Pete Werner's Gay Days Column

[redtornado]

I just wanted to show my support for Peter Werner and his column on the front page re: Gay Days at WDW. I've been a "lurker" on this site for a couple of years now, and I find it a fantastic and fun resource for all things Disney. This is the first I've felt compelled to contribute.

I want to applaud Pete for offering a fair and honest perspective on this issue. And, yes, I guess I'd qualify as an "Aunt Tom" too, before anyone hurls barbs.

To receive respect, one must first show respect. It's not about being oppressed - it's about showing a certain amount of decorum and class. Holding hands or a quick peck are about the limit of any PDA for any couple (straight or gay). Whether prudish or not, I suspect all of us have been uncomfortable in the mall or some other public place when we see a young man and woman making out. It's not that we hate them or want them "oppressed" - we just want them to stop.

I think the thing in Pete's argument that struck me most was when he talked about families who have saved years for their first and possibly only Disney vacation. It's hard for us to sympathize/empathize with folks who don't have the same disposable income that we do. However, a lot of families don't, and, just as we don't want them calling us names, they don't want their family vacations sexually charged.

All this is to say, I think Gay Days could be a wonderful opportunity for families of every stripe to gather and celebrate Walt's vision and artistry. But if it's just going to be another circuit party with a fabulous backdrop - count me out!

Nice job, Pete!

Red

 

[mndisfam]

Where did you read the column?

 

[Mainebound]

You may want to check out the long and interesting thread on this exact topic:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=8775822#post8775822

 

[Greg K.]

I thought the column was bold and brave. I suspect he'll get a lot of grief for it. But it was thoughtfully written and argued. I, for one, found it refreshingly honest and forthcoming.

 

[redtornado]

Where did you read the column?

It's actually at the top of the homepage.

 

[TXTink]

Wow! Thanks for the heads up on this article!! I always go straight to the boards page so I hadn't seen it.

It was so well written and perfectly stated. That tone (usually ) runs through these boards everyday. That's why I love coming here!

Thanks for your words on wisdom Pete! And this great site.

And thanks again redtornado for making sure more of us saw it!

 

[eeyore45]

I posted on the other thread. I have used this as a discussion starter for my 19, 17 DS's, and my dh. Its been a fun way to get into ethics, rights, and opinions... (does Disney have the right to make people stop, change clothes, etc)


Then I go to the Community thread and see a thread on getting "frisky" on rides...

Mixed messages.

 

[Ergens2]

Thank you Pete for being true to yourself! Too many people keep their thoughts and feelings inside. I have a very good friend who works at WDW who is gay and he agrees with you.

 

[Grand2me]

Kudos to Pete. I concur and feel the same way about Decadence. In theory I can support it but in practice...it gets kinda foul. I am a straight, married woman. I have no issue with people who are gay. Everybody is human. I was at Disney last year toward the end of Gay Days and I didn't see anything "untoward" for me and my husband BUT I did see some things that a parent would have to explain to a kid. I guess what I have seen is really, REALLY tame in comparison to the debauchere(?) of Southern Decadence. Disney is no place to further ANY type of agenda. If folks have a bone to pick, take a vacation to D.C. and visit the "wonderful" politicians .

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Count me in also. He has my respect. Well written and honest.

 

[mickeysaver]

My partner, Gabby, and I have read the article that Pete wrote and we both tend to agree with it's content. We both were kind of amazed to find that Pete was "family" and are 100% pleased to have him.

Personally, I don't need GayDays to enjoy WDW. Maggie

 

[Ziggie]

Fabulous essay ~ kudos to you Pete

 

[wdw4us2]

A very well written, concise article. It's too bad that those who need to read it probably won't see it.

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

Count me in also. He has my respect. Well written and honest.

Ditto that

 

[GurGie]

My partner & I were went to Disney during Gay Days once many years ago. Our daughters were young and we thought it would be nice to be in the majority for a change. I must say that given all the fellow gays and lesbians in the park, we still were not in the majority. I did not see many rainbow families at all.

The MK was so crowded it was difficult to really have a good time. Some of the gay CMs performed over the top (their flame burned as bright as a thousand suns) and it was primarily packs of singles. I did not witness the rampant displays of PDAs that others speak of but we did see some shirts that should have been reserved for club cruising. We determined that Gay Days at the MK was not something we wanted to repeat, particularly with our children in tow.

It's hard enough having to explain why we can't get married (although we do not feel like any less of a family) without having to explain what slogans on shirts mean and why some adults are acting like they have never been out (you can read the pun into it) in public.

Essentially, if you wouldn't approve of your parents mimicking your behavior in public then you know you need re-assess your public personae. Just my thoughts! ciao!

 

[redtornado]

Essentially, if youl wouldn't approve of your parents mimicking your behavior in public then you know you need re-assess your public personae. Just my thoughts! ciao!

Well said! I couldn't agree more!

 

[MickeyMacks]

I just read Pete Werner's column, and I am very impressed by how he expressed his thoughts - very credible coming from someone within the community and who loves Disney!

I have so much respect for you Pete for writing this! I think this article should be published more places than just here on the Dis. Maybe a feature column or letter to the editor in the Orlando Sentinel? And in some publications with gay readerships? Whatever flak you get for this, Pete, be aware that there are many, many more who will silently be agreeing with you and glad that you brought up these points. Very good to note, too, about Night of Joy being a hard ticket event and Gay Days a general admission event.

"The Magic Kingdom is not the place to make a stand, or to further an agenda." Amen to that! The Magic Kingdom and Disney World is a just magical place for kids, and the kid in all of us!

It's hard enough having to explain why we can't get married (although we do not feel like any less of a family) without having to explain what slogans on shirts mean and why some adults are acting like they have never been out (you can read the pun into it) in public.

Essentially, if youl wouldn't approve of your parents mimicking your behavior in public then you know you need re-assess your public personae. Just my thoughts! ciao!

I agree with you 100 per cent, GurGie, on the "would I be okay with Mom & Dad doing this?" analogy for behaviour checks. That works for anyone, gay or straight!

I have tried a similar tactic of "would you say that to your mom/wife/sister? No? Then don't say it to me!" on trash-talking guys! (And have been told by some that yes they would and do talk trash to them too! )

 

[GurGie]

Just an FYI .... I emailed Pete's post to the Gay Days comments email address and asked them to consider posting it. Unfortunately that was on the 3rd and Gay Days was scheduled for the 4th. I haven't seen it posted yet (even afterwards). Perhaps Pete could submit the article as a commentary/editorial to Out magazine or The Advocate, it would definitely reach a broader base then. Again, just my thoughts! ciao!

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

Well written article that makes a lot of sense ..GREAT JOB Pete

 

[DissyLove]

Thanks for telling us about the column, I enjoyed it and Pete's perspective!