Category Archives: Gay Cities
CHRISTINA AGUILERA EUROPRIDE VALLETTA 2023
Malta, the hidden gem of the Mediterranean, will host EuroPride Valletta 2023, September 7 to 17, 2023.
The archipelago will hold 10 days worth of exciting festivities including the EuroPride March on Saturday, September 16 in the capital city, Valletta and the Pride Concert with headliner, Christina Aguilera!
At the intersection of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Malta has always attracted people from all over the world. Diversity is ingrained in Maltese culture, and over the past few decades, Malta has made significant progress toward becoming an LGBTIQ+ friendly destination reinforced by anti-discrimination laws introduced in the Maltese Constitution in 2014. For this reason, it should be no surprise that since October 2015, ILGA-Europe has ranked Malta #1 on the Rainbow Europe Map & Index for eight consecutive years!
Best Gay Pride Parades & Celebrations in the World
Who has the best Pizza in Chicago?
Who makes the best Tiramisu in Italy?
Who has the best Canelons in Barcelona?
Ask 10 different people and you probably get 10 different answers!
The BEST whatever is subjective – but we do see repeat patterns.
THRILLIST listed the top 10 best international prides!
NOMADIC BOYS listed 10 largest gay prides in the World
VISIT THE USA lists the top 5 Gay pride celebrations in the US not to be missed
WIKIPEDIA has compiled a list of the largest LGBT events in the world.
AFAR lists their top 10 biggest LGBTQ Pride Celebrations around the world.
Check them out! You will some places come up often, and a few surprises!
HAPPY PRIDE!
Best Gay Travel Guide
INNdulge in Palm Springs Turns 25
INNdulge Palm Springs is a legendary award-winning gay men’s resort located in the heart of Warm Sands, one of the most popular gay areas of Palm Springs. They are Rated FIVE PALMS by Planet Out, the most trusted source in gay travel.
This month they turn 25! It’s their 25th anniversary! Due to covid restrictions, only the guests at the resort this month will celebrate the anniversary. But owner Jon Jackson says he will plan a 2021 big celebration, as soon as restrictions loosen up.
Built in 1958, INNdulge is a Mid-Century jewel and is featured in the Historic Inns of Palm Springs guidebook. Twenty-four poolside rooms surround a 24-hour heated pool and 12-man Jacuzzi.
CLOTHING IS FOREVER OPTIONAL! INNdulge has one of the largest pool courtyards in Palm Springs, with lush landscaping framing incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Guests enjoy an expanded continental breakfast, in-room safes, TV-DVD players with large DVD library, on-site gym, guest internet stations and property-wide wireless are all complimentary.
WINTER HEADED YOUR WAY???? Book a get away now in Palm Springs at INNdulge!
Gay Puerto Vallarta Begins to Reopen!
On June 14, 2020 the official newspaper register of the State of Jalisco has published provisions for Puerto Vallarta Shopping Centers, Gyms reopen at 25% capacity and with measures of social distancing required. In this measure, The commercial shopping centers Galerías, La Isla or Macroplaza will be allowed to open which have been closed for three months now. However, shoppers of commercial plaza will not be able to use common areas such as children’s play areas, communal dining rooms, since fast food restaurants will only be able to deliver takeout products; parking lots will only receive 25% of their capacity. Movie theaters will remain closed for now.
Also June 15, 2020 public and hotel beaches are allowed to reopen in Puerto Vallarta per the the Jalisco governor Enrique Alfaro. He made it clear on Friday during his visit to Puerto Vallarta that hoteliers should take care of social distancing on their beach fronts, while the city municipalities monitor that public areas are not saturated with people. Hotel pools and common areas can also be open but now are reduced to 25% of their capacity, taking care that the common areas are not saturated and urging social distancing measures.
READ MORE AT GAY PV.com
When will New York City and Broadway Reopen?
From ABC NEWS; After three gloomy months and 21,000 deaths that made it the nation’s most lethal hot spot, New York City slowly began reopening Monday (June 9th, 2020) in the biggest test yet of Americans’ ability to keep the coronavirus in check.
Owners of smaller shops were eager to reopen, even if they didn’t expect much business.
“We are going to be open every day for the sake of showing life,” said eyewear designer Ahlem Manai-Platt, who was reopening a lower Manhattan store.
From TRAVEL PULSE; Phase 1 includes construction and manufacturing, mostly, along with some retail clothing, electronics, jewelry and luggage stores, among others.
Each phase will take two weeks before moving into the next phase, unless confirmed cases of the virus continue to drop more dramatically and then New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo will consider speeding things up.
Fortune magazine estimated that New York City is losing $173 million a day. “The coronavirus crisis is shrinking New York City’s economy on a scale far more vast than the squeeze on any other U.S. metropolis,” Fortune wrote.
The short answer to the question of when one of the world’s great destinations will reopen to tourism is not until the end of June, when Phase 3 kicks in. Phase 3 includes the bulk of the hospitality industry, with restaurants and other food-service businesses allowed to reopen for dine-in service, as well as hotels that are not already open servicing overnight guests.
Phase 4 includes arts, entertainment, museums, theaters and movie theaters.
New York City has more than 40 major theaters hosting first-run plays and musicals, not to mention Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway productions. Now the shows won’t go on again until Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the earliest, and more likely not until after the first of the year. Many people don’t realize how tightly packed a 1,000-seat theater can be, making social distancing difficult. And reduced capacity makes it financially cumbersome for Broadway shows to continue. READ MORE HERE.
Showtime September in Palm Springs
September in Palm Springs means movies, music, and more! You can spend your days lounging by the pool at INNdulge and still enjoy plenty of night life with these great late-summer 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 Palm Springs Summer Deals
Visiting Greater Palm Springs is always a good idea, especially during the summer. The warm, sunny season packs an abundant amount of fun opportunities and one-of-a-kind summertime experiences that only the oasis can offer.
From leisurely vacations to exciting cool activities throughout the region, it’s all here waiting for you! So, pack your sunscreen, sandals and bags because the oasis is bringing the heat this season – in all the best ways possible!
Read on for severn reasons to visit Greater Palm Springs this summer and get your ready for the ultimate destination escape.
1. Fewer Crowds
El Paseo Shopping DistrictThose who frequent the Coachella Valley know that visiting in the summer is the region’s best kept secret. While the months of June, July and August are considered to be a slower time of year for the region, it’s also the best time for visitors to experience the oasis with fewer crowds and less traffic. Explore nearby popular attractions without worrying about long lines or packed spaces, dine reservation-free at many local restaurants and enjoy hotel pools and amenities as much as you want during your stay, no wait times involved.
2. Great Prices
Score on sizzling deals by visiting the oasis during the summer months. Lots of local hotels and high-end resorts offer lower rates during this time of year, not to mention great discounts on golfing, dining and spa services as well.
OUR FAVORITE – INNdulge Palm Springs – with Special rates through September 15th!
INNdulge Palm Springs is a legendary award-winning gay men’s resort located in the heart of Warm Sands, one of the most popular gay areas of Palm Springs. INNdulge is rated FIVE STARS on Trip Advisor for the past five years running. Built in 1958, INNdulge is a Mid-Century jewel and is featured in the Historic Inns of Palm Springs guidebook. Twenty-four poolside rooms surround a 24-hour heated pool and 12-man Jacuzzi. CLOTHING IS FOREVER OPTIONAL! INNdulge has one of the largest pool courtyards in Palm Springs, with lush landscaping framing incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Expanded continental breakfast, in-room safes, TV-DVD players with large DVD library, and property-wide wireless are all complimentary.
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3. Summer Chill Deals
Spa Treatments at Westin Mission Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & SpaNothing can really compare to the excitement Chill Deals bring during the sunny season in the oasis. Snag cool prices on even cooler activities in the region by checking out these deals on the Greater Palm Springs website. Find everything from specials on summer spa treatments at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, to behind-the-scenes summer chill tour packages at The Living Desert and unbeatable golf course offerings at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, as well as much, much more!
4. Explore New Places
Lots of exciting change has occurred in the region since last summer, which has brought many new shops, restaurants and hotels to the area recently. Plan your trip accordingly and get ready to explore new restaurants like The Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells. A beautifully-decorated space decked in Moroccan influence, the restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner, as well as lively libations. Also new to the region is the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar Opens a New Window. in downtown Palm Springs. This outdoor space comes complete with umbrellas and misters, making it the perfect spot for relaxing while sipping on a cocktail, meeting up with friends for a quick bite or treating yourself to organic soft-serve ice cream. While in the downtown area, take an evening stroll and check out the new stores nearby. Recently opened locations include H&M, Kiehl’s, Francesca’s and MAC Cosmetics.
5. Dine During Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Reservoir Palm SpringsSavor the season and get a taste of what the oasis is serving up during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. Over 100 local Coachella Valley restaurants will participate in this year’s delicious dining event, which takes place from Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 17, 2018. Come out and grab a bite of some of the best foods the region has to offer, while also discovering unique local dishes at amazing price points. Find more information on participating restaurants and menu offerings on dineGPS.
6. Party at the Pool All Day
Whether you like to sit by the pool with a drink in hand, lounge in the water or have a poolside dance party, the summer fun does not stop in the desert. Neighborhood hotels like The Saguaro Palm Springs offers guests access to an Olympic-sized pool and two outdoor hot tubs during music-filled weekend pool parties, while the Ace Hotel and Swim Club offers guests two on-site pools for upbeat partying. Day passes for visitors are available through the front desk as well at both properties. For more laid-back vibes this season, head on over to ARRIVE for a refreshing swim or catch a movie during their Dive-in Movie Series Opens a New Window. , open to everyone 21 and over and always free of charge. Or how about making a splash during Splash House 2018 – known as the Coachella of all pool parties in the region! Happening over two weekends, June 8-10 and August 10-12, this poolside music festival will be hosted at The Renaissance, The Riviera and The Saguaro.
7. Find Your New Favorite Ice Cream Flavor
Ice Cream & Shoppe – Try out a new flavor each day you’re in the oasis by checking out the latest and greatest in ice cream parlors and sweet tooth destinations. Each location serves up unique decadent desserts and cold treats, while also providing ideal photo spaces for Instagram-worthy shots. The ever-popular Ice Cream & Shoppe is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, providing a Palm Springs-inspired gift shop and a rotating flavor list of ice cream that includes champagne sorbet, brownie sundae and a variety of vegan options. Also serving up must-try flavors and vegan indulgences is Kreem – the newest on the frozen delight scene in Palm Springs. Here, summer days consist of hand-crafted ice cream, coffee floats and an array of caffeinated drinks from Heart Coffee Roasters. Other ice cream establishments to check out include Great Shakes, Nitroinfusions and Lappert’s Ice Cream.
Source; Visit Greater Palm Springs
World Pride in New York City 2019
NYC Pride is proud to unveil the location and initial talent line-up of the official Opening Ceremony of WorldPride. The Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 7-10pm Ceremony will be formatted as a benefit concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Proceeds from the ticket sales to this historic concert event will support Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE – three leading organizations in the LGBTQIA+ movement based in New York City.
Prolific entertainer and internationally-recognized humanitarian, Whoopi Goldberg, will host the ceremony, featuring a growing medley of acclaimed speakers and performers. Cyndi Lauper, iconic performer for the LQBTQIA+ community and New Yorkers alike, leads the initial release of the talent line-up.
Cyndi Lauper is a groundbreaking Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist with global record sales in excess of 50 million. Her unmistakable voice, influential style, and infectious performances have catapulted her to stardom from her roots in Queens.
Chaka Khan, one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians, will also perform at the WorldPride Opening Ceremony.
DAYA also joins the star-studded lineup for the WorldPride Opening Ceremony benefit concert.Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, model and actress has sold more than 23 million records and 16 million singles worldwide, including chart-topping hits “Goodies,” “Ride,” “Oh,” “1, 2 Step,” “Body Party,” and “I Bet.”
Billy Porter is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright from Pittsburgh, PA. He currently stars as ‘Pray Tell’, in in the FX series “Pose,” for which he has received both a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series. Todrick Hall is a multi-talented singer, rapper, actor, director, choreographer, and YouTube personality who rose to prominence on American Idol.
Tickets start at $45
The Ali Forney Center is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youths—assisting nearly 1,800 young people per year through a 24-hour Drop-In Center, which provides over 65,000 meals annually, medical and mental health services through an on-site clinic, and a scattered-site housing program.
SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older people. Founded in 1978, and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is an organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older people and their caregivers.
Immigration Equality is the nation’s leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization, representing and advocating for people from around the world fleeing violence, abuse and persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.
June 30, 2019 as NYC Pride welcomes all to a final celebration of pride from 7-10pm in NYC’s iconic Times Square.
The evening will provide a full slate of influential speakers and global musical talents who represent the cultural diversity, tenacity, and grace of the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the renowned artists slated to perform is Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter, Melissa Etheridge.
Margaret Cho is set to host the occasion in Times Square.
Cho is a Grammy and Emmy Award nominated stand-up comedian, actress, and singer-songwriter. Through her hard work, Margaret has had the opportunity to be heard, to extend her point of view and become regarded as a true pioneer in her field.
Jake Shears and MNEK will also perform at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony.
THE PROM is the joyous Broadway hit that New York Magazine calls “smart and big-hearted” and The New York Times declares a Critic’s Pick! It’s a new musical comedy about big Broadway stars, a small town, and a love that unites them all.
Deborah Cox will perform in Times Square at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony on June 30th!
Deborah Cox possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. The Canadian born star has an impressive list of #1 Billboard hit records, including twelve #1 songs on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart.
Additional talent will be announced in the weeks ahead.
FREE tickets and Paid tickets HERE
**To remain in compliance with the City there will be an extensive bag check and no provided restrooms. Please plan accordingly. **
Prohibited Items:
Weapons of ANY kind, Fireworks/explosives, Illegal Substances, Large or hard-sided coolers, Picnic Baskets, Pets, Glass containers of any kind, Alcohol (alcohol will be sold at the Festival), Instruments, Large backpacks, Laser pointers, Professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs), Audio/video recording equipment, Drones, No illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed, nor Hoverboards.
Permitted Items:
Sunscreen, Hats, Sunglasses, Earplugs, Hilarious GIFs to send in response to your friends’ texts, Non-professional film, and digital cameras, Factory sealed bottles of water (non-glass containers), Phone charging case or phone charger, or Small backpacks or bags
Gay Palm Springs for Easter
There is still time to make plans for Easter in Palm Springs!
Grab a room and make plans for Easter Brunch!
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
Honolulu Gay Pride
The 2018 Honolulu Pride™ Parade + Festival will be Saturday, October 20, preceded by Rainbows Over Waikiki — Pride Banners brightening Waikiki for two weeks leading up to the main events.
Rainbows Over Waikiki — dozens of Pride Banners sharing LGBTQ aloha — will kick off 2018 Honolulu Pride™ Month on October 9. Sponsor your banner here. The Pride Parade, on Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki, begins on Magic Island at 11am on Saturday, October 20. Register your group here. The Pride Festival, at Diamond Head Greens, follows the Parade, and continues until 6pm.
Official 2018 Honolulu Pride™ caps, shirts, pins and more are now available. Click here to visit our online store, and get your Pride on!
And be sure to check out special offers from our Travel Partners here.
Plus there are already more than 25 additional events hosted by Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ communityscheduled during October. Save the Dates, and we’ll see you soon!
Get all the details HERE!
BE SURE TO STOP BY
THE BEST BAR
IN HONOLULU
Almar Luxury LGBT Resort in Puerto Vallarta
Almar Resort Luxury LGBT Beach Front Experience is the only oceanfront gay resort in Puerto Vallarta situated in the heart of the Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta. And it is straight-friendly!
Almar Resort is the haven you have been waiting for! An adults-only, gay resort set in the tropical landscape of Puerto Vallarta in the most exclusive Zona Romantica. Pamper yourself with a breathtaking ocean view suite, fully-equipped with everything your heart desires. Relax and rest assured with personalized service that will make your stay an unforgettable experience.
I recently spent a week here. The rooms were fantastic and the staff is friendly and helpful. 5 STARS! Puerto Vallarta may be known for a destination that never sleeps, but that won’t stop you from getting a pampering night’s rest while you visit.
Almar Resort’s 78 suites welcome you with a contemporary and luxurious style that encourages relaxation, besides fantastic views of the Mexican Pacific. Beds feature luxury cotton bedding and goose feather pillows; bathrooms are equipped with rain showerheads, L’Occitane bath products and microfiber vêtements. I had a great nights sleep every night on the fluffy pillows, listening to the sounds of the waves below. And it is so wonderful to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffer (or bloody mary) on the balcony. Rooms run different prices at different times of the year. I was there in January, high season and it was about $180 a night.
While staying at Almar you are free to enjoy the classy Mantamar Beach Club/ Bar & Grill at Los Muertos beach, featuring a sparkling infinity pool, cozy oceanfront cabanas, lounge beds and gourmet fine dining.
The food delivery services is reinventing Puerto Vallarta Old Town’s eating ritual in a great way. This service is aim to people who care about eating fresh, home-cooked, chef-prepared meals; browse through our menu and enjoy your favorite food with your favorite people, from freshly-made sushi to delicious hamburgers and seafood sandwiches. And reasonably priced as well! Ceviche, guacamole, shrimp dishes, salads, gourmet pizza’s, lots to choose from! All excellent!
Mantamar Beach Club is THE place to be for the LGBT community in Puerto Vallarta. Mantamar is all about lifestyle, offering comfortable surroundings, a gourmet menu, live entertainment and special events that will surprise you every time you visit. Here you will discover the definition of perfect relaxation, whether you enjoy it as a romantic moment on the silky sand beach or at the infinity pool with new friends and a margarita in hand. Resident DJ keeps the music flowing all day.
NEW ADDITION – Wine, dine and party at the hottest spot in Puerto Vallarta: our exclusive The Top Sky Bar. Relax at a sumptuous sauna table or along our plush seating with the most breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Have it all by day or by night at The Top Sky Bar: fine dining, top shelf cocktails, happy hour, gourmet dining, DJs and the hottest shows in Puerto Vallarta.
Almar Resort Luxury LGBT Beach Front Experience is the only oceanfront gay resort in Puerto Vallarta considered an oasis for unique experiences, located just a few steps from the famous “Malecón” boardwalk and the gay bars in the Zona Romantica. Upgrade your vacation experience with a gorgeous getaway at Almar Resort!
Almar Resort
Amapas 380
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Gay Palm Spings Your Winter Getaway!
Superior rooms (non-pool view) start at $99 during the week (Sunday – Thursday) and weekends discounted
(Friday and Saturday). All other room types discounted accordingly.
Palm Springs is welcoming visitors to its new dynamic downtown with new fashionable restaurants, new chick shops and boutiques, new fun entertainment venues as well as welcoming public spaces for gathering, celebrating and relaxing. With warm days and balmy nights, this complements the ambiance that is positively seductive. With 360 days of sun-kissed weather and drop-dead gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder Palm Springs is like no place else and a comeback as Hollywood’s playground with a growing nightlife, burgeoning art scene and edgy vibe.
Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, within the Colorado Desert. Located approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 140 miles northeast of San Diego, it’s an easy two hour drive. The permanent year-round population is about 45,000, and doubles during the winter season.
Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine with less than 5 inches of rain. Winter temperatures average in the 70’s with nights in the mid-40’s. The dry desert heat of summer pushes daytime temperatures into the 100’s, which is enjoyed by sun seekers from around the globe.
Doesn’t this look better than piles of snow…..
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Halloween in Key West 2017
Fantasy Fest will take place as scheduled, despite Hurricane Irma’s Sept. 10 , 2017 passage through the Florida Keys.
Attendees at Key West’s renowned annual Fantasy Fest can anticipate creative costuming, offbeat artistry and a blend of colorful new events and longtime favorites for masked and costumed revelers.
Themed “Time Travel Unravels” and scheduled Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 29, the 2017 festival features several dozen masquerade balls, costume contests, exotic parties and showcases for quirky creativity, all climaxing in the lavish Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade.
Event organizers encourage participants to “time-travel” to any past or future era to find inspiration for their costume finery and float designs. The most imaginative are to be rewarded with prizes and enthusiastic acclaim from Fantasy Fest crowds.
The extravaganza begins with the family-friendly Goombay street party in historic Bahama Village, a celebration of Key West’s Caribbean roots set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21. Friday night brings the Royal Coronation Ball, where a king and queen are crowned to preside over the festivities.
New to the festival schedule is Sunday evening’s Zombie Bike Ride, a family-friendly procession of oddly lively “undead” in tattered zombie garb, pedaling past Key West’s Atlantic Ocean beaches to prowl historic Duval Street.
Subsequent events include Tuesday’s tutu party, a culture crawl, themed soirees for costumed characters and Wednesday’s wacky Pet Masquerade. The “animal antics” feature dressed-up dogs, cats and other domestic species competing for costume prizes alongside their human companions.
Thursday brings another festival newcomer, the Smallest Parade in the Universe, providing a “tiny” foretaste of the glittering Duval Street parade that highlights Fantasy Fest. A miniature procession of artist-made 18-inch floats is to traverse a make-believe Duval, while audiences view the creative constructions both live and via large-screen video.
Thursday’s enticing events also include two traditional favorites: the “over the top” Headdress Ball, to be held at the new Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park, and the tantalizing Toga Party at Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street.
The following day, Duval becomes a carnival of creativity as vendors offer colorful costumes, arts and crafts, food and libations in the mile-long Fantasy Fest Street Fair.
Friday’s festivities also include the Masquerade March, a zany walking parade that begins at the local cemetery. It typically features thousands of revelers dressed in masks and costumes that range from brilliant to bizarre.
The madcap merriment is to culminate Saturday night, Oct. 28, during the Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade through Key West’s historic downtown. Tens of thousands of spectators converge to cheer the parade’s elaborately costumed marching groups, dancers in bright feathered costumes and dazzling motorized floats.
Festival information and schedule: fantasyfest.com
Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Youtube • Keys Voices blog
Halloween in Palm Springs
It’s time to get on your broom and make your way to Palm Springs!
Halloween is an evening for fashion or at least careful consideration into planning a well-crafted costume that screams “creative,” “fierce,” “original,” or “over the top.”
And please stay at our favorite pick – INNdulge Palm Springs.
Bring your best costume with you or borrow from their well-stocked costume closet!
They will have their costume contest on the same night as the Arenas Road street festival.
Tuesday October 31, 2016.
Book now so you don’t miss out on all the fun!
Puerto Vallarta Gay Hotel Turns 15
Casa Cupula Prepares
to Celebrate its Quinceañera!
Puerto Vallarta’s Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s legendary boutique resort hotel, is set to celebrate its 15th birthday with a three-month celebration of the property’s history, present, and future, culminating in a grand Mexican-style quinceañera celebration.
Casa Cupula gained notoriety in 2002 when it became Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ property. In the years since the then-five-bedroom guesthouse and oasis for gay travelers has grown into an 18-room full resort complex and an integral part of elevating the reputation of Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s gay vacation mecca.
“I don’t think anyone would have imagined how the LGBT community has gained so much acceptance over the last 15 years,” said Casa Cupula founder Don Pickens, who still owns and manages the property. “Back then, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a leading LGBT destination was not as well-known. Today it is celebrated by the city and is a major driver of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-based economy.”
“We have been part of a great movement to modernize the image of Puerto Vallarta by showcasing the contemporary and luxurious offerings found in our Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta’s ‘gayborhood,’” Pickens added. “Today, Vallarta is proud to be one of the most important international gay destinations, and Casa Cupula is still rated among the top hotels of any kind in Vallarta.
During the property’s 15-year run, it has continuously updated its offering, adding rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as three pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; full concierge services that refer guests to hand-selected LGBTQ-friendly activities; Pump Gym & Spa; and Taste Restaurant, one of the top dining venues in Puerto Vallarta.
Any 15-year-old deserves a great present and Casa Cupula is no exception. This year the new “Frida Suite,” will honor iconic early 20th century Mexican LGBT artist Frida Kahlo. Designed to reflect Kahlo’s love for Mexican traditions and culture, the suite’s debut will be part of the extended quinceañera celebration of Casa Cupula’s birthday.
A quinceañera is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, presenting a birthday girl or boy to society at the age of 15. Casa Cupula’s grand celebration of its own 15 years will include multiple events throughout the season, starting with a quinceañera party on Nov. 24. A drag queen contest at the event will see a brand ambassador crowned to represent Casa Cupula for the season. This will be followed by a banquet on Dec. 2 to celebrate the boutique property’s leading role in Puerto Vallarta’s thriving LGBT community, inviting both local leaders and Casa Cupula alumni to celebrate together. The festivities will culminate with a major event in January, to be headlined by an as-yet-to-be-named world-famous “hostess”.
Casa Cupula invites past and new guests to join in on the celebration, enjoying a fourth night free on stays from Nov. 27 to Dec.19. For more information and to book, please visit www.casacupula.com.
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!
Gay Palm Springs Super Deal
COLD WHERE YOU LIVE????
GETAWAY TO SUNNY PALM SPRINGS!!!
Time is running out.
Book now and take advantage of the savings.
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INNdulge Palm Springs
For reservations: (760)327-1408
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Gay Bashing on the Rise
If you are over 50, you realize HATERS ARE EVERYWHERE – and just because we have gay marriage, does NOT mean the whole world loves us! Far from it!
These young kids, under 25, think the whole world is accepting and everyone loves gays and gays are welcome everywhere – they know nothing about Stonewall or the struggles of gays!
Most cities, I don’t care how “gay friendly” are less than 10% gay. That means, that more than likely, the other 60% may support us, 20% may be indifferent, and 10% HATE US.
Data proves in big cities, just how small we are…A total of 4.8 percent of residents in greater Seattle identify as LGBT, putting the Emerald City in a tie for fifth place. San Francisco is in first place with 6.2 percent, followed by Portland-Hillsboro, Oregon-Vancouver, Washington (5.4 percent), greater Austin, Texas (5.3 percent) and New Orleans (5.1 percent).
In a very gay resort town like Provincetown is a place where we are majority and rule. If you are in the minority – there can always be haters around. In places like Provincetown, the gays outnumber the straights I think – no one is going to start shit there. But I am sure it could happen. Key West is fairly gay – but not as gay it used to be. In Early 2000s, gay tourists started steering away from Key West, seeking out other places to relax and travel to. Puerto Vallarta is really gay – and gays are very accepted there. But most cities, be very mindful. We are on “their turf” and they do not have to accept us.
ALWAYS BE AWARE OF WHERE YOU ARE AND WHO IS AROUND.
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION ARE NOT ALWAYS WELCOME.
Gay man attacked in South beach
Moroccan Mob Beat Trans person
Gay Attacks increase in London and Wales
The list goes on and on. BE CAREFUL, no matter where you are.
