicap. The minority didn't have to be as good as the majority, simply because they were a minority. That is placing a stigma on them. It is the reason that minorities fought against this policy.

I'd consider it a personal favor if you'd stop referring to it as a preference. My sexual orientation is not, was never a choice. It's not like saying I like chocolate more than vanilla. Which is, I suppose, one way in which it differs from religion. Religion is a choice.

Please educate me, my intent is not to be offensive, what is the proper term to be used?

Other than that, what is your objection to certain groups congregating at the park on certain days?

I answered this above, all it does IMHO is hold people out to be different from each other. I don't care what color you are, who you share your bedroom with etc.... what is inside you is what matters. In this case, do you enjoy WDW, do you have a love of Disney etc.... Do you cut in line, or do you behave in a civilized manner while in the park, Those are the things that matter in this situation, not who your there with. I went all by myself, should I demand a singles day?

As soon as I can hold hands with my boyfriend without having to worry about getting beaten or killed for it, I'll consider the possibility that that kind of equality is achievable. It's not a special privelege to be allowed into the parks, it's not a special privilege to get to marry the person you love, it's not a special privilege to be allowed to live where you want to and not get fired for something that has nothing to do with your work.

Can't argue with you on this one, it is wrong, I'd be interested in what you think of my feelings on the gay marrige debate if your interested, but I will leave that to you.

Once we've got that, then I'll be convinced that people can just judge each other as individuals. Until then, arguing against the tiny steps we've made towards equality, in the name of equality, is hypocrisy.

Until minorities quit wanting special privilages that the majority don't enjoy, I don't think that will happen. By wanting special priviliages, or days to celebrate the diveristy, all that is being done is throwing up a big flag that says hey look at me, I am different, instead of simply living your lives as you see fit.

Just my opinion, and it isn't reserved for this issue, it is all minorities.

 

[PghLybrt]

Until minorities quit wanting special privilages that the majority don't enjoy, I don't think that will happen. By wanting special priviliages, or days to celebrate the diveristy, all that is being done is throwing up a big flag that says hey look at me, I am different, instead of simply living your lives as you see fit.

.

Ok so this went where I didn’t want it to go…I was only asking those who do agree with me but since it did……..


You have lost me. We do not ask for special privileges, we ask for the same privileges. We do not make ourselves different ….society makes us different. We would love it if we could get married, have the access to hospital visitation (without lying), be able to have the same health insurance, be able to kiss goodbye in our own front yard without having things shouted at us. I want to be able to go into any club not just a gay club an be able to dance with my girlfriend with out being thrown out or worse beaten.


So I guess I am confused because I do not see us wanting special privileges? I pay my taxes. My company pays its taxes. Heck I even pay my school taxes but will never have children in the school system.

So by wanting to go to Disney a day where most of the crowd has similar experiences as me is wanting special privileges? I think wanting special privileges would be saying we want a gay day that bans all people with children from those days…or something ridiculous like that!

 

[Master Mason]

Ok so this went where I didn’t want it to go…I was only asking those who do agree with me but since it did……..


You have lost me. We do not ask for special privileges, we ask for the same privileges. We do not make ourselves different ….society makes us different. We would love it if we could get married, have the access to hospital visitation (without lying), be able to have the same health insurance, be able to kiss goodbye in our own front yard without having things shouted at us. I want to be able to go into any club not just a gay club an be able to dance with my girlfriend with out being thrown out or worse beaten.


So I guess I am confused because I do not see us wanting special privileges? I pay my taxes. My company pays its taxes. Heck I even pay my school taxes but will never have children in the school system.

So by wanting to go to Disney a day where most of the crowd has similar experiences as me is wanting special privileges? I think wanting special privileges would be saying we want a gay day that bans all people with children from those days…or something ridiculous like that!

yes wanting a gay day is wanting a special privilage or a celebration of the diversity. It is setting you apart from others, instead of including you with others.

I agree that you shouldn't be discrimated against. It is wrong and must be stopped, you should be able to live your life as you choose, as long as your not breaking any laws.

As to the marriage thing, I don't think that the government should santion gay marriage, but I also don't think they should sanction straight marriage, marriage is a funtion of your church. If your church wants to marry you then go for it, be it gay or straight. The Government should be sanctioning civil unions, both for gays and straights. If your both consenting adults (and I would limit this to 2 consenting adults) then you can register your civil union. The registered civil unions would be what the current "Marriage" is as far as tax purposes, survior rights, next of kin etc....

My point is as long as people hold themselves out as different, they will be treated different.

I had a great friend in college, a fraternity brother. All of his friends new he was gay, because he brought his significant other to all our events. But no one else knew because he said it wasn't their business, he didn't hide the fact, but he felt no need to advertise it either. No one picked on him, made fun of him or anything else... and my ideas were formed about this subject by my observations of him and his life.