← Autodidact Archive · Original Dissent · weisbrot
Thread ID: 14089 | Posts: 2 | Started: 2004-06-07
2004-06-07 15:31 | User Profile
*I have friends- we all do- who are horrified by open disdain for "gays", and who think that codifying "gay marriage" is the only right and decent thing to do for an oppressed minority. Always, these misguided types bring up the fine "gay" couple they've met; the ones who- when observed by heterosexuals, anyway- present a normal loving front to the world. To deny these wonderful, witty, lively paragons of virtue the same "rights" granted to the "straight world" is horrible- it suggests oppression, and confirms for many of these tolerance advocates their belief that all traditional Christians and other opponents of the homosexual agenda should be shouted down and removed from the public square.
My observations of homosexuals, however, suggest that the attitudes and behaviors presented admiringly in the review are more the norm. And I believe that the typical parent, Christian or otherwise, would actually be horrified if confronted in person with these types of warped minds and behaviors, regardless of their trendy-hip convictions in favor of "rights" for homosexuals.
What type of stable individual would go to a children's theme park to find a "gay moment" (which I seriously doubt involves a mere kiss)? What kind of loving, responsible people want to find out about "gay trysts" and Ecstasy connections?
For that matter, what kind of intelligent straight parent could find this book and the attitudes and behaviors it highlights (which are undeniably common in the homosexual community) to be "slightly naughty" or inoffensive? One has to wonder whether these tolerant sorts are merely deluded or if they have actually been convinced to hate themselves, their family, and anything Western culture has achieved- because, in my opinion at least, embracing these sick degenerates and the behaviors they indulge amounts to nothing less than hatred of the family and the potential that it represents.
Epstein and Shapiro are self-described "Jewish fags from the Northeast". While I'm usually somewhat tolerant of people from the Northeast, the two other elements of Epstein and Shapiro's demographic are increasingly repugnant to me. I think that the dominant culture is as always trying to find ways to reward "open minded" folks who will accept and embrace abnormality. But I cannot fathom how any sane non-Jewish straight person could find these freaks of nature and their freakish agenda to be ingratiating.*
[IMG]http://www.theotherorlando.com/images/queenscover.gif[/IMG]
[url]http://www.theotherorlando.com/updates/queens.html[/url] "QUEENS IN THE KINGDOM" - A BOOK REVIEW Having A Gay Old Time at Disney Parks by Kelly Monaghan
The folks who run Disneyland in California and the immense Walt Disney World Resort in Florida donââ¬â¢t like to mention it, but their parks have a huge gay following. The annual and very unofficial ââ¬ËGay Daysââ¬â¢ at both parks (the first weekend in June) draw thousands of red-shirted gay and lesbian Disney fans who give whole new meaning to the idea of a "family" vacation.
Now comes an ever-so-slightly naughty guide that lets the gay-friendly side of Disney out of the closet to prance unashamedly down Main Street. "Queens in the Kingdom: The Ultimate Gay and Lesbian Guide to the Disney Theme Parks" ($14.95; Alyson Publications) is a quintessentially queer take on Americaââ¬â¢s most beloved theme parks.
The authors, Jeffrey Epstein and Eddie Shapiro, cheerfully characterize themselves as "queer-as-a-$3-dollar-bill Jewish fags from the Northeast," which I guess amounts to something of a quadruple whammy. This bad boys camping it up approach may turn some people off, but I found it a lot of fun.
Epstein and Shapiro pose the rhetorical question, "Why would anyone need a gay and lesbian guide to the Disney theme parks?" and respond by pointing out that as gay men, "We look for fabulous!" They also make some right-on comments about why the fantasy and magic of Disney resonate with so many in the gay community. One thing they donââ¬â¢t take credit for, but which sets their guide apart, is that they cover all the Disney parks ââ¬â Disneyland, California Adventure, and all of WDW ââ¬â in one easy to handle volume.
Then itââ¬â¢s off on a tour that does what any "straight" guidebook would do. Itââ¬â¢s just that Epstein and Shapiro bring to the task a campy sensibility thatââ¬â¢s light and gay (in both senses of the term). And a lot of it is downright funny.
Lines like "Disney opens and closes this film more than Shelley Winters does her refrigerator door" and (referring to Disneyââ¬â¢s ban on same-sex weddings) "if you want to have your fairy-tale wedding at either of the resorts, you may have to pretend itââ¬â¢s a bar mitzvah" give you an idea of what awaits.
Between the one-liners, the boys do a good job with the guidebook basics. The descriptions are accurate and to the point. The dining scene is covered, too, and based on my experience their assessments are bang on the money. Every attraction description is accompanied by a "Fairy Fact." These tidbits range from obscure ride trivia, to identifying the gay performers in the films, to catty show-biz inside jokes.
Throughout, there is an effort to provide special guidance for the gay and lesbian community, although the list of "Top Ten Spots To Share a Gay Moment" would prove equally useful for heterosexual couples who want to steal a smooch. Of greater use to gay readers is their coverage of the gay scene outside the parks.
The authors make a determined effort to appear raunchy. There are references to gay trysts in parked cars, hotel hopping, and Ecstasy use, and Jeffreyââ¬â¢s apparent tendency to drink too much is a constant leitmotif. But they are too boyishly ingratiating to be truly offensive.
Of course, it can be argued that a specifically gay guide to Disney is beside the point. After all, when you wish upon a star it makes no difference who you are. Still, Epstein and Shapiroââ¬â¢s arch sense of humor reminds you why gay men are so often the life of the party and makes "Queens in the Kingdom" a fun read for straight and gay readers alike.
2004-06-07 17:27 | User Profile
The pedophile proclivity of homosexuals makes Disney popular.