Organizers of the annual LGBTQ+ event, Gay Days at Walt Disney World, are preparing for the gathering of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals at the Orlando theme park this weekend, despite the existence of Florida’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and travel advisories issued by advocacy organizations. This event, which reportedly draws more than 100,000 attendees each year, aims to send a powerful message of resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Under the leadership of CEO Joseph Clark, Gay Days at Disney World has become a significant platform to assert LGBTQ+ visibility and rights. Clark, expressing his hopes for this year’s event, emphasized that now is not the time to retreat but rather to demonstrate the unwavering presence of the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s time to show we are here, we are queer, and we aren’t going anywhere,” he proclaimed.
Florida’s Republican lawmakers, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, have enacted a series of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which have generated concern and led to the issuance of travel advisories. Last year, DeSantis signed the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law, prohibiting elementary school teachers from discussing LGBTQ+ topics in classrooms. More recently, he signed a collection of five anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including measures that target transgender individuals’ restroom usage, ban gender-affirming care for minors, and even threaten the licenses of venues hosting drag shows.
In the midst of this challenging political climate, Gay Days organizers are forging ahead with their plans, highlighting Orlando’s reputation as an LGBTQ+-friendly city. With a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, Orlando stands as a beacon of progressiveness and inclusivity. Several other Florida mayors, including Orlando’s own, have also pledged to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens.
While the political landscape remains daunting, Gay Days has garnered support from the Walt Disney Company, which has embraced the event over the past few decades. Gay Days not only contributes to the city’s economy but also provides an opportunity for Disney to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Meanwhile, Joseph Clark expressed his desire for Governor DeSantis to witness the various drag performances at Gay Days events, hoping it would encourage empathy and understanding.
Despite the challenges posed by anti-LGBTQ+ laws and an uncertain political climate, attendees like Ira Douglas remain determined to support the LGBTQ+ community by participating in Gay Days. Their presence serves as a testament to the love and support extended to LGBTQ+ individuals facing adversity. Gay Days at Walt Disney World stands strong, celebrating resilience and fostering a sense of unity that transcends the limitations imposed by discriminatory legislation.