The warnings were loud and very clear: it’s not safe to travel to Florida. The warnings have come from the NAACP, the United Latin American Citizens, and Equality Florida. The message was clear, recent laws passed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have made it unsafe for certain groups of people to come to the state.
But despite all that, thousands came out to celebrate “Gay Days” at Walt Disney World. The Pride Month gathering stood in defiance of recent laws passed by Governor DeSantis. And Disney World was decorated for the occasion. New murals and Pride-themed decorations sprung up throughout the Disney Parks. All of the more than 1,000 rooms that were reserved for the event were completely sold out.
But despite all that, there were still concerns from those that attended. Walt Disney World is seen as a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community, but outside of Disney’s walls, some weren’t quite so sure. The Taste of Gay Days event, which would take place in the greater Orlando area, was canceled after some participating restaurants voiced their concerns.
Joseph Clark, Gay Days Chief Executive, told the Washington Post:
For some, it’s the safety aspect, for others, they don’t want to spend money in a state that doesn’t support them. My message has been ‘We need your help here in Florida.’
Last year, the Florida Legislature passed the Parental Rights in Education Law, which prohibits instruction on gender and sexuality in grades K-3. The “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which it has become known as by its critics, has been expanded to all grade levels. Just last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed three anti-LGBTQ+ laws that prohibit gender-affirming care in minors, prohibit drag shows, and criminalize transgender people for the bathroom they choose.
Walt Disney World has become the epicenter of this fight with Florida and Ron DeSantis. After Disney spoke out against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, the Governor punished the state’s largest employer by stripping its self-governing district. The two sides are now embroiled in what is sure to be a long legal battle.
Disney’s Gay Days have caused a stir in Florida before. The event started in 1991 with a few dozen people getting together but has ballooned into thousands nationwide. Religious groups like the Southern Baptist Convention have protested and tried to create a nationwide boycott of Disney over Gay Days to no avail.
Disney is celebrating Pride Month with its Disney Pride collection. The Gay Days organizers expect more than 150,000 visitors to attend their pride events at Walt Disney World.
