HELP!! Fellow Disney Magic Folks!!!!!

[sabian]

Hi all, I come in here in desperate need of your help. I have a trip scheduled from May 25 - May 31, 2007. I have a two year old, and my wife's aunt is coming with an 8 year old. I just saw on the internet that gay days are from may 29 through june 4 in Orlando. I have checked the gay days sites and have seen that actual gay day events do not take place in WDW until the 31st of May in the animal Kingdom, the day i leave. This seems to be lucky timing on my part. Now, here's the question. Have any of you ever been at the world during Gay Days? If you have, do you know if the festivities only take place on the assigned, scheduled days and times? Or, do some individual activities ever take place prior to the scheduled events on the web site? I have nothing against those who are gay or their lifestyle, i am just not ready to explain any of these maters to a two year old (an intelligent and very observant one, at that.) I tried to word this as respectfully as possible, i apologize if anyone takes offense to my post. But, please understand, this post is here only for the concern i have for my child and my wife's nephew.
We are considering changing our vacation dates if necessary, so any help on this mater would be greatly appreciated...

 

[tigsmom]

I wouldn't worry about anything. Its not like they have a parade and wave signs calling attention to themselves...there are many gay couples in WDW everyday that you would probably never even notice. The most you will probably notice is that there are quite a few people wearing the same color shirts during your stay. If need be, just avoid the park where the gathering is taking place for the day.

And I doubt you would need to explain the gay lifestyle to a two y/o, no matter how observant or intelligent they may be (no offense intended). If they ask about groups of people wearing the same clothes just tell them its a bunch of friends enjoying the parks together.

 

[Hakunamatata]

My wife, two kids, and mother in law went in 2006 during this time period. My very inquisitive and intelligent 7 year old noticed nothing, and all came home unscathed. I think you are probably over reacting. Have a good trip.

 

[slappy magoo]

can't speak for everyone everywhere, but most gay couples i know, like most straight coupls i know, aren't big on PDA. If you see a couple of guys holding hands & your kid or nephew gets inquisitive, tell them that they're friends. That's true, too. If you don't make a big deal about it now, especially in an idealized inclusive place like wdw, there's a better chance they'll grow up never thinking homosexuality is a big deal.

 

[cptwife80]

I don't think you will have any problem with your child asking questions about people holding hands and the possible kiss. I myself am Bi and happily married with two kids. They have not asked any questions yet and just know my old girlfriends as my friends and like hanging out with them when we go shopping or for trips. No need to worry, in this day and age it is slowly becoming normal... although I still get looked down apon just because i'm married and Bi.:lookaroun

 

[sabian]

Thanks guys, Let me assure you, I am in no way homophobic. The reason i have become concerned is due to an article posted on wdwinfo.com. The gentleman who wrote the article is a gay man who had reguraly attended gay days. In this article that is currently posted on wdwinfo.com under the events tab is titled "Why I won't be atending Gay Days this Year." the article goed on to say that, as a gay man, he is ofeded by the increasing number of public displays of afection. He goes as far as to tell of an incident he witnessed first hand of a couple rench kissing. That is where my concern came in.
Don't lump me in with some closed minded people who gay bash or who are homophobic. When this specific information comes from a reputable Disney site, and is writen by a Gay Man who regularly ateended and has been offended, i feel my concerns are justified.
I could care less if a gay couple, man or woman, is at WDW. I could care less if their shirts matched. if that were a concern, how would i explain all the family fatherings and foreign tour groups whose shirts always match? My primary concerns came from this article on wdwinfo.com. The concerns are not rooted in intolerance or homophobia. They are deeply rooted in my concern to keep my son innocent.

 

[smk]

I have gone on "gays days" as well, the first being in the late 1990's and June of last year. The most I have seen is hand holding and bright, matching shirts. I was not offended at all by any public displays and I always have felt PDA's were out of line, so for me to not be offended is saying a lot. I have been offended by couples (mostly teenagers) hanging all over one another while waiting in ride lines, I find that to be more uncomfortable than anything I or my kids saw on "gay days". I would not hestitate to go to WDW on "gay day" now or in the future. My only hope when I go to the parks is to be around pleasant people who are having fun with people they are happy to be with. Nothing is worse than a family fighting in my happy place!

 

[cmatt]

as others have said - day in day out there are gay couples that attend disney not just that time of the year. Somehow i dont think its as erm in your face as gay pride in london

If your children ask just say they are friends...

When you read something on the internet... especially someones account - always lean towards thinking they are talking out of their own emotions therefore everything is 1000000000 times worse then what it really is. Just because another person has picked up on something doesnt mean a child will - also remember that people (straight, gay, bi..) will know their surroundings. And will adapt and realise that not everyone wants to see it. I know when im with mrs cmatt out in the parks we only hold hands (or argue with regards to where we are and why we are lost :lol.... but that is because we feel uncomfortable kissing in front of people as no one really wants to see us playing tonsil tennis.

 

[Hakunamatata]

The concerns are not rooted in intolerance or homophobia. They are deeply rooted in my concern to keep my son innocent.

Very difficult to do in this day and age, and I can see where you are coming from. I can tell you, however, that I have witnessed more heterosexual french kissing at WDW than I have other combinations of "participants".

 

[Emerald Rose]

Sorry but we have not visited the parks during that time. If you have information that has been provided by someone else ( the man who said he will not be attending this year ) then maybe the best thing for you to do is change your dates. This way, there is no chance of anything that would be uncomfortable.

 

[smk]

Very difficult to do in this day and age, and I can see where you are coming from. I can tell you, however, that I have witnessed more heterosexual french kissing at WDW than I have other combinations of "participants".

Ditto.

 

[Aurora_25]

I am HakunaMatata's wife and as he said- my children, my mom and I were there this past summer during gay days (although we didn't realize it until a bus driver told us because it was a last minute trip- 3 days before we went in fact- and so I didn't do much research about that time) We saw nothing bad and my daughter (who is 7 and notices everything) and my son who is 2 didn't see anything that you wouldn't see at a normal time at Disney. We did see alot of red shirts, but no PDA whatsoever. I was surprised, because I had heard things got pretty bad on those times, but really, it was fine and my kids and I didn't notice anything.
Just go and have a great time

 

[tigsmom]

Thanks guys, Let me assure you, I am in no way homophobic. The reason i have become concerned is due to an article posted on wdwinfo.com. The gentleman who wrote the article is a gay man who had reguraly attended gay days. In this article that is currently posted on wdwinfo.com under the events tab is titled "Why I won't be atending Gay Days this Year." the article goed on to say that, as a gay man, he is ofeded by the increasing number of public displays of afection. He goes as far as to tell of an incident he witnessed first hand of a couple rench kissing. That is where my concern came in.
Don't lump me in with some closed minded people who gay bash or who are homophobic. When this specific information comes from a reputable Disney site, and is writen by a Gay Man who regularly ateended and has been offended, i feel my concerns are justified.
I could care less if a gay couple, man or woman, is at WDW. I could care less if their shirts matched. if that were a concern, how would i explain all the family fatherings and foreign tour groups whose shirts always match? My primary concerns came from this article on wdwinfo.com. The concerns are not rooted in intolerance or homophobia. They are deeply rooted in my concern to keep my son innocent.

Never thought of you as homophobic or intolerant, just as a concerned parent. We go thru this situation every year (usually with bad results ).

IMHO, just because the article was written by a gay man does not mean it is accurate or that it speaks for the entire gay community. While there will be gatherings (think the ever popular and equally as dreaded tour groups)
they will in no way be the majority of people visiting the parks that day. Its a good bet that you will probably never even notice them. And for the record, I've seen some straight couples acting inappropriately at WDW.

 

[cmatt]

..
Just go and have a great time

quoted for truth....

 

[Ella's Mommy]

I'm sorry but If you seriously think your TWO year old is going to notice two men holding hands when Mickey or someother character is in their face your delusional. Your implying that gay couples have no self control. I'm appalled at you post and I'm straight.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

I'm sorry but If you seriously think your TWO year old is going to notice two men holding hands when Mickey or someother character is in their face your delusional.

Only he knows his own kid. Different kids pay attention to different things. Chain the hounds a little.

 

[Laura]

People do all kinds of stuff at Disney that you probably wouldn't want your kid to see. Cutting lines, spitting, swearing, etc. You can't shelter them from everything. You just have to teach them how the world works and how to deal with it.

 

[Ella's Mommy]

People do all kinds of stuff at Disney that you probably wouldn't want your kid to see. Cutting lines, spitting, swearing, etc. You can't shelter them from everything. You just have to teach them how the world works and how to deal with it.

Thank you. I totally agree with you

 

[PintoColvig]

I'm sorry but If you seriously think your TWO year old is going to notice two men holding hands when Mickey or someother character is in their face your delusional. Your implying that gay couples have no self control. I'm appalled at you post and I'm straight.

Now, now. Let's not be so quick to condemn. He stated in his second post that he read a first person account about increasing inappropriate PDA at Gay Days. He in no way implied that gay couples as a group had no self control and since he has not been during Gay Days before, he has no idea if Gay Day participants tend to engage in public affection. If he doesn't want his child to see something even at the age of two, that's his business. He does have a right to ask his question and he tried to be as respectful as possible while asking his question. Please give him the benefit of the doubt before you pass judgment.

As to the PDA at WDW--be it gay, straight, bi, whatever--I could do without it and certainly don't want my children to see it.

 

[sbkline]

I've never been to WDW during gay days, so I don't know what all transpires there, and I would like to keep it that way. I have no problem admitting that I am "old school" in my interpretation of the Bible, on which I base my worldview, and I very much believe that homosexuality is wrong and therefore, I would try to avoid "gay days" as much as possible. However, others here who have been there during that time testify that there isn't all that much out of the ordinary that takes place during that time period, so maybe it wouldn't be a big deal anyway. But as for my wife and I, we both firmly believe that homosexual behavior and activities are wrong and contrary to God's ordinances, so we have no intention of teaching our kids that it is okay, nor would we want to bring them down there at that particular time if, indeed, there is blatant flaunting of such relationships taking place all over the place.

I know that in this day and age, I (and others who share my perspective) will be branded as "intolerant" or "bigots" or whatever else. But that is my belief on the matter and I won't be shamed into hiding it or changing it. I have nothing personal against people of that orientation, as I know a few at work and find them very nice people. I simply dissapprove of that particular aspect of their lives, just as I disapprove of many things that many straight people do. But then again, no one needs my approval for their activities anyway, except my children. But that is my opinion on the matter nonetheless.