LGBTQ+ people flock to Florida for Gay Days festival: ‘Right now is not the time to run’
MIKE SCHNEIDER
Associated Press
Updated
The Board of Education has voted to ban instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all ages, expanding the statute some call the ‘Don’t say gay’ law. The move comes as the state’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is believed to be gearing up for a presidential run.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people are flocking to central Florida this weekend to go on theme park rides, mingle with costumed performers, dance at all-night parties and lounge poolside at hotels during Gay Days, a decades-long tradition.
Joseph Clark, CEO of Gay Days, Inc. at his home office May 25 in Kissimmee, Fla. Florida lawmakers have passed a wave of anti-LGBTQ laws but that's not stopping organizers of one of Florida's largest gay and lesbians celebrations from encouraging visitors from around the world to come and visit.
A statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stands in front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Jan. 9, 2019.A highlight of the annual Gay Days celebration will be a meetup of LGBTQ+ visitors at the Magic Kingdom, which is embroiled in a legal fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis over gay rights.
Joseph Clark, CEO of Gay Days, Inc. at his home office May 25 in Kissimmee, Fla. Florida lawmakers have passed a wave of anti-LGBTQ laws but that's not stopping organizers of one of Florida's largest gay and lesbians celebrations from encouraging visitors from around the world to come and visit.
A statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stands in front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Jan. 9, 2019.A highlight of the annual Gay Days celebration will be a meetup of LGBTQ+ visitors at the Magic Kingdom, which is embroiled in a legal fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis over gay rights.
