Question re: Gay Couple holding hands in the parks

[Chimaera]

I think we're getting off topic here, maybe we need a tattoo-starers anonymous thread

 

[luvthemouse71]

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.

what she said....

I have seen same sex couples holding hands and have seen other forms of tasteful PDA( a kiss on the lips). I honestly have seen more extravagant and trashy PDA from straight people.

Have a good trip!

 

[smallworldnh]

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.

I love your answer!

 

[Son of Gadsden]

I'm sorry, off topic but maybe people are staring at tattoos because they like them. I know I notice tattoos because I like to look at them. I hope the person doesn't think I'm looking at them because I am judging. I just really love tattoos!

Nah, I'm not offended or anything by that. In fact, there's not much anyone can do to offend me. Everyone has different opinions on life, and who am I to say what yours should or should not be. However, I'm more talking about the people who stare, then ask a condescending question. Customers at work asking me "Why would you do that to yourself?", people that work cash registers and see my arms when I hand them money, people that grab their purse closer when I come near. Staring doesn't bother. If people staring at my arms made me uncomortable, i wouldn't have had someone engrave words and things on them.

But, to relate it to the topic, they're two totally different things, but both are something everyone around you can see. Some agree, some disagree, some don't care, and both cause some people to be vocal about their opinions. However, it is who you are, and you should not be ashamed, regardless of what anyone thinks, because though everyone is free to have their own opinions, the only opinion that matters in your life is yours. Think about it. These people in WDW, if they're judging you, they'll see you for what...30 seconds...before they move on to judging the person behind you and you likely never see them again. It's sad some people have that negative of an opinion on life. You just have to hope they find enough happiness in their life eventually to be able to respect yours.

 

[BYC]

I can't imagine a problem at all! And if someone did care, that is their problem, not yours. What I don't care to see is heavy make out sessions in public....gay or straight. But hand holding?? I don't know if I would even notice?

 

[Magpie]

Nah, I'm not offended or anything by that. In fact, there's not much anyone can do to offend me. Everyone has different opinions on life, and who am I to say what yours should or should not be. However, I'm more talking about the people who stare, then ask a condescending question. Customers at work asking me "Why would you do that to yourself?", people that work cash registers and see my arms when I hand them money, people that grab their purse closer when I come near. Staring doesn't bother. If I didn't want people to stare at my arms, i wouldn't have had someone engrave words and things on them.

Oh gods, your arms have writing on them?

Well, that does it. I'm not going to have any choice but to stare.

The most uncomfortable moment I ever had was sitting on a public bus next to a very scowly Asian man (who evidently didn't want to be taking public transit, because boy he had a sour expression), who had tears and little pistols tattooed on his face... and WRITING. Some kind of barely legible text wrapped around his neck.

One part of me was saying, "Okay, those are possibly scary prison tats and I really need to not stare. Leave the nice gentleman alone." While another part of me was going, "But I NEED to decipher the TEXT!"

I sure didn't have any worries about him stealing my purse. I just didn't want to make him any more annoyed, than he evidently already was. And if they were prison tats, he probably doesn't ever get to visit Disney, since the US doesn't let folks with a record across the border. (Unless he goes through Pardon Canada, I suppose...)

But, to relate it to the topic, they're two totally different things, but both are something everyone around you can see. Some agree, some disagree, some don't care, and both cause some people to be vocal about their opinions. However, it is who you are, and you should not be ashamed, regardless of what anyone thinks, because though everyone is free to have their own opinions, the only opinion that matters in your life is yours. Think about it. These people in WDW, if they're judging you, they'll see you for what...30 seconds...before they move on to judging the person behind you and you likely never see them again. It's sad some people have that negative of an opinion on life. You just have to hope they find enough happiness in their life eventually to be able to respect yours.

This! So much this!

 

[Eastern]

I think it's fine. I see parents yelling at their kids all the time in Disney, and that really disturbs me.

 

[CSchonfeld]

Do it! Enjoy it and have a great trip!

 

[Daizylover]

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...

It saddens me that in this day and age anyone should have to ask this question. I say enjoy yourselves and don't worry about other people.

 

[Son of Gadsden]

Oh gods, your arms have writing on them?

Well, that does it. I'm not going to have any choice but to stare.

The most uncomfortable moment I ever had was sitting on a public bus next to a very scowly Asian man (who evidently didn't want to be taking public transit, because boy he had a sour expression), who had tears and little pistols tattooed on his face... and WRITING. Some kind of barely legible text wrapped around his neck.

One part of me was saying, "Okay, those are possibly scary prison tats and I really need to not stare. Leave the nice gentleman alone." While another part of me was going, "But I NEED to decipher the TEXT!"

I sure didn't have any worries about him stealing my purse. I just didn't want to make him any more annoyed, than he evidently already was. And if they were prison tats, he probably doesn't ever get to visit Disney, since the US doesn't let folks with a record across the border. (Unless he goes through Pardon Canada, I suppose...)

Those are all completely normal things to do, as well! Even if someone does the purse thing or something, I wouldn't say I'm exactly bothered. I'll roll my eyes and smile. Because, as I said, the issue isn't whether someone doesn't agree with my tattoos or not, or whether someone cares if the OP is homosexual or not. It's about accepting and being comfortable with yourself, enough to realize that no one else's opinions matter anyway.

OP has two choices: Don't hold your significant other's hand or show affection in public because you don't want people to react, or you do it and forget what they think. Just like I have the choice to either not get a tattoo and not get comments, stared at, and judged, or I can get tattoos and deal with the situations they will cause. We all have a choice in life, to be ourselves and accept the repercussions or keep it inside to avoid the consequences. We can all sit here all day and complain about how unaccepting and cruel the world is, but it won't solve anything. The world has always been that way and always will be that way. You have to find a way to cope.

 

[Cyrano]

I think we're getting off topic here, maybe we need a tattoo-starers anonymous thread

Agreed. Back to work folks

 

[Son of Gadsden]

Agreed. Back to work folks

Apologies!

Oh, analogies, how you always derail the topic.

 

[shepd]

If it's appropriate for a straight couple to do infront of hundreds of very young children, it's appropriate for a gay couple.

Appropriate:
Holding hands
Quick kiss
Hug
Tasteful Clothing

Not appropriate:
Fondling / Heavy Petting
Ridiculously heavy smooching
Lascivious behaviour
Clothing intended to send a sexual message

That goes for everyone! All IMHO, of course.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

it is who you are, and you should not be ashamed, regardless of what anyone thinks, because though everyone is free to have their own opinions, the only opinion that matters in your life is yours.

the issue isn't whether someone doesn't agree with my tattoos or not, or whether someone cares if the OP is homosexual or not. It's about accepting and being comfortable with yourself, enough to realize that no one else's opinions matter anyway.

OP has two choices: Don't hold your significant other's hand or show affection in public because you don't want people to react, or you do it and forget what they think. Just like I have the choice to either not get a tattoo and not get comments, stared at, and judged, or I can get tattoos and deal with the situations they will cause. We all have a choice in life, to be ourselves and accept the repercussions or keep it inside to avoid the consequences.

Perfectly said!

 

[darthtatty]

Op its sweet that you asked but there really is no need.
I hope you have a fab time

If it's appropriate for a straight couple to do infront of hundreds of very young children, it's appropriate for a gay couple.

Appropriate:
Holding hands
Quick kiss
Hug
Tasteful Clothing

Not appropriate:
Fondling / Heavy Petting
Ridiculously heavy smooching
Lascivious behaviour
Clothing intended to send a sexual message

That goes for everyone! All IMHO, of course.

I wish everyone abided by this list.
I was at a show at DHS and there was a couple in front of me, looked like they were trying to eat each other.
I felt sorry for their teenage kids.

 

[AliceandAriel]

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...

Personally, so long as you're not undressing each other physically in the parks and shoving your tongue down each others' throats, I see nothing wrong with it.

That said, you are bound to run into the few that find what you stand for, as a whole, offensive. Do not mind them, as you're not causing them harm. Again, so long as you're not forcing yourself on anyone or anything, you're no different than the other couples in the world, not just Disney.

If I have to see teens performing what looks like surgery with their tongues on each other, I think you'll be fine. Enjoy the trip, and may pixie dust follow you everywhere you go!

 

[waynesgirl]

Are you in love? Then it shouldn't matter. I say hold hands, peck on lips or cheek, and all that jazz. Of course, be prepared for me to ask you questions about Australia if I'm there. I love the Aussie accent.

 

[Kristina4109]

I seriously doubt you would have any trouble at all. As far as Disney's official line is, they don't care whether a couple is gay or straight as long as they are not full on making out in public. Hand holding is perfectly okay. This is not to say that 100% of the people you come in contact with will be fine with it, but you can't find any behavior that 100% of the people in the parks will be fine with!

I've found that in DL in California people don't even look twice (been to the parks during Gay Days twice) - I don't know if the climate is radically different in WDW but from the sound of the people on this thread it sounds like you'll be fine!

ENJOY your fabulous Disney vacation!

 

[glassslippergirl]

This thread made me so happy! One hundred thirty-seven posts offering such a positive message.

Have a great trip, OP.

 

[Oz Mouseketeer]

You guys are amazing!! x