Gay Pride Week?

[Sylvester McBean]

This is the same argument someone posted earlier about heroin addicts. Putting gays in with these groups is in itself a very negative association. The Nazis exterminated 6 million people and the KKK lynched and terrorized with the same ideology that propelled the Nazis. How can they even be put in the same discussion with gay people, who just happen to love someone of the same sex. You are equating the different groups. I cannot agree with this type of rationalization.

I posted that comment, and you glossed right over it. I stated it was an absurd comparison up front. read before you react, please.

 

[diznyfanatic]

OK - I agree, the Nazi or KKK example was a bit extreme, so let's take this as an example.

If there were a Nation Republican Week at WDW, where there would be people praising George Bush, wearing tee shirts, and lauding all things Republican. There may be thousands of these people at the resorts or on line talking about how wonderful he is. And let's assume someone is a staunch Liberal that happens to despise George Bush and everything he stands for. Is it wrong for that person to wait a week until all the Republicans have departed? Why not wait a week so he doesn't have to listen to all the propoganda that all those Republicans have the right to express? And if he does wait, does that mean he is intolerant? I mean there are some very nice Republicans.......

Careful...your tolerance is showing.

 

[skyhawk]

I have to admit this is alot of fun!! What a wionderful country!!

 

[melomouse]

That's ridiculous to assume that a kindergartener would have any knowledge of something like this, and besides, pink isn't widely associated with a gay lifestyle.

It would probably be because boys are "taught" that pink is a girl's color, and were displaying the usual boy behavior towards girls.

Justin, That was extremely unkind of you to call me "ridiculous". I urge you to become more informed on sexual and gender stereotypes and also on developmental issues of children to understand how early our society acculturates our children to separate themselves and despise that which is different from them, before you make such a comment. Our children are, indeed, carefully "taught", and that's how attitudes of hate become ingrained.

Still laughing.....but some days I feel so sad about the world.

 

[joestv]

Why do we have to go through this every year? And Gay Days is still months away. How many more threads will there be?

The question of the OP was answered on page 1.

Quite simply, if you don't want to subject yourself to gay people, avoid that week of June. It's the same week every year. Or for that matter, avoid WDW altogether, because speaking as a former cast member, we were definitely in the majority.

Sorry about the rant, but I just get tired of experiencing the same saddness and frustration every year.

 

[Iggipolka]

Imagine the outcry if a group put up a billboard inviting people to "Heterosexual Day" at Disney World?

Every day, except for 1 week a year, is hetrosexual day.

 

[daisax]

Or for that matter, avoid WDW altogether, because speaking as a former cast member, we were definitely in the majority.​

Yikes, all those gay people in costumes touching your children! And touching your FOOD!

clutching pearls

 

[Bronte]

It makes me sad to hear parents say "I don't want to talk to my children about _______."
You can fill that blank in with just about anything ... parents and children should talk ... I say that to my children all the time because I want them to feel like they can ask me anything or tell me anything ... the lines are always OPEN. It is not always easy but being a parent is not always easy either. My parents did not "talk" to me about alot of things and I really wished they had ... now as a parent I want to make sure my kids can talk to me and that I can talk to them about anything at anytime.

 

[Betsyt82]

"Every day, except for 1 week a year, is hetrosexual day"

No, it is everyone everyday no boundaries or distinctions...not heterosexual days

 

[joestv]

Or for that matter, avoid WDW altogether, because speaking as a former cast member, we were definitely in the majority.​

Yikes, all those gay people in costumes touching your children! And touching your FOOD!

clutching pearls

Thanks for giving me a giggle

 

[Iggipolka]

Every day, except for 1 week a year, is hetrosexual day.

Heh..quoting myself. That seems odd.

Anyway, what I ment by the above quote is that during GD, is the only time at WDW when gay and lesbian people are in the majority. If you have never been a minority, it is difficult to explain what it feels like to not feel different than a large number of people. It's very freeing to be able to hold your loved ones hand or give them a kiss, without being afraid of being stared at, harassed or physically assulted.

Someone wrote about being shoved into a pool and denied enterence into an elevator during GD's because they aren't gay. If that's true, you got a glimpse into what being discriminated against is like and what harassement is like, simply for your sexual orientation. You were hurt and angered by the experience. Imagine living your life being afraid of that happening again, (or being denied a job or housing or not being able to see your beloved in the hospital) at any moment, just because of who you love.

There are certainly gay and lesbian people at WDW during the rest of the year, myself and my wife being one such couple, but it just doesn't compare to having a few days where it is acknowledged that we will be the majority and heterosexual people will be in the minority and we can just live in the moment without fear.

 

[joestv]

Heh..quoting myself. That seems odd.

Anyway, what I ment by the above quote is that during GD, is the only time at WDW when gay and lesbian people are in the majority. If you have never been a minority, it is difficult to explain what it feels like to not feel different than a large number of people. It's very freeing to be able to hold your loved ones hand or give them a kiss, without being afraid of being stared at, harassed or physically assulted.

Someone wrote about being shoved into a pool and denied enterence into an elevator during GD's because they aren't gay. If that's true, you got a glimpse into what being discriminated against is like and what harassement is like, simply for your sexual orientation. You were hurt and angered by the experience. Imagine living your life being afraid of that happening again, (or being denied a job or housing or not being able to see your beloved in the hospital) at any moment, just because of who you love.

There are certainly gay and lesbian people at WDW during the rest of the year, myself and my wife being one such couple, but it just doesn't compare to having a few days where it is acknowledged that we will be the majority and heterosexual people will be in the minority and we can just live in the moment without fear.

well said

 

[ECurto]

Ugghh why does this topic come up like evey week now? I now wish people would search alittle. Im starting to feel defensive. I want to say that if "most people" didnt discriminate against "gay people" then there wouldnt be a gay pride week. And if we all just accepted people as people the world would be a better place. That being said... heres my GAY un PC responce.

________________________________________
CDIZNEY: I have experienced pushing, filthy language, people young and old making out everyday at Disney. So I think you might want to just steer clear of the park forever. And while I too think you maybe exaggerating your posts, it is possible what you claimed happened to you did. But don’t judge your one "experience" with a few people on the entire population of all gay and lesbian people. There are bad in every group of people. Just as there are good.

fun2bemomof3: Speaking as a psychologist, I have to say seems like you and are friends are raising your children to be bigoted. Just my opinion on what you said. Anytime you "shield" your child from anything, or try and shape their thoughts your creating their opinions for the future. Why cant you tell them that the two PEOPLE holding hands are in love? Why do you have to get into a discussion about same sex couples? It always strikes my clients funny when they come to me for advice and I say be open with your kids, tell them the truth about EVERYTHING in life. (Months later they always tell me how much money they could of saved, not to mention what a better relationship they have with their kids now) Never hide or think you need to protect anything from your children. Just CHANGE the way you explain it. At 4 you can tell your kids "those two people are holding hands b/c there in love" at 6 you can a little more involved. Maybe at 10 or 13 you can explain more. But to trying and shield or protect your kids from anything is wrong. They will just learn it from other people who wont take the time or care to explain it correctly. What’s worse is that many parents will ultimately pass there racism off to their kids b/c its what their parents did to them. Or people will use their religious beliefs to persecute others. Its very sad the state of the world today.

MATSDRAGON: You are not protecting or preserving their innocence. "Get real" as Dr. Phil would say. YOU ARE CREATING PHOBIAS.

SKYHAWK: (any anybody else giving these examples) THE KKK OR NAZIS preach HATE. HEROIN dealers are killing themselves. GAY AND LESBIANS... ARE PEOPLE who LOVE another PERSON who happens to be of the same gender. We are not killing ourselves, preaching hate, or going to try and kill people b/c they don’t believe our values. Your examples are unfounded. We are people who simply want the right to love, and have our love be given the same rights as your love. AND NO I DON’T MEAN MARRIAGE. I don’t think same sex couples should be married. This is a religious term. I think we should just have some governmental ceremony which gives us the same rights as you. For example Kirk is a cop, out there protecting you every day. If he gets shot... I cant visit him b/c im not family. We have been together for 7 years. And those people that stop us from having these rights... exists because of people like you.

Gay and lesbian people go to Disney throughout the entire year, just like everyone else. So, anytime you go to Disney, you run the "risk" of seeing gay and lesbian people. Like us for example. And you know what would be nice? If when we do go, you straight people wouldn’t look at us like were crazy b/c were holding hands. Or if we could share a kiss during fireworks. Or get ready for this one, do both during a romantic meal without every person in the restaurant staring and pointing. Is there any time we can go and not experience this? Oh yea that’s right, 1 week a year...b/c of people like the ones listed above.

 

[Nancyg56]

Ugghh why does this topic come up like evey week now? I now wish people would search alittle. Im starting to feel defensive. I want to say that if "most people" didnt discriminate against "gay people" then there wouldnt be a gay pride week. And if we all just accepted people as people the world would be a better place. That being said... heres my GAY un PC responce.

________________________________________
CDIZNEY: I have experienced pushing, filthy language, people young and old making out everyday at Disney. So I think you might want to just steer clear of the park forever. And while I too think you maybe exaggerating your posts, it is possible what you claimed happened to you did. But don’t judge your one "experience" with a few people on the entire population of all gay and lesbian people. There are bad in every group of people. Just as there are good.

fun2bemomof3: Speaking as a psychologist, I have to say seems like you and are friends are raising your children to be bigoted. Just my opinion on what you said. Anytime you "shield" your child from anything, or try and shape their thoughts your creating their opinions for the future. Why cant you tell them that the two PEOPLE holding hands are in love? Why do you have to get into a discussion about same sex couples? It always strikes my clients funny when they come to me for advice and I say be open with your kids, tell them the truth about EVERYTHING in life. (Months later they always tell me how much money they could of saved, not to mention what a better relationship they have with their kids now) Never hide or think you need to protect anything from your children. Just CHANGE the way you explain it. At 4 you can tell your kids "those two people are holding hands b/c there in love" at 6 you can a little more involved. Maybe at 10 or 13 you can explain more. But to trying and shield or protect your kids from anything is wrong. They will just learn it from other people who want take the time or care to explain it correctly. What’s worse is that many parents will ultimately pass there racism off to their kids b/c its what their parents did to them. Or people will use their religious beliefs to persecute others. Its very sad the state of the world today.

MATSDRAGON: You are not protecting or preserving their innocence. "Get real" as Dr. Phil would say. YOU ARE CREATING PHOBIAS.

SKYHAWK: (any anybody else giving these examples) THE KKK OR NAZIS preach HATE. HEROIN dealers are killing themselves. GAY AND LESBIANS... ARE PEOPLE who LOVE another PERSON who happens to be of the same gender. We are not killing ourselves, preaching hate, or going to try and kill people b/c they don’t believe our values. Your examples are unfounded. We are people who simply want the right to love, and have our love be given the same rights as your love. AND NO I DON’T MEAN MARRIAGE. I don’t think same sex couples should be married. This is a religious term. I think we should just have some governmental ceremony which gives us the same rights as you. For example Kirk is a cop, out there protecting you every day. If he gets shot... I cant visit him b/c im not family. We have been together for 7 years. And those people that stop us from having these rights... exists because of people like you.

Gay and lesbian people go to Disney throughout the entire year, just like everyone else. So, anytime you go to Disney, you run the "risk" of seeing gay and lesbian people. Like us for example. And you know what would be nice? If when we do go, you straight people wouldn’t look at us like were crazy b/c were holding hands. Or if we could share a kiss during fireworks. Or get ready for this one, do both during a romantic meal without every person in the restaurant staring and pointing. Is there any time we can go and not experience this? Oh yea that’s right, 1 week a year...b/c of people like the ones listed above.

I have been following this thread as well as the other in this forum. I have not chimed in because I was not sure how to respond without fueling a fire. I think that you were able to articulate my thoughts. Maybe someday the week will be a non issue.

I would add that any parents who think that their kids do not see behaviors or lifestyles that they do not approve of are deluding themselves. Better to acknowledge that we live in a society where people can be different and are not persecuted for their belief or for their lifestyle. You can always explain that you do not agree, and why, without demonizing those who are different. As a parent of 3 adults, I am still discovering how much they knew that I was not aware of, and at a very young age. If you do not want your kids to be exposed to anything that you do not approve of, or do not understand, better keep them out of school, and get rid of your TV. Disneyworld will not be the place that they learn about alternative lifestyles, rough language, rude people, inappropriate PDA's etc.

 

[Dina]

Ugghh why does this topic come up like evey week now? I now wish people would search alittle. Im starting to feel defensive. I want to say that if "most people" didnt discriminate against "gay people" then there wouldnt be a gay pride week. And if we all just accepted people as people the world would be a better place. That being said... heres my GAY un PC responce.

________________________________________
CDIZNEY: I have experienced pushing, filthy language, people young and old making out everyday at Disney. So I think you might want to just steer clear of the park forever. And while I too think you maybe exaggerating your posts, it is possible what you claimed happened to you did. But don’t judge your one "experience" with a few people on the entire population of all gay and lesbian people. There are bad in every group of people. Just as there are good.

fun2bemomof3: Speaking as a psychologist, I have to say seems like you and are friends are raising your children to be bigoted. Just my opinion on what you said. Anytime you "shield" your child from anything, or try and shape their thoughts your creating their opinions for the future. Why cant you tell them that the two PEOPLE holding hands are in love? Why do you have to get into a discussion about same sex couples? It always strikes my clients funny when they come to me for advice and I say be open with your kids, tell them the truth about EVERYTHING in life. (Months later they always tell me how much money they could of saved, not to mention what a better relationship they have with their kids now) Never hide or think you need to protect anything from your children. Just CHANGE the way you explain it. At 4 you can tell your kids "those two people are holding hands b/c there in love" at 6 you can a little more involved. Maybe at 10 or 13 you can explain more. But to trying and shield or protect your kids from anything is wrong. They will just learn it from other people who want take the time or care to explain it correctly. What’s worse is that many parents will ultimately pass there racism off to their kids b/c its what their parents did to them. Or people will use their religious beliefs to persecute others. Its very sad the state of the world today.

MATSDRAGON: You are not protecting or preserving their innocence. "Get real" as Dr. Phil would say. YOU ARE CREATING PHOBIAS.

SKYHAWK: (any anybody else giving these examples) THE KKK OR NAZIS preach HATE. HEROIN dealers are killing themselves. GAY AND LESBIANS... ARE PEOPLE who LOVE another PERSON who happens to be of the same gender. We are not killing ourselves, preaching hate, or going to try and kill people b/c they don’t believe our values. Your examples are unfounded. We are people who simply want the right to love, and have our love be given the same rights as your love. AND NO I DON’T MEAN MARRIAGE. I don’t think same sex couples should be married. This is a religious term. I think we should just have some governmental ceremony which gives us the same rights as you. For example Kirk is a cop, out there protecting you every day. If he gets shot... I cant visit him b/c im not family. We have been together for 7 years. And those people that stop us from having these rights... exists because of people like you.

Gay and lesbian people go to Disney throughout the entire year, just like everyone else. So, anytime you go to Disney, you run the "risk" of seeing gay and lesbian people. Like us for example. And you know what would be nice? If when we do go, you straight people wouldn’t look at us like were crazy b/c were holding hands. Or if we could share a kiss during fireworks. Or get ready for this one, do both during a romantic meal without every person in the restaurant staring and pointing. Is there any time we can go and not experience this? Oh yea that’s right, 1 week a year...b/c of people like the ones listed above.

For what its worth, I just wanted to show my support for everything you said. I, for one, think its better if my children observe gay couples at a young age-- I think only that brings tolerance and understanding (which we do not have enough of in this country). Also your post brought me to tears. I hope someday you and your SO can experience Disney the way you like without facing any hostility.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

if you're going to live outside of the boundries of the mainstream society, you'll always suffer the slings and arrows. that's not going to change anytime soon. that's not meant as an insult, it's just the brutal truth. no one in this world is ever completely accepted by everyone they come into contact with, nor will they ever be.

 

[Dina]

Double Post

 

[ECurto]

Thank you both for your support. I have to say my last paragraph was very emotional and not expressed correctly. We don’t do those things at Disney b/c the few times we have, we were overcome with negative responses. And I want to stress by kiss... im talking about a peck on the cheek. Not tonguing each other down or even on the lips for that matter (I personally dont like seeing ANYBODY doing that in public). And by holding hands I dont mean in every aspect of the park. Im mean during a ride, or at fireworks, or the parade. Its not like we want to be joined. It just like when you are in this magical place, which can be very romantic it sucks to want to express that emotion, and then have to actually remember you cant... b/c of ______.

So part of me understands how SOME gay people at gay days will go to the extreme and want to "shove it in your face". But maybe that is b/c they are so fed up with being treated in the ways i was. Does that make it ok? No. So then I can also understand how some "straight" people would be hesitant, and offended. I think tolerance, understanding, compassion, and communication are needed. Fact is we live in a time when church and state are not separate. When you have a president who preaches discrimination, its easy for adults to use this to educate their children with. I don’t want to this into a debate about politics or our president. So i wont go any further.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

Thank you both for your support. I have to say my last paragraph was very emotional and not expressed correctly. We don’t do those things at Disney b/c the few times we have, we were overcome with negative responses. And I want to stress by kiss... im talking about a peck on the cheek. Not tonguing each other down or even on the lips for that matter (I personally dont like seeing ANYBODY doing that in public). And by holding hands I dont mean in every aspect of the park. Im mean during a ride, or at fireworks, or the parade. Its not like we want to be joined. It just like when you are in this magical place, which can be very romantic it sucks to want to express that emotion, and then have to actually remember you cant... b/c of ______.

So part of me understands how SOME gay people at gay days will go to the extreme and want to "shove it in your face". But maybe that is b/c they are so fed up with being treated in the ways i was. Does that make it ok? No. So then I can also understand how some "straight" people would be hesitant, and offended. I think tolerance, understanding, compassion, and communication are needed. Fact is we live in a time when church and state are not separate. When you have a president who preaches discrimination, its easy for adults to use this to educate their children with. I don’t want to this into a debate about politics or our president. So i wont go any further.

All so well said! I'm glad I didn't get on this thread sooner; my responses would have been way less articulate! I just wanted to let you know you've got another supporter!
Also...are you "official" on whatever is preventing your future trips? I've got a guess that I'm hoping is right, because from all you've said, you guys seem like a really great couple

Edited to add that I wholeheartedly agree that a peck is fine and anything more from ANY couple is more than anybody needs to see.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

I do not mean to equate the different groups, but let's look at it this way:

What if the KKK or the American Nazi Party was having a convention at WDW, and I chose not to go because I disapproved of there values....would that make me prejudiced? Perhaps, but you may say that "that's understandable", but living in a free society means that we have to allow people to express themselves, but I also have the right to not listen without being called intolerant.

The KKK, the American Nazi Party, and Heroin use are all CHOICES. I know not everyone will agree with me, but being gay is really not a choice; it is a characteristic you are born with, just like any other characteristic...and as such, WHY should anyone CARE if someone is gay or straight? It's not like disagreeing with the values of the Nazi party...it's more like disagreeing with the values of green eyes

So yes, you're intolerant. Your discomfort is based on something people are born with, not anything they can control. Am I intolerant of your beliefs? Yes, absolutely. You choose your beliefs. Am I intolerant of homosexuality? No, I'm accepting, in fact...be what you were born to be. Be a good person and I don't really care what gender you're looking for romantically.

Now, I'm anticipating that there will be a group of people arguing that being gay is a choice...but let me ask you, could you choose NOT to be straight? I am a straight woman, totally supportive of the gay community, but I certainly couldn't choose to be a lesbian...it just doesn't work for me; that's not what I was born to be.