Posted on 05/31/2002 5:36:44 AM PDT by landorepub
Jeffrey Carlson had last-minute jitters, but Steven Hoff was nervous all day leading up to the ceremony. It's not every day that a couple exchanges vows before hundreds of strangers.
But Carlson, 37, and Hoff, 39, were determined to have their "holy union," the gay equivalent of a wedding, at the place they met three years ago -- Walt Disney World during Gay Days, the annual event that draws about 125,000 gays and lesbians to Central Florida's attractions.
Carlson and Hoff's ceremony was the first "holy union" performed during an event known more for being one giant party than a family-oriented vacation and is an example of just how large and diverse Gay Days has become.
Beginning 12 years ago as a single day at Disney World that attracted mostly single gay men, Gay Days has developed into a weeklong gathering with events ranging from a hip-hop party to a Roman Catholic Mass.
Gay and lesbian visitors -- including European tourists, single people and families with children in tow -- are expected through Sunday.
"We've tried to be very inclusive of all our communities," said Chris Alexander-Manley, director of sales and marketing for Gay Days Inc. "We have completely expanded. It's not just a gay man's event."
As Carlson and Hoff shared a first dance in the ballroom of the Hotel Royal Plaza, the host hotel for Gay Days, couples -- male and female -- snapped photos and offered congratulations. Some brought their children or bounced babies on their knees.
Gay Days has gained an international reputation through the years and stands as one of the region's biggest tourism events, pumping an estimated $100 million into the local economy. A first this year, the event has netted corporate sponsorship including Anheuser-Busch -- through its Bud Light brand -- First Union and others.
Perhaps less known is that the array of guests who flock to Gay Days increasingly represents all walks of life. Although the weeklong celebration has always promoted a slew of parties, this year's parties have diversions for various palettes: a hip-hop/R&B night, a Latin music party and a lesbian comedy show.
Devante Miller, 29, and Darnell Tyson, 27, a couple from New York, were attending their first Gay Days in search of events that didn't target only single white men.
"There are always, like, a handful of minorities at these events, but I think they are making a good effort to be inclusive," said Tyson, who is black. "We're just here to experience everything. It's important just to have such an event. It shows it's OK to be who you are."
Also this year, Gay Days organizers were contacted by Dignity USA, a Washington-based organization of gay and lesbian Catholics, and the Family Pride Coalition, a national advocacy and support group for gay and lesbian parents.
Dignity USA was quick to jump on board this year's Gay Days' schedule, because other than Pride parades in big cities, gatherings similar to Gay Days are few and far between, said Marianne Duddy, the group's executive director. The liturgy scheduled for Saturday provides a vehicle for worship to which gay Catholics may not have access where they live, she said. Dignity USA provides support networks for gay Catholics and Catholic services for gays nationwide.
"There are many gay Catholics who many not know what it's like to worship in a setting that is fully affirming of who they are," Duddy said. "Too often, gay people think they have to leave their gay self at the door when they come to church or leave their spiritual self outside of their other activities."
While recognizing an increasingly diverse lineup for this year's Gay Days, it wasn't a stretch for organizers to extend an invitation to families.
"Central Florida is the vacation capital of the world -- for everyone," Alexander-Manley said.
The Family Pride Coalition has advertised Gay Days on its Web site, setting up meetings throughout the Magic Kingdom, from a 10:30 a.m. gathering at Peter Pan's Flight to lunch at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café. "Look for our rainbow flag," states the Web site.
"What better way to go and to meet up with people who come from similar families?" said Aimee Gelnaw,the coaliton's executive director , who is attending this weekend's activities with her partner and 6-year-old daughter. "It's a great way to meet for kids who have gay and lesbian parents and a great opportunity for us to create networks with other parents."
With the state's ban on adoptions by gays and lesbians, Gelnaw saw Gay Days as a way to demonstrate support to change the law.
"Florida needs a strong parenting community," she said. "It is important to us to help build that."
Carlson and Hoff did not intend for their ceremony to be a political statement, although the ceremony alluded to the fact that the state doesn't recognize gay marriages.
"Though the state of Florida, in its infinite lack of wisdom, will not recognize this union, it is a union nonetheless," said Michael Wanzie, a Gay Days founder who spoke at the ceremony.
More than anything, the couple intended the ceremony as a public expression of their love.
"We just wanted to share this with everyone," Carlson said.
Kelly Brewington can be reached at kbrewington@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-6186.
How do gay men make babies?
< Megabarf >Doh....< /Megabarf >
Add large amounts of bleach after party.
If so, they will not find it in a Catholic Mass.
For your collection.
What, I wonder, are the "other activities"? I don't know what type of "gay Catholic services" Dignity USA provides, but they are bogus and definitely not Catholic. Duddy is a dope.
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