How are lgbt+ people treated now?

[GeekRemix]

Last time I went to the parks, I went with my two trans friends. My one friend kept being singled out for security every single time. No exceptions. And this one cast member made a joke at their expense to their faces. They laughed to be friendly. It really freaked me out. They also took pictures of their faces randomly and other things. And misgendered my one friend at security with aggression. It made them feel really bad and it stressed me out. I was there on the DAS pass (I have sever OCD and it makes it hard for me to function in loud and crowded areas) and so seeing my friends treating me badly was just stressing me out even more. They were supposed to be there supporting me, but it ended up being a huge mess. I am cis and was not targeted for anything. This was in early 2023.

I am considering returning to the parks in December. But the memories of them being treated so badly and unfairly still makes me sad. They won't be coming with me, but I felt so disappointed because my one friend was singled out, I especially wanted to help her through some depression. And they made it so much worse. Disney World made me happy at my darkest times and it hurts to think it's not the same for everyone there.

I guess what I am asking is if treatment has gotten better or if it's just as bad. Even if I'm not going with my friends, the thought of not everyone being treated as nicely as I am treated makes me feel really bad. Also the looming thought of "people are really horrible and all they need is an excuse before they too will hurt me" sticks in my mind.

Thanks for any info I hope everyone are having good trips!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Sorry I cannot respond to your actual q but I want to make sure you’re aware of the recent changes in DAS approvals? If not there is a lengthy thread on the disABILITIES board. Many who used to qualify no longer qualify, especially among adults. You may want to have a touring plan that does not require DAS planned out before committing to a trip.

 

[GeekRemix]

Sorry I cannot respond to your actual q but I want to make sure you’re aware of the recent changes in DAS approvals? If not there is a lengthy thread on the disABILITIES board. Many who used to qualify no longer qualify, especially among adults. You may want to have a touring plan that does not require DAS planned out before committing to a trip.

I decided to not even apply for DAS. I can use the genie plus to make sure I am not in line for more than 20 minutes. One of my obsessions or worries is needing to pee or being hydrated enough or being stuck and cannot escape. I also hate having to prove I have OCD and what issues I have, because I come off as "normal" due to a lot of CBT (years and years).

I am choosing to instead take it slow with my fiance and take a lot of breaks. I know where all the rest spots are in the parks now and I know how to avoid crowds. And I plan on going the first week of December when it's not crowded.

Anyway I'm just saying I can handle disney without DAS, but it was recommended to me by my friend who is a disability consultant. It was great but I also don't feel like being watched and monitored to make sure I'm actually insane.

 

[OKW Lover]

Disclaimer: I am not LGBTQ. I'm an old white male with a L daughter.

I've never noticed any issues with security, or other CM's against T people. I'm local and visit the parks 2-3 times a week. I believe I would have noticed something like that.

Hope you can go to the parks and enjoy yourself this time around.

 

[disney castle days]

I've gone with some trans friends previously and have never had a bad experience. Honestly, I know about 15 Disney cast members are all LGBTQ+ . Florida as a state is not amazing when it comes to being inclusive, but Disney tends to be safe (Disneyland even has pride nights)

The pictures specifically can be a security thing. I have had my magic band/fingerprint error before and they take a picture so that they have you in their system in case it occurs again. Make you don't have metal so security won't pull you. My glasses case tends to get flagged, so I just stopped bringing it.

 

[GeekRemix]

I've gone with some trans friends previously and have never had a bad experience. Honestly, I know about 15 Disney cast members are all LGBTQ+ . Florida as a state is not amazing when it comes to being inclusive, but Disney tends to be safe (Disneyland even has pride nights)

The pictures specifically can be a security thing. I have had my magic band/fingerprint error before and they take a picture so that they have you in their system in case it occurs again. Make you don't have metal so security won't pull you. My glasses case tends to get flagged, so I just stopped bringing it.

this is so strange to me because I went a previous year with another trans friend and no one bothered her. It was part of the reason why I thought it would be safe for my other friend. It just happened to my friend the last time, and very harshly. I witnessed every incident and it was truly shocking to me.

My friend always had a small fanny pack and never set off the metal detector. They would just point at her to be searched. Every park. Even disney springs. And a cast member even made digs at her. I just don't understand why it was just her. Even among LGBT+ people I think she gets more flack. I just don't get it she is the nicest person I've ever met and never is rude.

I am happy to hear so many people are reporting no issues. It makes me feel a lot less guilty about going. I am hoping this was just a one off.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

DW and I are cis straight with quite a bit of bi history prior to marriage. In the 70s and 80s. It ain't nothing like what we endured anymore thank God.
We go as groups normally, that may cut down on stupidity but we've never had a problem in any park with any of our group being treated differently.
And we're everything under the multiracial, multi generational and LBTQP pre and post op T wearing preferred mode of dress.
We try to have someone with gear on in case someone else feels uncomfortable. Anyone is welcome to join when we're in the parks. I'm the easiest to find as I will nearly always be the only 60yr old with bubble machine.
If a cast member is disrespectful, we try to sort it there immediately politely but firmly. If it's innocent and non aggressive, we try to be the same.
We've been going over 30 years and thing have gotten better but they're a ways off from making everyone feel welcome and included.
As far as our experiences I would rate the parks Disney > Universal > SeaWorld for acceptance and accessibility.

 

[GeekRemix]

DW and I are cis straight with quite a bit of bi history prior to marriage. In the 70s and 80s. It ain't nothing like what we endured anymore thank God.
We go as groups normally, that may cut down on stupidity but we've never had a problem in any park with any of our group being treated differently.
And we're everything under the multiracial, multi generational and LBTQP pre and post op T wearing preferred mode of dress.
We try to have someone with gear on in case someone else feels uncomfortable. Anyone is welcome to join when we're in the parks. I'm the easiest to find as I will nearly always be the only 60yr old with bubble machine.
If a cast member is disrespectful, we try to sort it there immediately politely but firmly. If it's innocent and non aggressive, we try to be the same.
We've been going over 30 years and thing have gotten better but they're a ways off from making everyone feel welcome and included.
As far as our experiences I would rate the parks Disney > Universal > SeaWorld for acceptance and accessibility.

thank you this makes me feel a bit better that what I saw was not the norm.

 

[Lizgistix]

I've never had an issue with security at the parks. I do get pulled aside for setting off the metal detector, but I expect it to happen. I've been misgendered, but that happens anywhere, so it doesn't phase me at all. If it's done on purpose, I have no idea. Either way, my reaction is the same: plain-faced no-expression "whatever, I don't care" look.

Bathrooms at Disney are the only thing that stresses me out, and I'll try my darndest to seek out the companion restroom just so I don't accidentally make anyone uncomfortable. Different cultures, attitudes, sheltered kids, etc. I don't want to deal with any bathroom issues on vacation and I certainly don't want to end up on someone's TikTok because of it.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help! After 15 years, pretty much any jokes, comments, etc. I've already heard numerous times so nothing phases me.

 

[GeekRemix]

I've never had an issue with security at the parks. I do get pulled aside for setting off the metal detector, but I expect it to happen. I've been misgendered, but that happens anywhere, so it doesn't phase me at all. If it's done on purpose, I have no idea. Either way, my reaction is the same: plain-faced no-expression "whatever, I don't care" look.

Bathrooms at Disney are the only thing that stresses me out, and I'll try my darndest to seek out the companion restroom just so I don't accidentally make anyone uncomfortable. Different cultures, attitudes, sheltered kids, etc. I don't want to deal with any bathroom issues on vacation and I certainly don't want to end up on someone's TikTok because of it.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help! After 15 years, pretty much any jokes, comments, etc. I've already heard numerous times so nothing phases me.

thank you for the feedback and information. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry you have to give a stone face.

 

[JustSayin]

I am truly shocked by this post. I feel so bad for your friends' (and your) experience!

This kind of treatment flagrantly violates Disney policy. I am VERY aware how difficult it can be, but I strongly urge any LGBTQ people to report it if they feel they are not being treated with complete respect. There are so many people who work for Disney, it would be a shame for a few very bad apples to spoil it for others because Disney is not aware of the problem.

My personal experience...I am a trans woman and my experience has been universally positive at Disney.

I have never been misgendered by a cast member. I have never been treated as anything other than a woman. I have only been treated with respect. I am actually a bit dumbfounded that so many cast members were this disrespectful. My last trip was Nov 23.

I truly hope you can return to Disney and enjoy your trip!

 

[towels]

I didn't have any particular harassment problems when we last visited in 2022, but I did notice an overall downturn in cast members living up to Disney standards. (For example, I watched someone wiping tables at Regal Eagle and just ignore a spilled drink for about ten minutes.) I expected that Disney was having trouble getting restaffed after the shutdown and whether it was that or budget constraints, the employees were not getting properly trained. I would hope that's better now, and I pretty much haven't had those issues in Anaheim or on the cruise ships. I'll reiterate what was said before- Disney has inclusion as a core value, and cast members who don't live up to that can and will get pulled aside and coached, so those incidents need to be reported.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Never once have me my son or my husband ever been treated badly or different by Disney ever.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I'm not trans but I am a lesbian that tends to dress on the more masculine side. I have had some nasty looks in my direction from people in the women's bathroom but no one has ever said anything to me. I am very sorry that you feel the need to ask this - Disney should be a safe place for all

 

[sherrynn]

I'm a crossdresser and had a wonderful, positive experience when I was last in WDW in 2022.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I'm not trans but I am a lesbian that tends to dress on the more masculine side. I have had some nasty looks in my direction from people in the women's bathroom but no one has ever said anything to me. I am very sorry that you feel the need to ask this - Disney should be a safe place for all

People give nasty looks to everyone that means they got nothing better to do lol

 

[Lizgistix]

thank you for the feedback and information. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry you have to give a stone face.

Never give 'em the satisfaction of knowing they got under your skin. They want a reaction, so not giving them one is a win for you, and frustrating for them.