The second annual Gay Day at Dollywood themepark is scheduled to take place May 22 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Although the Pigeon Forge, Tenn., located themepark does not endorse or support the event, simply allowing the event to be held is a big step in the right direction for gay rights.
Even though some public officials, like Rutherford County Commisoner Mike Sparks, assert that Tennessee and its residents are adamantly against even the smallest step toward progress in equality for homosexuals, it's nice to see that someone is willing to open their gates to the gay community.
As you may recall, Sparks pushed the commission to pass a resolution encouraging state legislators to define marriage as being between a man and a woman, instead of broadening to definition to include same-sex couples.
We can deduce that because of his stance on the issue, Sparks won't be taking a road trip this May 22, nor will he be donning the red attire requested by organizers in support of the event.
Other theme parks have hosted successful Gay Day events, the most prominent being Walt Disney World.
And just as most of those celebrations have been met with criticism, we can be sure Dollywood will as well.
While not everyone can afford the trek to Orlanda, Fla., we do hope that Tennesseans are willing to travel a few hours to Dollywood in their brightest red to support the event.
Dollywood has done a great deal in the struggle for gay rights by allowing the event to take place on their premises.
By showing that Tennessee is not afraid to extend open arms to its gay citizens and host such events, we're showing that we're more open-minded than many who only believe in a stereotype.
This is one small step for gay rights and one giant leap for a small North Eastern town in Tennessee and the state as a whole.
Keep it up Miss Parton; you're on a roll.
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