Gay Days?

[sydneysmom]

Now, someone needs to tell me when the cheerleaders come. Because that sounds like a nightmare.

The Brazilian tour groups make the cheerleaders look tame and quiet.... now THAT'S the time you want to avoid !!

Gay Week always seems to bring out such upsettment.... I don't get it. People know it's the first week of June. If you don't agree with it, don't go that week. But here's the thing... are you going to avoid going to the mall, every major city or frankly, anyplace else because their will be gay people ? Because there WILL be gay people. They don't bite!!! They're just normal people who live their lives. If you don't agree w/ their lifestyle, that's fine, but why keep posting "do you think they might kiss at the parks?" They're family people, they're bankers, they're lawyers, they're moms and dads....now, some are overly flamboyant, but I think the same can be said for straight people. It's not a tag that should just be on the gay community. Just my opinion.

My suggestion to anyone that's "skittish" about Gay Week, pick another week if it bothers you. It's just that easy. But debating morals and values ? The Dis is hardly the place in my humble opinion.

I'm from Cape Cod (originally) .... I'm SO used to gay people being a part of the everyday fabric of life that when something like this pops up, it just astounds me. And trust me, until you've been to Provincetown at night, Gay Week at Disney looks like any other ordinary day !

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

I find the whole idea of a "gay day" or a "gay parade" to be sort of absurd

Why are there "days" to celebrate different kinds sexuality?

It just seems silly.

 

[ThreeBeans]

I find the whole idea of a "gay day" or a "gay parade" to be sort of absurd

Why are there "days" to celebrate sexual choice?

It just seems silly.

A. It's not choice

B. Try being a member of a group that's been persecuted, suffered discrimination, been stripped of civil rights, been physically assaulted, been tortured, been murdered, just for being who they are, and then talk about how things are silly.

This is what we call, "privilege". And you, my friend, haz it.

 

[Disneyliscious]

There will always be some people, no matter whether hetero or gay that will have PDA's that you don't approve of. Here's the thing though, people don't start whole threads asking if they should avoid HETERO's at the park. Not possible, right?

So if you saw a hetero couple making out, you would think it was inappropriate, but would you blame ALL of the hetero people in the world and want to go to the park when they weren't there? Maybe you wouldn't want to go to WDW at all b/c there's always so many hetero's there and your small child might be exposed to PDAs? Sounds stupid when you turn it around, but it's exactly what people are doing when they act like all gay people are a certain way. They are just people, families, friends, and they are ALWAYS at the parks, not just on gay days.

Here is the problem. You dont have groups of heteros staking making "hetero days" at Disney.

I think everyone should get to visit Disney. My question is, why do gays need their own "days" so to speak? Is there a Chinese day? African day? Grandparents day? European day? Farmers day? White collar day? lol I just dont get it.

We all blend in well at Disney and I just dont get why where has to be hype about any groups "day".

A. It's not choice

B. Try being a member of a group that's been persecuted, suffered discrimination, been stripped of civil rights, been physically assaulted, been tortured, been murdered, just for being who they are, and then talk about how things are silly.

This is what we call, "privilege". And you, my friend, haz it.

There must be a Battered Wives day, a Victim of Rape day, and Slave day (yes, there are current day slaves), and omg even a Womans Day! I never knew.

Because, the groups I mentioned have ALL suffered what you are quoting as being indigenous to gays. It appears to me, that YOU single out gays when you make comments like that.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

A. It's not choice

B. Try being a member of a group that's been persecuted, suffered discrimination, been stripped of civil rights, been physically assaulted, been tortured, been murdered, just for being who they are, and then talk about how things are silly.

This is what we call, "privilege". And you, my friend, haz it.

yeah ok not a choice, I get it. Lazy on my part. I edited the post to say "sexuality".

But even so...I am confused as to what a Gay Day is meant to stand for in your view. Are you saying it is not to celebrate a certain kind of sexuality?

btw - I am a member of a group that's in your B: it's called the church.

 

[MoonFaerie]

Here is the problem. You dont have groups of heteros staking making "hetero days" at Disney.

I think everyone should get to visit Disney. My question is, why do gays need their own "days" so to speak? Is there a Chinese day? African day? Grandparents day? European day? Farmers day? White collar day? lol I just dont get it.

We all blend in well at Disney and I just dont get why where has to be hype about any groups "day".

The reason there's hype about this group rather than the others is that some people get their panties in a serious twist about Teh Gayz. They boycott. They fly freaking planes overhead warning about the evil of Teh Gayz. They are the ones making there be a hype, not the gay days attendees.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

Hon, if you're trying to suggest that the Christian Church (which, by the way, is the primary reason that gay people are persectued in the US) is in any way a victim in our country, where more than 70% of people are that religion, and the President of the country has ALWAYS been a Christian, you look danged foolish.

If you are trying to suggest that gay people - both historically and presently -have been persecuted more than Christians it is you who play the fool. the two groups have more in common that is obvious at first glance.

And your understanding of Christian doctrine on the matter is shallow and incomplete, though I guess can't totally fault you for that because it isn't always communicated properly and unfortunetely all Christians get painted with "nutjob Westboro Baptist" brush (intolerance and misunderstanding cut both ways).

Anyway...this is the DIS so and all I meant was that it is strange to me to throw a parade or have dedicated special days at WDW for a group that seems to want to just be treated the same as every one else. A bit schizophrenic to me.

 

[kparc]

"Every day,is a fun, gay, magical day at Disneyland!" Walt Disney 1957.

 

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

Wow guys - let's please all just stay friends yeah? The OP asked a question so lets try and stick to that. Although it is hard to answer a question like the OP's without voicing your opinion lets not flame others for theres (even if we don't agree.)

Now all together...BIG HUGS

My 2 cents - if you're having to ask if its going to be an issue then I think you're going to have an issue with it when you're there.

(Now to sit back to watch myself get flamed..)

 

[Disneyliscious]

Anyway...this is the DIS so and all I meant was that it is strange to me to throw a parade or have dedicated special days at WDW for a group that seems to want to just be treated the same as every one else. A bit schizophrenic to me.

Agreed. But because we don't understand it, we are labeled by many as being prejudiced, haters or unaccepting of gays/lesbians, which couldnt be farther from the truth.

Some of us are just curious as to why a group of folks, who commonly say the want to be treated like everyone else, seem to segregate themselves more than any other group. I guess Im wrong, but to me if you want to be treated like everyone else, you just blend in like everyone else does. You don't need 'gay parades', you just have a parade. You dont need Gay Days, you just choose a day. You don't need Miss Black America, you just have Miss America. You all think we are trying to pick when in reality we are trying to INCLUDE you in everyday activities which do not single you out for being WHO you are, which is what you claim to want.

Berating others because they don't have an understanding for it (and are asking for one) makes you the same kind of person you are claiming us to be in the first place.

 

[skibum25]

My 2 cents - if you're having to ask if its going to be an issue then I think you're going to have an issue with it when you're there.[/SIZE]

I think that's the best advice in this thread.

 

[Disneyliscious]

"Every day,is a fun, gay, magical day at Disneyland!" Walt Disney 1957.

I like this. Now, no one can harp on others for saying "that is so gay". The word has different meanings, none of which should be assumed.

 

[MoonFaerie]

Agreed. But because we don't understand it, we are labeled by many as being prejudiced, haters or unaccepting of gays/lesbians, which couldnt be farther from the truth.

Some of us are just curious as to why a group of folks, who commonly say the want to be treated like everyone else, seem to segregate themselves more than any other group. I guess Im wrong, but to me if you want to be treated like everyone else, you just blend in like everyone else does. You don't need 'gay parades', you just have a parade. You dont need Gay Days, you just choose a day. You don't need Miss Black America, you just have Miss America. You all think we are trying to pick when in reality we are trying to INCLUDE you in everyday activities which do not single you out for being WHO you are, which is what you claim to want.

Berating others because they don't have an understanding for it (and are asking for one) makes you the same kind of person you are claiming us to be in the first place.

Ok, but there are groups that organize their own events. There are events for religious groups, ethnic groups, racial groups, political groups, etc. The difference is that those are mostly seen as commonplace and therefore NDB.

If people quit being "OMG, The Gays!" about it, this event would become NBD. If LGBT people had equal rights, they wouldn't have to put any spotlight on the fact that they don't have equal rights. History has shown that we're not exactly falling all over ourselves to treat them just like everyone else, so they have to stand up and say, "Hey, we're here. We're just like you. Where are our rights?"

 

[suemom2kay]

Wow! This thread has really evolved.

Disney World is not only the most Magical place on earth it is also one of the most tolerant places on earth. We could all learn a lesson from that mouse!

Whether one thinks it is silly, segregating, or fillin the blank. doesn't matter. As a PP said, there are home school days, Jersey days (a whole other affliction - don't flame me I grew up in Jersey).

The church although persecuted, kind of created the good ole USA for this reason, and there has been very little persecution in USA (of Christians for being Christians that is). Gays are still being persecuted and not given the freedom guaranteed to them by the Constitution. There is supposed to be a separation of Church and State but that goes out the window when it comes to homosexuality.

I remember walking in the AIDS walk in the 80's and people were yelling at us and throwing things at us. Calling us many names I won't repeat here. I am not Gay but I felt so sad by what these so called Christians and Jews were doing. The walk was to raise awareness and money for AIDS during a time when the pandemic was devastating.

If people want to have Gay days to connect, celebrate, escape, an excuse to go to Disney World. I really don't care. If one does not wish to go there when there are red t-shirts to make sure you know there are gays about. So be it.

I think OP did not have any idea the can of worms she was opening. But her question has been asked and answered.

 

[LilyWDW]

Ok, but there are groups that organize their own events. There are events for religious groups, ethnic groups, racial groups, political groups, etc. The difference is that those are mostly seen as commonplace and therefore NDB.

If people quit being "OMG, The Gays!" about it, this event would become NBD. If LGBT people had equal rights, they wouldn't have to put any spotlight on the fact that they don't have equal rights. History has shown that we're not exactly falling all over ourselves to treat them just like everyone else, so they have to stand up and say, "Hey, we're here. We're just like you. Where are our rights?"

Agreed. Other groups plan specific days/weeks/events to support each other and celebrate who they are. This is no different. It just gets more attention because of who it is and where it is.

Heck, some groups have made it even a bigger deal.

 

[tony609]

I find the whole idea of a "gay day" or a "gay parade" to be sort of absurd

Why are there "days" to celebrate different kinds sexuality?

It just seems silly.

Really? Seriously? You OBVIOUSLY don't get it..don't worry you can't catch it.

Gay days or pride parades or GLBT film festivels etc..are more for people from a shared demographic, that is looked down on, treated unfairly by the government, for being something that you have no control over unless you want to live a lie (which many do, many men and women do what is expected an either live horrible lives inside themselves or cheat on their spouses.. or not really live at all.) It has little to do with sexuality except for that of being gay, which you don't have to be. Many people at Gay functions aren't GLBT. They either support peoples rights to be whoever they are,have GLBT family and support them or countless other reasons for being there. It's no different then a group of churches (whatever religion) getting together youth groups from all over and going to WDW, or whereever they choose. It's just a common thread that unites.


Originally Posted by MikeandReneePlus5 If you are trying to suggest that gay people - both historically and presently -have been persecuted more than Christians it is you who play the fool. the two groups have more in common that is obvious at first glance.

And your understanding of Christian doctrine on the matter is shallow and incomplete, though I guess can't totally fault you for that because it isn't always communicated properly and unfortunetely all Christians get painted with "nutjob Westboro Baptist" brush (intolerance and misunderstanding cut both ways).

Anyway...this is the DIS so and all I meant was that it is strange to me to throw a parade or have dedicated special days at WDW for a group that seems to want to just be treated the same as every one else. A bit schizophrenic to me.


BTW your choice of the word schizophrenic...classy very classy and by definition it means
Mostly it's people who have split personalities. They might be happy one minute and crying the next. Or very nice and then very mean. They could be paranoid and think someone is going to harm them or harm someone else. Go search on www.google.com and you'll find many results.
The term 'schizophrenic' refers to someone with schizophrenia, a severe psychological disorder usually characterized by hallucinations (false sensations, like seeing or hearing things that aren't really there), delusions (false beliefs), disordered thinking, flat affect (no emotional reactions to stimuli), disordered or strange speech patterns and very disorganized/abnormal behavior. These symptoms have to have a severely disruptive effect on the person's home/work/social life to be truly considered schizophrenia. There are several types of schizophrenia, including paranoid schizophrenia (where the hallucinations/delusions are linked to a paranoid fear), catatonic schizophrenia (includes incidences of catatonic [motionless] stupors and extreme flexibility), hebephrenic schizophrenia (largely disordered thought and flat affect) and undifferentiated schizophrenia (symptoms don't fall into one of the other three types).

 

[Comprendo2]

Really? Seriously? You OBVIOUSLY don't get it..don't worry you can't catch it.

Gay days or pride parades or GLBT film festivels etc..are more for people from a shared demographic, that is looked down on, treated unfairly by the government, for being something that you have no control over unless you want to live a lie (which many do, many men and women do what is expected an either live horrible lives inside themselves or cheat on their spouses.. or not really live at all.) It has little to do with sexuality except for that of being gay, which you don't have to be. Many people at Gay functions aren't GLBT. They either support peoples rights to be whoever they are,have GLBT family and support them or countless other reasons for being there. It's no different then a group of churches (whatever religion) getting together youth groups from all over and going to WDW, or whereever they choose. It's just a common thread that unites.

Actually it is quite different than a church or school getting together. Those are organizations with shares goals and beliefs. Being gay isn't an organization, it's simply a choice that one makes at a young age to act inappropriately. I don't see why that inappropriate choice should be celebrated.

 

[BuckeyeGuy28]

The Brazilian tour groups make the cheerleaders look tame and quiet.... now THAT'S the time you want to avoid !!

You dont see anybody here sticking up for the Brazilian tour groups or cheerleaders on here--why is it a bigger deal to avoid gay people over cheerleaders or Brazilian tour groups if they really are normal people just like everyone else?

You see thats the problem with Gay Days--gay people are out all the time and who cares? But people go to events like Gay Days because they want to make a point, and sometimes the way they set out to make that point can get out of hand and inappropriate and thats why people get uncomfortable. People keep defending them as 'normal people' which they are, so let's start treating them and judging them like everyone else no matter what their orientation.

 

[Disneyliscious]

Some of you act like gays are the only group of folks who were ever or are treated unfairly. I guarantee you, every nationality, race, ethnic group, age, size, color, level of handicap, organization, etc in the world can say they are discriminated about against SOMETHING.

The point is, sure there was a day when gays were treated unfairly, so were blacks, women, and jews (among others). Its 2011, not 1960. When are people going to let go and just all act an an equal like they want? Im not saying issues don't still need to be addressed. Im saying if you want to be treated equal, then you must act it and not draw attention to yourself.

I don't see Christian Days, Womens Days, Jewish Days getting attention in the media. Sure groups organize events and go but they don't need "days" if you get my point. They just organize and go. Separating yourself by delegated 'days' in a public facility is self segregation. And then those people wonder why they feel 'left out'. Its because they are excluding themselves from being a part of a normal, everyday function.

I dont have a problem with gays at all. I just dont understand the concept of "we want to be treated equal so we will segregate ourselves away from those who we want to treat us equal", thus creating a situation of not being treated equal.

Its Disney! If you want to go just go. Doesn't matter what your background is. No need to make an ordeal out of it. Im so tired of the poor pitiful me stories when there are groups who have been treated far worse.

Edit to add: I would have just as much of a problem if I seen Brazilian Tour Group Days or Cheerleader Days. There is a difference in organizing a group to go and completely taking it upon yourself to say this is 'my' day.

 

[bumbershoot]

You should never come to my country. People of all kinds are allowed to marry whomever they like.

I do have to say...from the words the OP actually wrote, it really doesn't seem like she needs a pseudo-threat like "you should never come to my country". She seems to have been there, she saw, with her own eyes, "gestures" that made her uncomfortable, and some seemingly over the top behaviour. Some other people have, sometimes, seen similar. I would say that MOST people who have been to Gay Days do NOT see that behaviour, but then again, I would think that most people who visit WDW (or DLR) don't even see over the top behaviour from *anyone*. But just because I haven't doesn't mean she might not have.

It sounds like the OP is just a bit sheltered, and ended up wondering if it was done by Disney or not.

I find the whole idea of a "gay day" or a "gay parade" to be sort of absurd

Why are there "days" to celebrate different kinds sexuality?

It just seems silly.

Seems less "silly" if you think of it as a *big group of people with one thing in common all wanting to be at one place on the same day*. Sounds better, right? So think of it that way.

As for parades, someday I might actually go to a parade on St Patrick's day, to be around a bunch of other Irish-descent people, just to be around them! It's fun, we share one thing in common, why not? At one point I joined a very *small* message board for non-Asian women who married Asian men...it was incredibly helpful, especially for those of us having MIL issues.

There are groups everywhere of people with a thing or two in common, and isn't it fun to be able to be around a whole big group of those people?

Out at Disneyland they have Raver Days, and Bat Days, which means Goth. Big group of people who all just want to be there at the same day and perhaps meet some new people.

You want a special day? Create one!

You dont see anybody here sticking up for the Brazilian tour groups or cheerleaders on here--

I've heard people defend the tour groups, though I think mostly that's b/c the "those people" stuff gets a bit uncomfortable, and starts feeling "'ist".

And ever since my own sister (how dare she?) became a cheerleader, I have to wince a bit when I hear of cheerleaders being avoided... At Disneyland in March I met a few of her fellow cheerleaders and while I cannot agree with the "clothing" her friends were wearing (she wasn't dressed as, well, she was dressed MORE than they were, let's leave it at that), they were nice, kind, and polite so I couldn't complain.

There, now you've heard of someone defending the groups.