Why are LGBTQ+ people heading to Orlando this weekend? Everything to know about Gay Days
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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 company 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 Pride Month.
Inside scoop on Gay Days from CEO: What days are Gay Days at Disney World? Everything to know about the red shirt tradition.
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Here's what to know about the annual LGBTQ+ gathering in Orlando:
What are 'Gay Days' at Disney World?
Gay Days Orlando is where lesbian, gay, bisexual, 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 meet up at the Central Florida theme park.
It has since ballooned into an annual, multiday event, which draws upwards of 180,000 people to the Orlando area from across the world.
The first Saturday in June is traditionally red shirt day at Magic Kingdom, but there are other red shirt days at different parks. Along with days at the theme parks, local hotels and establishments hold events to mark the six-day event.
What is the significance of the red shirt during Gay Days?
Arguably the most prominent part of Gay Days, participants wear red shirts to specific parks to celebrate their identity or support others.
Back at the original gathering, attendants wore red shirts to make their presence more visible to other members of the community.
Now, the red shirt in itself has become a movement, with LGBTQ nonprofit Kindred Pride Foundation using it as a symbol for its mission to spread diversity and kindness.
When did the event first start?
The first documented event was held in June 1991 where roughly 3,000 LGBTQ+ people from central Florida went to the area's theme parks on one day wearing red shirts. Some reports claim it was held even before then with only a handful of people starting the event.
In 1995, the event had grown to over 10,000 gays and lesbians traveling for 'Gay Day' at Disney.
By the 2010s, the event had reached over 150,000 LGBT people, their families, friends and supporters attended the six-day gathering in Orlando.
When are Gay Days happening this year?
This year, Disney Gay Days is taking place from May 31 to June 4.
Gay Days Orlando weekend calendar 2023
Friday
Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios - 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Universal Studios's Islands of Adventure - 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdon - 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Universal Studios - 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday
Walt Disney World's EPCOT - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Seaworld's Discovery Cove - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See the rest of the calendar and other events here.
What can you do during Gay Days outside of the parks?
Many Gay Days attendees visit theme parks, but there are a host of other activities including popular pool parties, Drag Bingo, expos, and more at the event's host hotel in Orlando.
This year, there will also be a new Beach Ball waterpark party at Aquatica Orlando, which is an event sponsor.
Does Disney sponsor Gay Days?
Disney does not sponsor or promote Gay Days, however, its Parks & Resorts division celebrates Pride Month by launching a themed collection ahead of time.
Are there precautions this year with recent anti-LGBTQ legislation?
Despite the current turmoil between Gov. Ron DeSantis, Disney, and recent legislation passed, the event is still going on and many regular Gay Day attendees have made the trek to Orlando this year.
In April, the nation's largest LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Florida issued a travel advisory for the LGBTQ+ community warning members not to come to the state. Officials said their decision came after a number of bills that have been passed in recent sessions and bills that were under consideration at the time.
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Some of the bills in question are:
Florida SB 254 - restricts gender-affirming care for transgender adults and children, and was condemned as Florida’s “abduction” bill by opponents who claim it allows children to be “legally kidnapped” by disagreeing parents.
Florida SB 1438 - prohibits bars children from attending “adult live performances."
The Parental Rights in Education Act, or HB 1557 - prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms up to 12th grade.
Florida HB 1521 - requires people to use bathrooms that line up with their sex assigned at birth.
What special merch does Gay Days have this year?
On May 15, Disney released its 2023 Pride Collection, which they claim was created by members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Walt Disney Company also added that they work with nonprofits throughout the year to support the LGBTQIA+ community globally.
Some of the merchandise include rainbow Mickey Mouse ears, special edition Lougefly backpacks, and new colorful versions of beloved Disney characters, like BB-8 and Stitch.
Does Disneyland host the same event?
On the other side of the country, Disneyland will be celebrating its first Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite on June 13 and June 15 at California's Disneyland Park.
What to know about Pride Nite: Disneyland will host its first-ever Pride Nite this coming Pride Month. Here's what to know.
The specially-ticketed event officially begins at 9 p.m. each night, after the park closes to guests with standard admission. Pride Nite guests can enter the park as early as 6 p.m., similar to other after-hours events.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Gay Days 2023 at Disney World: everything to know Florida LGBTQ+ event
