PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
I noticed this board is primarily used for asking questions about certain LGBT experiences in the parks. I thought I'd start a thread about talking about our favorite experiences being noticed as being a member of the community and being reminded you are safe and loved. That's probably one of, if not THE most magical thing going on in the most magical place on Earth. So let's hear some of the most magical instances in which you felt so supported and accepted at the Disney parks for living your truth.
I'll start, if none of the above or this thread title really makes sense...
I was on the Disney College Program this past Fall and got to spend quite a bit of time in the parks. I own a multitude of shirts that are pretty much literal versions of "wearing my sexuality on my sleeve", which I kinda do anyways. I'd also worn make-up on many occasions to the parks. Most of the time, it wasn't a big deal and nobody cared, which was fine with me. One day however I was on my way through bag check at Hollywood Studios. There wasn't really anyone coming into the park at this point. I wore my "#OrlandoStrong" tee and this was not many months after the incident at Pulse. My nails were also painted on this day. As I walked up, I noticed one of the security guards was taking an unusual interest in me. After I got my bag checked per usual (at a different security guard), I was ready to head straight into the park when the security guard stopped me, which caught me off-guard. I'm a person who's just perpetually guilty and thinks I'm always doing something wrong so I was afraid I was going to have to go through a second check or something (again, this was post-Pulse Disney). Instead she stopped me to tell me (this is not exact verbatim), "I just want to let you know, you are so brave for wearing your colors. I also love your toenails. I wish I could do my nails as nice as that." It left me a little misty-eyed. I'm used to the usual compliment, which is usually all I like to hear. Me wearing a Pride shirt or having sparkly nails is just a form of self-expression for me. I don't think of myself as brave for being as out, loud and proud as I am. It made me feel really good and blessed to know there are people out there who are so accepting and supportive. It was just a really sweet moment that I think about often.
Now, let's hear yours!
P.S. Here's me with Chewie in the park a little bit later (I posted this pic with my little story on Instagram so I thought it only fitting to post it here too.)
I'll start, if none of the above or this thread title really makes sense...
I was on the Disney College Program this past Fall and got to spend quite a bit of time in the parks. I own a multitude of shirts that are pretty much literal versions of "wearing my sexuality on my sleeve", which I kinda do anyways. I'd also worn make-up on many occasions to the parks. Most of the time, it wasn't a big deal and nobody cared, which was fine with me. One day however I was on my way through bag check at Hollywood Studios. There wasn't really anyone coming into the park at this point. I wore my "#OrlandoStrong" tee and this was not many months after the incident at Pulse. My nails were also painted on this day. As I walked up, I noticed one of the security guards was taking an unusual interest in me. After I got my bag checked per usual (at a different security guard), I was ready to head straight into the park when the security guard stopped me, which caught me off-guard. I'm a person who's just perpetually guilty and thinks I'm always doing something wrong so I was afraid I was going to have to go through a second check or something (again, this was post-Pulse Disney). Instead she stopped me to tell me (this is not exact verbatim), "I just want to let you know, you are so brave for wearing your colors. I also love your toenails. I wish I could do my nails as nice as that." It left me a little misty-eyed. I'm used to the usual compliment, which is usually all I like to hear. Me wearing a Pride shirt or having sparkly nails is just a form of self-expression for me. I don't think of myself as brave for being as out, loud and proud as I am. It made me feel really good and blessed to know there are people out there who are so accepting and supportive. It was just a really sweet moment that I think about often.
Now, let's hear yours!
P.S. Here's me with Chewie in the park a little bit later (I posted this pic with my little story on Instagram so I thought it only fitting to post it here too.)