Spring Break
Lecture covers link between Disney, gay community
Michael Hernandez
Staff Writer
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Sean Griffin of the film and television division for Southern Methodist University showed a little skin Monday afternoon.
Griffin was the final speaker in this semester's Study of Sexuality lecture series in the Language Building.
"He's very knowledgeable," said Jacqueline Foertsche, of the English faculty. "He's a very good analyst on gay pop culture."
Griffin's presentation, "E-Tickets: Gay Days at the Disney Theme Parks," explored the sometimes-turbulent relationship between the family-friendly amusement park and the homosexual community.
The presentation specifically focused on Gay Days, an annual weekend in June where homosexuals and their friends and family converge on the Orlando, Fla., theme park.
"I think it's important to see both the positives and the negatives to what's going on," Griffin said. "What seems like a good idea for [homosexuals] has its downsides."
Griffin transitioned his speech with three different costume changes, going from a wispy white shirt (a throwback to the '70s) to a tight, red tank top.
The first part of Griffin's presentation centered on the history of Disney and the gay community's struggle with equality. He also discussed the relationship formed between "the happiest place on Earth" and the gay community through AIDS benefits and other charitable events.
"Both the gay community and Disney found advantages to this approach," Griffin said.
The last half of Griffin's presentation explored the marketing and financial relationship. The '90s saw the boom of the gay niche market, he said, and Disney has targeted the gay market as consumers.
"Tourist dollars pull a lot of weight," Griffin said.
He gave his speech to about 17 people.
Foertsche said she is hoping more students will take advantage of these lectures next semester.
"Every now and then we pack the house," Foertsche said. "Whoever comes seems to have a good time. The presentations are always fabulous."
The lecture series is part of the undergraduate minor in study of sexualities.
"I think that human sexuality is just a very big part of life and a fascinating topic of study," Foertsche said.
"It's something that's interesting to all disciplines and enlightening to all disciplines."
