Anger on the internet from right-wingers clearly isn’t achieving its desired effect, as Disney will be hosting (at its California theme park) a multi-night event this June celebrating LGBTQ+ pride. It’s the first of its kind. The gatherings follow continued efforts in Florida, where Disney’s other U.S. theme park is located, to expand restrictions on even discussing aspects of LGBTQ+ identity in classrooms.
Already, Florida GOP Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law what critics nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and reports since emerged that the DeSantis team was pursuing an expansion of the most stringent restrictions under that law to all grades. The bill blocks classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity, something one could expect, of course, would be more readily applied to those outside the heterosexual and cis norms. They’re probably not about to fire a straight teacher for discussing a marriage of theirs.
There’s also been action in the state legislature, where Republicans have majorities in both chambers. One bill that recently got a round of approval would limit instruction on biological sex to the idea that reproductive function according to original physical characteristics is controlling in determining the category in which someone falls — although intersex people also exist, and it is shortsighted to attempt to limit understandings of gender to preconceived notions of biological function, which is where they’re heading with something like this.
Disney, meanwhile, is going all out. “During Pride Month in June, Disneyland After Dark will bring the first-ever Pride Nite for two unforgettable evenings at Disneyland Resort!” an exec said. “Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite is a separately ticketed event which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, and will be held on June 13 and 15, 2023, inside Disneyland park. This after-hours event includes themed entertainment, Disney characters, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, specialty menu items, event merchandise and more!”
