Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Annual Unofficial Gay Days Kicks off in Orlando


Although it may have once been treated like Orlando’s dirty little secret, it is now a big, flamboyant moneymaker expected to bring in $100 million to Economy. Gay and Lesbians mostly wear red shirts to show their pride and numbers and are seen holding hands in the different amusement parks with very little looks from “homo-challenged” guest.

Patty Sheehan, an Orlando city commissioner, is also a member of the gay community. She said what started in 1991 as a one-day event at Walt Disney World has come a long way.

"I do here proclaim the week of June 2, 2008, as Gay Days in the city of Orlando,” said Sheehan. "I can remember as a young person looking out on the crowd of red shirts, like the one I'm wearing now, and feeling so incredibly empowered, so I think that's really what the message is about."

Although there are fewer protests than in the past, this year's event will not go unopposed. The Evangelical group called Love Won Out plans to preach the anti-gay message at a conference in Orlando on Saturday.

"We want them to know there's hope. Change is possible. You're not born gay," said a member of the evangelical group.

More than 50 events are planned throughout the week. This includes a film festival and free HIV testing. Saturday is the official Gay Day at Disney's Magic Kingdom.

To get the complete Calendar of fun go to GayDaysOrland.com

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