Unofficial Gay Day Merchandise Sold at Magic Kingdom During Annual Event

Despite its neutral stance on the annual Gay Days, Walt Disney World is selling merchandise that unofficially celebrates the event.

The items include designs incorporating rainbows, which is a symbol of the gay-pride movement. Products include red tank tops with a rainbow-colored Mickey Mouse head, a rainbow mug, a rainbow wallet, and Mickey Mouse Vinylmations in rainbow colors. These items were displayed with other rainbow items that are found year-round in the parks including pins and antenna toppers.

Gay Days started as a single day in 1991 when the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community was encouraged to "Wear Red and Be Seen" while visiting the Magic Kingdom. This year is the 23rd year for Gay Days and organizers expected more than 170,000 people would participate in event which started on May 28 and ran through June 2.

The event included visiting Walt Disney World in addition to other tourist destinations in Orlando, a restaurant exposition, pool parties, and other social events. Gay Days is based in Orlando.

Story by Traci C., Source

Sarah @ Running at Disney wrote on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 18:54:

Sarah @ Running at Disney's picture

I think this is GREAT!! Go Disney!

Jessica Hart wrote on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 19:20:

Jessica Hart's picture

This is wonderful...Now if only the rest of the world could embrace everyone!

JeffC wrote on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 21:06:

Thanks for the post, Traci!

scorpio301 wrote on Mon, 06/03/2013 - 22:10:

scorpio301's picture

Glad to see this !! Totally agree with Jessica, the rest of the world should follow !!

Kristen K. wrote on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 01:46:

Kristen K.'s picture

I love this and only wish my Dad and his partner were still alive to enjoy it! I used to go to San Fransisco street fairs with him in the 80s and I know that I would have had a fabulous time with them and their friends at Disney, red shirts and all. The country has come so far in it's acceptance since then, it's a pity that we still have so much father to go. Maybe I'll buy a rainbow Mickey in his honor next week.

AmberA wrote on Thu, 07/18/2013 - 15:26:

AmberA's picture

Does anyone know if this merchandise is still available now. We are planning a trip and i'd love to have a "gay days" shirt to wear while we are in the park. It's a February trip but it will be my partner, myself, and our three year old daughter. Perfect thing would be if we could still find these redish shirts with the rainbow mickey heads in everyones size for a family matchy-matchy shirt day.

Kristen K. wrote on Fri, 07/19/2013 - 20:28:

Kristen K.'s picture

Hi Amber! I did see some when I was there in June, but the display has been broken up, so all of the rainbow stuff isn't in the same spot anymore. You can also call Merchandise Guest Services if you would like to buy them ahead of time and they can help you hunt the product down. Their phone number is (877) 560-6477

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