Global Courant 2023-04-18 19:02:07
Hours after Governor Ron DeSantis (R., Fla.) unveiled new legislation that would strip Disney World of its self-granted protections, California’s Disney Land announced it will hold its “first-ever Pride Nite” in mid-June.
“TThe very first Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite is coming to @Disneyland during Pride Month in June!” the company’s official Twitter account applauded Monday afternoon.
The announcement comes on the heels of Governor DeSantis confirming that Florida lawmakers intended to reverse Disney’s last-ditch efforts to avoid state oversight of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a self-governing zone around the theme park.
While DeSantis previously removed five of the Disney-approved members of the board, the outgoing and disgruntled allies sought to counter Florida’s governor’s plans and passed a special measure to return power to the theme park.
The new bill would “make sure people understand that you can’t put your own business above the will of the people of Florida,” DeSantis said.
Disney and Governor DeSantis have been increasingly at odds since the company publicly opposed its administration’s parental rights in education bill, stating that it “should never have been passed and should never have been signed into law.”
The legislation originally passed the Republican-dominated legislature in March 2022.
“Classroom education by school staff or third parties about sexual orientation or gender identity should not take place in kindergarten through 3rd grade or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students consistent with state standards,” the first draft read.
Critics have dubbed it the “Don’t Say Gay” law because of its strict ban on gender identity and sexual orientation education among minors nine and under.
The governor of Florida has been proactive when it comes to protecting minors from overly sexualized content.
In March, news that the luxury Miami hotel, the Hyatt Regency, was hosting a holiday-themed cross-dressing show with minors in attendance led DeSantis to revoke his liquor license.
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The event included prosthetic genitals, performers rubbing fake breasts on audience members, “simulated masturbation,” and “graphics of childbirth and/or abortion,” a complaint filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation reported.
Growing tension between the two later led to Governor DeSantis disposing of Disney World special neighborhood status last April, which rather gave the company a unique degree of freedom in overseeing development and services around the theme park.
In February, DeSantis signed a bill allowing the state of Florida to reassert control of Disney World’s special district. “Look at your watch and you’ll know when the corporate kingdom finally came to an end,” the governor said at a signing ceremony.
The “Pride Nite” event was first introduced last Thursday by Valerie Lee, a PR executive and spokeswoman for the company.
“During Pride Month in June, Disneyland After Dark brings the first-ever Pride Nite for two unforgettable nights at Disneyland Resort!”
“Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite is a separate ticketed event celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, and will be held June 13-15, 2023 at the Disneyland park,” Lee wrote at the theme park. company blog teasing that the special event will feature a “Cavalcade” with Mickey and Minnie Mouse “dressed in special clothes”.
