When Koyuki Higashi, a LGBT right activist, contacted the Tokyo Disney Resort earlier this year to see about a gay couple participating in their “Fairy Tale Wedding” program, the officials in charge said that they could accommodate, but there would still be some restrictions. Surprisingly, Higashi was told that both women would not be allowed to wear a wedding dress. Only one could wear a wedding dress, while the other partner would be required to dress as a man in a tuxedo.
The officials stated that since Disney had been allowing gay couples to wed in the United States since 2007, they felt that the same rules applied for Tokyo Disney. However, having never been requested to hold the ceremony for two people of the same gender, they were not prepared for such situations, and were unable to accommodate such “costume” adjustments. It is important to note that Tokyo Disney Resort weddings are nothing more than ceremonies, regardless of the couple’s orientation. Japan does not legally recognize gay marriages.
Still feeling the situation was unjust, Higashi used Twitter and other social media to spread the news about Tokyo Disney’s policies. After an outcry of negative response from the public, officials contacted the Disney offices in the U.S. to see what they should do. In less than a week the costume policy was reversed, and an apology was given to Higashi. A gay couple participating in the ceremony will no longer be required to dress as a man and a woman.