Question

[Heva2015]

I'm taking my dp to Orlando next month and it will be my first trip 'out'...I've been with boyfriends before and stuff and my family but anyhoo...so I was just wondering what the general feeling is in Orlando towards GLBT...for example, is it acceptable to hold my dp's hand in public? I live in Manchester, which is quite a large city with a huge GLBT population so noone really pays any attention and I don't want to do anything to cause offence!

 

[ConcKahuna]

While most of Florida is very conservative, Orlando is one of the metro areas that's very gay-friendly.

With the huge population of gay CMs working at Disney, it cant help but be

 

[dreweyj]

Man, if I could find a hot CM would I be in for some awesome "MAGIC"?

I guess I can always hope

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

While in a Disney Park, you will be essentially ok. There are areas around Orlando where you'll want to avoid, not because you are gay, just because they are dangerous areas, period.

Downtown is iffy. If you are on Church St. and points east of there, clubs etc. you should be pretty much ok, but always stay alert.

My wife and I have run into some mild problems in that area.

Do NOT go west of Division St. (it's named that for a reason) unless of course you are looking for serious trouble. Same with OBT. If you venture forth, stay alert.

 

[soulmates]

We just got back a few weeks ago. I would have to say MOST of the people we encountered were just so sweet. Mind you, we didn't hold hands but for a few moments here and there. Never felt comfortable in doing so. I pecked her cheek a few times...the only times we noticed some serious starring at us, when we were at our resort pool and once at dinner. The funny thing is, we showed WAYYY less PDA than straight couples and we got some SERIOUS looks at the pool. Wait a minute, maybe it wasn't US at the pool, but ME in that darn swimsuite with the skirt??

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yep, that's it! Those skirted suits will do it every time!

You do make a valid point though. Heterosexual couples engage in some pretty flagrant sexual interaction in public, but if a same gendered couple holds hands, it draws more attention than is warranted. Still laboring under that double standard.

 

[soulmates]

Yes, and we talked about that alot...the ONLY reason we didn't, was we believe we pick our own battles. It was our vacation, didn't want to spend it getting in arguements. Just not worth it.

 

[wallyb]

Man, if I could find a hot CM would I be in for some awesome "MAGIC"? I guess I can always hope

Smoooth.

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

Heterosexual couples engage in some pretty flagrant sexual interaction in public, but if a same gendered couple holds hands, it draws more attention than is warranted. Still laboring under that double standard.

I love when my son yells out, "Get a room!" Wish I had the guts.

I also love when my brother stands behind the person in the express checkout at the supermarket and loudly counts the number of items they have.

I'm too wimpy on both and just get mad inside.

 

[zeitzeuge]

I feel that it all depends on what your level of comfortability is. For me, I have a hard time showing much pda for specific reasons and so does my partner. For many people, it's a non-issue. Most people should be ok with PDA, but others could have a problem and might say something. Just depends on if you want to deal with it or not. I find myself getting better each time in feeling comfortable. Hopefully one day, it won't be an issue with me at all. I say if you feel comfortable, go for it.