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Gay Days at Disneyland – Wear Red & Represent
By Keisha7
The 12th Annual “Unofficial†Gay Days at Disneyland is coming to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, October 2nd through 4th, 2009. And judging by the line-up planned for this special first weekend of October, the Disco Balls of Disneyland are in for a workout.
Friday October 2nd, Gay Days kicks off at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney with Wonderland, a dance party featuring the ones and twos courtesy of DJ Ray Rhodes (Tiger Heat, KBig 104.) Your hosts for the evening will include Los Angeles Drag Diva Momma on the dance floor and Ugly Betty’s Alec Mapa in the VIP Room.
Saturday, October 3rd, the House of Blues Anaheim in Downtown Disney is transformed into Kingdom, “the weekend’s signature dance party.†This night’s music will be provided by DJ Kimberly S and will feature performances by Stacey Q and Wicked’s Eden Espinosa. Your host for this evening, the incomparable Bruce Vilanch
Sunday, October 4th, there are more than a handful suggested social rendezvous planned for Gay Days attendees at Disney’s Calfornia Adventure. Gay Brunch at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen starting at 10:30am features a three course brunch and all-you-can-drink mimosas! The Ladies Ice Cream Social promises “an informal gathering of gals for a cool, refreshing treat†at Bur r r-Bank Ice Cream. “Gay at the Grand†at Hearthstone Lounge, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, is the suggested “martini†for the weekend. Land around 8pm, wind down with friends and a cocktail to commensurate the dreaded work-week to come.
While Gay Days is mostly about fun and games, this year’s events have a special eye on LGBT Youth. The proceeds from opening night’s Wonderland will benefit The Trevor Project, “… the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.â€
Saturday is chocked full of activities for the under 21 crowd. Festivities begin with a Youth Scavenger Hunt in the Plaza Garden, followed by Youth Luncheon (pizza social) at the Festival Arena (both are free with park admission). The finale of Trevor Project’s Youth Events will be the Trevor Teen Dance Party at the Garden Room, Wonder Tower @ Disneyland Hotel. Slated to happen from 7pm to 10pm, this youth event is just plain ole FREE!
To RSVP for these events, please email guide@thetrevorproject.org or call 310.271.8845.
Gay Days at Disneyland Anaheim is an unofficial happening, not a Disney-sponsored event. So one should not be except to find the Magic Kingdom draped in rainbow flags and pink triangles. Gay Days is a “mix-inâ€, thus these special activities for the LGBT attendees will be happening amidst the park’s other weekend guests. So the best way to be seen and hear (to find your peeps), is to wear a red shirt. For those who wish to make their presence official known, official T-Shirts are available at the official Gay Days at Disneyland website.
Last but not least: Here is a shout-out to some of the fine sponsors who made this event possible once again this year. Be sure to show your love. Sponsors for the event include Holiday Inn Buena Park, Howard Johnson Anaheim, and the Anaheim/Orange Country Visitor and Convention Bureau. Media sponsors are Gay.com, Frontiers, PIX, Odyssey Hawaii, Rage, Zummin, and Q Vegas.
