Family Pride’s Blog

We received so many beautiful, colorful drawings of our families from all across the country for our first ever Family Drawing Contest. We’ve narrowed the entries down to ten finalists - no small feat!

After careful consideration we’re thrilled to showcase the ten finalists on our website at www.familypride.org/contest. Now, it’s your turn to vote! Visit the Family Drawing Contest page to cast your ballot. And stay tuned for the release of our latest publication, “My Family Loves Me.” - a digital compilation of all the entries submitted in the contest. Vote today before the polls close!

For 17 years now, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida has celebrated Gay Day, an annual gay event held at the theme park. Now, Walt Disney World is putting a special focus on family during the Gay Day event. This new series of events is called Gay Day Family, and will be occurring June 1-3rd.

The event is being produced by Alison Burgos, Amy Alonso and Yesi Leon, who also produced the Girls in Wonderland parties at Gay Day. Many single mothers asked the producers if there would be day care at the Gay Day events, or if they would be allowed to bring a kid under 18. Instead of saying no, the producers decided they had to offer another choice to these parents, and that is how Gay Day Family was born.

“Disney is a place for kids and families,” Leon said. “We didn’t want gay families staying home, because they felt excluded. We’re creating a weekend that feels safe and welcoming for everyone.” Whether your family includes toddlers or teens, the Gay Day Family weekend has fun-filled offerings guaranteed to bring smiles to their faces. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, and family friends are welcome too, organizers say.

As part of the Gay Day Family vacation package, families get to stay at the Fairfield Inn at Marriott Village; roundtrip airport transfers; tickets to the Magic Kingdom and transportation from the Fairfield Inn; an invitation to a special family luau (including buffet, entertainment, and non-alcoholic drinks); invites to the Shamu picnic at SeaWorld (also including buffet and non-alcoholic drinks); entrance to the park and transportation to and from the park; a commemorative T-shirt; free breakfast every morning at the Fairfield; and limited free use of the Treasure Cove Kids Club. Other highlights among the events include a Medieval Times Dinner Tournament and a Disney Character Breakfast.

Sponsors of Gay Day Family include Jane and Jane magazine, Gay Parenting magazine, Miami and the Beaches, Miami Boutique Hotels, KB Toys, and us - the Family Pride Coalition.

More information is available at www.GayDayFamily.com or by calling 305-527-9760.  Look for a Gay Day Blog here by event organizer Yesi Leon in the coming weeks.