Gay Days hits the Magic Kingdom again this year, leaving the park awash in red. Gay Days organizers are planning on about 150,000 people attending, and Gay Day revelers will be wearing their red shirts in a sign of unity.

Gay Days started 20 years ago, when a group of gays decided it would be fun to get together at Disney World. The idea grew to the huge event it is today. While it is not an official Disney-sanctioned event, Disney has made it clear that the park is open to anyone who wants to come. There used to be controversy surrounding the event, including protests and boycotts, and Disney would post signs to let other guests know what was going on, but we’ve come a long way, and most of the controversy has dissipated. The Gay Days participants are just there to have fun and enjoy everything the park has to offer. They are respectful of the park and the fact that families are there to enjoy the Magic Kingdom as well. As a matter of fact, Gay Days participants often bring their families to enjoy the festivities together!

Gay Days has also expanded to include other events and locations in Orlando. The event lasts about a week, but the official Gay Day is always the first Saturday in June. Other events include a film festival, a literary festival, pool parties, seminars, concerts, awareness events, comedy shows (including Joan Rivers!),an auto show, and even a bear dance party.

The Doubletree Resort is the official hotel of Gay Days, but of course it was sold out months ago. Of course there are always next year’s festivities, which run from May 31 to June 6 2011. The theme is Cowboys and Cowgirls.

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