Disney gay days 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tens of thousands of LGBTQ people are flocking to central Florida this weekend to go on theme park rides, mingle with costumed performers, gyrate at all-night parties and lounge poolside at hotels during Gay Days, a decades-long tradition.

Even though Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers have championed a slew of anti-LGBTQ laws — spurring the most prominent gay rights collective in the U.S. and other civil rights organizations to issue warnings the Sunshine Express may no longer be safe — Gay Days organizers are still encouraging visitors from around the world to come to one of Florida’s largest gay and lesbian celebrations.

They say a large turnout will send a letter that LGBTQ people are not going away in Florida, which is continually one of the most popular states for tourists to visit. If the hoped-for , or more visitors come to the half-week of pool parties, drag bingo and thrill rides at Orlando’s theme parks and hotels, then “that’s the point,” said Joseph Clark, CEO of Gay Days Inc.

“Right now is not the moment to run. It’s not the time to proceed away,” Clark said. “It’s time to show we are

Why are LGBTQ+ people heading to Orlando this weekend? Everything to know about Gay Days

Pride Month is officially here! This also means the annual 'Gay Days' have begun at Walt Disney World for LGBTQ+ community members and theme park lovers alike.

Despite an intense legal battle between the entertainment corporation and Gov. Ron DeSantis after they spoke out against the state's 'Don't Say Gay' bill last year, attendees from across the globe are heading to the theme parks to kick off Identity festival Month.

Inside scoop on Male lover Days from CEO: What days are Gay Days at Disney World? Everything to know about the red shirt is v. Disney: Is Disney moving to Georgia? DeSantis v. Disney feud sparks online rumors

Here's what to understand about the annual Homosexual gathering in Orlando:

What are 'Gay Days' at Disney World?

Gay Days Orlando is where lesbian, gay, multi-attracted , and transgender (LGBT) individuals, their families, friends, and supporters go to Walt Disney World. It started three decades ago with a group of friends who decided to gather up at the Core Florida theme park.

It has since ballooned into an annual, multiday event, which draws upwards of , people to the Orlando area from across the wo

Disney's LGBTQ history is complicated

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• Disney has a long and complicated history with the LGBTQ community. 
• The company's call out of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill sparked a feud with Gov. Ron DeSantis.
• Photos show the evolution of Disney's LGBTQ stances, events, and representation.

Disney's early years were defined by American idealism and conservative values.

In , brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney founded The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, a production dwelling creating animated shorts of soon-to-be iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse. Those early works often followed the plight and victory of the "common man," appealing to Great Depression-era audiences, Smithsonian Magazine reported.

By World War II, Disney became a pillar of America's war propaganda endeavors, according to The National WWII Museum of Modern Orleans. Characters became household names and representations of Ameri

Why LGBTQ+ people will soon be heading to Orlando. Everything to know about Gay Days

• Gay Days Orlando is an annual unofficial LGBTQ+ gathering at Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks.
• The event takes place from June , , with designated parks and times for attendees.
• Participants often wear red shirts, a tradition started at the first event in
• Florida's recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has raised safety concerns, despite the event continuing as planned.

Pride Month is almost here, with the entire month of June dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other sexualities.

The "Gay Days" event will make its annual return to Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks next week for LGBTQ+ society members and theme park lovers alike.

Here's what to know about the annual LGBTQ+ gathering in Florida.

What are 'Gay Days' at Disney World?

Gay Days Orlando is where lesbian, gay, bi-curious, transgender and other Gay individuals, their families, friends, and supporters go to Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks

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The first Saturday in June is trad

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