Homophobia in the parks?

[rooskm]

Hey! New member, long time lurker, here.
I'm Skyler & just about seventeen.

This August my parents, my girlfriend, and myself will be going to WDW.

I've never been one for full on public make-out sessions... especially in a place with so many young children, like Disney. I don't care if you're gay or straight, it's inappropriate. However, I am in no way ashamed of my lack of heterosexuality or my DGF. I have no problem with hand holding, innocent kisses... that sort of thing.

Basically, what I'm wondering is... if I were to walk down Main Street, USA holding my DGF's hand what kind of reactions, if any, should I expect?

TIA!

 

[OrlandoMike]

I doubt anyone will even notice!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

If you get any I would be shocked. People say I'm sometimes oblvious to these types of things though (but I am really analytical and detail oriented, so go figure), so I could be off base.

My partner and I rarely ever hold hands except maybe in the car or in the movies, it's just not our style.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Where are my manners?

Welcome to the boards!

Feel free to jump in and have some fun! We love to help plan trips!

 

[rooskm]

I doubt anyone will even notice!

That's kind of what I expected. But you never know with folks these days.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

Where are my manners?

, we are glad you ventured out of lurkdom... we are harmless... mostly... we only bite on days ending in "Y"...

When my DH and I were in Disney last November, I saw a couple newly married (at least they were wearing wedding ears) gay couples. They looked perfectly happy to me and I never noticed anyone even noticing... does that make sense? I actually had time to observe this b/c we were behind one couple in line for the Tower of Terror... We struck up a conversation and the couple behind us (straight, w/ 2 early teenage kids) got right in on the conversation... No mention other than the initial congratulations.

 

[zeitzeuge]

For the most part, I would say that majority of most people wouldn't even notice or care for that matter.

That being said, my partner and I did have some younger guys during last years July trip, call us the F word. It probably didn't help that he was wearing one of our tshirts that said Trophy Cub and my shirt said Significant Otter. Eh, it's a bear thing.

I'm so jaded at this point in my life, that things like this don't phase me. Only thing we hated about having that happen at The Matterhorn, was that I swear we ran into them probably 5 more times throughout the day and we pretty much got the same reception each time.

Just be yourself and screw everybody else.

 

[DVCajun]

My wife and I have never had any negative reactions when we hold hands at WDW. Which is pretty much all the time. That's the extent of our pda, however, with the occasional exception of a hug. Have fun!!

 

[Uncle Remus]

If it's apparent that you're gay, expect to get some 'discounts' when you make purchases.

Welcome to the DIS.

 

[PeterPan09]

Welcome!

I concur with what others have said, I doubt anyone will even notice. The only people who might would be other members of the "family" who will be happy to give you a smile.

I know it always makes me smile when I see a gay couple holding hands, or enjoying the parks with their kids.

 

[soulmates]

This will be my first trip, with my DP and I plan to hold her hand, smooch her face and hug her if the moment is right! I can't imagine anyone "SAYING" anything..they may stare for a few seconds...but you know what? This is OUR vacation, one that we PAID for. We're going to Disney World, a place that IS gay friendly...so if somone honestly has problems with you two or us holding hands??? I say their envious, of two people in love! Go, enjoy your trip and WELCOME to our board!!

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

Welcome to our board! Corey and I have visited WDW many times with not one negative experience based on us being lesbians or holding hands in public.

I think you are going to be fine.

 

[pixierella]

When I go to Disney I don't look at the sex of the people holding hands and kisses. All I see is two people in love. If someone actually says something to you I think ( IMHO) it makes them look like a huge fool. I see it like this, you were lucky enough to find love, some never do. Those people that are stupid enough to say something are the ones with no real love in their lives.

 

[jamieandben]

 

[DVCajun]

If it's apparent that you're gay, expect to get some 'discounts' when you make purchases.

Welcome to the DIS.

Hey. I didn't get no stinkin' discounts.

 

[Uncle Remus]

Hey. I didn't get no stinkin' discounts.

Did you remember to smile?

 

[zulemara]

yep, what everyone else said. I celebrated 2 years dating my bf at WDW. As a CM, I know the company always has my back, but I was down here as a guest(lived in WI at the time) and had a fantastic time. We wore buttons and matching top hats the whole trip and held hands as well. We were greeted warmly by CMs, the talking trash can at MK, and even Mrs Clause from her float in the xmas parade! It was a fantastic time and I'd do it again in a heart beat!

I have not yet gotten the pleasure of a same sex couple coming onto a boat I'm driving, but when I see it, I already know I'll do something extra for them. CMs and Disney always have your back against anyone who might find it "offensive"

 

[Kaler131]

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!!

 

[nutmegg]

I proposed to my GF just last week during Wishes and we wore "Just Engaged" buttons all week long, held hands, and kissed whenever we wanted and never had anything negative said to us. (I also wore a rainbow Mickey head pin next to my Just Engaged button.) Many of the CM's were extremely nice and congratulated us throughout the week. We met one extremely nice photographer that was "one of us" and she did take some extra time getting some nice shots of us being more affectionate. We did get a few that asked where her other half was and I would just smile and say It was me and they didn’t even bat an eye! I'm sure you will have a great trip!

 

[gppnj]

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.