Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people flocked to central Florida last 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. A large turnout sent a message that LGBTQ+ people aren’t going away in Florida, which is continually one of the most popular states for tourists to visit. Annually, 150,000 or more visitors come to the half-week of pool parties, drag bingo, and thrill rides at Orlando’s theme parks and hotels. Joseph Clark, CEO of Gay Days Inc said, “That’s the point.” Even though Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers have championed a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ laws — spurring the most prominent gay rights group in the U.S. and other civil rights organizations to issue warnings that the Sunshine State may no longer be safe — Gay Days organizers are still encouraged visitors from around the world to come to one of Florida’s largest gay and lesbian celebrations. Unlike most of the country, which celebrates Pride in June, Orlando holds its Pride in October. Gay Days is a bonus celebration. Currently, Disney is embroiled in a legal fight with DeSantis over the governor and Republican lawmakers’ takeover of Disney World’s governing district — after Disney officials publicly opposed legislation that critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.”
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