gay days......

[DizBelle]

Please, no one take offense and no one make any derogatory comments at all. I am just seeking information.

I'm wondering how the WDW guests particpating in gay days conduct themselves while visting the parks. In general terms, what is their dress and manner?

Thanks!

 

[HunnyPots]

While I can't speak for the Magic Kingdom, as we avoided this park on its designated day due to crowds, I saw nothing out of the ordinary at MGM or AK. Had I not read the schedule for Gay Days, I wouldn't have even known about it.

Someone else can answer in regards to MK, but I have been told that the only problem is that it produces massive crowds.

 

[WDSearcher]

You'll see everything from shorts and t-shirts to thongs, just like any other time of the year!

Seriously, there will be a few people who "dress up" -- I remember one remarkable get-up that was red vinyl, with high heeled platform shoes and a dog collar, and all I could think was, "Red vinyl on a sunny June day ... THAT won't last long." But that was definitely the exception, not the rule. You're more likely to see questionable clothing and a lot of bared skin when the South Americans are in town than you are during Gay Days. (Nothing against South Americans, but they do tend to bare a lot more skin than their neighbors up north.)

You'll see a LOT of red t-shirts (the "official" color of the day), and probably a few drag queens (who may or may not be apparent). Other than that, it'll look like a normal day at the parks. All of the Gay Days participants are there to enjoy the parks too -- they know that comfort is key, and they're not going to do the outlandish costumes if they want to have fun.

As for manner ... you'll see lots of same-sex hand-holding, and probably some kissing. I've seen more public displays of affection by high schoolers than by Gay Days participants, though. In fact, the only times I've actually seen people flat-out making out in the parks has been heterosexual couples! If you end up on Small World or something like that with a bunch of "red-shirts," you'll probably have to endure them all singing along for the whole ride, and like any large group (family reunion, cheerleaders, etc), there will be lots of squealing and hugging and all of that as they see each other from opposite ends of the parks!

Many guests who happen to be there during Gay Days don't even notice it, so unless you go in looking for specific behavior, you probably won't see anything unusual. I would NOT, however, recommend taking your kids to Pleasure Island ....

 

[Mickey76]

You will see same-sex hand-holding and kissing. When I was at WDW in 2002, I was there during the Gay Day Weekend. I was fine with it. However, there were families that had no idea this event was scheduled and they were extremely disappointed that they and their children were witness to the affection the same-sex couples were showing for one another. One man had a very offensive shirt on and was told to remove it or turn it inside out. He did so without incident. I had a PS for Crystal Palce for breakfast and the table next to me had several same-sex couples. They were extremely nice and said to let them know if they were being too loud and offensive. I took some pictures for them and they returned the favor. You shouldn't have a problem as long as you have an open mind and an open heart. They're on vacation, too. Have a great time!

 

[KristaTX]

I've been the first week of June several times because of the way school holidays fall, and I just try to avoid the designated park of the day because of the effect on the crowds. On MK Saturday the park will be packed and a few participants will likely be making a spectacle of themselves. If that doesn't sound like something you want to deal with, then avoid the MK all day Saturday.

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

I would much rather go during Gay Days the Jersey Week. All those Yankees give me the willies.

 

[Doc and Family]

LOL at BoyLovesBuzz!

When is Jersey week, it sounds scary to me!

 

[tmli]

I haven't been during gay days but I have seen many same sex encounters during most of our vacations to WDW. Nothing that I would consider offensive, hand holding etc.
My ds has sometimes had questions which I answer honestly and he goes about his day.

I would be offended by over the top spectacles of affection in front of my ds whether they were same or opposite sex couples. I believe certain behaviours belong in private no matter what your sexual orientation is.

I guess my point is that you will very likely come across same sex couples at Disney World no matter what time of year you go...only you can decide your own comfort level and what is best for your family.

 

[Luv2trav]

When is gay days? We are going from may27th-June 4th..... My sister is coming with us and she is gay and she just might like it!

 

[tmq2766]

I personally would love to go during gay days.... I have known many gay men and I would much rather hang with them than caddy women...... I think people make too big of a deal over "gay days" Trust me nothing against east coast people but I agree with BoylovesBuzz I was there this past Jersey week and I would NEVER do it again!!!!!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Just wondering.. Does that Yankee remark also apply to Bostonians or is it just Jersey week??? Teehee...

 

[tmq2766]

I have been labled a Yankee way too many times this week.....That is a whole nother thread......
MackeyMouse I would love to attend beantown days....Really nothing against Jersy folk just did not like the felling of being a minority thats all.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I would COMPLETELY avoid the Magic Kingdom on its designated day during gay days. It's got nothing to do with the gay people, it's got to do with the sheer number of PEOPLE. Gay, straight....it doesn't matter! When that many are in the Magic Kingdom, I prefer not to be one of them. That's why I try to go in the off season.

 

[sk!mom]

This question always surprises me. For the most part they will dress just like what they are- PEOPLE on vacation. Just like all of us.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

and as others have mentioned kept away from the "park of the day" just to avoid crowds. It worked fine. Saw lots of people who seemed to be having a great time.

We'll be there again this year and won't go to Magic Kingdom on Saturday only because of the crowds. Two of our four grandchildren live with their two aunties and understand that families come in all shapes, sizes and flavors.

 

[Mama Twinkles]

I agree with sk!mom:

Originally posted by sk!mom
This question always surprises me. For the most part they will dress just like what they are- PEOPLE on vacation. Just like all of us.

Contrary to popular belief, gay and lesbian folks are neither hypersexual nor ethically challenged. We are from as many walks of life as anyone else. Some of us are your doctors, your professors, your PTA presidents, and we do not suddenly become depraved exhibitionists at WDW. Many of us are absolutely invisible as such in a crowd, having learned to hide self-protectively from a young age. The many who are open and recognizable are to be commended for not hiding what is not a defect in the first place, and for braving others' judgments with dignity.

If you see a gay person doing something that makes you uncomfortable, first ask yourself how many straight people you have seen do the same thing that day. If the behavior is outrageous, do not blame it on the individual's sexual orientation or assume that a disproportionate number of gays and lesbians would do the same. We are not lacking in the conscience department, and I would wager are higher than average on the empathy and compassion scales because we have dealt with discrimination all our lives.

In addition, living as sexual outlaws inspires some people to question and challenge potentially confining sexual and sex-role conventions, and some gay people are joyfully and publicly outside the norms of appearance and behavior (much as many straight "outlaws" are). Variety is the spice of life, and those who live freely and who are true to themselves are to be admired, not scorned or feared, as long as they are not X-rated in public.

If some (very, very few) INTENTIONALLY try to get a rise out of you (or the faceless crowd), it is because they are angry at long years of being wrongly expected not to declare publicly who they are (as if wearing a wedding ring is not a constant declaration of one's heterosexuality). They may view you (or the crowd) as prudish and in need of a reevaluation of the box they think you put yourself in. Just ignore the gauntlet if you are happy with your own life, make sure you do not contribute to unfair discrimination, and enjoy the rest of your day. JMHO.

 

[Brianhog]

WE have been many times the first week of June during gay days. We have rarely seen anything that I would consider being offensive to anyone irregardless of your feelings on the subject. The only exception is MK on Saturday and that is more to do with the crowds as someone mentioned above. The one time we went there on Saturday we left within an hour because of the crowds. However, I would say if you are bothered by this subject Saturday is also not a good day as that seems to be the day that few people go a little overboard in their dress in actions in my opinion.

 

[vicnmickey]

AMEN MAMA TWINKLES, I have seen straight people at WDW, wearing clothing that they should not, fish nets and mini skirts what were they thinking. Honestly, we all are human

We are going to WDW, the first week in June. I got the schedule for gay weeks, only to avoid the larger crowds. I explained to my 12 and 13 year old that we are going during Gay week. You know what my 13 year old said. Cool mom, I think its really neat that people can be honest and open about their selves, even at Disney world I have always taught my kids the prejudice is why the world is at war with each other. Go have a great time, its WDW for god sake!!!!!

 

[Mama Twinkles]

Thanks, vicnmickey! You go, Girl!

 

[noseybuddy]

This is the first I have heard of Gay Day at DW. So, I must ask this question. Do they have special activities planned for them, etc?