Oct 14

Disney Cast Members Show PRIDE in Downtown Orlando

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Disney cast members march in PRIDE parade © Disney Disney Cast Members and VoluntEARS recently joined a lively crowd of 55,000 in downtown Orlando to participate in the 2010 Come Out with Pride celebration.

The annual event, organized by the Metropolitan Business Association, which serves as Orlando’s Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, celebrates members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and its allies.

“It was wonderful to see so many positive and supportive people in our community come out and join us for such a memorable celebration,” said Andrea Hays, president of the PRIDE Diversity Resource Group at Walt Disney World Resort. “Each year we try to step up our involvement in the Come Out with Pride celebration and show our support. This year about 85 Cast Members and VoluntEARS represented Walt Disney World Resort in the parade and at events throughout the day, demonstrating just how much we value diversity and inclusion.”

Walt Disney World Ambassadors Clay Shoemaker and Vanessa Rosas joined in the celebration, riding in a horse-drawn wagon that led the way for Disney Cast Members marching in the parade. Additionally, Disney VoluntEARS helped oversee the Disney-sponsored KidZone at Lake Eola Park, which entertained more than 2,500 children of all ages with fun activities, games, family-friendly dance music and crafts. VoluntEARS taught kids how to make towel animals and the Disney Quest Animation Academy team demonstrated how to draw classic Disney characters.

PRIDE is one of seven Diversity Resource Groups that give Cast Members the chance to join others who have a common interest in advancing diversity and inclusion at Walt Disney World Resort.

Photo courtesy Walt Disney World Resort