Bats Day at Disneyland

What is Bats Day?

Bats Day is an annual get-together of people in the Goth subculture at the Happiest Place on Earth - Disneyland. I arranged my schedule to attend simply to photograph the folks yesterday, May 3, 2009. No, I did not dress as a Goth.

I knew I was in for a treat when I overheard a typical Granma, perhaps straight off the plane from Iowa, saying to someone on the other end of her cell phone, "There's people in line who look like they're gonna eat the children!"

The park was quite crowded but it was also quite apparent that some of the guests were not what you would expect strolling about. I noticed that the Goth attire ranged from being more "punkish" to the lovely Edwardian costumes of The Vampire Lestat, and stopping at all points in between. Pill box hats seemed to be a trend among the ladies, while Captain Nemo-ish goggles worn atop the forehead were featured on many as well.

I had a chance to talk to some of the Goths . . . and found them open and friendly. I was polite and if not photographing them surreptitiously, I would ask, "May I take your picture?" "Of course!" was the usual response and as so many had spent a lot of time and effort on their outfits. Why not show them off?

I also noted that people who might not be considered "the beautiful people" were accepted and happily enjoying the park along with their friends. Specifically, I noted a number of handicapped persons, and their friends and family pushed them along in wheelchairs or assisted them in other means. There is a lesson to be learned there, my friends.

And children! A lot of Goth parents had tots in tow, and a lot of their kids were dressed "normally" and having a great time. It was a hot day, so while Mom wore the latex corset, little Octavia skipped along happily in shorts and a t-shirt. I was told - and next year I must photograph - that there is a meet-up for a group shot of all the "baby bats" and their parents in front of the carousel.

Not everyone "else" was amused and some of the tourists were aghast. But often a quick explanation and people were less worried, though still leery (one young lady told me she had an encounter that was hostile, but she just backed away, saying she was "used to" the scorn). After I photographed the lady with the black-and-white locks above, a good old boy standing by the side motioned me to come over.

"Ma'am," he said in a Southern drawl, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

He paused, then said, "What the hell is going on?"

I explained to him why "those people" were there. Then, sensing an opening, I asked, "Well, you gotta ask yourself - would you rather these folks or a park full of Muslims?"

He stopped and looked at me. "Well, you got a point there, ma'am."

I smiled. "These people may be Goths, but they're American Goths."

He straightened up and smiled. "By God they are, aren't they?" He looked over at a group and smiled benevolently. "American Goths . . ." he said.

To see my photo set of more Bats Day photos, please click here to my Flickr account. I am still in the process of uploading them, so be patient - I believe I will have about 70 up when all is said and done. If you see yourself or someone you recognize, let me know or leave a comment here. Please note that these photos are copyrighted and cannot be used without my permission.

See you all next year!

Update - getting late, folks. Will upload more pictures tomorrow, so check back.

2nd Update - finally! All 76 photos are up - enjoy!