Homophobia in the parks?

[Goofyluver]

We just returned from our Disney trip.

Saw a beautiful couple get engaged in front of the wishing well. Those two ladies couldn't have been more gorgeous or more in love. We all clapped as they cried and hugged. And no one batted an eye. It was great to share in their moment.

I sported my rainbow Mickey head all week long, darlin'. The CM at Tusker noticed my pin and showered love on me and my family...he kept callin' me "mami".

Live your life. Hold your loved ones hand. And for gosh sakes...enjoy that trip.

 

[MAF]

I was at Walt Disney World two weeks ago. I was very surprised to see that WDW has apparently become the Spring Break destination of choice for very young gay male couples. I've never seen that many young gay male couples in my life. (It's nice that things have progressed enough that people are comfortable coming out earlier and now there can even be young gay male couples.)

A number of these young gay couples were holding hands and such. None of the displays of affection ever got anywhere near inappropriate. This is quite a contrast with the gay people who come out for Gay Day, whose behavior sometimes gets a little wild. The gay people on Gay Day, who tend to be older, grew up in a much more homophobic world, so to them, the public displays on Gay Day are making a statement. But the young people grew up in a more accepting world, so they don't have to make a statement. When they hold hands, they're not making a statement; they're just living their lives. I envy them for getting to live in a world where they can do that, but this progress helps us all no matter how old we are.

No cast member even blinked at the male/male handholding. Some guests did a double take, but they got over it. They'd better get used to it. Whether straight or gay, people in their 20s just don't give a crap about homosexuality. The world is going to change very quickly when this generation gets a little older and starts running things.

One of the several reasons why I believe that "gay days" are completely unecessary.

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

They'd better get used to it. Whether straight or gay, people in their 20s just don't give a crap about homosexuality. The world is going to change very quickly when this generation gets a little older and starts running things.

We are taking over the world baby!

 

[NikkiPants]

Lil and I have never had a problem!

 

[WDWFreak200]

I usually try to hold hands with my BF when we go out to the parks, but one night some guy said "Not in front of my kids" when I pecked him on the cheek, so it kind of scared me from doing that again. I think that's about to change, though! We did, however, receive preferential treatment that same day on Jungle. Front of the line AND more FastPasses for a 2nd ride around Jungle. Score!

 

[Royfam]

I know I can only speak for myself (and my family) but my family and I have absolutely no problem with it! My DH & I have raised my kids to know that love (and relationships) comes in all shapes and sizes, etc....no mater what age, gender, race, etc. Love is love and it's a beautiful thing!!
Now, a full-on makeout session involving ANYONE would make ME uncomfortable....LOL!!


P.S. Have fun at WDW!!

I agree my family and I have no problem with it. It's as much your vaca as ours I'm in an interracial marriage and live in a small town in Idaho so I have a SMALL idea of what it's like when people stare at you with that disapproving look or say something hurtful especially when our kids are there. You do learn to live with it and I also think I'm happy and that's all that really matters. I also agree on the public display of affection. your normal peck here and there, a hug, or holding hands GREAT! but there definitely are a few that cross the line (Gay and strait) of what I feel is appropriate for a family environment and maybe should be saved for some where like Vegas

 

[Desiree1972]

We just returned from our Disney trip.

Saw a beautiful couple get engaged in front of the wishing well. Those two ladies couldn't have been more gorgeous or more in love. We all clapped as they cried and hugged. And no one batted an eye. It was great to share in their moment.

I sported my rainbow Mickey head all week long, darlin'. The CM at Tusker noticed my pin and showered love on me and my family...he kept callin' me "mami".

Live your life. Hold your loved ones hand. And for gosh sakes...enjoy that trip.

where can i get a rainbow mickey head?
thnx

 

[rpmdfw]

where can i get a rainbow mickey head?
thnx

The rainbow Mickey pin is widely available at most pin carts or stores throughout WDW

 

[Desiree1972]

The rainbow Mickey pin is widely available at most pin carts or stores throughout WDW

thanks
I think you have answered every single one of my ?s

 

[rpmdfw]

thanks
I think you have answered every single one of my ?s

I have?

Oh dear. And I've got a reputation to uphold!

I'll have to hijack the thread after your next question with something silly.

 

[zulemara]

I usually try to hold hands with my BF when we go out to the parks, but one night some guy said "Not in front of my kids" when I pecked him on the cheek, so it kind of scared me from doing that again. I think that's about to change, though! We did, however, receive preferential treatment that same day on Jungle. Front of the line AND more FastPasses for a 2nd ride around Jungle. Score!

Do not let that experience make you afraid to hold hands or give a kiss. Just remember, some people are morons, but the reality is you have the cast members and the company behind you. Watch that guy complain to guest relations and see how far he gets. I'll give you a hint: he won't get far!

I still haven't had a same sex couple get on my boat..or at least not that I've noticed. Someone should come be the first!

 

[MrsNesbitt]

My family, my children included, would probably never even notice two people showing each other attention. We do notice and abhor disrespectful and disobedient children, which we see more often than not these days.

 

[GreyGooseCosmo]

While my DD and I were there, we met a wonderful "just engaged" couple at Spectro. She had just popped the question to her partner on the Frontierland path in full view of the castle, and of course she said YES! I took their picture for them, and my DD was thrilled to be part of their special day.

Most families would be thrilled to see such an outpouring of love and respect for another human being - regardless of orientation. And those that have an issue? Meh. Those that mind don't matter, etc.

Have a great trip with your family!

 

[maddiesmom0116]

While my DD and I were there, we met a wonderful "just engaged" couple at Spectro. She had just popped the question to her partner on the Frontierland path in full view of the castle, and of course she said YES! I took their picture for them, and my DD was thrilled to be part of their special day.

Most families would be thrilled to see such an outpouring of love and respect for another human being - regardless of orientation. And those that have an issue? Meh. Those that mind don't matter, etc.

Have a great trip with your family!

I agree totally, I go with DD5 and DH and I have always taught her love doesn't always mean a daddy and mommy, but maybe 2 mommies or daddies and no matter what they are a family. (My STB Ex)DH feels another way, but he knows to keep his mouth shut- hatered is a poison and I will not tolerate living my life that way or teaching it to my children.

My advice - blow off these people - hate = ignorance.

 

[bonybroad]

We are going during GayDays, and I don't think it will be a big deal. One of the most successful people in my office, and my ENTIRE town is gay, and noone thinks a thing about it. A few bigots have said negative things, but he is still one of the most respected and successful people I have ever met.
No, my kids have not actually seen a gay couple kissing (that I know of), but kids are probably the most accepting of human beings on earth. And I know I don't mind a bit, either. I don't like PDA from ANYONE, I teach in a high school, and I have seen some pretty icky things!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

We were at dinner last evening and an opposite gendered couple who appeared to be in their late 20's were engaged in such explicit contact that they really needed to be asked to leave. It was pretty disgusting.

Displays of general affection are heartwarming. Physical contact that draws the attention of others in the immediate area should be a hint that they need to find a private place.

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

I only saw one outburst from someone. Me and a friend (both gay) were visiting for Gay Days 2008 and we went to Disney Quest for the day. We went to get something to eat, and it was early...the food place hadn't really opened all the way yet, so they didn't have a lot of stuff ready.

Well, we were waiting for some food, and this guy finds out he has to wait for food, so he gets all mad at the CM working there...and during his outburst he shouts, real loud at the top of his lungs... "there are fags everywhere!".

Me and my friend just smiled at each other and ignored it. It was the only thing i've ever seen about it.

 

[zulemara]

I only saw one outburst from someone. Me and a friend (both gay) were visiting for Gay Days 2008 and we went to Disney Quest for the day. We went to get something to eat, and it was early...the food place hadn't really opened all the way yet, so they didn't have a lot of stuff ready.

Well, we were waiting for some food, and this guy finds out he has to wait for food, so he gets all mad at the CM working there...and during his outburst he shouts, real loud at the top of his lungs... "there are fags everywhere!".

Me and my friend just smiled at each other and ignored it. It was the only thing i've ever seen about it.

As if we aren't everywhere any other time of the year Entertainment anyone?

 

[AlexMouse]

Thought I'd better chime in on this one...

First of all, my partner and I wanted to actually have our wedding at Walt Disney World. We didn't necessarily require the wedding pavilion or anything of that nature, but when we called up Disney about it they told us absolutely NO! Actually, the woman we spoke to was quite offensive stating that they only allow "real couples" to get married. (huh???? Excuse me???) (No offense meant to anyone but she sounded like she was about 90 years old.)

I was quite upset about it but we eventually just gave up on the idea. This was about 5 years ago, mind you. I'm not really sure if this woman just didn't know what she was talking about or exactly what the situation was. I never really followed up on it, but I suppose I'm generally the type of person who doesn't just keep on at something after I've been told no by someone who should know.

Have things changed in that regard there now? Or was this just a fluke?

(We never did get married, but we're still together after 14 years so I suppose that's good enough... we're still here in Cali waiting for prop 8 to be overturned.)

Anyway, on to my "homophobia" in the parks story... I've never been hassled or anything in any Disney parks (other than the occasional dirty look while my partner and I were holding hands), but my SO and I went for a vacation to Universal Orlando a few years ago and on our last day there were subjected to some extremely nasty, rude, homophobic comments by 2 girls working in the gift shop over near Men In Black.

I was really upset about it, but didn't go to guest relations or anything as it was our last night there and it was already pouring with rain (as it was for much of that trip.) However, when I got home I sent a letter to Universal about the incident, including mentioning the extremely offensive words that these two young ladies were using (I won't repeat them here but I'm sure you can guess.)

I never got any response.

I never went back to Universal Orlando either.

Oh well.

 

[AlexMouse]

I usually try to hold hands with my BF when we go out to the parks, but one night some guy said "Not in front of my kids"

HA! That's kind of amusing, actually. Sometimes when my SO and I have been walking through Disneyland park holding hands, we have gotten the occasional scowl or dirty look from adults while their kids just look at us and grin.

It's been rare though, and no one has ever made any comments.