beckmrk04 said:
OK- so I had to go read the whole article before I could respond appropriately. I get what he's saying.
I am currently drafting a detailed response to his post, but much of what he says is simply false or mixes true statements to produce a misleading image.
I have never been to Gay Days, but if some of the things go on that he mentions in the article, I wouldn't be a big fan of that sort of "representation" either- no more than I want promiscuous partying strippers representing all straight people. There's always some people in a crowd who push the envelope.
Most of what he complains about takes place at a private events (including several at the Gay Days host hotel). This hotel is booked for the event and just like other adult oriented events, has things in the lobby that might not be appropriate for younger children. He may not like this kind of event, but it is a private function, and is not in a place where many "unsuspecting families" will see it (if one is not staying at the host hotel, one is unlikely to go there).
THAT SAID. I still don't think Gay Days are a bad idea, or that they should necessarily be avoided.
This is his biggest problem. He mixes all events that are promoted together as "Gay Days" and acts as if they are a single event. Gay Day in the Magic Kingdom has no connection to Beach Ball (a private party at Typhoon Lagoon) or One Mighty Party (a private party at Disney-MGM Studios).
I certainly would not go out of my way to avoid them, and I have heard many people report that they saw nothing going on when they went. (I havenever been- maybe next year). And why NOT explain to your kids about love and family at the Magic Kingdom? That's what the MK is all about.
Again, I have been many times (usually with straight friends), and have not see anything inappropriate.
Granted- some people may take it too far, but there are straight people who take it too far the other 51 weeks in a year. And it's sad that anyone can't act with maturity and decorum in the Magic Kingdom, of all places, straight OR gay.
I am sure there are isolated incidents (just as there are every day at Disney) of both gay and straight couples that exceed appropriate boundaries. These are not the norm, nor do they set the tone for Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom.
But I don't think giving your partner a smooch or holding hands falls under "not acting with decorum." It's what I do with my hubby, it's what I would expect to see from ANY couple.
This is a problem for Mr. Werner. He feels that gay and lesbian couples should remain in gay ghettoes (he suggests South Beach and Key West in particular), and should not "rub their sexuality in everyones face" (it is ok to be gay, just do not let the kids find out).
And if some people get their panties all in a knot and let Gay Days RUIN their family vacation because they (GASP) saw two guys or girls holding hands, well, then, that's their own problem. It's nothing you can't see anywhere. I'm sick of people (especially those that are against gays and lesbians) acting like it's some sort porn festival street performance.
Ok. That's my 2 cents.
Well said.
/carmi