Question about GayDay 2007?

[tampaguys]

I suggest reading the article here By Pete Werner, DIS Founder/Webmaster (who happens to be gay himself)

Why I’m not going to Gay Days this year

Perhaps what follows will get me banned from the boards, but it will be worth it.

Personally, I think Mr. Werner's article (referenced above) is a self-hating pile of ****.

Mr. Werner employs a classic homophobic argument in calling for "appropriate behavior" from all people, straight or gay. The fact that he is gay is irrelevant. The unfortunate reailty is that some of the world's most homophobic people are themselves gay.

The argument is homophobic because it intentionally ignores the fact that what is considered "appropriate behavior" for straight people is hugely different from what is considered "appropriate behavior" for gay people. It's perfectly fine for straight people who met 2 minutes ago to walk around holding hands, but if I dare hold hands with my monogamous partner of 7 years, I can expect at least icy stares (and occasionally, outright nastiness). When Mr. Werner says, "My partner and I act appropriately when we’re in public," I suspect that means that they have no actual physical contact at any time when someone might see them.

Mr. Werner begins his article by saying that he wants to tell all the gay people who would dare touch each other to "get a room." Apparently, such disgusting displays upset him so much that he just cannot go to GayDays anymore. What I want to know is this...how has Mr. Werner managed to miss all the straight people making out at Walt Disney World? I know I see them ALL the time. In line for Soarin' recently, there were two people next to me going at it so hard I began to think I should be wearing protection. Surely, such events can't have escaped Mr. Werner's attention. Why don't they keep him out of Walt Disney World completely? Because he has bought into the idea that some things, even if distasteful, are societally acceptable for "them," but not for "us."

Mr. Werner's discomfort was apparently worsened by the presence of advertisements for alcohol and condoms at the GayDays host hotel. In his view, these ads threaten to make gay people look like "a bunch of drunken sex fiends." The reality is that alcohol distributors sponsor events all the time, and I doubt that jazz fans are thought of as alcoholics because they attend a festival sponsored by Miller Genuine Draft. Furthermore, I think any sensible person would see the usefulness of promoting safe sex to a captive audience of gay men. You wouldn't be so worried about the stereotype if you hadn't bought into it yourself, Mr. Werner.

A final note...because I don't enjoy large packs of shrieking teenage girls, I don't go to Disney during the cheerleading championships that go on every year. If someone can't bear to see two people of the same sex hold hands for the few days that they would DARE to do it in public, then please have the good sense to go on a different day.

 

[reefnut]

just would like people to remember, what makes this country of ours so great is people have the right to be gay and others have the right not to agree with it. im sure the op mother would not say anything to a gay couple if she happened to see one but im sure that most of us will agree that the older generation is not used to seeing gay couples out and about all that often. i dont know, with all the problems in the world it just seems kind of crazy to be bashing an old women for not undrestanding. also just wondering what would happen if the following week was to be called "straight days"?? ive always wondered about things like this. im from new york and since they have things like the gay pride parade why cant people have a straight pride parade? im sure im opening a can of worms here but we are all freinds here god bless america

 

[NewJersey]

Perhaps what follows will get me banned from the boards, but it will be worth it.

Personally, I think Mr. Werner's article (referenced above) is a self-hating pile of ****.

Mr. Werner employs a classic homophobic argument in calling for "appropriate behavior" from all people, straight or gay. The fact that he is gay is irrelevant. The unfortunate reailty is that some of the world's most homophobic people are themselves gay.

The argument is homophobic because it intentionally ignores the fact that what is considered "appropriate behavior" for straight people is hugely different from what is considered "appropriate behavior" for gay people. It's perfectly fine for straight people who met 2 minutes ago to walk around holding hands, but if I dare hold hands with my monogamous partner of 7 years, I can expect at least icy stares (and occasionally, outright nastiness). When Mr. Werner says, "My partner and I act appropriately when we’re in public," I suspect that means that they have no actual physical contact at any time when someone might see them.

Mr. Werner begins his article by saying that he wants to tell all the gay people who would dare touch each other to "get a room." Apparently, such disgusting displays upset him so much that he just cannot go to GayDays anymore. What I want to know is this...how has Mr. Werner managed to miss all the straight people making out at Walt Disney World? I know I see them ALL the time. In line for Soarin' recently, there were two people next to me going at it so hard I began to think I should be wearing protection. Surely, such events can't have escaped Mr. Werner's attention. Why don't they keep him out of Walt Disney World completely? Because he has bought into the idea that some things, even if distasteful, are societally acceptable for "them," but not for "us."

Mr. Werner's discomfort was apparently worsened by the presence of advertisements for alcohol and condoms at the GayDays host hotel. In his view, these ads threaten to make gay people look like "a bunch of drunken sex fiends." The reality is that alcohol distributors sponsor events all the time, and I doubt that jazz fans are thought of as alcoholics because they attend a festival sponsored by Miller Genuine Draft. Furthermore, I think any sensible person would see the usefulness of promoting safe sex to a captive audience of gay men. You wouldn't be so worried about the stereotype if you hadn't bought into it yourself, Mr. Werner.

A final note...because I don't enjoy large packs of shrieking teenage girls, I don't go to Disney during the cheerleading championships that go on every year. If someone can't bear to see two people of the same sex hold hands for the few days that they would DARE to do it in public, then please have the good sense to go on a different day.

 

[tampaguys]

im from new york and since they have things like the gay pride parade why cant people have a straight pride parade?

Because, in case you hadn't noticed, every freaking day is "Straight Pride Day". It's the same reason we don't need "White History Month." The other 11 months pretty much have it covered.

I promise you that when we get to the point where we're not supposed to be embarassed for being gay, we won't need a special day to be gay on!

 

[NewJersey]

deleted.

 

[reefnut]

im not tryin to start a fight here but why do gay people need to have themselves a special day where the whole world gets to see it? and i really dont feel like everyday is straight day. i am straight and i feel that im just as special as you are so why cant i have a day that celebrate me?

 

[reefnut]

this thread is on its way to getting locked........

 

[tampaguys]

im not tryin to start a fight here but why do gay people need to have themselves a special day where the whole world gets to see it? and i really dont feel like everyday is straight day. i am straight and i feel that im just as special as you are so why cant i have a day that celebrate me?

On which days can you kiss your significant other in public without worrying that you'll get punched?

On which days do you feel safe holding hands with your significant other as you walk down the street?

The answer is "every day".

When is it safe for me to do the same things? When I'm in a crowd of a few thousand other gay people all doing the same thing. I get one day. You get 365. Please don't imply that you're being cheated. Thanks.

 

[NewJersey]

deleted

 

[reefnut]

ive never said that im being cheated. where i live there are so many gay people, straight people, people of different colors and people that believe in all kinds of different gods. it just gets to me that everyone needs to have a day or a parade, why cant everyone just wake up and live there life. but after that being said my point was proven, why cant i celebrate being straight. i know i dont get the same looks as you if i kiss my girl in public but is there a reason why i cant be proud to be straight?

 

[reefnut]

im sorry if i made anyone upset. its kinda hard to get across the point im tryin to say . would love to sit down face to face and have a nice conversation but for now i would just like to say to each there own. maybe one day i will be sittin next to ya one tot and we could just share the same love for wdw. untill then enjoy

 

[NewJersey]

If everyone practiced the same respect that everyone deserves, the need for these 'pride events' would probably not be necessary. But realistically speaking, that isn't the case.

I don't understand why people get upset that certain groups have their own celebrations? why can't we just live our lives like you ask? Because there are people out there who don't allow us and other groups to do that.

 

[tampaguys]

ive never said that im being cheated. where i live there are so many gay people, straight people, people of different colors and people that believe in all kinds of different gods. it just gets to me that everyone needs to have a day or a parade, why cant everyone just wake up and live there life. but after that being said my point was proven, why cant i celebrate being straight. i know i dont get the same looks as you if i kiss my girl in public but is there a reason why i cant be proud to be straight?

Perhaps you're confused about what we're proud of.

Being gay, like being straight, is not an accomplishment. It is not chosen or earned. Neither is, in itself, something to be proud or ashamed of.

What we are proud of is about overcoming prejudice and fear and hate (especially self-hate). We are proud that we dare to live our lives with integrity even when some people believe that we should not be allowed to.

I am sure you have had to overcome obstacles in your life, and you should be proud of those things. But I'm fairly certain that being straight hasn't been a huge impediment for you.

 

[jekajekalynn]

Ok peeps, I think the OP has their question answered. Let's play nice.

 

[Dreamseeker]

Perhaps you're confused about what we're proud of.

Being gay, like being straight, is not an accomplishment. It is not chosen or earned. Neither is, in itself, something to be proud or ashamed of.

What we are proud of is about overcoming prejudice and fear and hate (especially self-hate). We are proud that we dare to live our lives with integrity even when some people believe that we should not be allowed to.

I am sure you have had to overcome obstacles in your life, and you should be proud of those things. But I'm fairly certain that being straight hasn't been a huge impediment for you.

Thank you. very nice post.

This whole topic and that there still is a need for multiple threads like this, is very upsetting to me

 

[RickinNYC]

im not tryin to start a fight here but why do gay people need to have themselves a special day where the whole world gets to see it? and i really dont feel like everyday is straight day. i am straight and i feel that im just as special as you are so why cant i have a day that celebrate me?

Yes you are, there is absolutely no doubt about it. In fact, you would rather be able to post your immature, high school founded arguments and hope that real gay men and lesbians don't post rebuttals. We have heard your "discussion points" for years and years.

 

[RickinNYC]

Perhaps you're confused about what we're proud of.

Being gay, like being straight, is not an accomplishment. It is not chosen or earned. Neither is, in itself, something to be proud or ashamed of.

What we are proud of is about overcoming prejudice and fear and hate (especially self-hate). We are proud that we dare to live our lives with integrity even when some people believe that we should not be allowed to.

I am sure you have had to overcome obstacles in your life, and you should be proud of those things. But I'm fairly certain that being straight hasn't been a huge impediment for you.

Holy MOLY that is one great post!

 

[tampaguys]

This whole topic and that there still is a need for multiple threads like this, is very upsetting to me

No reason to be upset or sad. It wasn't very long ago that this conversation would not have been able to occur at all.

Baby steps.

 

[ericafny]

tampaguys -

I think you are very well spoken and all of your points have been valid!

I can't agree with you more and like I stated in my previous post its 2007 now and people need to realize that not everyone has the same beliefs, religion, skin color, etc...

 

[LukenDC]

Perhaps what follows will get me banned from the boards, but it will be worth it.

Personally, I think Mr. Werner's article (referenced above) is a self-hating pile of ****.

Mr. Werner employs a classic homophobic argument in calling for "appropriate behavior" from all people, straight or gay. The fact that he is gay is irrelevant. The unfortunate reailty is that some of the world's most homophobic people are themselves gay.

The argument is homophobic because it intentionally ignores the fact that what is considered "appropriate behavior" for straight people is hugely different from what is considered "appropriate behavior" for gay people. It's perfectly fine for straight people who met 2 minutes ago to walk around holding hands, but if I dare hold hands with my monogamous partner of 7 years, I can expect at least icy stares (and occasionally, outright nastiness). When Mr. Werner says, "My partner and I act appropriately when we’re in public," I suspect that means that they have no actual physical contact at any time when someone might see them.

Mr. Werner begins his article by saying that he wants to tell all the gay people who would dare touch each other to "get a room." Apparently, such disgusting displays upset him so much that he just cannot go to GayDays anymore. What I want to know is this...how has Mr. Werner managed to miss all the straight people making out at Walt Disney World? I know I see them ALL the time. In line for Soarin' recently, there were two people next to me going at it so hard I began to think I should be wearing protection. Surely, such events can't have escaped Mr. Werner's attention. Why don't they keep him out of Walt Disney World completely? Because he has bought into the idea that some things, even if distasteful, are societally acceptable for "them," but not for "us."

Mr. Werner's discomfort was apparently worsened by the presence of advertisements for alcohol and condoms at the GayDays host hotel. In his view, these ads threaten to make gay people look like "a bunch of drunken sex fiends." The reality is that alcohol distributors sponsor events all the time, and I doubt that jazz fans are thought of as alcoholics because they attend a festival sponsored by Miller Genuine Draft. Furthermore, I think any sensible person would see the usefulness of promoting safe sex to a captive audience of gay men. You wouldn't be so worried about the stereotype if you hadn't bought into it yourself, Mr. Werner.

A final note...because I don't enjoy large packs of shrieking teenage girls, I don't go to Disney during the cheerleading championships that go on every year. If someone can't bear to see two people of the same sex hold hands for the few days that they would DARE to do it in public, then please have the good sense to go on a different day.

You make excellent points. I have always thought that Pete's article is unfair to gays and lesbians. Of course there will be outraegeous people in any large group, but we should not paint everyone with the same broad brush just because of the actions of a few. Pete is entitled to his opinion; however I think your post summarizes how many of us on the DIS feel about same-sex couples in WDW. Curiously, most of the straight people who post here and have been to WDW during Gay Days have experienced nothing similar to what Pete wrote about.