Reflecting on Disney Pride, and a Look Ahead
Originally published at Disney Parks News
I am so proud of how my company has shown up for the LGBTQIA+ community this month. From guest offerings to cast and community events, there have been so many moments of joy! And, with the recent launch of the Disney Pride Collection, Disney will keep showing up for us all year long.
Amazing teams from all over the company worked tirelessly to celebrate Pride Month. With special experiences, food and beverage offerings, wonderful floral displays, wall murals, and so much more. I loved the authenticity and visibility our Share Your Pride offerings displayed this year. And personally made an adventure out of tasting many of the treats and taking pictures with every mural. I especially loved seeing families lined up to take their photos at the balloon mural in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This year, cast, friends, and family participated in Pride parades in cities across the country.
In fact, in 2022, Disney will have participated in more than a dozen Pride parades around the world. Most recently, many Disneyland Resort cast members joined the LA and OC Pride Parades. Wearing “we are the magic” T-shirts and sharing the message that we stand with our community!
Across the ocean, Disneyland Paris celebrated the return of Disneyland Paris Pride.
An in-park event for guests featuring live music and a special parade. The cast also had their own special event and guest speakers. Including one of the most amazing advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community during his more than 50-year career. With Disney, George Kalogridis, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products President of Segment Development and Enrichment.
“Thank you to Natacha Rafalski, Giona Prevete, and the Disneyland Paris cast family for hosting me for “Disneyland Paris Pride,” said George. “It was a beautiful evening and one that I will long remember. It was also a pleasure sharing some insights and stories from my Disney career. With so many incredible cast members at a Pride Month Town Hall during my visit.”
Throughout the month, I loved reading stories highlighting our cast and the amazing work they do to help create LGBTQIA+ offerings for and by the community. We look forward to continuing to tell these stories throughout the year – reflecting on and recognizing the rich diversity and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community.
One such story I am excited about will highlight the organizations and charities that will receive profits from the Disney Pride Collection sales from this announcement through today, June 30, to shine a light on the organizations and how we are making a difference together.
Plus, this Oct. our cast will march in Pride parades in Orlando and Honolulu. For our Aulani cast, it will be their very first time participating in the parade, and we could not be prouder to expand our support and participation across the Pacific.
And if you haven’t had the chance to experience the Pride Walls and photo opportunities across Walt Disney World, I’m happy to share that, due to popular demand, you’ll be able to enjoy many of them through July! You can also continue to Share Your Pride year-round with a selection of Pride-related Disney PhotoPass enhancements, select merchandise, and custom embroidery. Don’t forget to stop by our Disney Springs Art Walk where you can enjoy a diverse growing series of art pieces, including representation from the LGBTQIA+ community, with more to come!
So, as you can see, there is much to celebrate, and to look forward to. Keep coming back to the Disney Parks Blog to read about the ways we keep celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community all year long at a place where everyone is welcome.
