On the first Saturday in June, gay men and lesbians from across the U.S. don red shirts and congregate at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., for "one of the largest gay-pride events in the world," says John Cloud in Time. The event started in 1991, when a few thousand gays and lesbians from central Florida, hoping to make their community "more visible," gathered at the Magic Kingdom — "a sort of flash mob before the term existed." In the 20 years since, Gay Days has grown into a six-day convention, with parties and celebrations, culminating in a 30,000-strong trip to Disney World to enjoy the rides with friends and families. The event is now something of a cultural touchstone for gay couples starting families of their own. Here, an excerpt:
"For many gays and lesbians who grew up in the latter half of the 20th century, childhood was a time of anxiety and secrets, faggot jokes and spitballs. There was, literally and figuratively, no 'Glee'. Going on the teacup ride or getting wet on Splash Mountain was a way to reclaim an unfinished adolescence. By 1995, at least 10,000 gays and lesbians were traveling to Orlando for the gay day at Disney.
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