Question re: Gay Couple holding hands in the parks

[markster]

We're a gay couple as well who often go to WDW and never had a bad experience. We hold hands sometimes and not once we felt uncomfortable, sure maybe there are people bothered by it but as long as they keep it to themselves then we're okay!

One of the best disney memories I have is just me resting my head on my husband's shoulders while watching the fireworks in front of the castle.

 

[rustyfla]

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...

Who cares what others think.
I'm a biker who goes to the park several times a year.
People stare and clutch their purses tight, etc, when I walk near them.
Do I care, no way. I'm too involved in the "Magic" of Disney to pay much attention.

Does my wife care? No way....she's too busy in the gift shops..

 

[DizzDoll]

Just go and have fun.

 

[dawnhaze]

I'd rather see couples holding hands than the highlight of my last trip - teenagers sticking their hands down each others' pants on the ground while waiting for Illuminations.

 

[DVC Jen]

My family and I are going to be there the same time as you. We go quite often at that time of year.

I have a right to hold hands with my husband. My daughter will have a right to hold hands with her boyfriend. YOU have the exact same right to hold hands with your partner.

I hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[nanienamou]

It's such a non-issue for my family and me. I have three boys, ages 6, 8 and 10 and are raised knowing that a family can be many things. Partners holding hands or kissing would not be weird for them, in fact there are plenty of comercials and shows in Quebec/Canada that are starting to show it and I think it's absolutely fine.

Have a nice trip.

 

[Brian Noble]

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

Yes.

Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[JRawkSteady]

You're going to have an awesome time!!! Hold your hands, rest your heads on each others shoulders, be yourselves!!!

Have a great vacation!!!

 

[disneyfantotheend]

Who cares what others think.
I'm a biker who goes to the park several times a year.
People stare and clutch their purses tight, etc, when I walk near them.

That is sad. People can be so judgmental. I know you said you don't care, but I am sorry you have to go through it anyway.

OP, Go and have a great time. There is nothing wrong with holding hands with your partner!

 

[dingleberry]

Gay couple in Disney? We are talking about the happiest place on Earth. Who isn't gay at WDW? I feel so gay the minute I book my next trip, nevermind when I actually arrive!

Oh, you meant liking someone of the same sex? Hold hands! Those who have a problem with it are becoming fewer and fewer. And if someone does have a problem with it and try to make a scene? Too bad. Hold hands tighter and move on. I guarantee the vast majority of people there would come to your defense immediately.

 

[Oz Mouseketeer]

Thank you, everyone! Waking up to all these positive posts has absolutely warmed my heart... Your acceptance and support is amazing and literally brought a tear to my eye!

Unbelievably excited about everything. Wish I could quote you all individually and respond, but thanks to each and every one of you!!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Thank you, everyone! Waking up to all these positive posts has absolutely warmed my heart... Your acceptance and support is amazing and literally brought a tear to my eye!

Unbelievably excited about everything. Wish I could quote you all individually and respond, but thanks to each and every one of you!!

We will be there from 5/23 to 6/1. It sounds like that's around the same time you will be there. If I run into a lovely Aussie gay couple, I'll say hi and hope it's you.

 

[bentopher]

As a mom of 2 boys (who are 6 and 7), I've already explained to my boys that love is love. I showed them photos of Neil Patrick Harris (who they recognize from Smurfs, and they've seen when I watch How I met your Mother) and his family. And they were a bit like "wow, ok.. I didn't know boys were allowed to marry other boys", Which of course lead to more talking and explaining. To me it was important to explain to them at a young age, so they understand that not everyone is the same, and it's ok to love whoever you love.

My boys are the curious type, if they saw you, they might stare, or pull my hand to ask a question. Is it embarrassing for me, yes sometimes! More so, cuz I don't want others to feel uncomfortable. But I like to be able to explain and teach my kids (and then tell them not to stare).. LOL

(side story, my boy saw a man in a wheelchair with a cast from his hip to his ankle and kept looking, and I told my son he probably broke his leg and he would be ok. don't keep staring, it's not polite. And of course here come the questions, how, why, etc... eventually the man saw my son staring and called him over. And he was so kind to answer my son's questions. It as nice to know there are people who realize that sometimes kids are just kids, and they are curious about the different things they see around them).

That said, we've been twice to WDW, and honestly I'm in my own Disney bubble to notice anything... but the things that I've seen that bother me? Young girls who need more clothes on.

 

[sydneysmom]

Personally, I don't think it's a big deal at all. Go, have fun, don't worry about what anyone thinks. Would it offend you if I held hands w/ my husband? What's the difference then?

The last time we went to Disney, we went during Gay Days and I honestly didn't know how I was going to explain it all to our DD if the subject came up. She was 7 at the time. She and I were coming back from Epcot on the monorail and when we got off the monorail, we were literally in a sea of red shirts, everyone holding hands, etc... she looked at me and said, "we sure wore the wrong outfit, didn't we?" It just cracked me up. She asked me about men holding hands with each other and I told her, it's Disney, everyone loves each other here.

Go have fun and congratulations !!

 

[Oz Mouseketeer]

We will be there from 5/23 to 6/1. It sounds like that's around the same time you will be there. If I run into a lovely Aussie gay couple, I'll say hi and hope it's you.

Thats exactly when we're there Don't be afraid to come up and say hi - my fiance is english, Im the aussie... We'll be the ones with the massive grins on our faces staring at everything in awe like excited 5yo kids

 

[FirstTimeDisneyVisit]

My fiance and i are helping my sister and her gf plan there first ever trip to Disney they are both very excited!!! I have explained to them how great Disney is and how everyone is so friendly and always willing to help with pictures and what not. I wont lie I was a little fearful as well for them as to what reactions they may occur. I am truly happy to read all these positives responses bc i worried for absolutely nothing and i should of known better bc it's DISNEY !
Enjoy your trip and take lots of pictures !

 

[monkeyknuckler]

Hey OZ. Have a great time with your man.

 

[auralia]

Most people won't bat an eye. The only time I really really wanted to say something (but didn't) there was a lesbian couple pretty much full on making out in line once. It was quite graphic for my 5 year old and my dislike had NOTHING to do with the fact that it was two females and rather that they needed to get a room. Had they been a male/female couple I would have been just as mortified.

That said, people are usually accepting of hand holding, hugging, general normal touching, non making out kissing... if you wouldn't do it in front of your mom don't do it at disney is my motto!

 

[niffer5150]

I look forward to the day when this isn't even a concern anymore. My kid was raised having two gay adopted uncles. They don't have kids of thier own so they dote on her, taking her to Disneyland. They hold hands there too without any problems.

 

[Cyrano]

Oz Mouseketeer welcome to the boards. I am happy to join everyone on this thread confirming that you will have no issues on the happiest place on earth.

I am pleased to say that my children think it perfectly normal that to see mom/dad, boyfriend/boyfriend, girlfriend/girlfriend, two mommies or two daddies