Gay active servicemembers convention set for WDW - The DIS Discussion Forums

mikelan6 · 02-16-2012, 10:28 AM

This was just reported in the Orlando Sentinel:

Quote:

A national convention of gay military personnel on active duty will be held at an Army-operated resort on Walt Disney World property next fall.

Convention organizers will announce Thursday that the Army-operated resort, Shades of Green, will host hundreds of gay and lesbian sailors, soldiers, Marines and airmen for the second annual Outserve International Leadership Conference in October.

Shades of Green is located on Walt Disney World property near Orlando, but it is owned and operated by the Army.

Convention organizer Joshua Seefried says it's a big step for the Army to allow the conference to be held at the resort, given that it will be just more than a year since end of the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell policy.

daannzzz · 02-16-2012, 02:19 PM

Wow. That's terrific. It is all moving so fast.

DVCDan36 · 02-16-2012, 08:12 PM

I read this today and am glad they are being inclusive and offering a wonderful opporunity. Wish this was available when I was a soldier. I was sadden by the stupid responses from posters. But I guess that should not be a surprise. I only hope inclussion becomes the norm and not just required.

CamoMama · 02-20-2012, 07:04 PM

That's awesome! I would love to attend, but am neither active duty any longer nor gay, so I probably wouldn't fit in too well. I'm thrilled that the military is finally getting rid of the antiquated and ridiculous rules.

Southern Voice · 04-26-2012, 03:29 PM

1

PHILCT · 04-26-2012, 04:04 PM

I think this is so cool, and I admire them for inviting them to Shades of Green.

It is so nice for this to happen so soon after the repeal of DADT.

I didn't serve in the military, but I admire those who do, and did in the past.

I hope Disney throws them some extra pixie dust their way, and makes it a very special event for them this October.

----

Now if we can only get DOMA repealed next.

Phil

Chris2597 · 04-26-2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamoMama

That's awesome! I would love to attend, but am neither active duty any longer nor gay, so I probably wouldn't fit in too well. I'm thrilled that the military is finally getting rid of the antiquated and ridiculous rules.

I actually think you are eligible for staying at the SOG in Sept and I believe in January as prior military. As long as you are honorably discharged. You can check the SOG website.

DVCDan36 · 04-27-2012, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris2597

I actually think you are eligible for staying at the SOG in Sept and I believe in January as prior military. As long as you are honorably discharged. You can check the SOG website.

Unfortunately, eligibility is limited for SOG, Active Duty, Retirees, eligible Family Members, and sometimes Governement Employees (based on availablility). If CammoMamma does not fall into these cats, she would not be able to stay. Though I have heard in the past of some people obtaining the service through friends/family.

Chris2597 · 04-27-2012, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DVCDan36

Unfortunately, eligibility is limited for SOG, Active Duty, Retirees, eligible Family Members, and sometimes Governement Employees (based on availablility). If CammoMamma does not fall into these cats, she would not be able to stay. Though I have heard in the past of some people obtaining the service through friends/family.

I noticed a special on the home page of SOG that stated during January and Sept they were offering the resort to honorably discharged vets.It is called "Salute to our Veterans".

OKW Lover · 04-28-2012, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris2597

I noticed a special on the home page of SOG that stated during January and Sept they were offering the resort to honorably discharged vets.It is called "Salute to our Veterans".

They may need to update their home page - the deal seems to have been for September 2011 and January 2012 when you actually click on the link even though the banner says September 2012.

DVCDan36 · 04-28-2012, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris2597

I noticed a special on the home page of SOG that stated during January and Sept they were offering the resort to honorably discharged vets.It is called "Salute to our Veterans".

That is news to me and interesting since the SOG is an MWR program/NAF run facility that is entirely for the use of the Military and some DOD employees. Though I suppose I am not as up to date on the regulations since I have left military law.

Chris2597 · 04-29-2012, 09:35 PM

The Salute to Vets is on a very limited basis. I didnt notice that it was from 2011.
SOG offers the same benefits to DOD. The rate is based on grade and is a bit higher than active/retired military.

02-16-2012, 08:12 PM	#3
DVCDan36 Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Northern New York Posts: 159	I read this today and am glad they are being inclusive and offering a wonderful opporunity. Wish this was available when I was a soldier. I was sadden by the stupid responses from posters. But I guess that should not be a surprise. I only hope inclussion becomes the norm and not just required. __________________ If all of the world is a stage, I need better lighting.

02-20-2012, 07:04 PM	#4
CamoMama DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 1,180	That's awesome! I would love to attend, but am neither active duty any longer nor gay, so I probably wouldn't fit in too well. I'm thrilled that the military is finally getting rid of the antiquated and ridiculous rules. __________________ Feb/Mar 2013 - DLR Diva Trip - HoJo's July 2012 - DLR - Anaheim Carriage Inn (never again) May 2012 - DLR - Motel 6 ~ Read my solo trip report here! February 2012 - CBR July 2010 - DLR - Embassy Suites 1978-1990 - DLR - multiple trips, all offsite

04-26-2012, 03:29 PM	#5
Southern Voice Earning My Ears Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 18	Awesome! 1 Last edited by Southern Voice; 06-25-2012 at 08:45 PM. Reason: R

04-26-2012, 04:04 PM	#6
PHILCT DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 532	I think this is so cool, and I admire them for inviting them to Shades of Green. It is so nice for this to happen so soon after the repeal of DADT. I didn't serve in the military, but I admire those who do, and did in the past. I hope Disney throws them some extra pixie dust their way, and makes it a very special event for them this October. ---- Now if we can only get DOMA repealed next. Phil __________________

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02-16-2012, 02:19 PM	#2
daannzzz OMG...Theres my favorite scrambled egg salad Enjoys the magic of Disneyland in December : I am becoming a bit more adventurous in my dining habits Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Silicon Valley California Posts: 5,231	Wow. That's terrific. It is all moving so fast.

04-29-2012, 09:35 PM	#12
Chris2597 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: USA Posts: 1,824	The Salute to Vets is on a very limited basis. I didnt notice that it was from 2011. SOG offers the same benefits to DOD. The rate is based on grade and is a bit higher than active/retired military.