I would like honest opinions from anyone who either lives near Disney World, or has actually visited Disney World during Gay Week at the end of May, beginning of June. Our high school has arranged a marching band trip to DW and we just found out it will be the same time as Gay Week. Let me state for the record, I am not against gays and lesbians. I have read some things online and heard from some people that there are some very inappropriate things that occur at the park and hotels during this week and I am talking about things beyond normal PDAs. Some things that a group of 9-12th graders shouldn't be exposed to, if what I have heard and read is true.

I am trying to get some REAL advice and opinions here, not turn this into anything for or against gays/lesbians. Or criticizing me, the school, or anyone else's thoughts. This was just brought to the band director's attention and has not been brought to the principal yet as she is on vacation. I would just like some feedback if anyone has been there during Gay Week, and if you think it would a place to avoid with a group of band kids.

The only thought I have on this subject right now is that it was really bad for Disney to schedule high school bands week and Gay Pride week at the same time. The local high school schedules a Disney trip every 3 years and this is the year for that trip. I had noticed the dates on the school calendar yesterday and in checking those dates again this morning it coincides with the same timeframe as your local band, May 25-June 2. The Gay Pride week is May 31-June 6. So my local band will be there a few days before the actual gay week starts.

I took my son to DW for his 6th birthday during Gay Week about10 years ago. I ws concerned, but it was really a non-issue. You can look up the "unofficial" schedules for the activities and have your teens go against the flow. Really, it was no big deal....and I thinkkids are more resilient to this kind of exposure than adults.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I've never been to DW during gay week but I have been to Disney Land during Gay week and it was fine. I wouldn't have an issue with my kids (younger than high school) going there during that time.

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I wouldn't care; particularly with a HS aged kid. But, some might and that will certainly cause problems for an event that is supposed to be fun and create unity for the band members. I would change the week if possible. If that is the only few days that are possible, I would plan park visits that don't match the gaydayer plans. The planned park visits are on the internet.

There will be nutty protestors which will also make things more complicated.

Good luck.

And I truly believe that Disney deliberately scheduled the high school bands week and the Gay Pride week for the same time period

"IF" the Gay Pride week is anything like the Gay Pride parades that we've all seen on tv, I would not want my kids anywhere near that kind of disgusting behavior. I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but the kind of stuff I've seen on tv makes me sick.

Actually, I don't understand why there is such a thing as "Gay Pride Week" at Disney in the first place. Is there a "Heterosexual Pride Week"?

I'm not "proud" to be heterosexual and don't understand why anyone would be "proud" to be gay Who cares?

For me it would make no difference , if by chance at the time and I did have really young children younger then 13 and and if these men or women truly got out of hand with removing clothing or performing sexual acts in the public or using alot of cursing whether gay or not that would bother me. However to Kelly-jef we as a society accept heterosexual people, sadly it is 2010 almost 2011 and there are millions of people who do not accept the gay community. So in answer to your quote if I was a gay person I would be proud.. Peace. Catherine. Edited to add the more we choose to close out eyes and not expose our children the more out children will have disgust for the gay community, we are a unique diverse United States of America there are bad and good in all walks of life the more we are open to learn about how different people live, the more we may want to learn and perhaps just pershaps we could have more peace in this world.. Catherine

I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. These kids are in high school and I'm sure it's not going to have any negative impact on them. Heck, most kids in high school know so many other kids that are gay that it probably won't even phase them. Now if they were younger kids, I would have an issue with it. I don't think they should have scheduled the two groups at the same time though. Bad planning on their part since you know someone from the high school is going to have a problem with it. From what I've seen, heterosexual couples show much more PDA than gay couples. Anyway, I hope that the group has a good time! ~Lisa

Disney doesn't "schedule" Gay Days. They can't turn everyone wearing a red shirt away. They can't post monitors at the gates to determine who looks gay and deny them admission. To Disney, it is just another day. They don't cater to that group like to do to the "Night of Joy" group, etc. From what I know, they offer refunds to anyone who wants them during that time. (which is not a usual guarantee)

I don't think Disney scheduled the band week either. "Our high school has arranged a marching band trip" The band director choose that week for the kids. OP is asking opinions about requesting the week to be changed.

Then...I wouldn't request that the week be changed. Sorry that I misunderstood what the OP was asking... ~Lisa

Why do you truly believe something you perceive to be negative about Disney that obviously isn't true?

Nightowlrn I agreed with you 100 I personally do not feel it was not intentionally at all. To op I sincerely hope all works out. Peace. Catherine

Edited to add I personally would not change the week either, however this is me speaking personally for my own children I could never speak for any of the other children invovled and how their parents would feel, which again I do not see a problem unless events or the people involved created some serious problems and again they can be caused by the gay community or the heterosexual community. But in clear thinking we truly should not put people into groups because then it makes it seem like there is truly something wrong with being straight or gay. Again whether straight or gay we all can cause problems... Peace. Catherine

Disney Gay Days - Why I’m not going to Gay Days this year


Here's an interesting article.

Disney Gay Days at Walt Disney World
Why I’m not going to Gay Days this year


By Pete Werner
DIS Founder/Webmaster

The Gay Days schedule for 2010:
Thu, June 3 - Animal Kingdom
Fri, June 4 - Disney's Hollywood Studios
Sat, June 5 - Magic Kingdom
Sun, June 6 - Epcot


“Go get a room”.

That’s exactly what I feel like yelling this time every year as Gay Days descend upon Orlando. I know that during the first week in June, unsuspecting families and otherwise good and reasonable people will, at times, be confronted with images and events they would probably rather not see or experience on their family vacation. These people paid to visit Disney World, but during the first week in June, it looks a lot more like South Beach.

For the record, I’m a 42 year old gay man living in Orlando. I’ve been to Gay Days before, and thought it was a little bit over the top, but always bit my lip – especially here on the site. This year though, it just seems completely out of control, and I wanted to get this off my chest.

I’ve watched over the years as Gay Days has grown in scope and size. What once was a small group of well meaning gay men and lesbians has grown – and in my opinion, deformed – into what is now nothing more than a vile spectacle of self indulgence and indecency.

No matter how prudish that last sentence may sound, trust me – I’m no prude. I have a liberal streak that cuts through me like a hot knife through butter, but I like to think that I was raised with a certain sense of decency and a pretty good sense of right and wrong. There is a time and a place for everything, and Disney World is neither in this instance.

Over the years I have heard about, and have witnessed, what is commonly referred to as PDA (public displays of affection) during gay days, and almost always it’s done in full view of a family, or at least children. I don’t care if you’re straight or gay, there are some things kids don’t need to see – and trust me, two queens frenching outside Cinderella castle is really high on that list.

I can’t help but think of, and feel sorry for – the unsuspecting family who saved for years for a once in a lifetime trip – only to arrive and find that Disney had in fact, been invaded by he-women and shaved down muscle boys. By itself that would not be a problem, but the sheer number of people who seem to go out of their way to rub their sexuality in everyones face during this ‘event’ is nothing short of disgraceful. Is the Magic Kingdom REALLY the place for a 5 year old to ask his father why those two men are kissing? Is it really up to any person to decide for that parent when, or if, they will have that conversation with their child? I’ve always believed the best way we, as gay men and lesbians, could further our cause was to simply live our lives openly, and with dignity. Not hide in shame, and not force our beliefs or lifestyle down anyone elses throat. I don’t like it when I hear pompous windbags telling me I’m going to burn in hell for being gay, and I’m sure most of the free world would appreciate a visit to Disney World that did not include the vision of grown men in go-go shorts, and ads for lubricant prominently displayed throughout the host hotel. Oh, and while we’re on the subject of ‘image’ at the host hotel (the Sheraton World on International Drive)– the line of beer trucks outside the resort was a nice touch, and the liquor kiosks and condom ads every 5 feet will certainly not further the image of us as a bunch of drunken sex fiends.

The argument is often put forth that since Christian groups congregate at Disney World, why not us? Fair enough, except that the ‘Night of Joy’ (the Christian concert that takes place at the Magic Kingdom each year) is a hard ticket event – meaning that it’s not open to the public, and requires separate admission. The Magic Kingdom is closed down to the public at a certain time, and only those people that CHOOSE to be there are allowed in. Families that come to the Magic Kingdom on Gay Days are not afforded the luxury of choice. Since Disney does not sanction the event, it’s not mentioned anywhere, or to anyone booking a reservation during that week. If “Gay Day” at the Magic Kingdom was a hard ticket event like the Night of Joy, sign me up. But it’s not – it’s far from it. Trust me, if a religious group organized 100,000 Christians to go and ‘make yourself known’ in the Magic Kingdom one day a year – and began rubbing their lifestyles in the faces of visitors by preaching to them as they tried to ride Space Mountain – plenty of people would be up in arms.

Then there is the issue of drugs. It is widely known throughout the gay community in Orlando that if you want good drugs and great sex, the first week of June is a great time to visit. So much so, that the Orange County Sheriffs office found it necessary to station deputies and drug sniffing dogs in the lobby of the host hotel. And before the oppression chorus starts warming up, just get real – we all know that it goes on in droves during gay week – and it’s not ‘oppression’ if it’s justified. I don’t mean to imply that every person attending gay days is a drug crazed lunatic – the vast majority are not – but no one in the gay community can deny how pervasive this problem is, and the problem travels with us.

Now, I have to tell you I’m uncomfortable writing this. In the 8 years I’ve had the site, I’ve never used it to espouse my beliefs – political or otherwise, and I doubt seriously I ever will again. But, I know a little something about Disney, and as a gay man – I feel I had something to say on this issue – something that should be said, something that many good, decent and reasonable people feel – but will never openly express for fear of ‘political incorrectness’.

I’m also more than a little fed up. I’m fed up with the world thinking that this is what being gay in America is all about – it’s not. I’m fed up that those of us with some sense of ourselves outside of circuit parties and body building are painted with this tawdry brush. But most of all, I’m fed up with watching a place I love get defiled by the kind of twisted nonsense that routinely takes place during Gay Days. The Magic Kingdom is not the place to make a stand, or to further an agenda. While Disney does not openly promote or discourage the event, I know that many inside the mouse house dread its arrival every year. It’s a political land mine and Disney does their best to walk it very carefully. In my mind, Disney already does it right. I’ve stayed at Disney hotels, sailed on the Disney Cruise Line and probably eaten in every restaurant on Disney property – on both coasts– and done all of it with my male partner. NEVER ONCE was I treated any differently than any other guest – it was a non issue – the way it should be. That’s Disney's policy and it’s a good one. In return for that, my partner and I act appropriately when we’re in public – the way any couple should – straight or gay.

And before I get any emails from my gay brethren calling me a ‘self loathing aunt tom’ (someone actually called me that once), let me be clear – I’m proud of who and what I am. I just don’t feel the need to force feed it to the world in that way. Disney is a place where reality is suspended, at least for a time. It’s not a place for anyone’s political agenda – right or left. Keep Key West in Key West – and let Disney be Disney.

I agree with the author of the article, although a link instead of pasting the entire thing would have been a better idea imo. And, as the author also stated, Disney doesn't sanction the event.

I ask again. What made you state you believed that Disney not only scheduled Gay Days, but also planned a fictional band week to coincide?

I did paste the link

But sometimes people (including me sometimes) are not able to access links so I didn't see a problem with simply posting the article. It's not like this board is overwhelmed with posts taking up a ton of space.

I agree with alot of what the man in the article talked about. I also believe that whether gay or straight, open displays of affection can be shown by both and either way if it is carried away to the point of just being plain nasty, it wrong whether gay or not. In the end like I stated before, if it were me personally and I had younger children I would be deeply concerned whether straight or gay. If they are older as mine are, then it would be their choice to decide to go or not. In the end for me at least, it comes down to what you feel comfortable with and your morals and what you believe in.. Again hope all works out.. Peace. Catherine

Why do you "truly believe" this?

Our trips to Disney usually coincide with the last weekend of "Gay Days". Honestly, I've never seen anything gross or vulgar when I've had my family there--and we've gone four or five times.

The worst thing I've noticed is some of the t-shirts that have thinly veiled messages on them--but you can find those on anybody in Disney these days.

You will see men holding hands (I don't think I've ever seen any homosexual couples kissing in Disney) and you will see t-shirts that have you going .

Like I say, we've never seen anything offensive and what we HAVE seen hasn't deterred us from booking another trip during the same timeframe.

My only concern would be how the kids would handle being around an obviously gay crowd...especially without a lot of adult supervision.

Excellent point!!

That would seem to me like gay are protesting against the world that being gay is the way its suppose to be,and that a man being with a women is wrong.If I was a kid it might make me feel uncomfortable if I had a boyfriend and I think it might effect any relationship I might have with a guy.It might make me so uncomfortable or confused that I would just avoid having any relationships with men,and since I had no sexual feelings for the same sex I might probably just end up a loner.

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I can see a few smart alleck kids trying to act gay with some of the other kids that are very reserved and some fights breaking out.Or they may act out being gay and even experiment with it ,where as if they hadn't seen it they may never had experimented with it.Peer pressure might even step in and you will see girls holding other girls hands and guys holding other guys hands even though they may not really want too,and then have it lead to other sexual activity even though one of them might not really want to,and then you will have confusion,guilt amongst other emotions that are going to mess with their heads.

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Um, that's really not what I was worried about. I would be more concerned with kids saying rude, hateful or hurtful things to some of the people attending.

I really don't think that coming into contact with homosexuals will make you want to become one. So far none of us have "caught" it.

And they really aren't protesting anything...trust me. They go to Disney for the exact same reason anybody else does--to have fun.

I'm sure most openly gay people are used to that.The worst that can happen in that scenario is one of the kids gets their butt kicked by a gay person who might be a little tipsy.

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Wow. I don't think you are giving teenagers or biology enough credit! We can tell teens a zillion times that sex without love is wrong- yet many teens will still give in to biology with little regard for "the way its suppose to be." I can't imagine a scenario where 2 heterosexual teens would feel that their sexuality is threatened because they are straight and they see gay people holding hands.

I've never been to Disney, or to a gay function. However, I'd imagine those that do attend just want to have a normal experience with their mate. They want to be able to express affection in the same way that hetero couples do- and without ridicule or judging eyes. We all feel the need to belong and be accepted. These types of gatherings are about exactly that. Nothing more.

What is wrong with two girls holding hands? When I was a girl I held hands with my friends that did not make me want to be gay. I grew up in San Francisco and was exposed to all types of people, gay, straight, people of all ethnicities, all types of jobs and all levels of income. Seeing gay people never made me question my own sexuality nor did it make me want to try anything.
Most people realize their sexuality long before they get to the age when sex is on their minds. A person's sexuality, in most cases, is determined at birth. I say "most cases" because I have known people in my life who were badly mistreated by the opposite sex and turned to their own sex after that.
Unless we're talking about sheltered or very young children who have never heard of/seen/know about homosexuality I don't see what the problem is. They may come home with questions that's perfectly normal when anyone is exposed to something new and different.
If for some reason a parent doesn't want their child to see gay people don't send your child however there are gay people everywhere you go and there is no way to avoid coming into contact with them.
If you're afraid of some perversion occurring you can get that idea out of your head. Most sexual abuse is heterosexual and to go one step further most sexual abuse is perpetrated by a relative, close family friend, or someone in a position of power and/or trust such a coach, teacher, etc.
This is Disneyland for goodness sake people aren't going to be copulating or performing fellatio in the line to the teacup rides.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I agree with all you said exactly! Who the heck's going to be gay because they see some people of the same sex holding hands...that's ridiculous!

Annadrose dear girlfriend Anna I love everything you said. I have to add this and this again is just my personal views. For the most part I believe you are born the way you will become meaning straight, gay or bisexual for the most part. Then I do firmly believe that occurances that happen to us when we are younger and perhaps exposed to abuse or neglect or a lifestyle a person may turn out to be a different gender. I know some will disagree but those are my personal views. On the subject of women holding hands and walking arm and arm I do that all the time with some of my dear friends and it means nothing more then I love them as a dear friend. However if a man does this it is looked at as being gay which is not fair although most men do not do this. Peace. Catherine