Disneyland Hong Kong has been very careful to keep a distance from the recently established Gay and Lesbian day held at the most famous theme park in the world. Walt Disney was notoriously far right in his personal political views and the old stalwart of “family values” would probably not be overjoyed at the thought of any queen, other than the one in Snow White, running around his wholesome fairground; but in fairness, who gives a shit?

The Hong Kong day is a spin-off from the wildly successful Gay Days at Orlando’s Disneyworld, which has been running since 1991. Stateside the event has mutated from a single-day event into a whole vacation package that attracts over a 100,000 participants. Each year crowds descend for a magical week in the magical kingdom that sees people of all ages returning year after year.

The event on our shores is a decidedly smaller affair, with between 20 and 60 participants each year since its inception. The humble numbers have been no deterrent for event organiser David Concorde*, who took part in the Hong Kong day two years ago. When he realised that the event was not happening this year in May he took it upon himself to remedy that fact and single-handily become promoter.

Participants will gather at 10am in front of the park gates. Throughout the day there will be meeting points where everyone unites to watch the second gayest parade in Hong Kong. Those brave enough can dare to ride the rollercoaster’s and the tea-cups are always there for the faint of heart.

The non-compulsory uniform of the day is anything red, allowing members of the group to distinguish each other in the crowd. “Wearing red means that we can stop and talk with each other easily”, says Concorde, adding: “It is a great way to meet new people.”

Producing the event has not been as easy as Concorde had hoped and is probably the reason why he has been left as sole organiser. “Disney is fine with us being in the park but they do not want the brand to be associated with the event,” he says. “You can say Gay Day at Disneyland but you cannot say Disney Gay Day.”

Such bizarre semantics perhaps illustrate a need for some in his town to drag themselves into the 21st century. Because however you live your life, sometimes it’s nice to play make-believe.

Mary Agnew
*Name has been changed.