June is known around the world as Pride Month. It’s a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness about issues they face. During this month, parades and rallies take place in various cities, and businesses paint rainbows everywhere to show their support. Disney World, with its magical world of fantasy, joy, and wonder, is often questioned about its stance on Pride Month.
Disney is a name that conjures up images of childhood memories for many. From their beloved animated movies to their iconic theme parks, Disney has been bringing joy to millions of people around the globe for decades. However, as times have changed, people have been asking whether Disney has kept up with the times, especially when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.
So, does Disney have Pride Month? Let’s dive in and find out.
Disney and the LGBTQ+ Community
Disney has always been a part of popular culture, and with that comes an inherent responsibility to be a positive force in society. Over the years, Disney has been called out for the lack of diversity in its characters and stories. However, things have changed in recent times, and Disney has made some strides towards being more inclusive and representing the LGBTQ+ community.
For instance, in 2017, Disney XD broadcast their first-ever animated show featuring a lead gay character, “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.” In the same year, Disney introduced its first openly gay character in the live-action movie “Beauty and the Beast.”
In 2019, Disney released its movie “Frozen 2” featuring a gay character called Lieutenant Destin Mattias, voiced by actor Sterling K. Brown. Though this character’s role isn’t a lead, it’s still a significant milestone in the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in Hollywood movies.
Disney World Gay Days
Disney World Gay Days is an independent event, not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company, that takes place annually in the first week of June. It is viewed as an opportunity for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and friends to visit the Disney theme parks and other Orlando attractions while wearing red shirts to symbolize the event. Gay Days has been happening for over 30 years, and it attracts people from all over the world. The week-long event features pool parties, after-parties, and other events organized by independent groups; most of these events happen outside of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Disney has had no significant issue with Gay Days; they simply acknowledge it and continue to implement their non-discrimination policies while continuing to offer the “best in magic” for all its guests. Rumor has it that in the early years, some Disney employees were unhappy about the event. However, those days are long gone, and the company views the event more as a business opportunity rather than a political statement.
The Disney Company and Pride Month: June
Although Disney’s official policy regarding Pride Month is unambiguous, this doesn’t mean the company doesn’t recognize or celebrate it. Over the years, Disney has made numerous gestures in support of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month without specifically singling out the event.
In 2020, Walt Disney World Resort participated in Pride Month by flying rainbow flags throughout several of their parks and hosting a “Rainbow Disney Collection” featuring pride-themed merchandise. The company also introduced “The Rainbow Disney Collection,” which included hats, shirts, pins, and various other accessories.
Additionally, Disney is one of the many companies that have implemented progressive policies to be inclusive of the LGBTQ+ owned or operated businesses by initiating the LGBT Business Enterprise certification program.
Although Disney doesn’t openly advertise its participation in Pride Month, it’s clear it still chooses to acknowledge the significance of the month indirectly.
Conclusion
So, does Disney have Pride Month? The answer to that question isn’t as clear as a simple “yes” or “no.” Disney is a company that’s been around for nearly 100 years and has a reputation to maintain. They have been making strides in recent years towards being more inclusive and sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Disney acknowledges Pride Month subtly through the theme park’s rainbow-colored merchandise and other symbolic initiatives, but they also maintain their policies to offer the “best in magic” to all guests without being specific for one month.
As we continue to navigate a more inclusive world, Disney will have to continue to keep up with the times and do more to be more inclusive of everyone that wants a little bit of Disney magic in their lives.
FAQ
Is it Pride Month at Disney World?
Gay Days Orlando, an unofficial event, takes place annually at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. The event typically runs for five days, usually starting at the end of May or beginning of June. During this time, many attendees dress up in rainbow attire and accessories and visit the attractions in the parks. Although Gay Days is not officially sponsored by Disney, the company has been supportive of the event in the past by providing special merchandise and scheduling events.
It is essential to note that Gay Days at Disney World is not the same as Pride Month, which is a nationwide celebration of the LGBTQ+ community held every June. Pride Month originated from the Stonewall riots in 1969, and since then, it has become a time where people celebrate and promote inclusivity, equality, and love for all. While Disney has shown support for Pride Month with special merchandise and events, it is not an official host of the celebration.
While Gay Days Orlando does occur at Disney World and offers a chance for individuals to celebrate their LGBTQ+ pride, it is not an official Disney-sponsored event. Moreover, it is not the same as Pride Month, which is a nationwide celebration in June and continues to promote inclusivity, equality, and love for all.
What is the Disney Pride Collection?
The Disney Pride Collection is a range of products that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes inclusivity, diversity and equality. This latest collection includes apparel, accessories, plush and pins across Disney brands such as Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar, featuring bright and bold rainbow colors and designs. Many of the items in the Disney Pride Collection will be available all year on shopDisney and in select Disney Parks retail locations, giving fans a chance to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year.
The launch of the Disney Pride Collection marks another step forward in Disney’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse culture. The company has been recognized for its efforts to champion LGBTQ+ representation and equality, featuring LGBTQ+ characters in its film and TV productions, as well as promoting diversity behind the scenes. The Disney Pride Collection reinforces Disney’s message of acceptance and is a way for fans to celebrate love and unity regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Not only does the Disney Pride Collection provide a way for fans to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, but a portion of the sales from the collection will also be donated to LGBTQ+ organizations such as GLSEN, a non-profit dedicated to creating safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students. This commitment to give back to the community further highlights Disney’s dedication to promoting equality and inclusion.
The Disney Pride Collection is a range of products that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes inclusivity, diversity, and equality. The collection features items from numerous Disney brands and is available year-round for fans to show their support. The collection reinforces Disney’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse culture and also contributes to LGBTQ+ organizations.
Where is the pride wall at Epcot?
The Pride wall at Epcot is a popular location for visitors to take photos and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The design of the Pride wall is in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears, with the colors of the Pride flag incorporated into the display. The word “love” is also prominently featured in the corner of the wall.
If you’re looking for the Pride wall at Epcot, you can find it on the side of the Imagination Pavilion. The location is easily accessible by visitors of all ages and abilities, and the wall is open for photo opportunities throughout the day.
Beyond the Pride wall at Epcot, there are other opportunities for visitors to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community at Walt Disney World. For example, the “Rainbow Disney Collection” features a range of clothing, accessories, and other merchandise designed to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, Disney has made numerous donations to LGBTQ+ organizations and causes over the years, highlighting the company’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all guests.
The Pride wall at Epcot serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance and love for visitors around the world. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or simply looking to show your support, the Pride wall is a great location to take a photo and make a statement.
