HELP: Family at WDW during Gay Days?

[Whatsthegoodword]

I think that some of the opinions expressed in this thread are disgusting.

But the fact that so many chimed in to point it out... ...bigotry is not being tolerated and that is awesome.

Silence gives consent and there's no consent here for bigotry.

Some of you people are soooo sensitive. I'm no bigot. I'm starting to think that some of you are though - or at least a bunch of Chicken Littles. There was nothing in anything I wrote that suggested bigotry.

I'll try to speak clearly: "NORMAL" means going to the park, enjoying yourself and not making a spectacle of yourself - like a "normal" person (no matter what your age, gender, nationality, religion, political party, sexual orientation, or opinion on Maelstrom). I learned a lot more about what will probably be taking place at WDW during Gay Days over on the gay section of this board (thanks to those good folks). The gay people over there readily admit that there are other gays that act out by wearing offensive shirts, PDA, etc, intentionally making a spectacle as a statement in itself. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. This is what I mean.

I've learned, over on that part of the board, a strategy that will probably allow us to avoid the "statement" crowd. ...which is all I ever wanted.

I'm out.

 

[People Mover]

I've been to Disney and Universal for "Gay days" and the only difference is a lot of the same colored t-shirts. IF you're as open-minded as you say, it should be a normal day in the park for you.

 

[mirak]

If you are talking about "gay pride mentality" why would you bring straight people into the mix? It seems like an afterthought to cover yourself from looking bigoted.

You're clearly not getting this. I think that overtly sexual or obscene conduct - gay or straight - is inappropriate in a family establishment. Specifically "gay" events seem to draw certain people who want to broadcast their sexuality with inappropriate dress or behavior - certainly not all or many, but some. I suppose the same would occur if there was a "straight" event.

Again, you are emphasizing that gay pride=inappropriate behavior. If this were a Jewish Pride day or a Homeschool Pride day, or a African-American Pride day would you still be saying there are elements that lead to inappropriate behavior? No, that's reserved for gays, because in your mind they are icky.

What a terrible comparison. Being gay is, by definition, a matter of sexual preference. It has nothing to do with one's religion or race. As I have explained, I don't believe that sexually obscene behavior is appropriate at a family establishment. Being gay is not, in and of itself, sexually obscene, but there are an unfortunate few at specifically "gay" events who choose to demonstrate their homosexuality in obscene ways that are not appropriate for Disney.

It is extremely annoying when people try to paint everyone who disagrees with anything they say regarding homosexuality as a bigot. I am not a bigot, and my opinion is not bigotted.

 

[Dawnlight]

You're clearly not getting this. I think that overtly sexual or obscene conduct - gay or straight - is inappropriate in a family establishment. Specifically "gay" events seem to draw certain people who want to broadcast their sexuality with inappropriate dress or behavior - certainly not all or many, but some. I suppose the same would occur if there was a "straight" event.

I agree that sexual or obscene conduct at a family-friendly place, such as Disney, is inappropriate. I don't agree that gay events such as this draw out inappropriate behavior. While I've never been to Gay Days at Disney, and I question whether you have, I can imagine families, such as the gay families I know, attending with their children and behaving nothing but in an appropriate, family-friendly manner.

I ask again, do you think that gay families want to see such inappropriate behavior also? Do you think that they'd expose their children to obscene behavior just because they're gay?

What a terrible comparison. Being gay is, by definition, a matter of sexual preference. It has nothing to do with one's religion or race. As I have explained, I don't believe that sexually obscene behavior is appropriate at a family establishment. Being gay is not, in and of itself, sexually obscene, but there are an unfortunate few at specifically "gay" events who choose to demonstrate their homosexuality in obscene ways that are not appropriate for Disney.

It is extremely annoying when people try to paint everyone who disagrees with anything they say regarding homosexuality as a bigot. I am not a bigot, and my opinion is not bigotted.

Actually, no, it's not a matter of preference. Preference is, "I prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla ice cream." Orientation, which is the correct term, is not a matter of choice, just as race isn't.

There are an unfortunate few in any group that act poorly. Don't paint the entire group as bad just because a few ruin it for others. The same courtesy should be extended to gays as any other group. Stop judging an entire group of people for the actions of a few- that is bigoted, no matter how many times you say it's not.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

There are an unfortunate few in any group that act poorly. Don't paint the entire group as bad just because a few ruin it for others. The same courtesy should be extended to gays as any other group. Stop judging an entire group of people for the actions of a few- that is bigoted, no matter how many times you say it's not.

True...I wouldn't say "I don't want to go during Jersey Week" at WDW just because the guy and his girlfriend were grouping each other while in line for Peter Pan's Flight when I was last there (and he had on a tshirt from a New Jersey resort town)...I assume the vast majority of people in Jersey wouldn't act that way and won't say they all don't know how to behave, or that a special week when there is more of them in the parks is going to mean we see more of that type of groping...the only times their hands weren't all over each other's private regions was when they were fondling all the new decorations in the que line...some people just can't keep their hands to themselves!

 

[mirak]

I agree that sexual or obscene conduct at a family-friendly place, such as Disney, is inappropriate. I don't agree that gay events such as this draw out inappropriate behavior. While I've never been to Gay Days at Disney, and I question whether you have, I can imagine families, such as the gay families I know, attending with their children and behaving nothing but in an appropriate, family-friendly manner.

I ask again, do you think that gay families want to see such inappropriate behavior also? Do you think that they'd expose their children to obscene behavior just because they're gay?

A trip of mine many years ago apparently landed on a "gay day" and I saw quite a few shirts with obscene messages - which I will not repeat here - and a couple incidents of rather outlandish cross-dressing. Again, take it to Vegas. It is not appropriate for Disney. In answer to your question, I would assume that most if not all gay couples with children would prefer that their children not see such obscene things. That doesn't mean that it doesn't occur. There are plenty of couples who attend without children, not to mention parents who exercise poor judgment.

Actually, no, it's not a matter of preference. Preference is, "I prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla ice cream." Orientation, which is the correct term, is not a matter of choice, just as race isn't.

Once again, you appear to be intentionally getting hung up on a particular word and ignoring the content of what I said. I didn't say that being gay is a matter of preference. What is wrong with you?! The difference between being gay and straight is a matter of whether you are attracted to the opposite or same sex. I can't believe I'm having to spell this out for you. To use your preferred terminology, "sexual orientation" is inherently sexual in nature, and a day that celebrates that sexual orientation can therefore lead to demonstrations or messages of sexuality that are inappropriate for a family establishment. Thus, your comparison to differences in race or religion, the demonstration of which would have no connection whatsoever with possible obscenity, is ridiculous.

There are an unfortunate few in any group that act poorly. Don't paint the entire group as bad just because a few ruin it for others. The same courtesy should be extended to gays as any other group. Stop judging an entire group of people for the actions of a few- that is bigoted, no matter how many times you say it's not.

I am not painting all gays with a broad brush. As I have said repeatedly, it is only the obnoxious conduct of some - not all. As I said "Specifically 'gay' events seem to draw certain people who want to broadcast their sexuality with inappropriate dress or behavior - certainly not all or many, but some. I suppose the same would occur if there was a 'straight' event."

The fact that you are intentionally plucking phrases out of context shows that you are nothing more than a grievance-monger. Enjoy your sense of self-righteous indignation as you call other people bigots for disagreeing with you.

 

[dawnhaze]

Keep digging that hole, mirak.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

.......
I don't mind gay people or gay couples, as long as they act like regular human beings. BUT - I don't want to be a part of a spectacle, nor do I want to introduce my kids to the circus that Gay Pride events can sometime be.

.......

Sure, because all heterosexuals always behave so well,

There are obnoxious people at WDW every day, both gay and straight.

 

[Gracie09]

A trip of mine many years ago apparently landed on a "gay day" and I saw quite a few shirts with obscene messages - which I will not repeat here - and a couple incidents of rather outlandish cross-dressing. Again, take it to Vegas. It is not appropriate for Disney. In answer to your question, I would assume that most if not all gay couples with children would prefer that their children not see such obscene things. That doesn't mean that it doesn't occur. There are plenty of couples who attend without children, not to mention parents who exercise poor judgment.



Once again, you appear to be intentionally getting hung up on a particular word and ignoring the content of what I said. I didn't say that being gay is a matter of preference. What is wrong with you?! The difference between being gay and straight is a matter of whether you are attracted to the opposite or same sex. I can't believe I'm having to spell this out for you. To use your preferred terminology, "sexual orientation" is inherently sexual in nature, and a day that celebrates that sexual orientation can therefore lead to demonstrations or messages of sexuality that are inappropriate for a family establishment. Thus, your comparison to differences in race or religion, the demonstration of which would have no connection whatsoever with possible obscenity, is ridiculous.

Actually sexual orientation is not sexual in nature, any more than being a female or male is sexual in nature.
A persons culture (which can include race and religion) determines what they consider obscene. What is "normal" in the US (broadly) could be considered obscene in other parts of the world. So the comparison is valid. But keep trying.

 

[njpyro]

I'm not going to share the quote here because of the language used, but look up what the comedian Louis CK has to say on this matter. Many of you will find it hilarious. A very select few will most likely be offended.

 

[maxiesmom]

Sure, because all heterosexuals always behave so well,

There are obnoxious people at WDW every day, both gay and straight.

Exactly. I find it shocking that so many narrow minded people believe that gay people walk around groping each other all of the time. And that straight couples always are the model of decorum.

 

[NotUrsula]

Despite the badly ham-handed tone of the OP's inquiry, I'll try to address his real concerns:

Will I see public displays of affection that make me think "get a room"?
Probably a bit, but no more than you would see in any day at the park. The odds are still good that you'll see more of it from straight couples than gay couples.

Will I see people wearing opposite-gender clothing?
Yes, you will, but by far most of them will be women wearing men's t-shirts, just like always. If there are men wearing clothing normally worn by women, you probably won't notice their gender unless they speak within your hearing; as they tend to be very well-groomed.

Will I hear foul language?
Yes, you will; these days some people always do curse in the parks, sad to say. With regard to any unusual amount of such being caused by the presence of gay couples, understand that the vast majority of the offensive language you might hear that day will be coming from the mouth of a straight man who inexplicably seems to feel a need to comment loudly on the appearance of a total stranger.

Will I see people wearing overtly risque t-shirts?
Yes, you will. This is the one issue that I have with visiting the parks during this event. For some odd reason, during Gay Days, Disney fails to police this issue as well as they normally do, and some very ribald t-shirts manage to stay right-side-out.

 

[Oakenshield]

I'm not going to share the quote here because of the language used, but look up what the comedian Louis CK has to say on this matter. Many of you will find it hilarious. A very select few will most likely be offended.

I love Louis!

“It doesn't have any effect on your life. What do you care?! People try to talk about it like it's a social issue. Like when you see someone stand up on a talk show and say, "How am I supposed to explain to my children that two men are getting married?... I dunno. It's your shi*** kid. You f*****' tell 'em. Why is that anyone else's problem? Two guys are in LOVE and they can't get married because you don't want to talk to your ugly child for five f*****' minutes?”

 

[Carriemel]

In before the lock-down..

Wow, close-minded, much? I'm frankly more offended by the knuckleheads at Food and Wine Festivals who seem to think it's their right to get blazingly drunk and proceed directly into "stupid"...

 

[BabiesDaddy]

The OP asked a simple question, no need to flame him. If there was a hetero day at Disney, i'd be concerned as well. I've been to parades/events of all kind, if you have children, it's cause to ask before you go.

 

[wilkeliza]

A trip of mine many years ago apparently landed on a "gay day" and I saw quite a few shirts with obscene messages - which I will not repeat here - and a couple incidents of rather outlandish cross-dressing. Again, take it to Vegas. It is not appropriate for Disney.

Those "outlandish cross-dressing" could be transgender individuals and guess what Disney employees transgender individuals to work in the parks and allows them to do such even if it is pre-surgery or if they even choose not to have surgery. One of my best co-works at Disney is a mtof transgender and she is a lovely amazing cast member. You may call it outlandish cross-dressing when she was out in the parks on her day off but that was just her. She dress like many other not transgender women but I'm sure you would just call it outlandish cross-dressing.

I've been through the ringer as a CM and can tell you it literally is no different than the average summer or food and wine day. The only difference is people who go looking for the inappropriate shirts or PDA. I have seen so many inappropriate shirts on average days at the parks and PDA that I just don't let it bother me and move on (or when I was on the payroll would tell them to break it up or turn their shirt inside out). The worst one I saw was a kid wearing a shirt that had dirty words on it or the teenage girls walking around the parks in the summer with their butt cheeks and cleavage hanging out.

 

[mirak]

Actually sexual orientation is not sexual in nature, any more than being a female or male is sexual in nature.
A persons culture (which can include race and religion) determines what they consider obscene. What is "normal" in the US (broadly) could be considered obscene in other parts of the world. So the comparison is valid. But keep trying.

What some cultures may or may not find obscene is a different unrelated issue. And of course sexual orientation is by definition sexual. If you're really going to pretend that a day celebrating a certain sexual orientation is no more likely to engender sexual obscenity than a day celebrating a race or religion, we'll just have to disagree on that, but I think you are either being naive or obtuse.

Some people on here have confirmed the inappropriate behavior, some have denied it, but most just want to say how offended they are by the question. That's not helpful.

Fwiw, the founder of this website, Pete Werner, is openly gay and has written a number of posts and articles stating that he believes gay days may not be appropriate for families.

 

[Gracie09]

What some cultures may or may not find obscene is a different unrelated issue. And of course sexual orientation is by definition sexual. If you're really going to pretend that a day celebrating a certain sexual orientation is no more likely to engender sexual obscenity than a day celebrating a race or religion, we'll just have to disagree on that, but I think you are either being naive or obtuse.

Some people on here have confirmed the inappropriate behavior, some have denied it, but most just want to say how offended they are by the question. That's not helpful.

Fwiw, the founder of this website, Pete Werner, is openly gay and has written a number of posts and articles stating that he believes gay days may not be appropriate for families.

Let's go through this again- people can't choose their sexual orientation anymore than they can choose the color of their skin. It is not a preference. It is what they are. A persons orientation is not sexual by nature. Many children know at a young age that they are gay. They may not know the word for it but they know they are different. That knowledge is not sexual in nature. It is just who they are. Just like knowing you are heterosexual is not sexual in nature. It is just who you are. Pete Warner's article is almost ten years old. There are dozens of more recent reports that say the opposite. I personally have never witnessed any gay couples engaging in activities I would not want my young children to see. I have witnessed heterosexual couples engaging in activities I had to steer my children away from. But that doesn't mean I would avoid a heterosexual day should there be one (although maybe night of joy would qualify as that. And reports from that would rival any reports from gay days regarding inappropriate behavior).

And my point about cultures is that people have different levels of what is acceptable. So someone reporting that there was horrifying behavior at gays days could have been horrified at same sex couples holding hands. That would horrify my ultra orthodox Christian in laws but I would probably not even notice it.

 

[Disneylover99]

The OP asked a simple question, no need to flame him. If there was a hetero day at Disney, i'd be concerned as well. I've been to parades/events of all kind, if you have children, it's cause to ask before you go.

I agree. Although the OP did use some questionable words/phrases, I knew what he meant. He's since come back to try and explain. Can't we all just kiss and make up, no matter what gender we are?

 

[aaarcher86]

First - the title. HELP actually made me laugh. Like it's some kind of crisis.

Second - I'd like to know, since Disney doesn't take part personally in Gay Days - what gay pride elements are present that promote raunchy behavior?

I mean, are we talking potty word T-shirts? An abundance of glitter and sparkles? Are there wiener straws at QS locations? Is it all Cher all the time? Just trying to get a feel for it...

Oh wait. It's just... Just a normal day in the parks? That disappointing. I could really get behind 'Vogue' being played during the FoF parade while Prince Phillip frames his face with his hands.