Category Archives: Gay News
Gay Pride Around The World
Top Pride Festivals Around The World In honor of National Gay Pride Month!
The following list will help travelers decide what European pride festivals they won’t want to miss this summer:
Sao Paulo , Brazil
The Sao Paulo Gay Pride Parade is still the largest of its kind on the planet.
The Parada do Orgulho GLBT de Sao Paulo, in Portuguese, has grown from 2,000 participants in 1997 to 3 mi. the 2000’s. They made to the Guinness Book in 2006 for the world’s biggest Gay Pride celebration. 4 million people are expected for 2011! Main event is June 26th. GAY PRIDE BRAZIL.
Amsterdam is probably one of the most exciting!
Gay Pride Amsterdam is the yearly highlight for gay Amsterdam. This year the main Amsterdam Pride weekend will be from August 4-7th, 2011.
Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest and most special gay prides around the globe! With street parties all weekend long, the best club circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade on Saturday.
The Red Light District doesn’t hold a candle to the debauchery that is the Amsterdam Pride Festival. G, L, B, T, whatever you are, there’s a party going on during the festival that celebrates every person flying under the rainbow flag.
Berlin Germany.
Berlin Gay Pride 2011:in Germany called CSD (Christopher Street Day). Destination of the parade and closing event at the world-famous Brandenburger Tor. Events take place the last weekend of June.
Traditionally, there have been gay areas in the districts of Schöneberg and Kreuzberg (both in the western part of Berlin) as well as in Prenzlauer Berg (eastern part). Recently, the district of Friedrichshain developed as another area with a couple of gay-friendly clubs and restaurants. Most of the gay hotels, bars, cafes and shops in Berlin are located in the Schöneberg district (which had dance halls for men already back in the 1920s).
Stolz ist höchste. Pride is supreme—that’s the feeling anyone traveling to Berlin might have if visiting during the second half of June. It can be a zoo (quite literally, as Zoo Berlin hosts a gay night with a swing dance party during the event). In addition, the Schöneberg district doesn’t disappoint with dancing in the streets throughout the festival. Berlin Pride.
London
London is a Mecca for pride festivals. The calendar of events is measured in weeks, not days, and it’s jam-packed with fun. This year, Soho will come alive with an open-air dance floor, and in 2012, London will host the third World Pride event just before the Olympic Games held July 27th thru Aug 12th.
Pride London aims to promote equality and diversity through all of its campaigns. The Pride London festival uses theatre, music, debate, art and entertainment to raise awareness of discrimination and the issues and difficulties affecting the lives of LGBT people around the world. The Parade is an explosion of Pride in the heart of the capital, attracting over 1,000,000 people in a celebration of diversity. Pride London.
Rome Italy
Hundreds of thousands of people marched through central Rome in a gay pride parade earlier this month, and was capped by a brief Lady Gaga performance in the ancient Circus Maximus stadium.
With scores of GLBT fans, it only seems fitting that Lady Gaga performed at the closing ceremonies for Rome Pride. Rome has a complicated history with gay rights (it’s proximity to the Vatican doesn’t help), but things are becoming more and more liberal. Gaga’s performance came at the end of a week of club parties and parades. Euro Pride Roma
NEW – UP AND COMING!
PRAGUE!
This year Prague will have its first pride festival. The Czech team is confident they will put Prague on the map as Central and Eastern Europe’s capital of diversity, even though Prague is the last capital in the European Union to organise a pride. The organizing team is preparing a programme covering five days of events from August 10th to 14th that will be interesting for all, not just the LGBT community. Everyone is invited to participate in the event.
I think this is one Pride which will really grow into something big! Prague is an amazing city.And Pride should attract a big international crowd.
TRAVEL TIP – The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (koruna), abbreviated as Kč, with the international abbreviation CZK. Most businesses will accept EUROS, but you DO NOT want to pay with EUROS. Convert your currency to CZK. It will go MUCH FURTHER.
GAY TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD
Budapest Pride Declared a Success Despite Problems with the Police
We went specifically for their Gay Pride March.
The Budapest Pride is Hungary’s largest annual LGBT event. It has historically been known under several names, including Budapest Gay Dignity Procession (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet) or simply “happy parade” (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet). The parade has taken place each year since 1997, usually on the first Saturday of July, proceeding along Budapest’s most expansive thoroughfare, Andrássy Avenue, between the City Park (Városliget) and Elizabeth Square (Erzsébet tér). Though much smaller in scale than similar gay pride parades in Western Europe and the Americas, between a thousand and two thousand marchers typically participate in the Budapest procession. Radical right-wing demonstrators and hooligans have severely disrupted the Budapest gay parades held in 2007 and 2008, casting concerns with the Police in Budapest.
In the past, sometimes anti-gay groups threw eggs, smoke bombs and bottles into the crowds. Several years ago, Gábor Demszky, Budapest’s mayor from the Alliance of Free Democrats party, condemned the violence against the event for which he had expressed unambiguous support. However, three non-governmental organizations accused the government-supported police of doing little to stop the fascists.
I will say this, this year, we saw Police stopping people dressed in all black clothes, asking for ID and detaining them somewhat, from certain areas.
This year, nearly 1500 Police! protected the marchers. It is estimated that 2500-3000 marched. It was wild to see. Side streets were being blocked off with fences and there were 20 police here, 30 police there…it looked like soimething out of a movie, like we were under attack or something.
Police effectively sealed off streets and protected the route. I am surprised, this much money was spent “protecting gays”…perhaps the fear of bad press? if another bad incident was to occur??
We did not want to participate in the entire 3 hour event. We had a previous appointment that day, but planned to join the marchers at the Opera House. Police told us at 4pm, we could join in. At 4:30 Police told us we could NOT join in, and they began “sweeping” the streets, clearing and pushing everyone away from the oncoming parade. – I am told that over the last 2 months, Police kept chaging the plans and even up to the final hour of the march, police kept changing the rules.
We thought perhaps we could cut through the park, and meet up with marchers at the stage at the end. So we ran over to the ending spot, and found a fence up, with another 30 Police keeping eveyone back. As marchers came into the blocked off area, protesters began gathering around us! Yelling DIRTY GAYS, DIRTY GAYS. We decided it best to leave!
So unfortunately, we got to see nothing. But we are told the event was successful and was the biggest turnout they have had yet!
However, news reports online say there fights and attacks right after the event.
According to the latest information, the attack that took place on 18.6 at Gay and Lesbian Pride in Budapest was well planned and prepared for. Those involved were obviously members of the right-wing extremist organization 64 Burgkomitate Youth Movement (HVIM), which organized and registered the counter-demonstration at Oktogon, as well as the representative of Hungary’s right-wing extremist party Jobbik, Gyula Györyg Zagyva, and Jobbik’s lawyer, Andrea Borbély. The right-wing extremist demonstrators had already had violent confrontations with the police during the parade and attempted to disrupt the parade with homophobic and anti-Semitic chants.
In addition to an attack with an irritant spray, which was carried out by two women, there were verbal and gestured threats, such as non-verbal death threats and Nazi salutes by members of 64 Burgkomitate. In spite of the previous attacks, the right-wing extremists posed as victims, and from then on the police treated the group from Vienna as suspects, obviously due to intervention from the Jobbik representative. Jobbik systematically implements this reversal of guilt as a legal strategy.
I think many of us take our freedom for granted. Walking around Budapest I always felt safe. And we met many young straight men who were nice to us and offered us directions when lost.
Budapest has a significant gay and lesbian community, whose social status has seen great improvements since the fall of Communism. While there’s no specific gay neighborhood in Budapest, the city has plenty to offer the gay visitor. Budapest has a wide selection of bars and clubs, restaurants and cafés and baths and saunas, which are gay-friendly or frequented mostly by gays and lesbians. Budapest is one of the most popular cities in Central and Eastern Europe for gays and lesbians. The city is also seeing a revival of the monthly gay parties attracting gays and lesbians from neighboring countries.
One must always be aware of their surroundings and never take things for granted, no matter what city you are in.
Gay Travel to Amsterdam Pride Discount Packages
Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest and most special gay prides around the globe! With street parties all weekend long, the best club circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade on Saturday.
Last year Amsterdam Gay Pride drew in a record amount of visitors. Some 500,000 people watched the Canal Parade, where a record 80 boats took part.
Our friends at Travel Leaders have negotiated amazing rates for an 8-day/6 night package running from August 1-8th.
Roundtrip airfare from Boston (other departure gateways available, pricing upon request)
6 nights hotel – a deluxe hotel in the city center near all attractions
Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
All taxes and surcharges
Local escort from Travel Leaders to show you around
The price is $1998.00 per person based on double occupancy.
This is an awesome way to experience Amsterdam and Pride!
Call David for all of the details 1-800-942-1280 or email him.
Join DAVE for an unforgettable 8-day/6-night getaway to exciting and beautiful AMSTERDAM, a city that is easy to get around by bike, canal boat or on your own two feet! You will be impressed with its eclectic architecture, excellent museums, mazes of canals, great shopping and its SERIOUS PARTY SCENE! The mix of people and cultures is like no other in Europe.
Come with me and be introduced to the unique history, PARTY SCENE and spirit of Amsterdam – from the historical city center to the heart of the famous RED LIGHT DISTRICT to the many “COFFEE SHOPS” to the AMSTERDAM PRIDE festivities – you will be amazed at its unique, laissez faire attitude. You won’t be disappointed.
$1998!
AUGUST 1 – BOSTON – AMSTERDAM: Depart Boston’s Logan International Airport aboard your overnight, transatlantic
flight to Amsterdam with full meal and beverage service available. (other departure cities available).
AUGUST 2 – AMSTERDAM: Morning arrival at Schipol airport in Amsterdam where we board our private motor coach for
the drive into Amsterdam. We will check into deluxe hotel in the heart of Amsterdam.
AUGUST 3-7 – AMSTERDAM: Buffet breakfast is included at our hotel each day and all other meals are on your own. All days
are at leisure to explore Amsterdam. Dave can assist you in choice of activities. Enjoy the many Amsterdam PRIDE festivities
– throughout the city and the famous Canal Parade on Saturday, August 6. Thousands from around the world flock to
Amsterdam for the many parties, street festivals and other special events.
AUGUST 8 – AMSTERDAM-BOSTON: Buffet breakfast and hotel check-out. Transfer to the Amsterdam airport to board our
return flight to Boston with full meal and beverage service.
This is an awesome way to experience Amsterdam and Pride!
Call David for all of the details 1-800-942-1280 or email him.
First Gay Pride Celebration Comes to Prague!
GAY PRIDE COMES TO PRAGUE!
This year Prague will have its first pride festival. The Czech team is confident they will put Prague on the map as Central and Eastern Europe’s capital of diversity, even though Prague is the last capital in the European Union to organise a pride. The organizing team is preparing a programme covering five days of events from August 10th to 14th that will be interesting for all, not just the LGBT community. Everyone is invited to participate in the event.
“We want to show the general public and of course visitors from abroad, Prague can host a complete pride festival. Prague is one of Europe’s main LGBT travel destinations and we are organising a festival the city can be proud of” the organizing team explains. “By now we already know there will be a wide variety of events organized by our many partners.” All of the five days promise to be full of interesting happenings. From corporate workshops on diversity in human resource management to a sports event, theatre performances, exhibitions, cinema, a kids event, guided city tours, disco and circuit parties etc. “It is really great to see organizations and venues from the community, as well as mainstream bars and clubs, really want to make it work. They all plan to organize something interesting to add to the programme” the director of the festival says.
The highlights of the festival are the parade and concert on Saturday the 13th of August. There will be a festive parade through the city centre in the early afternoon. Individuals, companies and organizations will all join the celebration. The route will take the participants to Střelekcy Island where many local and international stars will perform. The line-up is still a secret but we promise it’s impressive. “The parade is new for Prague and we expect about 1500 people to take walk with us, many more people will be interested in the concert and festival venue, where we hope to receive thousands of guests.” the organization tells us.
On the organizers’ PRAGUE PRIDE and their Facebook profile there is a preliminary overview of the programme; more informations can be found soon.
NEED A PLACE TO STAY?
We highly recommend – The Temple Club and GuestHouse!
GAY DAYS Will Come To Las Vegas in 2012
The organizers of Orlando’s Gay Days said this week they’re expanding and will host a Gay Days Las Vegas starting in September 2012. The event is designed to complement the annual expo and party in Orlando.
“When we decided to start researching Vegas, … the feedback was just tremendous,” said Chris Alexander-Manley, president of Gay Days Inc., who noted the expansion will coincide with Gay Days 21st anniversary. “We say, ‘We’re 21, we’re legal, we’re going to Las Vegas.'”
Gay Days, based in Gotha, started in 1991 when about 3,000 members of the gay community wearing red gathered at the Magic Kingdom on a Saturday in June.
This year, the group is expecting 160,000 people to attend what has grown into a weeklong series of events that includes theme-parks visits, pool parties and a travel-retail exposition.
Starting next year, Gay Days Inc. is hoping to replicate that experience at the Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, where it has signed a three-year contract.
September 4-10, 2012. As in Gay Days Orlando, the Las Vegas event will include a Travel-Retail Expo, pool parties, and events all around town with a portion of proceeds benefiting local non-profit organizations.
Gay Nude Beaches Around the World
and then there are GAY NUDE BEACHES!
Gay Nude Beaches are few and far between, but they do exist. I have listed a few of the gay nudes beaches I have enjoyed….as well as a few we have read about.
San Diego – Blacks Beach – Probably one of the most famous gay nude beaches. There is no easy to get there! It’s a bit of hike, a climb and a jump! There is info online with suggested routes to access Blacks Beach.
Both Province Town, which has Herring Cove Beach and Saugatuck, MI, (the Provincetown of the Midwest) has Oval Beach. Both have sort of a nude beach area. TECHNICALLY, at both beaches, laws prohibit nudity. But it seems no one really seems to care and it is not enforced by the authorities.
At Herring Cove beach, full nudity is usually only found about 3/4 mile further down the beach at the end of the gay men section. At Oval Beach, gays head towards the the back dunes area of Oval Beach, which is perfect for sunbathing in the nude.
Just south of North of Miami, you will find Haulover Park and Beach.
South Florida Free Beaches/Florida Naturist Association, Inc. founded the clothing optional section of Haulover Beach Park in North Miami in 1991. There is a straight section on the right, and the gays hang out on the left! It is super busy on holiday weekends! I was there on a non holiday weekday, and there were about 200 gays out there!
If you go down under to Australia, Sydney has Lady Jane Beach. Lady Jane Beach (official name is Lady Bay Beach) is located just at the mouth of the Sydney Harbour, where Sydney Harbour meets the open sea, the Tasman Sea. From Lady Jane beach you have the most spectacular views which any beach can boast to have. Apart form the gorgeous naked man frolicking around you; you also have the Sydney Harbour in the background, Obelisk Gay Nude beach just across the harbour directly opposite Lady Jane, Manly Harbour to your right and the open ocean if you walk to the lighthouse.
If you know some more, please feel free to share in the comments section!
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Central Queensland to host First Ever Fair Day
I have never been to Australia…yet.
So when I read about The very first Central Queensland Fair day will raise its rainbow flag this weekend on the 21st of May. – I Googled it.
I came up with 2 VERY DIFFERENT photos! So I am not sure which is more accurate!
The very first of its kind for Central Queensland, the CQ Fair Day is a chance for locals to celebrate the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender communities. Head of the organising committee Ric Stumpf has commented the celebration of the LGBT community will be the running theme of the day, and he hopes it attracts crowds from all over central Queensland.
Live entertainment, including hosting duties from drag diva Vanessa Wagner, market stalls and fun activities will be set for the course of the day with the Rockhampton Campus of CQ University playing as the hosting ground.
With the Tropical Alternatives Film Festival (TAFF) already a key event in Rockhampton for the gay community, organisers are no doubt hoping the CQ Fair Day is a success so the Central Queensland LGBT community have two key events on their calendars, as well as bringing awareness to local gay-friendly businesses, health services, performers and entertainers.
QAHC Health Promotion Officer Tim Spratling welcomes the new event. “For the first time in Central Queensland, in one spot, the opportunity exists to raise awareness of local gay-friendly businesses, health services, performers and entertainers. The CQ Fair Day will allow the LGBT communities to gain access to information on health, sexuality and support services.
Central Queensland Fair Day takes place on Saturday 21st of May at the CQ University, Rockhampton campus. Let us know how the day goes! And take some photos!
Spirit Journeys Announces Gay Vacation to India for 2012
Spirit Journeys’
offers a chance to experience
India as it was meant to be experienced.
This is an extensive 16 day exploration of some of the best that India has to offer in October of 2012. From Delhi to Haridwar, Rishikesh to Jaipur, Pushkar to Varanasi and so much more!
Participants will of course visit sites of incredible historical, archItectural and spiritual significance, staying at some of the finest hotels available. Even more importantly they will explore and experience the spiritual roots of this magical land and culture.
As with all Spirit Journeys’ adventures, the joys and benefits of gay vacations are provided but with a “stop and smell the roses” kind of attitude. Conscious travel in this manner allows ample personal time for play, reflection, relaxing and appreciating the beauty of India. This adventure holds the possibility for you to reconnect to, or discover, your own spiritual roots and at the same time experience all the flavors and fun of India.
Throughout this journey there will be daily optional yoga practice (usually in the mornings) led by world famous yoga instructor David Moreno. David has studied extensively in India and he will share his in depth knowledge and understanding of India, the Hindu spiritual traditions and mythology, as well as Ayurvedic medicine. These times with David are an invaluable addition to your time in India.
David Moreno is a long time Spirit Journey’s facilitator and has lead men’s workshops, retreats, and international travel trips worldwide – including several to India. He is recognized internationally as a senior yoga instructor and has taught at international yoga conferences, and universities. His commentaries on yoga have been published in various yoga journals and his recently released yoga DVDs are featured on Amazon and as electronic books through iTunes and iBook.
David began practicing yoga in the late 70’s studying the Iyengar, Ashtanga, Anusara, and Bihar styles of yoga, currently studying the primordial tantric roots of the yogic tradition. When not traveling, David teaches in the San Francisco bay area.
Howie Holben is also a co-guide for this journey with David Moreno. Howie is the owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spawned in him a genuine interest in assisting others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing people to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them “step outside their box”. A Reiki/Karuna Ki Master, Quantum Touch and Breathwork Practioner, his desire is to help others uncover their potential and set their hearts and minds free.
The Magic of India – 2012
Sixteen Days Exploring Some Of The Best India Has to Offer!
October 25, 2012 to November 10, 2012 Limited to 16 people.
Spirit Journeys Mission:
To create opportunities for participants to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually; to create environments where they can feel safe enough to grow and move towards living a freer, more joyous life.
For additional information on Spirit Journeys’ special gay vacations and gay retreats, contact Howie Holben at (800) 754-1875 or visit SpiritJourneys.com.
Budapest PRIDE 2011 will Go On June 11-19
Earlier this year, Police gave Budapest Pride and it’s organizers a little bit of drama! But everything has been ironed out and all events are moving full speed ahead!
WE are very excited, we’ll be attending and covering the main events this year!
Our friends at Budapest – gay.com can help you with your stay!
Hungary offers easily affordable restaurants and bars, making this the perfect place to go for a bachelor party or wild weekend away. Expect to pay around $13 for a meal out with drinks and $3.50 or so for a pint of beer. Do look out for restaurants without prices on the menu, however — this is a known tourist trap and should be avoided at all costs. Budapest isn’t only great for night owls; as it also offers a great cultural scene — most of it cheap or free, such as the Danube River, Buda Castle and Fishermen’s Bastion. Before you leave, make sure you pay a visit to the Szechenyi Turkish Baths, which you can get for $4 if you take less than two hours.
We’ll be giving you some more reports, as it gets closer!
More details and information at BUDAPEST PRIDE!
Gay Travel Magazine PASSPORT now with Barnes and Noble NOOK
The magazine’s debut arrives just in time for the summer travel season, giving Barnes & Noble’s NOOK Color customers a variety of useful travel tips, comprehensive articles, and beautiful color photography. The device’s compact size and light weight makes PASSPORT Magazine a truly portable resource for travelers.
“We’re delighted to be the first gay magazine available on NOOK Color,” said Don Tuthill, the publisher of PASSPORT Magazine. “We know it’s increasingly important for customers to have useful travel information when they’re on the go, and making our publication available to NOOK Color customers is another step in our efforts to give our readers what they value most.”
“Our goal is to make exciting travel information as easily
accessible to people as possible, wherever they are.”
“When it comes to travel, PASSPORT Magazine is the insider’s guide to the best gay-friendly destinations, accommodations, and cultural events in the world!” added Robert Adams, Editorial Director. “Our goal is to make exciting travel information as easily accessible to people as possible, wherever they are.”
The May issue of PASSPORT magazine is now available on Barnes & Noble’s Nook Color ($1.66 an issue) and features an astonishing array of fascinating destinations (Cairo, Mumbai, Prague, Capri, and Chicago), and over 309 Insider Travel Tips about the best hotels, greatest restaurants, and most exciting nightlife and cultural attractions around the world!
Launched in 2001, PASSPORT Magazine, has become a vital source of unbiased travel information and reporting for the gay and lesbian community. The magazine is available in the USA, Canada, and a number of overseas location, and on the internet at www.PassportMagazine.com. But hey! Don”t forget about us!
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BestGayChicago.com
BestGayLasVegas.com
LGBT Gay Community Survey Now Online
We would like to invite you to take a new survey about your opinions and preferences, from an LGBT perspective.
There’s Power in our Pride! Participating in this study helps open minds and doors around the world, and influences positive changes for our community. Last year’s survey yielded 45,000 respondents from 100+ countries! You may have seen CMI research quoted in the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, etc.
Click here to start the survey, or paste the following into your browser: http://www.LGBTSurvey.com.
It takes about 10 minutes.
Everyone who completes the survey by June 15th will be entered into a drawing to win one of five $100 cash prizes, or if you win, you can designate a charity to receive the $100.
If you have LGBT friends around the world who might be interested in this survey, please forward this message to them. And please post it to your Facebook and Twitter accounts!
Tel Aviv Israel Gay Pride 2011
National Geographic named Tel Aviv the 9th best beach city in the world in 2010.
Tel Aviv is known as one of the hippest, hottest, funnest and friendliest destinations for GLBTs!
Every June for the last 11 years, the gay community in Israel celebrates gay pride in the streets of Tel Aviv. The city of Tel Aviv is bedecked in the rainbow colors for a week with the pride flag weaving from the flagpole all over the city.
This year the 11th of June will be the highlight of Tel Aviv’s pride month, with the biggest parade ever. The parade will be accompanied by various events and parties, and is a must to participate. Join the party and enjoy, because everyone else will.
The upcoming parade will take place on June 10th 2011. A few weeks before the parade itself, the organizers will publish a full list of events which usually take place before and after the parade. As soon as this list is available, it will be published by Tel Aviv Pride.
The vibrant scene is alive year-round, with dazzling nightlife, hip restaurants, stylish boutiques, and busy streets hopping with clubs and cafés: perfect for people who love to get out and about. Catch lesbian and gay film festivals, GLBT Pride celebrations and arts and culture festivals. What more could you want? Experience the pride of Tel Aviv Israel today.
Tel Aviv is famous for it’s neverending beach-line. A magnificent 14km of blue sea, open horizon, sun and lots of people, make the Tel Aviv beach a perfect place for spending many hours of your vacation.
Along the seashore you will find a promenade which is always busy with people around the clock. Take a bike ride, jog, go for a swim, or enjoy the dozens of restaurants, cafe’s, pubs, discos and more, there is always action at the beach.
Tel Aviv, the 24hour non-stop city, has actually a population of only 400,000 people, most of them are young in age. With the #1 gay scene in the whole mediterranean area, amazing beach, good weather and other attactions in the country like Jerusalem and the Dead sea, Tel Aviv is definately a place you should check out on your next trip.Phallological Penis Museum in Iceland
One of the most beautiful countries on earth!
Iceland is closer than you think. This mid-Atlantic island is the USA’s closest European neighbor. With a flight time from New York less than five hours, you’re ready for action as soon as you arrive.
There’s also plenty of choice for relaxing indulgence and pampering yourself. The chilliest thing about Iceland is its name! In January, the average temperature in the capital Reykjavik is higher than that in New York. And Iceland’s welcome for tourists is always warm. Almost everyone speaks fluent English and Icelanders aren’t really given to formalities. The telephone directory even lists people by their first name!
As Iceland is a very small country with population just over 300.000 people the gay scene is relatively small and mostly limited to Reykjavik. There are usually one or two gay bars/cafes and one or two clubs.
But they do have a PENIS MUSEUM!
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is probably the only museum in the world to contain a collection of phallic specimens belonging to all the various types of mammal found in a single country.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum in Húsavík, (formerly in Reykjavík) is a museum devoted to penises. As of September 2009, the museum houses 272 specimens from 92 species of animals displayed, like hunting trophies, embalmed in formaldehyde, or dried in display cases. The museum attempts to collect penis specimens from every mammal in Iceland, including several species that are endangered or currently extinct in Icelandic waters.
How wild is that?!
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 Maui Hawaii SunSeeker Getting Bigger and Better
GROWING BIGGER
AND BETTER
THAN EVER!
You may remember, when we reported that the staff and owners of Maui Sunseeker were ecstatic because they had bought the property behind the three buildings we all know and love as the current Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort, pictured here.
That ‘new’ property is known as ‘Serenity’, located at 20 Wailana Place. At one time, Serenity was a ‘wellness center’ and rumor has it that even Whitney Houston stayed there at one time. (OK, so you say she’s been in and out of so many places, that any dive can make that claim…..point taken).
But hang in, the story continues.
”
We talked of great dreams of spas and even an outdoor jacuzzi.
We also asked for opinions in the last newsletter. Some said… ‘We want a 24 hour jacuzzi!’ Others said ‘We want a pool!’ And yet others said, ‘Build us a SPA!’ ‘ says a spokeperson for Maui Sunseeker.
“We can now say that the property behind Serenity (which is behind Sunseeker) known as Sugar Beach, a property located at 26 Wailana Place, is in escrow to be bought by Maui Sunseeker! We are just as thrilled!!”
Imagine a contiguous 1 acre gated compound of adults-only property right on the North Kihei shore that is fully dedicated to the LGBT Community!
“If all goes according to plan, we will close escrow in THIS MONTH and hope to have the ‘Sugar Beach’ property online in May with 4 poolside full suites, upstairs is a 2,000 sqaure foot Penthouse unit with an adjacent junior suite. The addition of these two properties will literally double the amount of land that currently comprises the Sunseeker resort.
Most exciting….in addition to giving the Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort much more land, we will now have, most importantly, a pool!! Many guests just want a place to relax on property without all the Little Beach brouhaha, now they will have it.”
“When all is complete, we will increase from a 17 room resort to a 31 room resort with breakfast service, a pool, an in-ground outdoor jacuzzi and a total of 6 buildings on one acre of land with much more planned.
We would like to hear what your thoughts are for what’s important in our design and policies as we go forward. Please take a moment to complete our development survey. We want to know what you think of our clothing optional policy and what amenities YOU want to have. Your opinions matter to us, so please share them now as we go through our design.”
It’s going to be an AWESOME 2011 at MAUI SUNSEEKER
QueerTrip.com Gives Away Gay Las Vegas Package
Queertrip.com consists of dedicated LGBT travel specialists teamed up to bring you the best gay and lesbian travel worldwide. Queertrip.com is gay owned and operated.
“Our goal is to make travel better and easier for the gay and lesbian traveler. At Queertrip.com, we believe in giving back to the LGBT community, so that’s why we are giving back a portion of the proceeds to LGBT charities.”
What sets Queertrip.com apart from other gay and lesbian travel sites? Technology, service, and user friendly web site allows users to search every airfare, hotel, car, and cruise company available.
Best of all, you’ll find all the gay and lesbian travel information on destinations including gay owned and operated hotels, bars and clubs, attractions, shopping, restaurants, and more all in one conveniently located site.
Queertrip.com searches for fares listed in the GDS’s (Global Distribution Systems), negotiated contracted rates, sale fares, as well as web fares on the internet. Our search engine finds them all in one easy to use system delivering you all the fares.
QUEERTRIP.comGay Palm Springs in the Spring
THE SPRING!
All the cool things going on….
Palm Canyon Theater:
Elton Johns AIDA
HURRY! thru 3/13/2011
Alexander Weekend 10th Anniversary
3/25/2011 – 3/27/2011
Palm Springs WestFest & Rodeo
3/24/2011 – 3/27/2011
White Party
4/8/2011 – 4/11/2011
Coachella Valley Music Festival
4/15/2011 – 4/17/2011
Meet the Museum party for the LGBT Community
4/22/2011
Spring and Autumn are actually the best seasons to be in Palm Springs.
Located 120 miles east Los Angeles. The Colonial Spanish heritage, the powerful influence of Hollywood stars and Los Angeles wealthy people in the architecture and lifestyle of this town, and the omnipresence of the desert around, turn Palm Spring an exotic oasis and a top travel reference in south California.
But do you know WHERE you are going to stay??
The choice is simple, if you’re a man….INNdulge.
INNdulge corners the market on comfortable and casual. One section of the structure has the requisite pool and hot tub, and features rooms that are spacious and pampered without being stuffy, with nicely preserved ’50’s style kitchenettes (PS loves its retro history! But new updates are always being done – recently new headboards, desks, tables, dresser’s, flat screen TV’s, and original artwork were added to rooms.)
There is a poolside social hour and INNdulge probably boasts the most spectacular mountain-range view. Practically every Palm Springs Locale is outfitted with misters to combat the desert heat, but INNdulge has the only pool chiller which, when the heat soars to skin-melting temperatures, is quite a draw.
And check this out, last week they installed the desert’s first ever 24 hour security guard. His name is Pablo.
Isn’t that great?!
But seriously, this is the place to stay in Palm Springs. INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50’s architecture….and hospitality. The resort is centered around a kidney-shaped pool. The beautifully landscaped grounds frame the surrounding hotel rooms. The only thing better than the architecture and grounds of the property are the resort’s employees and its owners, who maintain a friendly atmosphere resulting in a loyal repeat crowd.
When in Palm Springs….INNdulge!
601 Grenfall Road Palm Springs CA 92264
ph. 800.833.5675 760.327.1408
Benefits of Using a Travel Agent or Agency
Many people think booking their trips can save them money. Possibly. But probably not.
Many agencies have strong working relationships with travel suppliers and they have the latest in computer reservations technology enabling travel agents to access the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value.
Planning a trip today can be confusing and time consuming – especially to a foreign land. A travel agent not only arranges the various modes of transportation, but a travel agent also may be able to save you money with early booking discounts, special fares, hotel deals and travel advisories. People who book their own trips online, may not have access too all of the current travel promotions and deals.
From advising you of all the options and sharing insider tips on destinations to understanding travels little complexities, we can provide you with the personal attention, expertise and exclusive advantages for all of your travel needs.
David Hodgkinson at Travel Leaders says “The more your agent knows about you, the better they will be able to pull together the best options and provide you with a perfect trip. Talk to an agent and be sure to share your:…
Interests – Share your interests, such as scuba diving, art or unique foods with your travel agent, and ask your agent to combine those interests into your trip.
Budget – It’s a travel agent’s job to keep within your budget. Provide them with a figure and they will work to stretch your travel dollars.
Travel preferences – If you favor a certain airline or hotel, or prefer nonstop flights, be sure to tell your agent so they can arrange your trip to meet your preferences.
Schedule – Let your agent know your preferred dates of travel. Also let them know how to contact you while traveling in the event they need to relay important information.
Travel companions’ needs – Inform your agent if your travel companion requires special accommodation, such as in-flight meal preferences or making arrangements for someone with a disability.
A good agent will go the extra mile! Agents work for YOU and will do everything they can to meet your travel needs.”
Travel Leaders
Brutal Attack in Saint Lucia on Gay Travelers
But many parts of the Caribbean are still filled filled with hate and homophobia. Jamaica may be the worst offender , but much of the rest of the Caribbean also has a long history of intense homophobia. Islands like Barbados still criminalize homosexuality, and some seem to be following Jamaica’s more violent example. Bahamas and St. Martin has had bad press and now Saint Lucia
Gay couple Michael Baker and Nick Smith were attacked , while visiting Saint Lucia, from Atlanta.
The couple had been staying with a friend, Todd Wiggins, at a cottage on the island, where sex between gay men is illegal, when they were attacked by five men who had broken into the house. Baker says the ordeal “was more than a simple robbery” and recounts how the assailants “said if (Baker and Smith) were faggots they would kill (them).” He describes the awful assault in his own words on his Facebook wall:
Then I heard a scream I’ll never forget. “Oh my god, oh my god, no, no no!!! Stay in the bathroom!! OH MY GOD!”
It didn’t make sense… there had been bugs and creatures in and out of the house all week, how could Todd be freaked out by a bug? I went to the door and glanced out. Immediately, I saw a man all in black, his face covered in a tee shirt so I could only see his eyes, and the gun in his hand. We were going to die. I didn’t see, but knew there was more than one because someone was attacking Todd….
What followed is a brutal attack. Beating, bashing, blood everywhere –
Gay Tallinn Estonia Still a Great Value for European Travel
on Tallinn Estonia about
4 years ago on
New Gay Travel Guide .
Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia, is a country in Northern Europe.
Estonia has land borders to the south with Latvia and Russia to the east.
The tourism bureau says, “Like Alice in her Wonderland, you will find there is even more to see in Estonia than you have dreamed about. The dream world becomes real and the reality is unbelievable.”
Though attitudes in Tallinn have become more in line with those of Western Europe over the last few years, overt public displays of affection are still rare here. That said, the city is home to its own thriving gay scene, with two of the most popular gay venues located next door to one another on Sauna street in Old Town.
Gay and Lesbian Information is online at Tallin Life and also www.gay.ee
Some places listed on the main tourism page are the most accessible for tourists, but are by no means the end of the story. G-Punkt and Ring Club are somewhat divey local favourites outside the centre. There’s also an exclusive, men-only sauna called Sauna Club 69 a short walk from Old Town. They actually list sauna and club information right on their main tourism page !
VALUE!
Two decades ago, this tiny republic was in the clutches of the Soviet Union; now it’s a full-fledged member of the EU and it’s fast becoming one of Europe’s vacation hotspots. Long eclipsed by nearby (and much pricier) destinations like Helsinki and St. Petersburg, Estonia’s capital offers everything from stunning architecture (in particular, the cathedrals in the medieval Old Town) to funky restaurants (one to try: Cafe VS, an Indian restaurant set in a dance club) to raging nightlife (liquor is dirt-cheap; a shot of Estonian vodka averages $1.75, and a bottle of domestic beer generally costs $2.50).
On Jan. 1 Tallinn kicked off a yearlong schedule of 7,000+ events—concerts, dance festivals, museum exhibits and more—to celebrate being crowned a 2011 European Capital of Culture. Plus, increasing flight capacity means airfares are likely to decrease—Estonian Air will double its flights to London in March and discount carriers EasyJet and RyanAir are boosting their number of trips to Tallinn.
Best time to visit Tallinn: Winters are cold and dark, and summers are packed with tourists, so your best bet is to visit in May or June, when temperatures typically hover in the 50s and 60s and it doesn’t get dark until after dinner.
Price check: A recent flight search found May fares starting at $800 for one-stops out of New York (Finn Air) and $900 from Atlanta (American Airlines); a two-stop flight from San Francisco rings up at $1,000 (American).
Where to stay: Built in 1874 for a German nobleman, the von Stackelberg Hotel is still fit for royalty with its original limestone walls, heated bathroom floors and free Internet. Ask for the Zen Room, which features soothing bamboo decor and a private Jacuzzi. Vonstackelberghotel.com, doubles from $100!
HOWEVER, Tallin Life has about 2 dozen places to stay on their site that are very gay friendly.
