Question re: Gay Couple holding hands in the parks

[Oz Mouseketeer]

Hi there, Everyone ~

So, Im a little embarassed to have to ask this question (and in a way, it's kind of sad that in this day-and-age I still have to) but...

Can a gay couple hold hands in the parks without causing a problem?

Im deliberately keeping this question off the Gay/Lesbian board, and we're arriving a week before the "Gay Weekend" (I didn't even know there WAS a gay weekend at disney... we booked our trip before we even knew about it...!)

My partner and I are your normal, aussie, guy next door types... you wouldnt know it to look at us... and engaged to be married and madly in love. We want to be comfortable around the parks, but not if people are going to be raising their eyebrows or shielding their children away from us in horror...

Have you seen this kind of thing in Disney World before? Has it been a problem? Have people taken issue? Do people even care these days in the U.S?

We know everywhere is different... America is at a different stage regarding equality to where Australia is at - The last thing we'd want to cause is trouble... but it would be wonderful if we could hand hands as any other couple would while enjoying our holiday.

I'd love to hear what you think...

 

[Planogirl]

The park and MOST people won't have a problem with it. You can run into those few who disapprove anywhere but does their opinion really matter?

I hope that you have a wonderful trip.

 

[vcgirl925]

You should be held to the same standards as any couple. Be tasteful and respectful. If you want to hold hands with your partner, hold hands.

 

[Jfsag123]

I say hold hands and enjoy your vacation! I think the amount of consideration you're showing toward people who may raise an eyebrow at it is amazing, but unnecessary and totally undeserved. I don't think Disney would have a problem with it and I don't feel you should have to worry about the delicate sensibilities of the few people who might. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[agavegirl1]

Agree with PP...respectful behavior in a family park is expected. However, holding hands with anyone in a Disney park is not generally an issue. The standards are the same regarding PDA for any couple.

 

[redrosesix]

Many of the people in wdw do not come from America.... A lot of the guests come from countries that may be more or less liberal in their thinking. And while most people are too busy to notice what other couples and/or families are doing, some people will notice. But that could be in a good way too.

For example, while we were there a couple of weeks ago DH and I noticed an older male/female couple who must have been in their 80s holding hands in the park. How could you not notice that? Too sweet.

So I'd say go ahead and hold hands if you are comfortable doing it. That is what is most important.

 

[ddpaints]

I will answer your question from the view of a married woman with 2 children ages 7 and 5.
While I am not ready to explain to my children what the word gay means or people loving the same sex ( Shoot I'm not ready to explain to them what being strait and married is) I would not shield them from seeing anyone holding hands.

I would be "put off" if you and your partner had your hands all over each other and had a tongue down each other's throat but I would be shielding them and looking in disgust at a strait couple just as much. My rule of thumb is don't do anything in public that you wouldn't do in front of your grandmother.

Hold hands with your love if the mood strikes and have a magical trip.

 

[Lizzybean]

Like most pp said, I think the majority of people wouldn't bat an eye at tasteful PDA. Hand-holding is sweet and a wonderful way to express your love and affection for one another. Anyone who even looks twice certainly doesn't deserve your consideration. My children know people fall in love and you can't help who you love.

Have a magical trip!

 

[o0quirkygirl0o]

Personally, I don't think anyone should ever have a problem with the two of you holding hands, no matter the location. I would hope nobody gives you any trouble at all.

On the other hand, there are many closed minded people in the world, and those people also visit Disney World. Will you get hassled? Maybe? But then again, maybe not. I think it will be based more on chance. Most people wouldn't care a bit, but you might be unlucky and run into some mouthy people who will say unkind things.

I think it's more or a personal choice. If you want to avoid even the possibility of being hassled, don't do it. If you want to be yourself and not worry about the small minded people, then go for it!

 

[cjbcam]

I know this is going to sound rude or harsh but I am not meaning to I really just want to know... Why make a big deal out of something that's not? I mean there is always going to be something for someone to complain about wether its you holding hands with your partner, or a parent letting their child run around or someone wearing too much perfume etc. I've learned in life it doesn't matter what people think do what you feel comfortable with as long as its not hurting someone who cares?
My kids have asked what gay means and I've responded with the truth when a guy loves a guy or a girl loves a girl. You can't help who you fall in love with and that's ok because love is always better than hate. They agreed and went on their way.

 

[MsLisaG]

Go for it! You have as much of a right to enjoy the parks with your partner as anyone. I've had many, many trips to disney and I've never witnessed anyone getting harassed for holding hands. Disney is a very welcoming place, I think as long as you are being respectful you should be fine. Have a great time! Enjoy your engagement as well, it's such a fun time!

 

[Rebekkap]

I think it's sweet when I see couples holding hands and enjoying the magic of Disney together - just as sweet no matter who the couple is (although extra sweet if it's oldies, like someone already mentioned!) so I say go for it

PS Fellow Aussie here, when are you going?

 

[tlady]

Here's my take on things. Disney World is for everyone - mothers, fathers, kids, grandparents, young, old, male, female, straight, gay and everything in-between.

Why shouldn't you be able to hold hands with your love if the mood strikes you?

I've seen many gay couples in WDW and never observed any instances of them being hassled in any way.

To be honest, I'd much rather see two people in love and holding hands (regardless of sexual preference) than see two people arguing with each other or yelling at their kids or being rude to other guests for whatever reason.

You can never go wrong with love, so visit WDW and enjoy it to the max.

 

[amberpi]

Enjoy the ever living crap out of it! Don't be gross (which I would say to any couple) but hand holding, linked arms, a quick butterfly kiss? You betcha And good luck to you and yours!

 

[amberpi]

BTW, just personal opinion but if you have someone you want to hold hands with that much, and are generally in love, they should start making a celebration pin for that. For instance "living happily ever after." I'm in love with people in love though, so ya know...

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I'd be shocked if you had any issues with holding hands or walking through the park with your arms around each others, despite gay marriage being a very controversial issue in America I think you'll find most people are pretty accepting of (or indifferent to) gay couples in general. Like others have said just keep it tasteful, making out in public whether gay or straight is bound to get you some dirty looks.

 

[Paradise18]

I wouldn't bat an eye and certainly wouldn't be concerned about my children seeing any couple - gay or straight - holding hands (full on making out from any couple - gay or straight - is another story ). Hope you have a great trip.

 

[JaymeC]

Don't be too scared by the US's over-hyper media. Most people will not care one bit, a lot will not notice, and you may run into the occasional person who will turn their head or raise an eyebrow, but they'll be in the minority. My husband and I are different races and while we've received stares in many places in the US over the years, we've never noticed them at Disney

 

[Tuffcookie]

You should be held to the same standards as any couple. Be tasteful and respectful. If you want to hold hands with your partner, hold hands.

I would rather see this than hearing some of the yelling I hear parents doing at their children.

TC

 

[Mousemommy1]

Neither my DH, nor I, nor our two young girls would bat a single eye. Holding hands, hugging is perfectly fine!!! Enjoy yourself!!!

Now, full on make out sessions in the middle of the park or ride(and now we are talking gay or straight) is just classless. There are sooooo many rooms on property for that business...