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Is Walt Disney World Safe for LGBTQ+ Guests? Here’s What You Need to Know

Disney pride
Credit: Disney

In recent years, the Walt Disney Company has made it clear that they are proud allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Since then, Disney has made efforts to promote queer diversity in their shows and films. Another thing that Disney has done to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community is to host events and pride-themed opportunities inside the Parks. Many Guests now see Disney Parks as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.

Unfortunately, this may not be true for Guests at one Disney Park. After the turmoil between the Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Disney fans strongly fear that Walt Disney World Resort may not be safe for them anymore. Despite Disney’s efforts to keep political squabbles out of the Parks, many LGBTQ+ fans are considering abandoning Walt Disney World for the time being.

Disney pride

Credit: Disney

Is Visiting Disney Safe for the LGBTQ+ Community?

Walt Disney World is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but is it safe for the LGBTQ+ community? The answer is a bit complicated.

Many LGBTQ+ groups and advocacy organizations, such as the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Florida, have praised Disney’s efforts to be inclusive and welcoming to all Guests. The Walt Disney Company has made it clear that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is not tolerated amongst their Cast Members or Guests. Disney has also been the proud host of numerous LGBTQ+ celebrations and conventions over the years.

pride at Disney

Credit: The New York Times

However, Disney World is located in Florida, a state that has a complicated history with LGBTQ+ issues. A major topic of discussion is the Florida bill known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which effectively bans any discussion of homosexuality in schools. Many LGBTQ+ people fear the ideology of Florida Governor DeSantis and his supporters.

Additionally, in June 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that bans transgender girls and women from competing in women’s sports. This law has been met with condemnation from advocacy groups and has raised concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ people in the state.

Pride conference at Disney

Credit: Vanity Fair and CNN

LGBTQ+ Disney Fans Scared to Return to Florida

Now, LGBTQ+ Disney fans are speaking out on why they will not be returning to Orlando Park anytime soon. In an interview with NBC News, Uriel Diaz, an LGBTQ+ Disney fan, says that they do not plan on visiting Walt Disney World anytime soon. They said;

“I do believe that it will be a safe space, but everything around it, everything else you have to do to get there is scary right now.”

Even though Disney has made their support of the LGBTQ+ community clear, there is still work to be done to ensure that all LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe everywhere in the United States. As Guests to the Park, we can continue to advocate for change and support organizations that fight for LGBTQ+ rights, both within and outside of the Walt Disney Company.

About Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.