Dollywood makes gay woman turn her shirt inside out
 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A lesbian couple is asking for changes at Dollywood after an employee asked one of the women to turn her T-shirt reading "marriage is so gay" inside-out to avoid offending others on a recent visit to the Tennessee theme park complex.

Olivier Odom and Jennifer Tipton said Tuesday they want the park to be more inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families after Odom was asked to reverse her shirt when they visited Dollywood Splash Country next to the Pigeon Forge amusement park. The story was first reported by WBIR-TV in Knoxville.

Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens said on Tuesday that Dollywood is open to all families, but their dress code policy is to ask people with clothing or tattoos that could be considered offensive to change clothes or cover up.

Owens said the couple was not asked to leave and complied with the rules to reverse the shirt when asked.

"The park is open every day to everybody," Owens said. "We try to provide an environment for families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy themselves.

Owens said park officials were discussing the matter and would speak with the couple directly.

Odom said that they visited the water park July 9 with friends and their friends' two children when she was asked by a person at the front gate to turn her shirt inside out because it was a family park.

Odom said she complied so as not to make a scene in front of the children, but felt offended.

"That's what we found so offensive — that he said it was a family park," Tipton said. "Families come in a wide range of definitions these days and we were with our family."

The two said they felt they needed to file a complaint with Dollywood because they believed it was important to stand up for their beliefs in marriage equality.

"If marriage equality is going to happen, it's not going to happen if people sit at home quietly," Odom said.

Odom said they understand the park can have dress code policies, but she felt Dollywood needed to make their policies clear and provide better training for employees when determining what is considered offensive.

Odom and Tipton are not legally married, but held a ceremony last year in North Carolina. They wrote an email to the park asking the park "to implement policies that are inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; conduct staff sensitivity training; and issue a public statement indicating that the park is inclusive of all families."

Owens said the couple's complaints have sparked discussion at the park about the dress code, a policy that park employees deal with frequently because of the thousands of visitors every year.

http://news.yahoo.com/gay-couple-ask...200120079.html


I am just sick over waking up to this, this morning. Right here in my area this happened. I am not that surprised but i'm sick that i'm not surprised. I also heard of a couple, friends with someone i work with, that were thrown out of the park because the couple gave each other a quick "peck" of a kiss before riding a ride.

I have bought DollyWood season passes for years. I didn't this year and will be watching to see if anything is done about this. If it is not, i won't be buying a season pass next year or any year thereafter.

The comments that are attached to this article are even more upsetting.

*shakes my head

Belle,
Just wanted to slide in under your wings and lift you up. You are a beautiful person, rarely saying anything bad about anyone, so I know it is shocking to you when other say bad things about your people. I'm sorry you are so upset. When we begin to effect change, people get angry; they don't like change, and most of all they don't like to change themselves or change their beliefs. If we were sitting still they would be quiet. There will, of course, be backlash until people settle in to their newer more positive beliefs about queerfolk. The backlash is a sign of the progress.

This one phrase (along with taking positive action, which you did), helps me more than anything else when my anger over injustices gets fired up.

"living well is the best revenge." Live your best life, be happy.

Many hugs to you.
Smooches,
Karen

I did see this before and yes the comments on it are very hate filled Doll no longer owns the park and I have to believe SHE would be not very happy about this.. If you go to the artical and read the coments it will make you angry just remember most are made by small people who can not see past what they do not uderstand so they hide behide hate

Dolly Parton never owned Dollywood. It is owned by the Herschend Family, she was given a small percentage of ownership for the use of her name. If you want to contact them and complain about what happened you can contact them via their website link below.

http://www.hfecorp.com/properties/

Dollywood theme park is the product of a wonderful relationship between Herschend Family Entertainment and entertainment legend Dolly Parton that dates back to 1985. Herschend Family Entertainment is the operating partner for Dolly Parton in her Dollywood Company, which owns the Dollywood theme park and Dollywood's Splash Country water park, both in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Additionally, the Dollywood Company is a partner in the Dixie Stampede dinner attractions located in Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN; and Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach, SC.

For more information on Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, please visit www.hfecorp.com.

Sources: http://www.dollywood.com/dollywood-q...formation.aspx





The park first opened in 1961 as a small tourist attraction named "Rebel Railroad", featuring a steam train, general store, blacksmith shop, and saloon. In 1966, Rebel Railroad was renamed "Goldrush Junction" and in 1970, the Cleveland Browns football team purchased the park. In 1976, Jack and Pete Herschend bought the park, and in 1977, renamed it "Silver Dollar City Tennessee" (not to be confused with Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, also owned by the Herschends). In 1986, Dolly Parton became a co-owner, and the park was renamed "Dollywood".

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollywood


Apparently it is still currently co-owned by a Dolly Parton Company.

What is interesting is that I can remember back when it was Silver Dollar City and that train ride up the mountain. Showing my age here, but i grew up going there. I got my first bee-sting at Silver Dollar City.

It just hits so close to home with my heart to know gay people have been treated this way here. I am continuing to research and hopefully will find a way to sign a petition or do something....anything.

I'll keep watching and reporting!!!! Thanks all!!!!!

:|

Apparently the comments section is gone. I don't know why. Maybe a yahoo clitch or maybe so much hate they shut it down.

No clue...but i'll keep watching and keep you posted.

I do know this morning it went from 4,000 comments to 7,000 in a matter of minutes. 95% was hate.

yeah! what you said!

Full queer regalia! OMG! Queers are so fabulous, and when you piss them off they will drag out all their queerest crap and flap it in your face! I love it. Take lots of pictures.

On the other hand your Dad might appreciate it more if it didn't happen at his company picnic. Maybe a later date would be better (unless he's into it, of course!)

Smooches,
Keri

Count me in darlin. I'll wear my shirt with the pink letters that says "Team Femme".

I heard about this and it makes me mad. Someone should organize a big ol gay protest out in front of the park with rainbows flying out of their asses (figuratively). That might get their attention! lol

This was one of my very first thoughts. I hope Dolly will comment on this directly and not leave it to her PR people.