Category Archives: Special Events
Key West to Display Flag at WorldPride NYC
The Florida Keys & Key West tourism council and the Key West Business Guild plan to showcase the inclusive spirit of the subtropical LGBTQ visitor destination in New York City’s WorldPride March and PrideFest street festival slated for Sunday, June 30.
New York City’s 2019 Pride is to take place in conjunction with the first WorldPride celebration held in the United States, and millions ofrevelers are expected to attend. The 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising also is to be commemorated in the event known asWorldPride NYC/Stonewall 50, with activities scheduled throughout June.
The Pride March is to feature a Keys contingent carrying a 100-foot section of the 1.25-mile “sea-to-sea” pride flag fabricated by the late rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker. Baker and his assistants spent three months in Key West in 2003 sewing about 17,600 linear yards of fabric into the rainbow banner that was unfurled along Key West’s Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean on June 15, 2003. The event marked the 25th anniversary of his creation.
WorldPride march participants carrying the flag are to include current and former Keys residents, their friends and families from across the U.S.
“We look forward to showing that Key West is one of the leading destinations to visit by displaying one of the most iconic pieces of history to be created for the LGBTQ community,” said Alan Beaubien, president of the guild’s board of directors.
Welcoming some 300,000 LGBTQ visitors each year, Key West lies at the tip of the Florida Keys island chain and is renowned for its inclusive recognition that all people are created equal. The philosophy was epitomized by the famed One Human Family initiativecreated by local artist J.T. Thompson. After Key West city commissioners adopted the One Human Family motto for the city in 2000,Florida Keys officials embraced it for the entire 125-mile-long string of islands.
The PrideFest street festival is slated for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday along Fourth Avenue from Union Square to Astor Place. The Florida Keys & Key West booth is to feature Keys giveaways and information on vacationing in the environmentally and culturally rich destination.
“It is important to be present at this historic moment to remind everyone that our islands serve as a place free from judgment for LGBTQvisitors and residents alike,” said Guy Ross, the tourism council’s LGBTQ sales manager. “By participating in WorldPride 2019, we can showcase why we remain such a special, much-loved and much-celebrated destination.”
(The original flag, below)
Florida Keys & Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/gay and fla-keys.com
Key West Business Guild: gaykeywestfl.com
Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Youtube • Keys Voices blog
Gay Pride Amsterdam 2019 Travel Deal
What better time to be in Amsterdam than Gay Pride!
Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest gay events in the world. You will find street parties all weekend long, the best massive circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade through the historic Amsterdam Unesco canals on Saturday.
Gay Pride is one of the most busy weekends of the year in Amsterdam. Book NOW – you don’t want to disappointed!
Amsterdam Gay Pride is from 27 July till 4 August 2019, with the Canal Parade and street parties taking place between 2 & 4 August.
Every year Dave from Donovan Travel puts together an awesome package! Dave will hook you up! No matter where you are traveling from, Dave will take good care of you!
Office: (401) 885-3500
Email: dave@donovantravel.com
Best Roof Top Bars New Years Eve
Conde Nast CN TRAVELLER probably said it best, “It’s easy to sneer at New Year’s Eve: too expensive, too crowded, too much pressure to have the greatest night of your life. OK, you could hunker down at home – or you could make it really memorable by hitting up one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the world. From fireworks blasting across breathtaking backdrops to raucous street parties in cool capitals and all-night raves on blissed-out beaches, there’s no shortage of amazing ways to ring in 2019.”
I live in Chicago and SO MANY people go out NYE its so hard and so expensive to get a Cab or Uber or Lyft! Is it worth it?
If you know where to go, it might be!
What better place to see all the fireworks, than from a rooftop bar?!
The is an actual site called The RoofTop Guide!
“BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH A NICE VIEW!
We believe that’s how it is, that everything is better with a nice view. Therefore we have assembled this guide, a guide to the world’s best rooftop bars. To inspire and for you to, wherever you are or wherever you are going, be able to find an oasis where you can feel the breeze against your skin, sip on a drink and gaze into breathtaking views.
So of course you can count on them to show us 30 Amazing and Fantastic rooftops for a NYE to remember!
From New York and Los Angels, Chicago to Sandiego, London, Dubai , Madrid – all the best rooftops are listed here with details, pricing and more info! get the complete scoop HERE.
Comic Con in Palm Springs
ALSO -Don’t miss out on their SUMMER SPECIAL happening now until September 15, 2017. Superior non pool view rooms are only $99 per night plus city tax, during the week (Sunday – Thursday) and discounted on weekends ( Friday & Saturday).
All other rooms discounted accordingly
(not available during holidays or special events)
Gay Bear Travel Gay Palm Springs
International Bear Convergence (IBC)
is the premier winter event for bears & admirers, in Palm Springs, CA from February 9-13, 2017.
Time to get some color after a long hibernation!
HEATWAVE in Chicago November 15-16
To our knowledge this has never been done before! a 24 hour private party/event in an INDOOR waterpark / hotel resort. You check in around 3pm Saturday November 15th and you check out around 3pm Sunday November 16th! No kids, no families, 21+
And most rooms are $100 pp based on double occupancy!
From the producers of Six Flags OUT IN THE PARK, comes this very exciting event. HEATWAVE!
“We’re taking over Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Resort, for 24 hours!” says Derrick Sorles of BestGayChicago.com. “Like our OUT IN THE PARK event at Six Flags, this will be a totally private event and it will benefit a local charity.”
Imagine 24 Hours of LGBT Paradise at
Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Park Resort!
Be a part of the country’s first-ever 24-hour PRIVATE LGBT Indoor Poolside Dance Party and Water Park Celebration Benefiting a different charity every year. Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will be the beneficiary for 2014!
Saturday, November 15th, 2014 3pm – Sunday, November 16th, 2014 3pm!
Room/Party Packages $98 Per Person/double occupancy,
includes ROOM + PARTY TICKETS!
4 person rooms as low as $85 per person.
PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR! Suites can accommodate 6-8 for $100 – $160 pp
*414 Resort-Style Key West Guest Rooms and LUXE Suites
- *Seven Room/Suite Options Sleeping/Connecting 2 to 12 Or More Guests
- * 12-Hour Indoor Water Park Dance Party Admission Included In Your Room Price
- * 4 Amazing DJ Sets and Poolside Dance Party from 3PM – 3AM
- * 45 Minutes Away from Chicago, Across From Six Flags Great America in Gurnee Illinois
- *65,000 Square Feet of INDOOR Water Park FUN – Always tropically-inspired, 84 degrees and Humid
- *10,000 Square Foot State-Of-The-Art Gaming Arcade
- *Restaurants, Bars, Confectionery Center, Convenience Store, Souvenirs
EVERYTHING A Guest Needs- Just bring your swim suit!
BOOK NOW! Call 877-360-0403 and tell them code HEAT WAVE!
(as of July 20th, this event is 55% sold out!) HEATWAVE CHICAGO
Gay Games 2014 in Cleveland – and 2018 in Paris
the 2014 Gay Games will be presented by the Cleveland Foundation…one of the
biggest sports and cultural festivals in the world comes to the United
States 9-16 August 2014.
Cleveland+Akron, Ohio, expects to welcome more than 10,000
participants from more than 65 countries. The 2014 Gay Games is about
fun, games and culture too. The founding principles of Participation,
Inclusion and Personal Best mean the Games are open to everybody
regardless of sexual orientation, gender, transgender status, religion,
nationality, political convictions, age, physical condition or athletic
ability. Register, volunteer, donate or simply sign up for the e-newsletter.
Then in 2018 – PARIS won the bid for the Gay Games 10. Organizers report:
The international delegates and board of
directors of the Federation of Gay Games voted at the end of a three-day
meeting featuring site inspection reports, question-and-answer
sessions, committee reviews and, a highlight of the event, the oral
presentation by each bidding organization. This meeting was held in
Cleveland, host with Akron, of the 2014 Gay Games, presented by the
Cleveland Foundation next year from 9-16 August.
David Killian, co-chair of the FGG Site Selection Committee, noted some
factors that may have influenced voters in their choice: “The vote is
the result of dozens of individual choices, but some points stood out
for many voters. Paris proposed a wide range of sports in quality
venues, many of which offer good visibility for the event. French LGBT
sport organizations already have a great deal of experience hosting
international multisport tournaments, and their LGBT community presents
outstanding cultural events.
They are already well advanced in
planning, for example, with the designation of a dedicated sports
manager. They arrived with demonstrable political support, including
Minister for Sport Valerie Fourneyron and five-time Olympic fencing
medalist Laura Flessel, who were part of the presentation team. And of
course Paris is a great destination to visit or revisit.”
Mekong River Cruise and Vietnam Tour 2012
The river is said to be about 2,703 miles long. Because of the seasonal changes that cause variations in flow as well as the appearance of rapids and waterfalls in the river, the Mekong is extremely difficult to navigate.
This river so strong that the level of the river located in Cambodia is lower than the high tide at sea! In 2000, the river’s rapids and tides became so overwhelming that it flooded, killing about 90 people.
LOVE TO TRAVEL is a gay travel service who plan unqiue travel excusions around the world.
Feb 9 – 25, 2012, they will take 16 guests with them to Vietnam and the Mekong River aboard the new JAHAN boat.
The brand new flagship: The JAHAN brings river cruising on the Mekong River into a new realm. The singular touches of a luxury boutique hotel, the leisurely pace of a river cruise, and the opportunity to collect new experiences, are the signature style of First Choice. – This boat is still being constructed! The maiden voyage will happen this fall!
This new boat is said to spearhead a new trend in luxury river cruising!
Deposit must be received by April 21, 2011
Visit LOVE TO TRAVEL for all of the details.
Religious Group Tells STR8s to Stay Away From Disney World Orlando for Gay Days
LGBT visitors put on their red shirts and walk hand in hand with other gay and lesbian guests (preferably ones they knew). The Gay Days have continued to grow, becoming more and more popular each year, adding dozens of extra parties.
The Gay Day events in Orlando can attract over 100,000 gay and lesbian participants to the Disney theme park. Organizers maintain the festivities bring in about $500 million to region.
Religious conservatives from the Sunshine State are warning families not to visit the Magic Kingdom on the first Saturday of the month. AS WELL THEY SHOULD!
David Caton, the executive director of the conservative Florida Family Association, who has led numerous protests targeting companies that advertise on television shows with questionable and mature content, urged that Disney, which is not sponsoring the event, to restrict Gay Days activities to after-hours.
“Why would Disney allow Gay Day to take place during regular operating hours at the expense of offending tens of thousands of unsuspecting guests when they require other special events to be held after normal operating hours?” demanded Caton. “Disney requires special events like Grad Night and Night of Joy to be held after the Magic Kingdom’s regular operating hours. Disney does this to avoid having a large group of likeminded people in the park at the same time with regular patrons who expect a normal day at the Magic Kingdom.”
Caton noted that his organization had raised enough funds to rent an airplane which would fly over the Orlando area on that Friday and Saturday with banners warning about the event.
Chris Alexander-Manley, the president of Orlando based Gay Days, Inc., welcomed the free publicity that Caton offered the event!
Alexander-Manley opined that the Florida Family Association could have spent their money on better causes than renting an airplane for their banners.
“That $3,700 could have been better spent supporting the disasters in Japan or the storm victims of Central Florida from the tornados from yesterday,” added Alexander-Manley.
Started in 1991, the Gay Days events received national attention when the Southern Baptist Convention voted to boycott Disney in 1997. The convention lifted the ban in 2005. Prominent televangelist and former Republican presidential candidate Pat Robertson made national headlines back in 1998 when he suggested that God would punish Orlando for hosting Gay Days by unleashing natural and man-made disasters upon the region.
Gay New Years Eve From Around The World
Everybody has had at least one New Year’s dud, where plans didn’t materialize as expected and the final countdown ended up taking place in a lame bar, or worse, stuck in a car or taxi, trying to get somewhere at Midnight!!
It starts around Sydney and travels time zone by time zone around the globe like some sort of well-coordinated pre-planned pyrotechnic explosion.
SYDNEY. Take your choice – party on the water, party on the bridge or party in a pub. The first major city to celebrate the coming of the New Year is also one of the best. How good is Sydney? The fireworks end at 12:15 but the celebrations last until dawn.
Top Tip: Wear black. That’s the wardrobe color of choice for social Sydneysiders.
Weather: It’s summer so pretty warm, but have a light jacket handy.
San Francisco, CA – Perhaps the greatest of all American cities, San Francisco doesn’t hesitate to let its hair down on New Year’s — literally. The town’s huge gay community is influential in setting the New Year’s party vibe, as clubs stock their December 31st lineups with burlesque shows, drag queens and DJs obsessed with Cher and Madonna. Salsa dancing parties abound, and the city’s “street crawl” features the usual mix of fireworks and revelry.
New York City – Perhaps the epicenter of the US on New Years Eve. New York City is still the place to be on New Year’s Eve. New York remains the control center for celebrations across the continent, which is why hundreds of thousands of people will pack themselves into the colorful Times Square to watch Dick Clark possibly, Ryan Seacrest for sure, count down the seconds until the ball drops. As with everything else in New York, you’re sure to find entertainment for New Year’s, whether it’s the corner pub or cabaret or the sweaty confines of hot clubs uptown, midtown and downtown.Touch Nightclub is a new club in the heart of Time Square. Club TOUCH promises to be a celebrity filled party on 3 levels.
Weather: Usually COLD!
PRAGUE. One of the world’s most beautiful cities attracts people from throughout Europe because they know a great party when the see one. Prague is an awesome place to play anytime and on the Big Night it literally explodes. That’s because the Czechs just love fireworks. Wander in and out of the many pubs and cafes but at midnight go to Old Town Square or Charles Bridge. Climb the hill to the Prague Castle or the “Stalin statue,” where the fireworks are launched for an overview of the whole crazy scene. Prague is unbelievably inexpensive; your crowns go a long. long way. Czech it out!
Top Tip: Watch out for flying fireworks of every size and description.
Weather: The average temperature for January is -1.3C (30F), so it’s cold. This makes quick jaunts into the many cafes a requirement.
IN LONDON, you have your choice of a BEARS AND BIG BLOKES New Years Eve at the Eagle , or maybe something on the KINKY side. Kinky Trade brings together 3 big promoters…Trade, Juicy and Lovechild for a wild evening with lasers, pyrotechs and more.
MATINEE LONDON will provide a spectacular after-hours party for the late night owls who just can quit celebrating. Starts at 5am and runs thru the early afternoon of New Years Day! Read more at Patroc London.
The ball is dropping; the champagne is popping. Grab your goofy hat and ring in next year with a rockin New Year s Eve party.
I think I will celebrate quietly with friends!
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM NEW GAY TRAVEL GUIDES
OUT IN AC – Harrahs Atlantic City Gay Weekend a Success!
HARRAHS Entertainment
rolled out the red carpet in Atlantic City for the LGBT community recently, and hundreds came!
The organization has been committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment for employees, guests and communities for some time now. And recently decided it was time to host a gay weekend of events.
Harrah’s has been catering to gay and lesbian travelers at its Las Vegas casinos for a few years, and launched a similar campaign in the country’s second-largest gambling market with an “Out in Atlantic City” – OUT IN AC – weekend of partying Sept. 25-27.
The event, which attracted nearly 1,000 people, brought some of the best-known names in the gay and lesbian entertainment scene to the Harrah’s casinos. Lesbian and Gay travelers came in from New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, Baltimore, Chicago, and surrounding New Jersey cities.
The tide is changing – and the time is right. Las Vegas now has a major gay club and gay resort. It’s time for Atlantic city to follow suit. And the people at Harrah’s Entertainment are going to be the leader.
As Michael Musto pointed out, “I’ve always been astounded that the casinos never catered to the lavender dollar, obviously cowing in terror of the family-values folks who thump Bibles in between playing card games and hiring hookers…”
As times have changed in recent years, Atlantic City has evolved as well, as did Las Vegas. While gambling is still the primary backdrop, you see less of the $2.98 all you-can-eat buffets, and more upscale restaurants driven by celebrity chef’s and 5 star dining, geared towards foodies and nicer upscale clubs with bottle service geared towards the nightlife seekers.
MIA at Caesars has some amazing food with chef Georges Perrier at the helm; Explore the savory flavors of the Far East with a hip new twist at Red Pearl, on the sixth floor of Bally’s; at Showboat, the Rib & Chophouse serves the finest in steaks, chops, chicken and seafood in Atlantic City. Meat lovers will enjoy premium Hereford beef grilled to your specifications; seafood lovers will rejoice at the fresh catch of the day and raw bar.
Super hot nightclubs like DUSK at Ceasars and Club Worship at Showboat / House of Blues is where everyone goes to see and be seen; (Nicky Hilton had her party at Dusk the same weekend as OUT IN AC). The Pier Shops at Ceasars has a VIP selection of upscale shopping like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, plus an ever changing event list like Wine Tastings, Hap-pier Hour Nights, Ultimate Tuesdays, Oktoberfest and more.
After all the gambling, shopping and nightlife, you have to relax! Give me a FABULOUSPool and Spa! Last year, Harrah’s Resort became the official home to “Endless Summer” with its new, $90 million, 172,000-square-foot glass, dome-enclosed swimming pool complex and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.
Located under a striking, 90-foot-high glass dome, The Pool complex is a lush, tropical oasis(perfect 82 degrees, year-round) featuring $1 million worth of horticulture dressing an Olympic-size pool, six Jacuzzis, 12 cabanas, indoor and outdoor deck areas, as well as The Pool Bar. The Pool complex offers guests creative water-tainment both day and night with such engaging activities as luaus, pool-side spa treatments and live musical entertainment.
Located adjacent to The Pool complex, the new Red Door Spa – spans 23,000 square feet with 23 treatment rooms including a couples’ deluxe suite with an in-room Jacuzzi, fireplace and shower. This well-appointed Red Door Spa offers Elizabeth Arden’s comprehensive menu of world-renowned signature spa services and beauty treatments.
Harrah’s Entertainment, the world’s largest casino company, decided to create OUT in AC to really prove to the LGBT community, they plan to include them, moving forward. Not just be “gay-friendly”.
OUT in ATLANTIC CITY was the first weekend-long celebration specifically tailored for the LGBT community of Atlantic City and environs. And guess what? It was a SUCCESS.
And everyone we talked to, most who lived within 2 hours of Atlantic City, all said they would come here even more often, if there was more gay parties or events going on. “Even if a casino would make a gay club night, we’d drive in more often,” said Gregg and his 2 friends from New York City.
Harrah’s Entertainment owns four of the major players in town; Harrah’s, Showboat, Bally’s, and Caesars. And the OUT IN AC weekend showcased parties at each venue. Club Worship at House of Blues at Showboat hosted the Amanda Lepore (American Transsexual Icon) and Cazwell Catwalk Party. Cazwell has become the premier gay rapper and Amanda has long been celebrity nightlife queen, model, and now singer (thank you Cazwell!) Cazwell rapped about stuff All Over His Face and seeing Beyonce At Burger King, while Amanda pranced and showed off her Jessica Rabbit body while signing about Champagne , Cotton Candy and stripping down, nearly nude, during I Know What Boys Like. FYI – Both the Cazwell and the Amanda Lepore new CD’s are out this month! And they’ll be talking about their music here with us, in coming weeks!
During our OUT IN AC – LGBT Weekend we also got to experience the Foundation Room, at House of Blues / Showboat. WOW! Dinner was 5 star, amazing here! Members enjoy benefits and privileges at all locations: Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Cleveland, Atlantic City, Dallas, Houston, and Boston. Exclusive membership here brings the ultimate VIP lifestyle to your fingertips with VIP concert seating, elegant dining, discounted hotel rooms and other rocking perks at House of Blues locations across the country. – After dnner, the cast of THE L WORD was on hand, with a huge lesbian crowd, to mix and mingle and do a Q & A with the audience.
The main party, and the biggest, was Decadence at Caesar’s. Gorgeous Go-Go Gods kept the crowd dancing from their perched pedestals above the flashing LED dance floor. Lance Bass introduced Jai Rogriguez who DJ’d the evening as well as performed his hit “Broken”. Edge, Boston, summed it up best – “This was the party of the weekend, the Saturday night blowout, the party that announced that the OUT in AC weekend was a contender-and not going away. OUT in AC was here to stay-this year, and next year, and year after next.”
And just when we thought the OUT IN AC weekend was about done, we dragged ourselves out of bed Sunday morning for the Gay Bingo ReHab Brunch with Coco Peru and local diva Lady Eve, which benefitted the South Jersey AIDS Alliance.
Perhaps the sentiment of the weekend was best expressed by Lady Eve who, at each event, reminded the crowd of nearly 1,000 revelers that the reason that OUT in AC was a resounding success was because of them. As she said, the LGBT community has been there all along; all we needed was to be acknowledged, at last.
And by weekend’s end, there was no question that OUT in AC had put Atlantic City back on the LGBT vacation map. We had the chance to talk to various people within the Harrah’s Entertainment hierarchy, and talk about possible plans for 2010. They will quite possibly include SEVERAL gay weekends throughout the year, including a huge summertime beach party, special gay event nights and a club, dedicated to the LGBT community!
We will keep you posted as these exciting changes take place.
New Gay Travel Guide
Best of Gay New York
Best Gay Cities
Barcelona Man Named Mr Gay Europe
Sergio Lara a 26 year old gay man born in Requena and living in Barcelona, was crowned with the prestigious title of Mr Gay Europe in a competition held in Oslo on Saturday.
The student, studying for a BA in Psychology, had previously been crowned Mr Gay Barcelona and Mr Gay Spain, before winning this latest title.
“I will not deny that beauty is valued, but it is not only that. In fact if you see who won Mr.Gay World last year you’ll see he was not too handsome, rather chubby (doesn’t that sound offensive??)… but was representing the gay against homophobia,” explains Sergio freshly landed in Spain.
Sergio will now be an ambassador for equal rights and awareness of the plights of the gay community, as he leads his way to competing for the ultimate prize, to be crowned as Mr Gay World.
CIRCUIT FESTIVAL Returns to Gay Barcelona August 1 – 9
Circuit Festival is back and here to stay. Powered by Matinée Group, Europe’s hottest Gay & Lesbian event will take place in Barcelona from August 1st to 9th, ready to make a difference on the scene. Nightly, the best names in the gay circuit ready to dish out the best rhythms. But it doesn’t end with the clubbing.
During the day, an incredible set of tempting activities and venues will surely get you out of bed: specially our very own Gay & Lesbian Day at the Water Park – a field trip including steamy parties and refreshing water rides. Still need more facts? Take note: more than 30.000 people from over 30 different countries partying wildly for 9 days in a row. The best Dj’s (over 30!) and performers from all over the world lined up for you partygoers delight.
And to top it off: sunny Barcelona and its beaches to make your stay one to remember.
One summer week… Are you gonna miss it?
12 Years strong! Barcelona’s MATINEE GROUP is bigger than ever overseas! The group now hosts some of the biggest parties in the world! Everywhere from Spain to London to Italy. – And CIRCUIT is their crown jewel!
For the first time in Europe, Circuit Festival brings you the biggest gay party of NYC. Its star Djs, Peter Rauhofer and Offer Nissim, will offer you the best worldwide clubber sound of the planet. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to life the session if this truly stars at the decks playing at their most international party.
The Gay Day at the Waterpark is one of the most popular parties. And this year, you get 2 parties in one!
Wednesday 5th you will enjoy again the sun, the music and the best company in a fun, different and – above all – very refreshing environment. From 10 am you will enjoy a very special day at a water park open only us, with amazing rides, themed areas, sunbathing and relaxing spaces and – of course – the most innovative rides around. Starting at 15:00 get ready because the park will become an outdoor club where you will be able to dance in and outside the water to the sound of Matinée’s best Dj’s: J.Louis, Taito Tikaro, André Vincenzzo, Enrico Arghentini and Lydia Sanz.
Then, from the closing of the Water Park until 5am, get the strengths because the night party will begin: Bravo, the most spectacular party of Madrid, arrives to the disco of Isla Fantasia with all the power of its mega animation and production…
the Djs Francesco Belais, Danny Verde and Nano will make you dance the night away. Of course, during all day and night there will be available restaurants, chill areas and dressing rooms so you will have the chance to rest, change clothes and enjoy a revitalizing meal.
I am going to need a LOT OF COFFEE, or something, to make it through that week!
I will need a week in SITGES to rest afterwards! See you there!
If you don’t know who Matinee Group is , check out their MySpace page and watch the video.
Watch some highlight videos from last years Circuit Festival, on their site!
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Gay Days Disneyland in Anaheim – Queens in the Magic Kingdom October 2 – 4
For 12 years, gays and lesbians wearing red shirts have descended on Disneyland in California for Gay Days, an annual event that forces mainstream Americans and Mickey Mouse to deal with the LGBTQ community face to face.
Much different than the week long Gay Days held in Orlando each June at DisneyWorld, which draws lots of circuit boys and party-goers, this weekend in Anaheim draws over 30,000 people, but is a real mix of men, women, twinks, daddies, bears, couples and gaybies.
Years ago, Disneyland used to have a private party one night of the year for gays and lesbians. When the event was canceled in 1998, Gay Day Anaheim was created. “We based the happening on our big sister event in Orlando, Gay Day, which attracts over 100,000+ gays and lesbians from around the world each June.
Like the Orlando event, Gay Days Anaheim is a “mix in,” meaning gay people and straight people mingle together; the park is open to the general public. Also like Orlando’s Gay Day, we wear RED shirts to identify one another and show our numbers.” says producer Eddie Shapiro.
Disney doesn’t endorse any group that comes into their park during regular park operating hours. While they may reserve space (like they do for the Gay Days group), that does not connote an official endorsement. In order to make it truly official, “we’d need to rent out the entire park, and they don’t do that during regular operating hours.”
“Disney has been wonderfully supportive of the event, especially as it has grown over the years. They are involved in all of the official aspects of the event (hotel room blocks, the Info Center), and have been very accommodating. But they are not involved in the actual ‘unofficial gay days’ in the park. This year, however we continue to work closely with PRIDE, which is Disney’s LGBT diversity group, and they have done a great job of integrating the event as much as possible into Disneyland’s schedule.”
Saturday is the main day at Disneyland, and Sunday is the main day at Disney’s California Adventure. But producers of the event, Eddie Shapiro and Jeffrey Epstein always plan a weekend of festivities to please everyone.
“It’s important for us to be very inclusive of the entire LGBTQ community. We try really hard at scheduling the weekend with all kinds of activities that we hope will matter to all the different diverse tastes that make up our community. “
Past events have included a youth scavenger hunt, teen dance party, bears gathering, book reading, family photo ops, singles gatherings, couple dinners, lesbian lunch, movie screenings, celebrity meet-and-greet, ice cream social, morning wake-up work-outs, cocktail parties, and a big evening dance party at House of Blues.
“We really want EVERYONE to feel welcome and there is something for them!” explained Eddie.
It’s always interesting to see the straight men and women who show up at the park that day, unaffiliated with Gay Days, who appeared to be rethinking the red shirts they slipped into that morning, now finding themselves dressed in the same color as half the park’s patrons, most of whom were walking arm in arm with someone of the same sex!
For the most part, families are friendly and everyone has a great time. There are always those few right wingers who are upset that they chose the same weekend as the gays, and you may hear them muttering something under their breathe.
There have never been any reports of physical confrontations between gay people and homophobic guests during Gay Days. While I have heard of a few isolated incidents of people muttering rude remarks under their breath, 99% of the comments are overwhelmingly positive.
Last year a family struck up a conversation with my partner and I, and they were very much in support of equality for gays and the legalization of civil unions. Plus, while Disney does not endorse the event, they are aware it happens so security are on alert for any harassment, and the people in guest relations do a great job of handling any problems which may arise.
In 2007, The Walt Disney Co. changed its policy to allow same-sex couples to participate in a popular Fairy Tale Wedding program it runs mainly at its two U.S. resorts and cruise line.
Disney previously had allowed gay couples to organize their own weddings or commitment ceremonies at rented meeting rooms at the resorts, but had barred them from purchasing its Fairy Tale Wedding package and holding the event at locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World that are set aside specifically for weddings.
“We believe this change is consistent with Disney’s longstanding policy of welcoming all guests in an inclusive environment…
…We are not in the business of making judgments about the lifestyle of our guests. We are in the hospitality business and our parks and resorts are open to everyone,” a Disney spokesperson said.
There are lots of discounted rooms available for the Gay Days Anaheim event.
Stay at one of the fabulous Disneyland Resort hotels for a fraction of the regular price! Last year they sold out in advance. DON’T MISS OUT!
Also many local hotels particiapte with the Gay Days group offering weekend special pricing.
Sheraton Anaheim
HoJo Anaheim
Holiday Inn Buena Park
New Gay Travel Guide recommends Hotel Menage. A wonderful boutique hotel right next door to Disneyland.
There is LOTS to see and do in Anaheim, and if you can afford the time, I would urge you to take an additional couple days to explore Anaheim, Orange County (the OC) and all of the surrounding beach and art communities. It’s a beautiful area of Southern California packed with inviting beaches, unparalleled shopping and entertainment, trendy restaurants, nightlife, championship golf, lively art districts, beautiful historic landmarks and the ultimate of family attractions.
Gay Days aficionados Jeffrey and Eddie immersed themselves in Disney culture so much so, that they even penned Queens in the Kingdom in 2007.
* TR KNIGHT / Mark Cornelsen photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland as seen on Just Jared
New Gay Travel Guide and Best Gay Cities
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California
Perhaps it’s the scenery — listening to music on a grassy polo field surrounded by swaying palm trees and craggy desert mountains. Or maybe it’s the thrill of discovering new artists and rediscovering old ones standing shoulder-to-shoulder with friends, strangers and the random Hollywood celebrity. Like Paris Hilton!
Always lots of eye candy!
The three day event takes place every year in India, California, just outside of Palm Springs. Organized by Goldenvoice and held at the Empire Polo Fields . The event features many genres of music including alternative rock, hip hop, and Electronic music as well as large sculptural art.
The event has several stages/tents set-up throughout the grounds, each playing live music continuously. This years BIG NAME was Paul McCartney. Previous year names ranged from Madonna to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Despite economic times, promoters say the turnout exceeded expectations, and this year’s attendance figure might be the third largest in the festival’s 10-year history.
The three-day ticket price may have been steep — roughly $300, including service charges — but when divided among the 131 acts on the bill, that breaks down to less than $2.50 per act.
Each year, the festival also features interesting installation art and sculptures. Most of the pieces are interactive, and provide entertainment and eye candy for attendees walking throughout the Polo grounds.
Some of the works were initially created for the Burning Man festival. In contrast to the largely non-repeating roster of musical artists represented at the festival, a few of the visual artists, such as Robochrist Industries, the Tesla Coil (Cauac), Cyclecide, and The Do LaB, have appeared during several consecutive years at Coachella.
EVERY APRIL, COACHCELLA draws in thousands from around the world.
The evening dance event and visual light presentations are like nothing you have ever seen. WATCH THE YOU TUBE COACHELLA CLIP.
And see ya there next year!
Gay Andorra – LGBT Summer Glamour Party Week June 14 – 21 – Party in Andorra Pyrenees
Hopefully you read our article last week about how wonderful the country of Andorra is! Nestled between Spain and France, this country has a lot to see and do if you want, or just relax and enjoy it’s beauty. An estimated 10 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra’s duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Anorra is Europes 6th smallest country. Vatican is the big little winner. Then comes Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Malta.
This week, we explore more in depth what the country has to offer visitors as they prepare for the
LGBT Summer Glamour Party June 14 – 21.
One of the BEST SPA’S we have ever seen! CALDEA SPA. This place is AMAZING! It’s like something out of a Busby Berkeley movie!
Designed by the architect Jean-Michel Ruols – is fruit of the will of the community (town council) of Escaldes-Engordany to make use of the richness of the territory’s thermal water, with a philosophy different to that of traditional health resorts: thermoludism. The concept was entirely innovative and avoids use of the therapeutic properties of thermal water. Thermoludism is the use of the properties and benefits of thermal water to rest, recuperate vitality and well-being. The water at different temperatures procures authentic gymnastic toning for the body, and the thermal water help psychic rebalance.
There is a huge indoor lagoon with several different baths and bubbles to enjoy. Cascading steps take you into a large pool and a “river” which you can follow to even more pools outside! An entire world of aquatic areas, aerobaths and hydromassage. There is an Islandic bath, AquaMassage area, Sirocco hot air bath, Sauna’s, Hammam with vaporisation, Infrared relaxing areas, Grapfruit pool and even swim up bars for refreshments. You pay one fee, which is about 30 euros and you can use all of these areas for about 4 hours.
They also offer many treatments like different kinds of massages, facials, beauty treatments and a Chocotherapy where they massage scrub and cover the body with Germaine de Capuccini products!
I think that would make me hungry…
In the evening they offer some special rates, the lights come on and you are treated to Mondaigua, a multimedia show created by Comediants. Mondaigua is a show that celebrates the union between fire and water, two elements which make Caldea a thermoludic centre designed to improve personal wellbeing. Comediants has thought up and designed much more than a traditional sound and light show: automatisms, magical elements, pyrotechnics, projections, light play, special smoke effects, soap bubbles…it’s really something to see! You must go to the Caldea site gallery and see all of the beautiful photographs of this place. It’s like Disneyland for adults. Honestly, this place is probably the most amazing spa set up I have ever seen.
Tobotronc is the world’s largest, longest and most spectacular toboggan track. Situated on the La Rabassa mountain, the toboggan track not only has the advantage of being high up, yet also provides those who do not need to keep their eyes fixed on the track at all times with the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular La Rabassa forest scenery, which surrounds the mountain.
The track is 5200 meters long and riders are entrusted with braking themselves! It’s about a 6 minute ride and lots of fun, winter or summer!
In the Summer, there are lots of outdoors activities that you can take advantage of. For years the Andorran tourist industry was focused exclusively on winter sports. Now though people have realized in the summer, the hills are alive! And tourists come to enjoy the great outdoors and beauty of the land.
What is so wonderful here is the unspoiled nature of Andorra. There are no overhead planes, no sirens, no billboards blocking your views, no humidity…just a little slice of heaven! All you hear is crickets and birds! Hiking, golfing, mountain biking, horse riding, dune buggy rides (on smugglers route) and more allow you to explore the scenic hills of Andorra. You can even scuba dive in the moutain lakes!
SHOPPING of course is big here like I mentioned, because of the duty free tax status. Andorra’s commercial tradition is famous worldwide thanks to its 2,000 modern boutiques and shops, its quality products, its competitive prices and its flexible hours. Although there are shops in the entire country, most are concentrated in Andorra la Vella, the capital, Escaldes-Engordany, and Pas de la Casa. There are several large shopping centres in Sant Julià de Lòria.
The main fashion and accessories shops, perfumeries and the most prestigious jewellery and watch brands are found on Avenida Meritxell in Andorra la Vella and on the Avenida Carlemany in Escaldes–Engordany.
PYRENEES ANDORRA is a must-see. It is their big “mall”. It is a huge collection of “department stores” located at Avinguda Meritxell, 11, AD500 Andorra
3 floors of fashion and clothes, a huge cosmetic and fragrance floor, technology, sporting goods, books, music, things for the home and a very nice grocery market with everything you could possibly want, from a tube of toothpaste to imported meats and cheeses, plus a wine and liquor depart that spans a city block!
When you are ready to plan a trip here, don’t call your travel agent, and don’t try to do it online. ORIGINAL ANDORRA are the specialists in the area and they know everything, inside and out. They put together an assortment of packages priced right and are happy to custom make a package to whatever you are looking for. They have made plans to host 2 GAY WEEKS each year, one for skiing in the winter (which we just got back from in March) and a summer Gay Week June 14th-21st. They are wonderful to work with and will make sure you have a great trip!
The New Gay Travel Guide and the Best Gay Cities
Gay Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Wooffest and Miami Celebrates White Party for Thanksgiving
While all the circuit boys will down in Miami for Thanksgiving’s Annual WHITE PARTY, the Bears, Cubs & Daddies will be spending it in Fort Lauderdale for WOOFFEST!
The Cabanas Guest House and Gay Nudist Resort reports that BearCiti said it will be taking over the production of Wooffest starting this year. Wooffest is a yearly event that was created in 2003 by Joe Soler and friends after the unfortunate passing of his partner to suicide. Joe wanted to create an event where he could raise funds and awareness to support suicide prevention and to help those whose lives have been changed by the loss of a loved one.
Wooffest takes place every year during Thanksgiving weekend in beautiful sunny Fort Lauderdale FL. During the weekend you can catch up with old friends and make new lasting friendships with people from all around the world as we all come together to raise funds for a good cause and remember a portion of all the proceeds from the whole weekend are given to non profit agencies which will benefit suicide prevention.
November 26th – 30th, 2008 Check out Wooffest for more details!
The Best of Gay Fort Lauderdale and the New Gay Travel Guide
Not So Gay Venice and Carnevale Italy
Gay author writer Truman Capote said it best: “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.”
The “floating city” Venice is built on one hundred and seventeen small islands, and holds one hundred and fifty canals, connected by an amazing four hundred and nine bridges, of which only three cross the main canal.
While most tour guides don’t recommend getting lost in the majority of cities during your Venice vacation, Venice is the place to get hopelessly lost for a day. Through the mysterious alleyways leading off from the city, endless mazes of backstreets and deserted squares, on your Venice trip, you’ll find that this city is a perfect place to walk for hours on end, pretending to know where you are.
While it’s not a very gay city, it very beautiful. But beuaty aint cheap honey! Venice is one of the world’s most enchanting and expensive cities. You do pay a price, literally and figuratively, for all this beauty. Everyone leaves complaining about the outrageous prices, which can be double what they are elsewhere in the country.
When we last checked there was one gay bar town that had closed! So not much in the way gay nightlife. Shopping is very expensive as are rooms and loadging.
“A Carnevale Ogni Scherzo Vale.” It means: anything goes at carnivale. Before Lent, before Ash Wednesday, before Easter, there is Mardi Gras – and nowhere is the party more boisterous than Carnevale in Venice. There are lavish parades, luxuriant masquerade balls, and spontaneous parties in the streets as the celebration lasts for almost two weeks. Costumes and masks abound, both ornate and simple. The point is not always the gaudiness of the fabric or the construction of the Carnevale masks, but the anonymity they provide the bearer with. With your mask on, you are pardoned your sins. With the mask on, anything goes.
Carnevale is a meeting point for gay people, but apart from that, although it’s a marvellous city, if you’re looking for gay-specific action, Venice has not much to offer to the GLBT community, that’s why most gay people go to Padua (Padova), which is a short hop from Venice, for a drink in the evening or looking for some relaxation in a sauna.
Tuscany is trying to woo the gay travel dollar there. For the second year in a row, the mayor of Viareggio, in the Tuscan region of Italy, has extended an invitation for gay and lesbian travelers to visit the towns of Viareggio and Torre del Lago. This area is where the famous musician Giacoma Puccini was born.
Gay life is getting hot and popular in Tuscany – openly gay and lesbian pubs, restaurants, and shops; open and proud gay men and lesbians; rainbow flags; and lots of travelers coming from all over Italy and other countries. That’s a far cry from the Italy most travelers think of – the Vatican, the Fall of Rome artifacts, the Pope, and girls in black dresses. Some even say the area is on the way to becoming the fad of Italy.
Gay Friendly Italy Pink Agenda Italy
Southern Decadence Gay Party in New Orleans Labor Day
Southern Decadence started thirty-seven years ago as a simple going-away party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of our world’s major annual events. One of the largest annual celebrations in New Orleans, it has become known as the “Gay Mardi Gras.”
People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don’t even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday.
With over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants, and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $100 million, the city has recognized its importance with an Official Proclamation to welcome the event.
It was so popular, that for a while many hotels would TRIPLE their normal rate, require a 5 night minimum stay, and make your PRE-PAY the entire amount due, with no refunds! And every hotel, always sold out. Since the hurricane and the re-birth or New Orleans, times have changed a bit. And it is currently affordable and some hotels were even offering “deals” as of last week. So it’s a good time to go have fun!
The city’s wildest neighborhood gets even crazier as the French Quarter is packed for the entire event; however, the big day is Sunday. That’s when the Grand Marshal leads the annual parade through the streets beginning at 2 p.m. The 2008 Grand Marshals are Paloma and Tittie Toulouse. The official theme for 2008 is “Decadence Does Disco” and the colors are silver, black and white. There is usually not a parade route. The Grand Marshal makes it up as they go along!
The corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets is generally considered to be the epicenter of Gay New Orleans, and even more so during the Southern Decadence festival weekend. At that intersection is the largest gay nightclub, The Bourbon Pub video bar and The Parade dance club, which is home to the hottest dancers in town. Across the street is Hit Parade Gift and Clothing store. Most of the city’s main gay attractions are located within a few blocks of this intersection.
Chi Chi LaRue, the “Diva of Decadence,” has been the hostess for the past ten years, and returns for 2008 for her 11th anniversary. Performance artist Adam Killian coordinates the incredible stage shows. Cult-comedienne Shirley Q. Liquor returns for 2008 performing to sold-out crowds. The legendary Lady Bunny brings her outrageous show to The Bourbon Pub stage on Friday evening.
The Bourbon Street Extravaganza returns with a free outdoor concert on Saturday afternoon at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets featuring recording artists Deborah Cox, Kimberley Locke, Jeanie Tracy and Thea Austin.
It will be an AMAZING WEEKEND – GET THERE IF YOU CAN
Southern Decadance Online
Womensfest Keywest – September 2nd – 7th
A week of women, sun and fun in beautiful KEY WEST!
The Annual WomenFest attracts women from all over the country to enjoy Key West’s ‘live and let live’ attitude and a host of exciting events.
For the 22nd consecutive year, the island city renowned for its all-embracing diversity is to welcome as many as 5,000 women during the Womenfest celebration.
Set for Tuesday through Sunday, Sept. 2-7, the acclaimed event for lesbians and their friends features activities ranging from pool parties and women-only watersports excursions to an art and poetry evening and a group commitment ceremony.
Activities are designed to allow singles, couples and groups of women to experience the atmosphere of openness and acceptance that has made Key West an internationally acclaimed lesbian and gay vacation destination.
The festival is coordinated by the KEY WEST Business Guild, the United States’ oldest LGBT-oriented chamber of commerce-type business organization, and includes a luncheon commemorating the guild’s 30th anniversary.
For women who want to celebrate their partnerships during Womenfest, a group commitment ceremony and champagne brunch are scheduled at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Pearl’s Rainbow, For more information and costs, call (305) 292-1450. Womenfest is to conclude with a “floating tea dance” aboard the catamaran Fury, with entertainment provided by DJ Harmony and festival headliners God-des & She.
Festival information including event prices, ticketing andlodgingis online or call the Key West Business Guild at (800) 535-7797 or (305) 294-4603. Lodging information also can be found on the Florida Keys & Key West site.
