Crispy1979 Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 I've read that Saturday June 7th is Red Shirt Day (the original unofficial gay day) at King's Island and was wondering if anyone is planning on going or if any of the cast members could tell me if there is a substantial attendance on this day. For the past several years, Kings Island has been sponsoring a special event Gay Day in September (which requires the purchase of a special ticket) as a fundraiser for Cincinnatti's Gay and Lesbian Center. I know that most in the gay community now prefer to go to this special event and have the park to themselves. So I was wondering if the Red Shirt Day still draws a large crowd of participants. Cris Cooper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solid Snake Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Kings Island has been sponsoring a special event Gay Day in September (which requires the purchase of a special ticket) With that said, probably not. P.S. I think it is stupid that they have things like this. I'm not homophobic but it kills me that they can't go to the park and enjoy it like everyone else does. Special day for themselves... ha. I feel this way about adult swins at local swim clubs. -.- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispy1979 Posted June 5, 2003 Author Share Posted June 5, 2003 >>P.S. I think it is stupid that they have things like this. I'm not homophobic but it kills me that they can't go to the park and enjoy it like everyone else does. Special day for themselves... ha. << The special event in September is much the same type of thing as how corporations can rent out the park for a price. For example, Sunday June 1st the park was closed to the general public and passholders because a corporation had rented the park out for its employees. If you go to PKI's website, they even had a little disclaimer on their calendar that reads "PLEASE NOTE: Paramount's Kings Island is closed to the general public and all Season Passholders on Sunday, June 1, 2003 for a private company rental." I know that things like this can bug people, especially during the regular summer season. It conjurs up images of Chevy Chase pulling up to Wally World with his family in his station wagon only to be told that the park is closed for the day. However, in defense of the event in September.... unlike the private company rental June 1st, the other event takes place September 26th when the park is no longer on a regular operating schedule. In fact, if you go to PKI's calendar, you will see that the park is closed for all of September with the exception of a few days. So in that way, the September event is not a disruption in PKI's normal operating schedule and will not affect regular park guests. Also, unlike the private company rental that was on June 1st, the proceeds from the event in September go to a non-profit organization. Cris Cooper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 The June day is simply a gathering.... nothing special about it in terms of PKI. PKI does not support it or promote it as an event. It is completely unofficial. As someone else mentioned, in the fall there is usually a Friday evening that is used as a gay event. This is treated in the same way that corporations or others goups buy out the park. No different. Either way, it has nothing to do with PKI promoting the lifestyle, or condemming it. They are completely nuetral. Actually, the first time I ever worked at PKI was in 1998 and I was on FOF. I started late in the season and my first time on the crew was during the Friday Night Fall Gay event. Truth be told, I had dramatically less problems with guests that night than any other regular day. Shaggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispy1979 Posted June 5, 2003 Author Share Posted June 5, 2003 >>>The June day is simply a gathering.... nothing special about it in terms of PKI. PKI does not support it or promote it as an event. It is completely unofficial.<<< Yes, that is why I was asking if this event is still widely attended, as it now seems that the gay community would rather attend on the special event date in September. >>>As someone else mentioned, in the fall there is usually a Friday evening that is used as a gay event. This is treated in the same way that corporations or others goups buy out the park. No different. Either way, it has nothing to do with PKI promoting the lifestyle, or condemming it. They are completely nuetral.<<< Yes, in some way that is true. The park is rented to an outside group (the Cincinnati Gay and Lesbian Center) who in turn sell tickets to the event as a fundraiser. However, PKI does make special concessions to the group as far as working with the event planners provide special entertainment for the event, letting the event planners print and sell special event tickets, and allowing event planners use PKI art and logos in advertising. So, no, PKI is not throwing the event. But they do very much work hand in hand with the event planners. This is in contrast to say, the Disney Gay Days, which is like the June day,.... simply a gathering on a regular scheduling operating day. And Disney is very careful in no way supporting that event or offering any concessions to event organizers in order to stay neutral in every way and avoid controversy. They simply open the park and sell tickets that day like every other day. It just happens that a lot of people show up that day in Red Shirts. This is how the original Gay Day (Red Shirt Day) started in June. However, after Paramount bought the park, they were willing to work with the event organizers for the Fall event. So it seems that more and more people refer to the special ticket event in the fall as "Gay Day" and I never hear anyone memntion the Red shirt event (which was the original Gay Day) anymore. That's why I was wondering if people still attend. >>>I started late in the season and my first time on the crew was during the Friday Night Fall Gay event. Truth be told, I had dramatically less problems with guests that night than any other regular day.<<< I worked at Six Flag's Kentucky Kingdom, and the corporate days always seemed to be the nicest. For some reason, when people know there is a lot of money being paid for use of the park, they seem more respectful. The absolute worse days were during the Kentucky State Fair when admission into the park is free and you have to buy tickets for the rides. I have some stories of some very bad guest experiences during that time. Cris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterXtreme Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Most gay people go to pki in Sept because of the fact they can be more open about being gay then when the general public is there. Yes there will be some that goes on red shirt day but not like it was when red shirt day started back in the early 80's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispy1979 Posted June 5, 2003 Author Share Posted June 5, 2003 >>>Most gay people go to pki in Sept because of the fact they can be more open about being gay then when the general public is there. Yes there will be some that goes on red shirt day but not like it was when red shirt day started back in the early 80's<<< In a way that's a shame. I've always kinda enjoyed the informal unofficial "meet at the park" type of events. Back in 93, I met up at Walt Disney World with a group of Disney enthusiasts from online. To me, that was a lot more fun than any special Disney Fan Convention could ever be. I do realize the fall event is for a good cause, however, the park is only open from 6-midnight and only certain rides are open. Plus ticket prices are pretty steep. I read online that they sell out of tickets for the event by early June. I was considering going to the event this Saturday (June 7th) , but didn't want to make the drive all the way from Louisville if the June event is no longer well attended. Anyway, thanks for the info! Cris Cooper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beastfreak Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 From past years, Red Shirt Day had actually been on the first Sunday of June every year. This stopped a few years back when PKI first started selling out the park on that day. (Which was June 1st this year) It has yes, now moved though most people don't know that. If you are asking just because you want to know if it will be busy, then most likely it will be. Its a Saturday in June. There is already a few company picnics that I know about going on that day as well as Beastbuzz, an event from another site. If you are asking cause you want to know if a lot of gay people will be there. I can't tell, every year is different. There are always gay people in the park, either working or just as guests. Just most don't go showing "affection" like most straight people would with their significant other in public. That is why there is the Gay day in September, so that they can feel more apt to doing it in public without the threat of some redneck hicks (amusement parks draw them in like flies) getting upset and trying to kick their ass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispy1979 Posted June 5, 2003 Author Share Posted June 5, 2003 Well, mainly I was asking because I didn't want to show up and be like one of 10 people in a red shirt and look like a dufus. lol. I guess those type of events are the things you'd want to go to in groups, anyway. However, you bring up another point.... I want to take my boyfriend up to PKI with me this summer. The problem is that I have class during the week and he has a government job and will not receive any vacation days until the fall. So it seems that our only chance to visit the park would be on a saturday. I'm not especially looking forward to the crowds. Cris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterXtreme Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 (edited) I have been to the event in september for 3 years in a row and trust me everything that you want to ride is open! Even most of the smaller flat rides are open. It is a great time and you walk on most of the rides. Great Music+Great People=Great Fun! It is my favorite day to go I look forward to it every year. I can walk around holding hand with my Husband and not have to worry about people saying crap. Even thought the park is only open from 6-midnight your will get to ride every and met alot of fun people. Edited January 1, 1970 by CoasterXtreme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispy1979 Posted June 5, 2003 Author Share Posted June 5, 2003 (edited) Well, if you put it that way, then I'd really like to go in September. Problem is, my boyfriend would not get out of work until 5 and we'd have a 2 hour drive up to cincy.... but I suppose it would still be do-able. I've also already bought tickets for the summer. I can just see my boyfriend telling me "But we are already going to go Kings Island this summer and you want me to pay how much for a ticket?" lol Oh well, maybe I can talk him into going to Cedar Point for a weekend. hehe Cris Edited January 1, 1970 by Crispy1979 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterXtreme Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 so that they can feel more apt to doing it in public without the threat of some redneck hicks (amusement parks draw them in like flies) getting upset and trying to kick their ass. LMAO that is so funny you said that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slingshooter003 Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Yes..It is very true also.I live outside of Huntington WV..And a homosexual is just unacceptable to these people.I am very openminded I guess.Im not a homophobe (unless somebody starts makin a move on me..Then Im a lil scared)but..One guy came to school who was a homosexual..He lasted 3 days...All 3 days were total hell for him...2 or 3 fights a day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coasterfan Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Since I like this site so much and don't want to be banned all i will say is I think PKI should stop Gay Day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIcoolfan Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Since I like this site so much and don't want to be banned all i will say is I think PKI should stop Gay Day. I agree with you they should stop that day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterXtreme Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Let me just say that pki will never alienate anyone gay people have alot of expendable income and they spend alot of money in parks each year. Gay people do not have kids with give us alot of extra money to spend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slingshooter003 Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 But see..Its rumored that KI dosent sponser THIS day..But the day in September..Thats not right.Why dont they sponser a Straight Day?its descriminating in a way. -thinks personal thoughts that could get me banned form this site..- But..Noo offense to the gays on this forum but..Outback is open pretty late...How about re-joicing your sexuality over there.. I know my 4 y/o cousin didnt understand when she seen 2 men kissing each other Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterXtreme Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 MOST GAYS don't show affection in public because of that fact. And as far as a straight day anyone may rent the park out, so feel free to rent the park and have a straight day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CantStopCabron Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Dude, slingshooter003, I highly doubt that your four year old cousin understands EVERYTHING EXCEPT two guys making out in front of her. Anyways, It's not nearly as scary as some of the other people that attend, who probablly resemble something from her nightmares. People just need to deal. It's only who you sleep with, not who you are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CantStopCabron Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 (edited) Dude, slingshooter003, I highly doubt that your four year old cousin understands EVERYTHING EXCEPT two guys making out in front of her. Anyways, It's not nearly as scary as some of the other people that attend, who probablly resemble something from her nightmares. People just need to deal. It's only who you sleep with, not who you are. Also, the "No offense..." term is completely unnecesary. It's like saying "Wait, don't listen while I blatantly make fun of you". Edited January 1, 1970 by CantStopCabron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SML828 Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Also if you are that worried about your cousin not understanding, then you should explain that sometimes a man and a woman kiss, sometimes two guys kiss and sometimes two women kiss. It's just how things are...you can't choose who you fall in love with...it just happens. Secondly, think about it, isn't everyday "Straight Day"? Yes, this post is coming from a straight guy...I just don't get what the big problem is with Gay Day...I worked Gay Day quite a few years at PKI... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browntggrr Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Gay people do not have kids with give us alot of extra money to spend. Just because someone is gay, does not mean that they don't have kids. My mother-in-law has two children, which includes my wife. She had a change of heart about 16 years ago. Her significant other has a 17 year old son and they live together. Also. CoasterXtreme pointed out that most gays do not show public affection, which is true. But it is those few who do choose to become a public display that I do have a problem with. The last thing I would want is my daughter seeing two people of the same sex kissing. How do you explain this to a 5 year old in the middle of the park on a hot summer day when you are on vacation? I do respect a person's choice of whom they want to be with, but honestly, it is different. My mom-in-law respects my family enough to not flaunt her decision in the public eye, but I am worried about those who do not care. PKI is on a thin line here with not allowing some shirts that are distasteful to some, but when it comes to gays, will they stop public affection between gays? Honestly, I really dislike when opposite sex couples do the same thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterXtreme Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 We all need to learn to love all kinds of people, I think it is a shame that people just can't LOVE one another. I love everyone, I do not make fun of people just because they are different. The world has enough anger and hate tread in it, don't you think. browntggrr- The majority of gay people do not have kids maybe less than 5% of the gay community has kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browntggrr Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 According to gay.com, more than 40% of those who are gay have children OR have adopted children. Also more than 80% of the children who are HIV+ are adopted by gays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DragonLord Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 My two cents: Personally gay day is a great day to work, the guets are excellent and a lot of fun and there are usually no problems whatsoever. The drag show in the Festahus is also pretty amuesming. As of public affection, go for it. The park will not stop anyone from doing anything unless it gets out of hand... we know what to look for and when to tell people to stop, but we will not stop a gay couple from kissing just b/c you aren't comfortable with it. Since the park is a public place, you have to deal with what you see. It would be like going through the store with your kids and seeing a same sex couple kissing. At least in the park you have 300+ acres to move around in. As a last FYI, the attendance projections for the park on Saturday are pretty high, so it will probably be pretty busy. Have fun and enjoy the park! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browntggrr Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Ok, not to argue, but how can the park say what someone is not allowed to wear because in some people's eyes it maybe profane to them, but allow public affection of gays? And what is considered out of hand? If PKI is going to allow PA they should allow all t-shirts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SML828 Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 They are totally different things... If people were less paranoid they wouldn't have a problem seeing two men or two women kiss in public. Yes, it might feel 'weird' the first time you see it, but everything does the first time. The first time I saw someone with a pierced tongue it freaked me out, now I could care less because it has become so common. I do agree that any overly-sexual public affection is out of line, but there is nothing wrong with a little kiss here or there. There is a difference between walking around in a 'profane' shirt all day and seeing two guys kiss for a minute...I don't get the big deal... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterXtreme Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 I don't PKI is in the police business they are in the entertainment business. Yes they have police to keep the peace but that is far as they will go. By the way this is a free country and people have the right to wear or express themself how they feel regaurdless of what other people think. Remember that what make America So great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DragonLord Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 *sigh* If I see someone groping that's too far. Public sex is too far. That is when I would step in and ask a guest not to do it. We can argue all we want about the park being a family park, but then you might as well ban all kissing, holding hands, hugging, drinking, get rid of the water park b/c someone might be too fat, too thin, showing more than they should even with a swimsuit on, get rid of smoking, all music in the park b/c it might offend someone, all concerts b/c they might offend someone... Where do you draw a line? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losing Streak Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 While I admit to being slightly homophobic, I also am open minded, and to each his own. Gay guys can make out, what's the big deal? Maybe you wouldn't be so disgusted if you didn't stare. I make out with my girlfriend, so what? Don't stare, you shouldn't have a problem. I don't understand why people are so closed minded. If everyone had been like that forever, then there would be nothing but straight white males in charge, and while I am one, that is not something I'd want. Diversity is important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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