I need to stay away from gay day threads

[MrVisible]

I just don't get it. Sorry. It's like the St. Patty's parade in South Boston. Why? The teeshirt that says something like "airfare, $200, hotel room $400, look on people's faces...priceless." It's like you're looking for controversy. I mean, really, go, have a great time. Don't turn it into a circus like I have seen.

I'm not looking for controversy. What I'd like most is for my boyfriend and I to just be left in peace to live our lives. I'd like to be able to hold hands with him and not have to watch out for whackos that consider our mere existence as an affront to God, one punishable by beatings and death.

The T-shirt in our case should read "Airfare, $200. Hotel rooms, $400. Being able to hold hands with my boyfriend on our honeymoon and not be the only guys doing so in the park, being around thousands of people who don't think our need to express a lifetime commitment to each other is somehow offensive, being in our favorite place on earth and feeling like we belong: priceless."

 

[Mama Twinkles]

I just don't get it. Sorry.

You are right; you don't get it. Maybe some day you will. It's not clear from the tone of your message that you WANT to get it rather than to rebuke people for what you see as distasteful, showy behavior. If you want to understand where gay people are coming from, there are a wealth of resources available for educating yourself. Once you have educated yourself, you may or may not change your mind, but at least you'll understand what it is you stand in judgment of. Right now you don't understand.

I cannot take on the responsibility of trying to educate someone who is hostile to my peeps right now (just don't have it in me), but consider the signature on your DIS posts. It announces your Fairy Tale Wedding this October (congratulations, by the way). You are visibly heterosexual. You are announcing your heterosexuality. Gay people, on the other hand, have a long, long history of hiding from straight society, each other and themselves. A day when we and our supporters can visibly identify each other and proudly declare our solidarity (shared oppression, shared hope, shared determination) is a day we stand up to shame and to the closets that oppress us. Start by recognizing how many people would think that we (but not you) would be distastefully flaunting something to post the dates of our weddings on a public forum. Consider that we are not ALLOWED to have Fairy Tale Weddings at Disney. Consider that we love our partners every bit as much as you love your fiance, that we pay taxes and obey the law just like you. Then you will begin to understand why your post reads like an attempt to silence us and squash us back into airless closets.

 

[Evans Family]

OT...so is Tom Cruise really gay? I've thought it for years and can't believe he has never been "outted." What gives?

 

[TinyLolitaBunny]

Well I think- as I posted to someone ON one of those threads (maybe it was you lol. no hard feelings but...) that the only reason SOME people dont want to go during then is that they dont want to have that discussion on vacation. To me, totally understadable. If they have kids who may have never met a gay couple perhapsthey want to have that conversation in the comfort of their own home where they can spend time on it. It is a delicate matter, I say this because if you think about it, how many times do young kids in school say terrible things about being gay? Well you want to explain it properly to your kids so they dont listen to that. In no way do I agree with people who think itll ruin their vacation or anything or that its bad (I think I dont have to explain myself there) but if I had kids who are at the age where they dont know yet but they might question it, then yeah Id want to talk about it at home. Some people are not blessed enough to have a wide range of people as friends so perhaps they dont know how to broach the subject. You cant expect EVERYONE to be comfortable talking to their kids about it. I just think that just like they need to be tolarent of gay couples and those who are close to or support them, we need to understand that some people arent lucky enough to have all types of people in their lives.

I understand everyone's frustration at this-and if it were me Id just discuss it BEFORE we went so it was out of the way but hey. Thats me-but all Im saying is that we dont need to flip out or say nasty things like "lock your kids in a closet if you dont want them to see this" to quote some other person. Maybe you should explain to them what goes on at gay days, or suggest as I did to explain it BEFORE vacation.

I hope I did not offend anyone. I just think we all need to tolerate each other. As long as the person is not saying anything hateful or nasty or sick..etc... be nice. that's all.

 

[TinyLolitaBunny]

Not sure why Disney has to be the place for a political platform and to make a statement. Not sure why it is important to show gay pride and solidarity. On the receiving end, some gays rub it in the faces of those straight people going to Disney. I don't wear green, or whatever color, because I am straight (okay, everyone, let's wear green on the same day!!!). Everyday is straight day, is that what you're trying to convey? I just don't get it. Sorry. It's like the St. Patty's parade in South Boston. Why? The teeshirt that says something like "airfare, $200, hotel room $400, look on people's faces...priceless." It's like you're looking for controversy. I mean, really, go, have a great time. Don't turn it into a circus like I have seen.

Silly. Another person flipping out!

I dont know, but I have never understood the way people freak out about these things.

Like two people loving each other is controversial.

SOME gays DO rub it in your face. Well maybe they should stop, but some just want to live their lives! Then again, some straight men rub it in your face by wearing Hooter's shirts and naked women. They shoudl stop too.

 

[RickinNYC]

OT...so is Tom Cruise really gay? I've thought it for years and can't believe he has never been "outted." What gives?

 

[underdesea]

I'm sure the poster meant this in a positive way, but I hate the word "tolerate." I always interpret it as meaning "put up with," and I don't think the world will ever make progress if the best we can hope for is to put up with those who are perceived as being different from us. Unfortunately, I see it all the time in my conservative Midwestern locale. People are so afraid of getting to know anyone they consider "different." People who are gay, who practice a different religion (or no religion), people from other countries or cultures...I get so frustrated.

My DH and I are headed to the Indianapolis 500 parade this Saturday, as we do every year, and I am already dreading the conservative religious zealots who will be there with their bullhorns, pamphlets and posters. We did get a slight laugh about them last year, however, as they seemed to seek us out to offer pamphlets to...guess we look like we need saving--LOL. My DH and I thought that this year, we should find some business cards or literature from some of our city's gay bars, and when the zealots approach us, we can smile sweetly and say, "No thank you--but we have something for you."

In any case, I simply don't have any patience for that kind of narrow-mindedness. It makes me embarrassed for the city. And angry for my friends, colleagues, neighbors and relatives.

And now that I have ranted completely off topic, I'll return to the subject at hand to say that my DH and I were at Disney for Gay Days a few years ago and had a blast. We were hoping to make it this year, but thanks to the airlines and our budgets, we had to wait until June 5 (after the weekend) for the prices to drop so we could afford the plane tickets. I hope those of you going have a great time!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

AMEN! I am so sick and tired of hearing how gay people are ruining marriage! Tom Cruise is straight yet he can go around talking about his baby out of Wedlock! Liz Taylor, where do we start?! Straights have done a good enough job of ruining the sanctity of marriage all on their own!

I agree with you! (Yet, I felt the need to talk, and go off topic, sorry!)

One of my best friends had two uncles- her biological uncle and his boyfriend. They lived together for over 20 years, took care of each other, went to church together, even decided to forego certain activities because they felt it went against their church. They were such caring, wonderful people and are one of the great examples I think of, when I think of what "sacred love" really means. When my best friend's uncle died, his boyfriend had been in the hospital with him for days straight, holding him and praying with him. I hope everyone is lucky enough to find a love that strong.

I teach high school and it really offends me when my students say derogatory things about gay people but think nothing of the pregnant 14 year olds and boys who sleep around and then put down the girls they used. I always tell them they deserve better, and they all deserve to feel loved and respected.

Oh, and a side note- when I worked in WDW, we often joked that every day was Gay Day. (I"m not gay, but I was in the minority out of my CM friends.)

 

[dixipixi]

We have been at WDW during gay days for the last few years. We have never seen anything that had to be explained to our kids...but then again our kids have seen gay couples many times before going to WDW!

DH and I are very good friends with a gay couple. We live in a very small town and I find them to be two of the most loving, compassionate, and intelligent people around here. Our kids have known them forever and think nothing of the fact that they live together. I worry far more about things my children see and hear at school. My 13 y/o told me today that a girl in 8th grade is "getting ready to have her baby this summer!!!"

I wonder about people who worry about exposing their children to new things at WDW. Do they live in a bubble? I'm sorry, but it's pretty rural here and there's not too much my kids haven't seen or heard about.


I say give me a gay crowd at WDW any day. Everyone is usually very polite and extremely well mannered. Some of the best behaved children in the parks belong to gay couples (DH and I both have noticed this and commented on it several times).

We'll be there next week!!! Hope everyone has a fantastic time!!!

 

[Ava]

I don't understand the people who think they will have to have a big discussion in the middle of the MK if their child sees gay couples. If your child is already old enough to know what the word "gay" means in that context, they probably won't ask any questions. If your child is young enough that they don't know what it means, a very simple explanation, something along the lines of "There are all different types of families," will be enough. Just give them a simple, matter-of-fact answer and they will most likely just accept it and move on. It will only be a big deal if you make it a big deal.

 

[WldWcnWmn]

The T-shirt in our case should read "Airfare, $200. Hotel rooms, $400. Being able to hold hands with my boyfriend on our honeymoon and not be the only guys doing so in the park, being around thousands of people who don't think our need to express a lifetime commitment to each other is somehow offensive, being in our favorite place on earth and feeling like we belong: priceless."

Yup, I'd buy it...that's great!

 

[maddhatir]

Hi everyone......hetero here! just chiming in.......

a few months back on one of the forums there was a post from one of the mods (or previous mod- i forget) who is gay and the post (to me anyway) seemed VERY anti-gay day, he said even HE was tired of the gross "displays of affection" in public etc. i was very surprised to read that because what he was describing was what all the people complaining would expect it to be like!

it seemed like, what was written, was that every year it seems to be getting a bit more out of control.

i know that most pea-brains will still have a problem with gay days, even without reading the post, but after reading it all i thought was WOW- if HE is complaining how bad could it be??

did anyone else read this post-- or know about it??

Thanks!

 

[maddhatir]

ahhhh- boy am i a dummy-- the article is RIGHT on the front of the EVENTS page of the DIS!!!

 

[Mandabella]

a few months back on one of the forums there was a post from one of the mods (or previous mod- i forget) who is gay and the post (to me anyway) seemed VERY anti-gay day, he said even HE was tired of the gross "displays of affection" in public etc. i was very surprised to read that because what he was describing was what all the people complaining would expect it to be like!

did anyone else read this post-- or know about it??

Yes, I remember reading something along those lines here.

As a happily married straight woman, I guess I saw a different side of Gay Days in 2005 in WDW than that author has experienced. I didn't see, nor was I looking for, any behavior I felt needed to be taken back to a hotel room in the Magic Kingdom. I saw groups of, mainly guys, walking around in red shirts, minnie ears, some in drag, bride ears, etc. all having a good time like I was in the MK. Some where with their children and looked like happy families to me. Some looked like they were newlyweds. Some looked like groups of friends who hadn't seen each other in awhile. You know....just like us straight folks who love to visit WDW.

I cannot comment about what goes on at the resorts gay days group stay en masse.

During Mother's Day weekend almost 2 weeks ago, I noticed a straight couple in the wave pool who were....WAY OUT OF LINE and really needed to return to their room. I won't go into details about what I saw, but trust me on that one.

Bottom line is that type behavior that the critics of Gays Days focus on isn't limited to any one group. It happens year round between teens, heterosexuals, and homosexuals.

 

[maddhatir]

Bottom line is that type behavior that the critics of Gays Days focus on isn't limited to any one group. It happens year round between teens, heterosexuals, and homosexuals.

I agree 100%!

The article shocked me. I wouldn't expect gay days to be ANYTHING like that- I have never been at that time of the year, but i would not expect it to be ANY different than any other time !

actually i would warn people to stay away from the parks ANY time you have a cheerleading event......anywhere in Orlando! i would like to put a fork in my eye during that!! ...very nauseating.

 

[eblack0409]

I for one am so sick of people talking like gay days is so terrible. I am sorry that I am missing it. I want to take my DC to gay days. I hope that they see same sex couples together. I want my children to see that the world is filled with all kinds of people. I want them to grow up knowing that any two people who love each other is okay. My best friend is gay and I will never hide who she is from my kids. I want them to embrace all people! This may sound rude but sometimes I want to tell people to grow up! I hope I am not out of line for saying this.

I completely agree with you...although I don't have kids yet, I think all kids should be taught that gay or straight, love is love. Love is the most wonderful thing, and EVERYONE should have the right to find it.

I have several gay friends, so my future children will never be "in the dark" so to speak about it....and I am sure DH and I will take them during "Gay Days"

 

[mickeyfan1]

That article was written by the owner of the boards, who is also gay.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Not sure why Disney has to be the place for a political platform and to make a statement. Not sure why it is important to show gay pride and solidarity. On the receiving end, some gays rub it in the faces of those straight people going to Disney. I don't wear green, or whatever color, because I am straight (okay, everyone, let's wear green on the same day!!!). Everyday is straight day, is that what you're trying to convey? I just don't get it. Sorry. It's like the St. Patty's parade in South Boston. Why? The teeshirt that says something like "airfare, $200, hotel room $400, look on people's faces...priceless." It's like you're looking for controversy. I mean, really, go, have a great time. Don't turn it into a circus like I have seen.

People wear things or make statements in public about aspects of their identity all the time. Wearing a T-shirt that states that you're gay isn't any different than wearing a cross or a star of David or a shirt that says "Jack's grandma" or me carrying around one of the twenty bags I have from teacher's conferences. All of those things are just ways of letting people know about one aspect of your self identity -- something about you that you are proud of.

 

[RickinNYC]

That article was written by the owner of the boards, who is also gay.

You're entirely correct, but he only speaks for himself and not for all gay and lesbian members of the DIS. I may have a lot of respect for Pete, I certainly think he's a good guy, but I don't agree with him in regards to that article.

At the same token I freely admit that I don't have the need or desire to participate in Gay Days at Disney or anywhere else for that matter. I am fortunate in that I live in New York City. Being in a gay neighborhood, or being surrounded by like minded invidividuals in celebration happens all the time where I live. But there are millions of others that aren't that lucky, that do have to go beyond their own homes, neighborhoods, towns or cities in order to experience what I can every day. And for those, by all means, celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of short lines at Space Mountain!

 

[LilyWDW]

Here's the opinion of a young straight female from the bible belt of the south...

Making out and fondeling doesn't belong in front of the castle at the Magic Kingdom, gay or straight. Other then that, I don't care who you are, have fun at Disney World!

On a normal day I see more heterosexual couples making blatent and inappropriate displays of public affection then I have seen homosexual couples.

I would rather get to explain to a child about this issue at Disney, because it is a safe and happy environment. You see homosexual couples there having fun like any other couple, some even with children... it is a great time to say "Love is love, it comes from the heart." and "A family is a family, no matter the make up as long as they love each other... because that is family."