WDW Gay Days

[OKW Lover]

Of course you could look at the trip as a good opportunity to educate your children about the differences we all have. You can further expand this by going to Epcot and showing your children that the CM's in Italy aren't all gangsters, the CM's in Morrocco aren't all terrorists, the CM's in Norway aren't all trolls.

And this wasn't intended to be a troll either - just making the point that instead of "sheilding" children, we need to be educating them.

 

[sara74]

My daughter's swim instructor was asking me about our WDW trip as he is planning one himself. I was directing him to this board and a few others when he mentioned that he was planning to attend an 'event' in WDW the first weekend in June. I feel sad that he wasn't comfortable telling me that he was going to attend Gay Days as I would have told him there is a great community here on the Dis. It is too bad that he has to guard who he reveals this info to. Doesn't matter to me who he falls in love with. Any more than it should matter to him who I am in love with!

I guess now I understand what makes him so hesitant to tell people that he is gay. I would have no second thoughts about planning a vacation during Gay Days (although I would rather vacation when the weather in the Northeast isn't so good yet!) I second the opinion that if you substitute another historically discriminated against groups title into the thread for the word gay (ie black or women) we would all see how far we have to go to accept people who may be slightly different in one way or another from us!

 

[BluOrchid2]

Just once id like to hold Kirks hand during fireworks… oh and I mean not during the 1 weekend a year when people are nationally made aware ill be there.

So why don't you. Do just that.

 

[lovethattink]

We've gone during gay week and just avoided the park of the day to avoid the crowds.

As for kids asking questions, they do. I can remember mine asking dh and I about seeing two men holding hands during the parade at Epcot in 2000. He wanted to know which was the daddy. We told him neither. So he wanted to know why they were holding hands. Told him they loved each other. That was the end of it. This is off topic, but I can also remember him asking a friend of our what the funny thing was on her head. It was a prayer cap. And asking our neice why she didn't have a hand. She was born that way. Kids are full of questions. For me, it's worked to answer truthfully. (My kids are raised as I was, to love their neighbor as their self.)

 

[Matt]

It's a valid question whether certain folks who make the same rude posts in each of these threads wants to believe it or not. Stop being so defensive. People have the right to express concerns. That being said...

I'm going that week, and I don't think it's a big deal at all. I normally don't pay other people that much attention anyways. I'm not a big fan of PDA from any orientation. It shows an extreme lack of class. You should be fine.

My only tip is to avoid the MK on Saturdays but that's my warning every week of the year!


Some things that would help here in threads like this. People can be uncomfortable around things without being a hateful person. Try to lessen their fears by not posting like defensive jerk. Everybody is welcome at Disney everyday. It is natural for someone who is unfamiliar with this weekend who hears the phrase "Gay Days" to feel like something different is happening that weekend. Another thing that would be helpful is for people to realize gays have feelings too and not to think all of them are overt sexual beings who can't help themselves in public. (In no way do I think the OP meant this)

I've notice in the real world and the Dis, lacking class has nothing to do with your sexual orientation.

 

[BYC]

Understand these people are the extreme, just as there is an extreme to any group of people. Bottom line is love is love. Teach your kids about love and not about the package it comes in, and you’ll raise well adjusted loving children of your own.

This is so true! I was raised on Fire Island, so gay's were always in our lives. The fact that they were gay was never an issue. It was the extremists that would try to offend that created uncomfortable situations. The ones who felt if you were not gay, you should not be there. Or, the ones who wore very limited, if any, clothing in public areas. Or, if you watch the gay pride parade in Boston, the ones who wore chaps...and nothing else. These are the ones that I would prefer my young children not to see. But...not because they are gay, but because they are rude people. My kids are older now, but would not blink at two men holding hands. Now, two men embraced in a passionate display....that would be uncalled for. But, I wouldn't really want to see two hetero's in the heat of passion either. Get a room!

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

I posted the following on the last gay days thread.......

I've never been to WDW in June but when we were there last November, there was a gay couple that we kept running into - they must have read the same touring plans that we did! We ended up on the same train on BTMRR, the same 'log' on Splash and the same row for Philarmagic. We also kept seeing them at various other times. It became quite a joke about who was following who! They were captivated by my DD and she still talks about Mike and Jeff (being 5 she asked them their names). These guys were often seen holding hands or cuddling while waiting in line but it didn't bother us at all.

The funniest bit of all was when my DD (who's VERY into the Princesses) asked the one guy (I don't know which was Mike and which was Jeff!) - "is HE your handsome prince?" They both laughed loudly and said "Most Certainly" - I thought this was an innocent and wonderfully accepting question from a five year old. If only everyone could be as accepting of 'different' people as that the world would surely be a better place!

 

[__disneygirl]

I was definitely standing next to a pair of gay guys making out during fireworks.

I have 3 gay best friends and i'm a huge supporter of the gay community so I smiled at them.

But, I guess some parents would not want their kids to see it. If they do, oh well, it won't kill them, it's a part of life that can't be controlled so I wouldn't worry about anything really.

 

[Chrissie-riel]

Go and have fun!!

Amusing story - I took my hubby for our first Disney trip together during Gay Days and didn't tell him before hand. I wondered if it may be an issue for us when we got there because of what my husband looks like - he is the stereotypical metrosexual hottie guy who always gets accused of being gay because of his looks. We had a blast!! He got a few looks in the parks and a few more obvious attentions at Pleasure Island and Mannequins. I just giggled a bit and enjoyed the week!

Seriously, it shouldn't be an issue at all for your kids. I would take my kids down there in a heartbeat that week. You will see any and all things at any and all times at Disney.

 

[__disneygirl]

Speaking as "one of them" id have to say its "us" who cant stand seeing you "heteros" kissing during fireworks, or holding hands while you walk down main street, or showing affection during a meal. I mean really the way nobody cares is appalling! God forbid I wanted to do that, id get every billy bob and his wife/sister making a comment while pulling their kids away. Any idea when we can go to "not have that in our face"? Oh and p.s. its DISNEY... like 70% of the company is gay ... HELLO!!!! But seriously it’s funny to me that so many parents come on these boards to “fearfully” find out what their children are going to see on gay days. This upsets me b/c if I wanted to show ANY sort of affection to my partner at Disney I get stares, people pointing, laughing, whispering etc. Its heart breaking. Just once id like to hold Kirks hand during fireworks… oh and I mean not during the 1 weekend a year when people are nationally made aware ill be there. Speaking from a psychologists (my profession) standpoint, guarding or not exposing your children to things is what will do the real damage. Most children want to be like their parents, and learn from them. So if you explain to them (preferably without out your own prejudices) about same sex couples they will understand. Why does it have to be any more complex then “because they love each other” or “sometime boys and girls fall in love, some times two boys or two girls do”. I know we live in a time where church and state are not separated (as much as they should be) and I also know that there are gay people out there who will go over board and play to the stereotype and confirm your “fears”. Understand these people are the extreme, just as there is an extreme to any group of people. Bottom line is love is love. Teach your kids about love and not about the package it comes in, and you’ll raise well adjusted loving children of your own.

P.s. Incase you were wondering there is a way to ask your question that doesnt make it come off in such a way that would cause you to get flamed. You shoud head over to the gay and lezbian board. Many people there ask the same questions, just not in such an offensive way. Youll see in life you get back what you put out. And yes implying that your children will see "things" from gay people, which will be shoved in your faces... is rude.

Hey man I agree with you.. I have three gay friends and it just gets me so mad how some people are. It's such a double standard. If a straight couple is kissing in WDW its considered romantic or cute, but if a guy couple are - god forbid - showing affection, it's "uncalled for" or "disgusting" .. don't let them bother you & rock on.

 

[pepperw23]

Speaking as "one of them" id have to say its "us" who cant stand seeing you "heteros" kissing during fireworks, or holding hands while you walk down main street, or showing affection during a meal. I mean really the way nobody cares is appalling! God forbid I wanted to do that, id get every billy bob and his wife/sister making a comment while pulling their kids away. Any idea when we can go to "not have that in our face"? Oh and p.s. its DISNEY... like 70% of the company is gay ... HELLO!!!! But seriously it’s funny to me that so many parents come on these boards to “fearfully” find out what their children are going to see on gay days. This upsets me b/c if I wanted to show ANY sort of affection to my partner at Disney I get stares, people pointing, laughing, whispering etc. Its heart breaking. Just once id like to hold Kirks hand during fireworks… oh and I mean not during the 1 weekend a year when people are nationally made aware ill be there. Speaking from a psychologists (my profession) standpoint, guarding or not exposing your children to things is what will do the real damage. Most children want to be like their parents, and learn from them. So if you explain to them (preferably without out your own prejudices) about same sex couples they will understand. Why does it have to be any more complex then “because they love each other” or “sometime boys and girls fall in love, some times two boys or two girls do”. I know we live in a time where church and state are not separated (as much as they should be) and I also know that there are gay people out there who will go over board and play to the stereotype and confirm your “fears”. Understand these people are the extreme, just as there is an extreme to any group of people. Bottom line is love is love. Teach your kids about love and not about the package it comes in, and you’ll raise well adjusted loving children of your own.

P.s. Incase you were wondering there is a way to ask your question that doesnt make it come off in such a way that would cause you to get flamed. You shoud head over to the gay and lezbian board. Many people there ask the same questions, just not in such an offensive way. Youll see in life you get back what you put out. And yes implying that your children will see "things" from gay people, which will be shoved in your faces... is rude.

(me). Hey!!! Its Feb and I have been waiting since December for your announcemet.

BTW, I see you on here alot, and I like you. I never really cared or gave much thought to if you were gay/straight, you just seem like a nice person.

My point to the board is, that is all that really matters. There are all kinds of people that show there rumps at Disney or any where else. We are all beautiful.

 

[maddhatir]

all i have to say is-- i would rather go during gay days than ANYTIME there is some kind of "sporting" event being held at World Wide of Sports (ie- cheerleading, football etc) and the kids spill out to the parks.

I find the kids (and even some of the parents) more "disrespectful" than anything you -might- see during gay days. in december i actually saw a fight between cheerleaders in the bus line that needed to be broken up- and the language was not the most pleasent. my 4yr old niece was right there and saw everything. of course she is so nosey she had to make sure she knew what was going on!

talk about explaining things to your kids...."NOW HONEY, SEE THOSE KIDS..... WHEN YOU GET OLDER- PLEASE DONT EVER ACT OUT LIKE THAT!!"

i think just teaching your kids about respect is all you need to do! (but then again-- i see some of the parents that have no respect for other's feelings- so how are they going to teach their kids otherwise!)

i dont have kids- but the one thing i KNOW is- (and i think this is all anyone should ever think about before acting our-- or opening their mouths)........

treat other people exactly they way you would want them to treat you!

 

[MouseWorshipin]

Ouch. Imagine if someone were uncomfortable with your presence at WDW. Would you want to read about it here?

I am a lesbian and last I checked my tribe was not particularly given to public displays of affection, though we are fighting hard for acceptance so we can occasionally hold hands in public without fearing for our lives. Our orientations do not cause us to behave immaturely. We are doctors and teachers and mothers just like you. We don't plan to disappear or pretend to be straight despite the wishes of the uncomfortable masses, and we must explain others' judgments to our children all too often, but we don't casually impugn straight people on these boards.

Substitute "blacks" for "gays" and you might begin to understand the pain you cause us.

Brava!

You only have a hard time explaining this to your kids if you are "uncomfortable" with it. This may be something you want to pass on to your children, and you may not. Entirely your choice, they're your kids.

Since we lived in a place where there were many gay people, my son asked about it when he was 6 or 7. I told him there were some boys who liked to kiss boys, which he thought was funny (don't know why he found this so amusing, since he also thought that kissing girls was gross, but...). After that it was just a fact of life.

I am proud to say that at 17 he is baffled as to why people make a big fuss about whether or not gay people should get married. Explaining gay people was easy, but he can't get a grasp on bigotry. He really thinks that despite being raised a certain way, they ought to be able to figure it out for themselves. (That's my boy!) He'll get it eventually, though.

 

[pepperw23]

Brava!

You only have a hard time explaining this to your kids if you are "uncomfortable" with it. This may be something you want to pass on to your children, and you may not. Entirely your choice, they're your kids.

Since we lived in a place where there were many gay people, my son asked about it when he was 6 or 7. I told him there were some boys who liked to kiss boys, which he thought was funny (don't know why he found this so amusing, since he also thought that kissing girls was gross, but...). After that it was just a fact of life.

I am proud to say that at 17 he is baffled as to why people make a big fuss about whether or not gay people should get married. Explaining gay people was easy, but he can't get a grasp on bigotry. He really thinks that despite being raised a certain way, they ought to be able to figure it out for themselves. (That's my boy!) He'll get it eventually, though.

My son, 17, is the same way. He hates bigotry in any form as does my daughter, 15. Sadly we don't live in a very accepting world. I applaud you because you have done like me, and raised your children in a way that says "The world is a cool place because we are NOT all the same."
That would be boring. We all come in many different flavors. That is what makes the world so much fun to explore. I just wish the rest of the world would follow suite.

I do want to say to the person talking about the sports teams. We are not all that way. My daughter is a cheerleader, and my son is a baseball player, we travel ALOT, and I have seen exactly what you are talking about. I would never put up with that from my two, and luckily neither do thier coaches. I guess that is why both of my kids are still on those teams. We have a Cheer team here is the area that I would not let my daughter join if it was the only team. They pout when they lose, sulk, accuse others of "cheating" etc. It is a discrace. I am not saying that my kids are totally innocent, there have been times when they get a little over excited and run the halls, but that only lasts until we or the coaches "catch" them.

 

[JRawkSteady]

Honestly, I can't wait until Gay Days are over so I don't have to read these prejudiced comments anymore. What the heck is wrong with so many people on this board, that seeing two men together or two women together makes them uncomfortable. Maybe your children shouldn't be subjected to your petty views on humanity...

 

[pepperw23]

Honestly, I can't wait until Gay Days are over so I don't have to read these prejudiced comments anymore. What the heck is wrong with so many people on this board, that seeing two men together or two women together makes them uncomfortable. Maybe your children shouldn't be subjected to your petty views on humanity...

Bravo!!!!!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Time for a little moderation from a moderator.

PLEASE keep everything respectful. Everyone is not going to see eye to eye on this issue - and that's okay. So long as everything is kept respectful and sarcasm is used as a humorous device - NOT one to insult or be rude.

 

[bytheblood]

The question is not offend people that are gay.

Flame me if you'd like, I don't care. We are all entitled to our own feelings.

There are people, like myself and possibly the OP, who are not ready to explain to a small child something in detail that we consider more grown-up talk...or wrong. This to me is no different than the "bird and bees" talk. There is a difference between bashing something you disagree with and being considerate and not making a huge issue of it and accepting people as they are. You can be repectful and still disagree.

Just because I am straight, this does not mean my husband I make out or fondle one another in front of our child. We do kiss one another hello and good-bye in front of her (small kiss on the lips or cheek) because it is healthy for our child to see that we love one another and how love should be. However, we do not make PDA a practice because there is a time and place for this.

Having said all that.........my brother and my best friend who I am going to Disney with in May are both gay. I love them no less than I would if they were straight. They are human, just like me and have feelings, just like me. I have watched my dad turn my brother out, call him awful names and basically hate him because of his choice to be with a man. It breaks my heart.


Back to the point: There is nothing you will see at WDW that will cause you or your family any grief for going during this time. I am more offended by the people who's clothing barely cover their bootys and breasts.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Has anybody gone during this. I just found out that it will be during out stay. I know I will probably get blasted for this but I have little children and don't want this put in our face. Any suggestion or experience with this matter would be appreciated.

You don't want what, exactly, put in your face? I have a young son and I'm not sure what I should be worried about here, LOL. I am more worried about the rampant profanity and partial nudity from ALL guests than I am with some gay people! Gay or straight, as long as there is no ACTUAL SEX going on, I'm good to go!

 

[SusanWasHere]

Speaking as "one of them" id have to say its "us" who cant stand seeing you "heteros" kissing during fireworks, or holding hands while you walk down main street, or showing affection during a meal. I mean really the way nobody cares is appalling!

LOL, i'm a "hetero" and agree with you 100%! ugh, it is so gross to see people with their tongues all over each other and pawing and whatnot. besides seeing it in the parks over XMas, i saw it on the monorail on the way back from MK. a young couple practically on top of each other. tons of little kids were in the same car and had their parents trying to turn their heads. and i was next to them getting bumped by wandering knees. eww!! how come that is allowed? it was absolutely over the top! i'd much rather see you and kirk holding hands, believe me! some people just need to grow up and realize that people are meant to love people. and if you find that love, be it with a woman a man, someone of a different race, etc. you are soooo lucky! it should be embraced, not ridiculed.

"Speaking from a psychologists (my profession) standpoint, guarding or not exposing your children to things is what will do the real damage. Most children want to be like their parents, and learn from them. So if you explain to them (preferably without out your own prejudices) about same sex couples they will understand. Why does it have to be any more complex then “because they love each other” or “sometime boys and girls fall in love, some times two boys or two girls do”. The bottom line is love is love. Teach your kids about love and not about the package it comes in, and you’ll raise well adjusted loving children of your own."

so beautiful and soooo true! i have friends that have young children. they have a female family member that has been together with her partner since the children were babies. the kids are fine with it! they don't ask questions, they love their aunt and her partner. when they describe the "families" around them, they say their other aunts and their husbands, their uncles and their wives, and then their aunt and her partner. to them they see a couple in love - what a great lesson of acceptance to have. the more you make of something, the worse it becomes.

i am also curious about ECurto's announcement. i'm hoping it's what i think it is! best of luck to you! what you wrote was amazing!! maybe i'll book a trip for that weekend! maybe some open-minded straight single guy will be there and i'll meet my prince charming hey - a girl can only hope!!!