Disneyland gay
The long history behind “Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite”
Updated: Aug 22,
By Bethanee Bemis
History has a way of, if not exactly repeating itself, then rhyming over time in ways both massive and small.
When Disneyland announced that it would be holding its very first official “Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite” to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies in , Disney historians may have noted one such historical rhyme: the event comes exactly 45 years after the first, unofficial night of celebration of the gay community at Disneyland, and 25 years after the first Gay Days Anaheim.
Both the first unofficial gay celebration and the preliminary iterations of Gay Days at Disneyland and Walt Disney World rhyme with this year’s Pride Nite in ways that illuminate the historical struggle of the gay community, their tireless advocacy through presence, and the importance of their having an official night of celebration at Disneyland.
Studies suggest that somewhere between 70 and 90% of Americans call on a Disney theme park in their lifetime. This makes it
For many queer folks, Disneyland and Disney World have offered a safe place to get away for a day from the struggles they face in everyday life. The mantra in the parks has largely been one of inclusiveness. Step into any merch shop and you will be greeted with rainbow-themed and gay honeymoon items, readily available.
There are heavily attended and beloved Gay Days, Pride Nites and Clarabelle Cow has become a true gay icon. While Disney’s track record on queer representation is, um, spotty, the parks have proven to be a refuge.
So this week when Disney announced the plan to unwrap its seventh global theme park, this time in the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi, well, Disney gays and allies had some thoughts.
The fresh park, which is the first Disney property in the Middle East, is set to be built as a waterfront resort on Yas Island, which is already a popular tourist hub for visitors from around the world.
Interestingly, Disney itself will not be building or operating the park, but rather have partnered with Miral, “Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive dest
Disney’s Pride Parties & Gay Days: Everything You Need To Comprehend | PHOTOS
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Let’s clear things up: what is Gay Days, exactly?
To begin, let’s clear up a common misconception. Many online articles and blogs don’t correctly explain what Gay Days actually refers to. Even fewer involve the full array of all there is to do during a Gay Days / Disney Pride event.
Let’s learn some swift history!
Since at least , LGBTQIA+ folks have been meeting up — via their own community-organized events — at Disney parks. They simply called it Gay Days.
The name stuck.
In the overdue 90’s, an event organizer incorporated the name Gay Days Inc. and trademarked their URL. Today, they’re just one of many professional companies that hosts events, parties and meetups during various weekends in Orlando and Anaheim. Some are free and unseal to the public, others are ticketed and held in intimate venues.
These events often overlap, so they compete a bit for visitors and attendees.
So if you perform a internet search for ‘Gay
Friday, September 12,
Noon PM: Gay Days Welcome Center
Sequoia Ballroom, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, FREE!
Buy the official Gay Days Anaheim T-Shirt, limited edition pin and tickets to the Gay Days Anaheim parties and shows. Pick up FREE swag, meet our sponsors or just say hello. We're here to help with all your Gay Days needs. Comprehend more about the Welcome Center by clicking here!
PM: Welcome Cocktails
Parkside Market, Downtown Disney. FREE!
To all who come to this joyful place: Welcome! Come see who’s here this year, catch up with old friends and see some new ones at this brand new Downtown Disney gem.
PM: Cheyenne Jackson: Another Prince Charming
Sorrell Room, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
Tickets $65/ $85
One of our favorite performers returns to Gay Days with a brand-new show featuring toe-tapping melodies and saucy showbiz anecdotes. Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with whimsy, laughter, and the sheer joy of a perfectly imperfect night of shared experience. VIP and General Admission available. VIP t