Category Archives: Gay News
Gay Brazil – HOMOPHOBIA Must Stop!
Last year, Brazilian chief Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, held the First National Conference of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transsexuals to condemn the biblical belief that homosexuality is wrong!
Brazil Without Homophobia is a national program run by the Lula administration that teaches that homosexual orientation is unchangeable, and seeks to construct a culture in Brazil that is “affirming” towards homosexuality.The president of Brazil says “opposing” homosexuality makes you a sick person, and he believes such thoughts need to be criminalized.
LAST WEEK, during Gay Pride in SAO PAULO – At least 21 people were injured when a homemade bomb exploded at a spot where participants gathered after the gay pride parade in Brazil’s largest city.
A 17-year-old boy who took part in the parade remains in a coma at a Sao Paulo hospital after being attacked by a group of unknown persons who found him alone on an empty street after the nearly eight-hour parade.
Another youth was attacked in Roosevelt Plaza where the march ended, and a third was stabbed in Largo do Arouche Plaza.
Calling for “the criminalization of homophobia,” Lulu said opposition to homosexuality is “perhaps the most perverse disease impregnated in the human head.”
If the bill was to pass, violators will face up to five years in prison!
Brazil is very much a country of contrasts. When someone hears the word Brazil, one thinks of the great Amazon forest, fantastic beaches, great soccer players, Carnival time – and that’s all.
Brazil, the most important country in South America, certainly has MUCH more to offer – warm people, great cities with everything from slums to high technology, a wide range of weather patterns, an awesome mixture of cultures and races – and much more!
The Gay Dollar – Not Everybody Wants it!
People sometimes ask me, “Why do you need GAY TRAVEL? Why do you need to be separate?”
Um, because, why would I want to give my money to someone who hates me? I want to go somewhere gay friendly and give my money to someone who supports my community, or at least can smile and treat me decent.
A travel company who specialize in African Safari trips has exposed itself as institutionally homophobic in a series of shocking emails with Millivres Prowler Group, owners of DIVA, Pink Paper and GT.
Following a standard email enquiry about advertising opportunities, SafariWise employee Berdene MacLeod told our MPG representative to “piss off” before sending a second email stating: “Go wank yourself, you asshole faggot!”
When we asked SafariWise to comment on their use of homophobic abuse, they failed to respond.
Namibia has had a troubled history in regards to the protection of the rights and civil liberties of gay citizens. Sodomy is illegal in Namibia, and is punishable with prison time. Furthermore, statements by government leaders, such as Sam Nujoma and Jerry Ekandjo, concerning gays and lesbians have drawn both domestic and international condemnation.
SO DON’T GO THERE!
Granted, you can’t always be sure who is gay friendly and who is not. I am sure there are many days I buy my gas, or certain brands of groceries at the store, I am giving my money to haters.
Top Gay Friendly & Supportive companies include –
APPLE, GOOGLE, NIKE, CAMPBELLS SOUP, EASTMAN KODAK, LEVI – STRAUS, AETNA, AT & T, BAUSCH AND LAUMB
Some of the UN-FRIENDLY include –
EXXON, BAYER, CRACKER BARREL, HARRAH’S, HEINZ, HORMEL, AIG
See the whole list of Gay friendly and unfriendly.
Gay Travel Safety Tips and Advice
Big Gay Travel Road Trip! Driving Equality in 100 days with Chris and Chris!
Driving Equality is a 100-day, 16,000-mile, 48-state 35 city trek across America to collect stories from LGBTQ people in an effort to raise awareness of the various forms of discrimination faced by our community in each state of the nation. Highlighting the differences in rights, laws, and amendments between the states will shed light on the current social standing of queer individuals today. I hope to create a dialogue about the disparities across the nation, and what can be done to end discrimination for all.
The guys (Chris and Chris) hit the road this past Sunday and began their trek across America!
The van is packed full of film equipment, camping gear, clothes, food, books, a bullhorn, a guitar, and a mini buddha; everything one needs for a 100-day road trip / queer film project. We are off to a good start and excited to be on the road. For the next three months we will be experiencing the country in a way that will allow us to understand the progress being made, and the discrimination faced, by LGBT people across the nation.
Driving Equality Phelps-A-Thon FaceBook Twitter YouTube
Stevie Bee from Australia Unviels His Big Fat Anti Gay Collab Project on YouTube
STEVIE BEE BISHOP is 22, living in Australia and has been a member of YouTube for about 18 months now and posts some really neat things! Last month, he called on other gay (and gay friendly) You-Tubers, to help with an anti-gay project, set to the song F**K YOU by Lilly Allen.
He says, “There’s a disgusting amount of hate on the internet (especially on youtube!) directed at minority groups (especially the LGBT community) so I was inspired to organize this collab video. I never set out to “change the world” i simply wanted to make something light hearted to put a smile on the face of any hate-victim watching. you’re not alone! stevie loves you 🙂
The song is by Lily Allen and I believe it was originally written about George Bush. However, this video is not against Bush. This is our interpretation of the meaning behind the lyrics and I think that our video gives a slightly different meaning to the lyrics and makes a different point than the original song had specifically intended. This video has nothing to do with George Bush!”
WATCH THE BIG FAT GAY COLLAB PROJECT
See more Stevie Bee Bishop
Gay Russia! – Not So Much
In the last few weeks GAY RUSSIA
has been in the news.
Nothing much changes under the Kremlin.
Just days away from Moscow’s hosting of Eurovision Song Contest (where contestants are being urged to speak out on GLBT issues), gay pride organizers Nikolay Bayev and Irina Fet were found guilty of “popularizing homosexuality among minors and the court ruled to fine them 1,500 rubles [about USD$50] each,” reports Interfax.
Last month they organized a public demonstration with posters reading “Homosexuality is normal” and “I am proud of my homosexuality”; a judge ordered the posters destroyed, issuing his decision from a court in Ryazan, identified as the only region in Russia where a law that bans discussing homosexuality with minors is enforced. And this is just the lead up to Moscow’s gay pride march on May 16, which will not proceed if Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has his way. Luzhkov has, year-after-year, refused to grant a marching license to organizers — except Moscow Pride already has “seven cases already pending before the European Court of Human Rights,” notes MosNews. “The latest was filed against President Dmitry Medvedev.
The biggest Greek star and the most handsome singer of the Eurovision Song Contest is ready to thrill all eurofans across the globe with his song “This is our night”, the creative choreography of Mr Eurovision Fokas Evangelinos (two times No1 in ESC!) and his sexy appearance on stage! WATCHTHE SAKIS ROUVAS VIDEO! More on him later….
Authorities in Moscow have said they will deal “firmly” with any attempts to hold gay Pride events during the Eurovision song contest, which takes place in the city this month. According to News agency RIA Novosti, City Hall spokesman Leonid Krutakov said: “There have been no official applications for permission to hold gay parades during the May holidays and all attempts to hold such events will be firmly stopped by the authorities.”
However, according to a report from Canadian site Macleans.ca, Parade organisers have applied for permission, but say they will hold this year’s march either way. “We are not going to surrender our right to freedom of assembly and expression,” said Nikolai Alekseev, head of Moscow Pride.
Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov told gays, “Entertain yourself, no problem, but not on the streets, squares, marches and demonstrations. We do not allow gay parades.” Homosexuality has been legal in Russia since 1993.
WTF?!
Next week…..A lesbian couple will try to defy deep-rooted Russian homophobia next week in the first attempt at a gay marriage even though rights activists say it will be rejected outright.
Public relations worker Irina Fyet, 31, and her partner of the same age will apply for a marriage license at a register office on May 12 in Moscow!
New Gay Travel Guide Best Gay Cities
Maine Appears to be Fifth State to Allow Gays to Marry
Maine’s governor signed a freshly passed bill Wednesday approving gay marriage, making it the fifth state to approve the practice and moving New England closer to allowing it throughout the region.
New Hampshire legislators were also poised to send a gay marriage bill to their governor, who hasn’t indicated whether he’ll sign it. If he does, Rhode Island would be the region’s sole holdout.
Maine Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat who hadn’t indicated how he would handle his state’s bill, quickly signed it.
“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Baldacci said in a statement read in his office. “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.”
The vote by the Maine Senate was 21-13, with one lawmaker absent. The bill authorizes marriage between any two people rather than between one man and one woman, as state law currently allows. The House had passed the bill Tuesday.
The gay marriage law is to take effect in mid-September but could be sidetracked before then. Opponents promise to challenge it through a public veto process that could suspend it while a statewide vote takes shape.
It’s just so silly in this country, this process takes so long and has to go state by state.
In other contries they just make it a law and move on with life!
Gay Pride Maspalomas – The Canary Islands Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is
an island of the Canary Islands.
One of the Spanish Canary Islands, Gran Canaria sits off the west coast Africa, less than a hundred miles from the Sahara so enjoys summer style sunshine all year round.
Our buddies at GayPedia said, Gran Canaria, the third largest Canary island, maintains an unusual mixture of attractions for the gay tourist.
Whilst the island offers standard package holidays, with highly-developed beachfront resorts, there is also the greenery of the north, the rugged mountains of the centre, and the desert-like southern region. So, whatever you are looking for in a holiday or short break, the island could have something for you.
Miles of golden-sand beaches (and famous Maspalomas sand dunes), scorching summer heat with beach weather all through the winter, gay bars, restaurants, shops and clubs most situated side-by-side in one large commercial centers in Playa del Ingles & the Mediterranean men are perhaps the main attractions here but the island has so much more to offer as well.
This island is called a “Miniature Continent” due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, with its long golden beaches and endless dunes of white sand, its green ravines and picturesque villages. Many researchers on climatology say you find the best climate in the world here!
Maspalomas is the oldest touristic town in the south coast of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.
There is a 68 m tall lighthouse El Faro de Maspalomas at the southern point from where the 12 km long beach and dunes, a nature reserve since 1897, lead to Playa del Inglés. Maspalomas is known throughout the world for its lighthouse, lagoon and magnificent beach.
Playa del Inglés is a popular destination for European gay tourists with bars, restaurants and businesses centered primarily in the Yumbo Centrum shopping center. Over 50 gay bars and clubs!
One of the biggest draws in Gran Canaria is its booming gay scene centred around Playa Del Ingles and Maspalomas, and their Gay Pride celebration kicks off this week! May 4th – 10th, MASPALOMAS GAY PRIDE takes over the island with excitement! Pool parties, Lesbian boat rides, drag shows, cabaret, huge pride parade, something for everyone!
GAY GRAN CANARIA MASPALOMAS GAY PRIDE
New Gay Travel Guide
OLIVIA Lesbian Travel Company is Asking for Donations?
Olivia customers received a letter in mid-March announcing the launch of the company’s capital campaign, which offers a variety of charter membership donation levels ranging from a low of $500 to a high of $10,000. The capital campaign comes amid the worldwide economic downturn and on the heels of a lawsuit by former company executives that settled out of court last November.
The Bay Area Reporter obtained a copy of the letter from a longtime Olivia traveler. The woman declined to be identified or interviewed for this article.
The letter, which was signed by Judy Dlugacz, owner and co-founder, outlined ways in which members could “take action” by becoming a “charter member,” planning an Olivia vacation, throwing a house party for Olivia, or donating directly to the company. – WHAT?!
Since when did Olivia become a non-profit?? Olivia’s unusual campaign sparked suspicion about the company’s financial stability. I am pretty sure Olivia is the only LGBT vacation company that is currently offering charter memberships. Atlantis Events Inc., which bought rival RSVP Vacations in 2007 and operates both companies, doesn’t have a charter membership program, according to Oscar Yuan, vice president of sales and marketing. R Family Vacations also doesn’t have such a program, according to Gregg Kaminsky, who co-founded the company with Kelli O’Donnell, the partner of lesbian entertainer Rosie O’Donnell.
Kaminsky said that R Family Vacations does offer some benefits, such as cocktail receptions, jackets, and other gifts to loyal customers of the six-year-old company, but people “don’t have to buy a special membership.”
Dluugacz says they are having “cash flow issues” with the resorts and cruises they work with. And she says that everyone in the business is in the same boat. Hmmmm, Atlantis, RSVP, and R Family Vacations aren’t experiencing cash flow issues with the cruise lines and resorts they work with, according to Yuan and Kaminsky……
You know I am having some “cash flow issues” as well!
If anyone wants to make a donation or have a benefit party, please let me know!
READ THE FULL OLIVIA ARTICLE at Bay Area Reporter.
Gay Beach Season! Head to the Beach With Something Unique from Spain – ES COLLECTION Barcelona
is just weeks away!
(Depending on where you live…)
and if you want something NO ONE ELSE has yet, this hot new line from Barcelona is what you need!
ES COLLECTION
Previously only available in Spain, it is spreading worldwide this year, but still in limited quantities.
Now going into its fourth year of production they will be unveiling the 2010 underwear collection this fall in the US. I just got back from Barcelona and bought a couple of the swimsuits from the 2009 collection – VERY HOT! Clean lines, fresh styles, bold color combinations and amazing fit!
This swimwear and underwear for men, is honestly some of the hottest styles we have seen with PERFECT construction and craftsmanship. Made in Barcelona, “ES tries to be unique, different and fresh in a market that is fast and more brands are joining this fast market every day. Made in Barcelona with the best fabrics that we can get from the EU market but still we can be competitive with any other brand out there on quality, price,design and delivery.”
Their designs have a wonderful cut to them, accenting your body perfectly! I purchased some of their men’s underwear and men’s swimwear, and they fit comfortable and like a glove! Many of the swimsuits features the “Pack Up” system which can easily be removed if aren’t in the mood for extra padding however is perfect for giving you that perfect “beach bulge” if you want it! It does not make your package look HUGE or anything. But it just accentuates your own package nicely and provides a wonderful smooth fit.
One of the great things about ES Collection Swimwear is the high quality of craftsmanship. With extras like the metal grommet holes and the plastic tips on the drawstring you’ll never have to “fish” out the drawstring. They also use high quality zippers, rubber logos, and just overall high quality finishing.
Word of advice for Americans – As for sizing, I would suggest, if ordering from the US, order 1 size larger than usual. Both my partner and I are 32-33″ waist, and would normally buy Medium – but their Large fits perfect. I always find European clothes run smaller than most US brands are labeled.
And who doesn’t love a SALE! Each collection features “X” number of pieces in so many sizes. Each year when the new collection is launched, anything that did not sell from the previous collection, is marked down! So when you visit their website ES COLLECTION, make sure you check out the SALE OUTLET.
MUST SEE – VIDEO of the NEWEST ES STYLES and all of their HOT models!
If you are visiting Barcelona, stop by their main store and see the entire collection on display.
Consell de Cent, 218 and right around the corner is ES4U, the outlet store at Casanova, 56!
They also have a shop at 35007 Las Palmas de G.C., Carnary Islands and soon will have stores in Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid!
And of course, you can order worldwide via their ES COLLECTION site!
The New Gay Travel Guides and Best Gay Cities
Gays in Iraq – Baghdad Crackdown on LGBT
I think we often take for granted how good most of us really have it. Imagine living in a country who does not tolerate gay people?
This week, Chris Johnson reported in Southern Voice, Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) is taking U.S. officials to task over alleged human rights abuses against LGBT people in Iraq.
Polis, who is gay, told the Blade that he urged action from the U.S. after looking into “a round of crackdowns on the gay population in Baghdad” during a congressional fact-finding trip to the country last week.
During his investigation, Polis said he learned that Iraqi officials in the Ministry of Interior were allegedly involved in human rights violations against LGBT people. He sent a letter to Patricia Butenis, the acting U.S. ambassador to Iraq, requesting “that the State Department follow-up on these allegations and urge the Iraqi government to respect all human rights.”
He said a café frequented by gay Iraqis was destroyed, leaving six Iraqis dead. Polis said it was unclear who was behind the destruction, but noted that the Iraqi government “failed to protect them.”
Polis also said he heard several gay Iraqis were jailed because of their sexual orientation and that one or more of them might have been executed by the Iraqi government. The lawmaker said he received a letter allegedly written by a jailed man who was beaten into confessing that he was involved with an LGBT rights group in Iraq.
The New York Times said, that in the past two months, the bodies of as many as 25 boys and men suspected of being gay have been discovered in Sadr City.
“Most have been shot, some multiple times,” the article says. “Several have been found with the word ‘pervert’ in Arabic on notes attached to their bodies, the police said.”
Read the full article at Southern Voice.
Sordid Lives Series Nearly Bankrupts Del Shores
WHAT A MESS!!
‘Sordid Lives’ writer Del Shores goes public with his financial crisis and attacks third parties involved with the show. Shores announced to his facebook fan club this week, that the production of Season 2 of ‘Sordid Lives: The Series’ will be at a standstill because parties failed to pay.
Many fans have reacted negatively to the news and began a boycott of LOGO. A facebook group has been set-up with email addresses — some personal — of the executives in charge at LOGO, asking supporters to persuade the network to pay up so that Shores can continue on with Season 2. But it’s complicated. Logo is not really at fault.
Shores published a letter Tuesday which goes into details about his relationship with LOGO and his financial situation. Shores says his home has gone into foreclosure and the producers still refused to pay his residuals.
Shores credits his husband Jason Dottley (singer) for getting him through a difficult period: “I live daily with gratitude. Jason told me it would be okay and suggest that I start teaching and to get back on stage to tell my stories. I did and it saved me.”
A public letter says:
I’m tired of being told to be silent.
You all deserve to know the truth about why “Sordid Lives: The Series” is not going forward into Season 2.
First of all, I want you all to know that this has been an amazing experience for me, for the cast. We love each other, we love working together. AND WE LOVE OUR FANS.
When the show premiered July 23rd, according to the executives and marketing team at LOGO, “SLTS” was in a league of its own. We were told that it was off the charts for them. That it was 20 times bigger than any show they had ever aired. I brought them stars and beloved characters and they got mainstream press — and RAVE REVIEWS across the board! Whoopi Goldberg even called me personally and told me that she wanted me to write her into Season 2. I did!
Viewers were changing their cable companies (Direct TV, you owe me money!) LOGO was in more households than ever. Not just gay. We had crossed over! We were flying high and destined to many seasons to come! I took a big risk and it paid off.
See, usually, when you bring a network a hit, you are rewarded! And we were. LOGO ordered the 2nd season 2 weeks after we premiered. BUT, LOGO doesn’t own the show. Our production company owns the series. In fact, there are three financial partners.
LOGO, our production company and IMG International, who is our foreign distributor. LOGO ordered the show CONTINGENT on the other partners also ordering the show. IMG did not. They were still selling the show — and still are. They seem to be doing very well — France, Germany, Austria, Israel, Canada, Sweden and more in the wings — so they could still come in.
But a bigger problem arose. The 12 episodes have now aired 262 times collectively (in America alone). Each time SLTS airs, the writer, director and actors are to receive compensation — residuals. The production company is the signatory with all the Guilds, meaning they have agreed to pay the residuals. To this date, WE HAVE BEEN PAID NOTHING!
I wrote and directed all twelve episodes and am personally owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. I have been paid nothing! I took a huge pay cut to do this show. I made less money in four years working on SLTS than I made in one season on “Queer As Folk”. The actors, who worked for minimums or slightly above, have also BEEN PAID NOTHING. The Guilds have stepped in, but these claims takes months.
Actors have lost health insurance and okay, now I’m going to really get honest and bare all. I worked exclusively on “Sordid Lives: The Series” for over four years. I was contractually bound to the show and turned down many opportunities — because I was doing what I loved — writing, creating, directing my own show, with amazing creative control (thank you LOGO). It was my choice and my extreme pleasure. But I took a hit. A big hit. It was a gamble. A risk. I thought I had won.
In January, our home went into foreclosure — and yes, the producers knew about my financial situation — still refused to pay me my residuals which would have saved the house and a lot of stress. I informed the executives of LOGO, hoping they would at least step in and pay me for the scripts of Season Two (which I had written). No response from the network.
Thank G-d for friends. Thank G-d for C.R., for N.A and R.A, for B.B. For Jason’s amazing family, for my kids, my ex-wife — and for the support of you, my friends and fans. You have no idea how much strength you gave me… make that — give me.
It was a crazy time. It still is.
But you know, I learned so much. I learned that things are things — and health, family, friends, and my adoring fans, are important. I am loved and I’ve had a good ride. I’m lucky and I am BLESSED.
I live daily with gratitude. Jason told me it would be okay and suggest that I start teaching and to get back on stage to tell my stories. I did and it saved me. Yet, I was still fighting for “Sordid Lives: The Series”. I even tried to buy the show back from the producer — knowing, I could put together the money.
But negotiations came to a screeching stop. The price was too high.
We reached an impasse — and now, I have a glimmer of hope — but yes, it has faded.
And as much as I love my friends at LOGO, it did sting when they picked up a second run (reruns) of “The Sarah Silverman Program” for more money per episode than they paid for SLTS. That money could have saved our show. And no disrespect to Ms. Silverman. I LOVE her show, but that’s not the point. My interpretation — “Sordid Lives: The Series” was just simply not that important for LOGO to save.
So, I must move on. I have other stories to tell. I want to see “Southern Baptist Sissies” on the big screen. I know the effect of the play. The healing. The salvation. {Anybody with a couple of mil want to make a difference, be a movie producer? 🙂 } I have other plays in me, other TV shows. Caroline Rhea, Leslie Jordan and I will bring our “A-Sordid Affair Comedy Tour” to you very soon. It’s all good.
But I do have more “Sordid Lives” in me… the 2nd season was written before it all went down. I own the stage rights and the publishing — so someday, someway, you’ll know how Noleta fares in the looney bin, where Brother Boy winds up… what happens to Ty and Jacob, to Latrelle, Wilson and Tomeka. You’ll know if Sissy gets out of jail. And who set the fire at Bubba’s? And how dear LaVonda works her magic on the masses! And how “Juanita” has at least has one clear moment.
I love you all — and if I get in trouble — I better have some lawyer fan (hopefully really cute) who will save my ass.
And as my Mama Merck used to say — “You can’t get blood from a turnip.”
And yes, as Sissy says, “It’ll all turn out…”
And as the Bible says, “The truth will set you free!”
Del Shores
IN THE MEANTIME – CATCH DEL SHORES LIVE – ON TOUR – Telling Stories!
April 24th, Atlanta, GA Actors Express
May 15th, Dallas, TX KD Studio / Lifewalk benefit
May 16th, Dallas, TX KD Studio
May 21st, Los Angeles, CA Zephyr Studio
DEL SHORES WEBSITE
Del Shores on Facebook Del Shores on MySpace
The Great Urban Race – Amazing Race in your City!
It’s back again, for another year of fun races!
Coming to a city near you.
The Great Urban Race is like the Amazing Race, for one day, in your city. Teams of two compete to solve twelve clues for the local prize, and winners move on to New Orleans to compete for the $10,000 Grand Prize!
It’s a wacky urban adventure and the clues are a mix of mental and physical challenges. (Is there liquor involved?)
Physical Challenge: Feed your teammate some tasty food, do something daring or compete in a game. Mazes, Segways, Tae Kwon Do lessons, bicycle races, holding huge fish, canoeing and many other activities were used during the 2008 season.
Scavenger: Return to the finish line with an item or find a specific vendor.
Puzzles: Think anagrams, Sodoku puzzles, word searches and crosswords.
Brain Teasers: Riddles or tests to tease your brain.
Challenge: Interaction with the general public.
Teams are encouraged to dress up –
or dress down – and have fun!
*High Heels are NOT encouraged.
COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU???
5/2/2009 – Washington DC 7/11/2009 – Minnesota
5/16/2009 – San Francisco 8/1/2009 – Chicago
5/30/2009 – Boston 8/15/2009 – New York City
6/6/2009 – Portland 8/29/2009 – Seattle
6/20/2009 – Madison 9/12/2009 – Charlotte
6/27/2009 – Denver 9/26/2009 – Philadelphia
10/3/2009 – Dallas
10/16/2009 – Normal, Illinois
10/24/2009 – San Diego
11/7/2009 – New Orleans Championship
The Great Urban Race
Obama Welcomes LGBT Families to White House this Weekend for Easter
In 2006 over 100 families with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents attended the White House Easter Egg Roll, organized by Family Equality Council (formerly Family Pride). At the time, it was unclear whether LGBT families were truly welcome at the White House, or if the Bush camp caved to pressure, but our families enthusiastically participated and the country had an opportunity to see and hear from LGBT families in an unprecedented way.
This year, another 100 LGBT families or more will attend the Egg Roll, but this time the White House has specifically encouraged them to participate in this time-honored event. President Obama was the first presidential candidate to openly affirm the equal value of LGBT families, in an August 2008 letter to Family Equality Council’s Executive Director, Jennifer Chrisler.
Then Senator Obama stated that we must “do more to support and strengthen LGBT families. Because equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights is not some abstract principle; it’s about whether millions of LGBT Americans can finally live lives marked by dignity and freedom.”
“I was thrilled when the White House called on the Family Equality Council to encourage our supporters, tens of thousands of LGBT families nationwide, to apply for tickets to this year’s Easter Egg Roll,” said Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Equality Council. “It’s clear to me that when the Obama Administration thinks about American families, they think about LGBT families, as well. For too long our families suffered under administrations that simply ignored us or attacked us outright, often for the sake of short-term political gain. Americans are tired of divisive politics. In a time of national crisis, all Americans—all families—should come together to renew this country. LGBT families will take this opportunity to show up and be counted as part of this great effort.”
Common Sense Gay and Lesbian Travel Trips from Fabugo
An increase in drug-related violence along the U.S. and Mexico border
has prompted the U.S. Department of State to issue a Travel Alert for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico.
MOST Mexico destinations ARE NOT affected. And while not advising against travel to Mexico, the alert does offer common sense precautions that all travelers should take when visiting Mexico.(or ANY other foreign city, for that matter).
As a provider of travel for the gay and lesbian community, Fabugo is committed to providing our customers the tools and information to help make their Mexico or any vacation a safe one.
“When planning a vacation to Mexico, there are several factors to consider, but probably the most
important is location,” said Jason Rhen, Fabugo’s Managing Director. “There are several gay-popular
resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, which are all a great
distance from the violence and media attention. We always urge our customers to travel smart and
be safe, regardless of their destination.”
Gay and lesbian travelers should always be aware and never be complacent when traveling to Mexico
resort destinations. As always, it is critical that gay and lesbian travelers exercise common sense
practices to help ensure their safety, including:
• Pre-plan your transportation from the airport to your hotel. This is best through a contracted
transfer company usually available with a vacation package purchase. Fabugo offers
roundtrip airport/hotel transfers to contracted hotels within Mexico vacation destinations.
• Do not travel, walk, hike or tour alone. It is always best to travel with at least one other
person, preferably in a group. Do not walk at night in unlighted areas where there is little
tourist activity. Use common sense in regard to public displays of affection.
• Choose your hotel in a popular tourist location selecting one that works with U.S. tour
operators and maintains those contacts. Fabugo offers a large variety of hotels in resort areas
and maintains relationships and contact with them.
• Avoid drinking too much to ensure you are always aware of your surroundings and can act
appropriately in any situation. Make sure you drink with friends and that you leave with them
to return to your hotel.
• If you travel away from the tourist areas of your destination, be sure to only do so with a
registered tour guide or tour company. Fabugo offers scheduled tours for our customers that
can be arranged with a contracted tour company when you book your vacation.
• Avoid being a target for robbery. Keep cash, jewelry and other items hidden; keep passport and other documents in a safe in your room. (To be extra safe, make a photo copy of your passport as well. Just in case). Do not use an ATM at night. Be careful at the beach. Common sense can help you avoid a vacation-ruining crime.
• Remember to be careful. Mexico is not the Castro in San Francisco and the culture is typically
much more conservative. Always remain conscious of your surroundings and use common
sense to ensure you don’t make poor judgements.
Fabugo remains committed to providing our customers with fabulous vacation experiences in Mexico
and is proud to offer a quality vacation product to gay and lesbian-popular resort destinations. We urge gay and lesbian travelers to always travel smart and make safety your number one priority when traveling anywhere, including Mexico.
Right now Fabugo’s gay and lesbian customers can book a dream Mexico vacation to a number of
resort destinations and save $100 off their already low package price. Combined with great values
offered by many of the hotels that we feature, your Mexico vacation might be closer than you think.
Enter FABMEX100 into the Promotion Code box when booking your vacation to receive the discount.
To receive the discount the vacation booked must be four nights or longer with at least two people on
the reservation. Your Mexico vacation must be booked by December 31, 2009 with travel complete
by March 31, 2010 to enjoy the discount. Other restrictions may apply.
Gay & Lesbian Mexico Hot Deals!
About Fabugo…
Fabugo is the premier source for gay and lesbian vacation travel offering our customers a broad
range of travel products, fabulous low prices, incomparable customer service and unique destination
content. Fabugo offers air, car, tours, shows and more than 20,000 hotels worldwide including
GayComfort Accredited properties. To book your vacation with Fabugo or for more information, visit
your local travel professional and ask for Fabugo.
Gay Marriage in Iowa & Sweden!
This morning – it’s official!
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the state’s same-sex-marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples, making it the third state where gay marriage is legal.
In a unanimous ruling issued today, the court upheld a 2007 Polk County District Court judge’s ruling that the law was unconstitutional. The case stems from a 2005 lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay-rights organization. The group filed a lawsuit on behalf of six gay and lesbian Iowa couples who were denied marriage licenses.
Iowa now joins Connecticut and Massachusetts as states that allow same-sex couples to marry.
Meanwhile, the Vermont House of Representatives late Thursday approved a bill legalizing gay marriage, a measure that now faces a veto from the state’s governor.
The Democratic-controlled house voted 95-52 in favor of the bill, which had already cleared the state Senate in a 26-4 vote. The state’s Republican governor, James Douglas, says he now plans to veto it.
Lawmakers in New Hampshire and Maine also are considering bills that would allow gay marriage.
The Defense of Marriage Act says that under federal law only a marriage between a man and a woman is recognized. President Barack Obama has said he wants to repeal the 1996 law. That could give same-sex couples in states that recognize gay marriage or civil unions access to federal benefits, such as Social Security payments in the event of the death of one of the partners.
ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK –
Sweden has become the fifth European country to allow same-sex marriage. Parliament on Wednesday adopted a new law, to take effect May 1, that gives same-sex couples the same marriage rights as heterosexuals. The Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Spain also allow same-sex marriages.
Best Gay Cities! BUMP Gay Travel Information
Bump! is the world’s first gay and lesbian travel and lifestyle television series. It is unique and international in scope. In each episode Bump! presents a new gay-friendly destination in a stylish and upbeat format.
Bump! travels the globe in search of fascinating gay human-interest stories. From gay tourism hotspots like Miami and London, to urban centres such as Montreal and Los Angeles, Bump! focuses its lens on gay and lesbian communities around the globe.
Finding a gay and lesbian-friendly travel destination doesn’t mean having to focus on the well-known gay villages or tourism hotspots in urban centres anymore.
Charlie David, (from Dante’s Cove) Canadian co-host of the American TV series “Bump,” has found gay and lesbian-centric getaways in remote corners of the world as travel companies and governments cater to the culture.
“What I’m finding more and more and what we’re discovering through the series is gay and lesbian life around the world is becoming less and less ghetto-ized, which is fantastic,” David, who hails from Yorkton, Sask., said in a phone interview.
“I don’t mean ghetto in kind of a derogatory type of term, just, you know, a group of people living together. They were developed out of being kind of safe havens for people in many ways, and now it’s not as much needed.”
“Bump,” which kicks off its third season on Outtv in Canada this week, takes viewers to places and events that are of interest to the LGBT – lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transsexual – traveller.
David has been with the show since Season 2 and has journeyed to dozens of cities, some of which are hidden-gem vacation spots for LGBT tourists. Examples include a little fishing village in Brazil called Paraty, a ski resort in Telluride, Colo., and Calgary – one of David’s favourites.
“Oh my gosh, I loved Calgary … OK, I like cowboys,” David, who is openly gay himself, laughed over the line from Los Angeles.
“But Calgary for me, I guess, being from Saskatchewan originally, it’s very similar. It feels like home. But they are so friendly there. It is such a friendly city and we showcased the gay rodeo while we were there and to see the sportsmanship of those guys and gals out there riding the bulls and doing all their rodeo contests, it was crazy.”
That’s not to say the series doesn’t highlight the more popular gay neighbourhoods and events like splashy pride parades. It’s just that while there, David and his camera crew also seek out spots that are relevant to LGBT culture but not heavily promoted.
“I think the best example is when we did Paris, I didn’t go and do a piece on the Eiffel Tower,” said David, whose co-host is lesbian playwright Shannon McDonough.
“So pieces that I did there were a tour of Musee d’Orsay from a homosexual perspective in terms of which artists might have been gay or had that influence or through the art . . . Or a tour of Le Marais, which is almost like Church Street in Toronto, that type of thing.”
With travel corporations creating gay and lesbian cruises, resorts and hotels, “it’s more difficult to, in some ways, find some of those extremely gay-centric or gay-only type of neighbourhoods and places,” said David.
“Buenos Aires was an amazing example of that, as well as throughout Scandinavia,” he said.
“There, it’s not like you’ll have a Church Street (in Toronto) or a Davie Village in Vancouver or that type of thing. There are establishments that are either gay or lesbian-friendly, or gay-owned or lesbian-owned, throughout the whole city and it’s not so much of, like, ‘Oh, this is the only place that’s safe for us,’ which I think is a huge statement because that would not have been the scenario 20 years ago.”
Government sponsorship is also helping, he said.
“There are places in Greenland that are really strongly advocating, you know, ‘Hey, gay and lesbian tourists, come visit here. We’re an open city, we’re an open place, you can come dog sledding, you can have a completely different experience,’ and that’s awesome,” said David.
WATCH CLIPS ONLINE AT LOGO or buy the DVD’s!
Pridebook – LGBT International Social Networking Site
Because of all the work we do online, we LIVE on the Internet! And last week we came across PRIDEBOOK. An online international LGBT Social Networking site. It is a very neat site with over a thousand members currently, and growing each day.
Once you join PrideBook, which is totally free, inside you will find all kinds of other groups you can join and network with. Groups like Pet Owners, Gay Trekkies, Travel Interests etc. – sort it like a gay version of MySpace or Facebook.
In this Web 2.0 world, with the creation of things like MySpace and FaceBook, more and more people are setting up groups and networks targeted to gays. WE even set up a GAY TRAVEL group on Facebook. And we mentioned a couple weeks ago, FABUGO GAY TRAVEL is getting ready to launch their gay travel Social Networking site.
Started by Rob in Canada, he told me they have members and traffic from over 80 different countries! “I thought the GLBT Community could use its own little niche social networking site.” he says.
It’s a great place to network, post photos, make friends and have fun!
Check it out!
PrideBook! New Gay Travel Guide group on FaceBook
A Gay Boy and His Car! Travel Across The United States…Driving Equality
CHRIS MASON
is about to embark on a
road trip to raise awareness!
16,000 miles.
100 days.
48 states.
35 cities.
1 goal:
to advance LGBT equality.
Driving Equality is a trek across America to raise awareness of the various forms of discrimination faced by LGBT people in each state of the nation. Highlighting the differences in rights, laws, and amendments between the states will shed light on the current social standing of queer individuals today. I hope to create a dialogue about the disparities across the nation, and what can be done to end discrimination for all.
“During the 100-day trip (which kicks off MAY 11th), I will be meeting with LGBT community organizers, activists, and any citizens willing to talk. Through these interviews, I will gain an understanding of the current political climates, and explore ways of combating discrimination. Throughout my journey, I will make frequent posts on this website, including photos and video clips.
The project will culminate with a documentary of my experience with the aim of activating a discussion about potential strategies for ensuring equality.
Check out my route! If you happen to be along the way, and would like to be a participant let me know. “
You can also donate and get one of these cool buttons!
Join his group on FACEBOOK and MySpace.
Great Barrier Reef Caretaker – Best Job in the World
Imagine…living and working in Australia for 6 months,
exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
And your job is to write, blog, photograph and tell the world about it!
That is what I hope to be doing this coming July!
Please take 90 seconds and view my video and cast me a vote!
This would be a dream job for us!
VOTE FOR DERRICK SORLES!
Many thanks!
Derrick and Michael
Gay Marriage, Gay Unions, Domestic Partnerships, EQUAL RIGHTS!
EVERY COUNTRY IS DOING IT …
Except the United States!
There was a great article this week at
Huffington Post, by Nancy Lublin.
Called HOW THE GAYS CAN SAVE US!
She says, “I’ve got a simple, cost-free proposal for stimulating the economy: legalize gay marriage.
Forget your politics. Shelve your bigotry. Just listen to the numbers….
The average American wedding costs $20,000. The number of gay couples living together without the benefit of marriage is estimated at 3 million. Using those numbers, same-sex marriages could pump an estimated additional $60 billion in revenue into our ailing economy. That doesn’t even include money from the pre-wedding parties, honeymoons, or wedding registries.
I suspect that gay marriage would be celebrated with the same outrageous excess as heterosexual unions. Not that everyone can afford a wedding like Ellen Degeneres and Portia DeRossi’s elaborate celebration…but even some vows at city hall followed by a nice dinner with friends would help more than a $300 tax rebate. In fact, that $60 billion in revenue is all taxable!
Think about the number of jobs that would be created. The Association of Bridal Consultants say that on average 43 professionals are needed to service the average American wedding: florists, caterers, reception planners, photographers, travel agents, hotels, airlines, jewelers and bakeries just to name a few who would directly benefit from this huge infusion of cash….not to mention the divorce attorneys.
Picking and choosing what kind of love is worth recognizing is an expensive choice. Is discrimination worth that price?
It seems to me, the ailing economy might just be gay marriage proponent’s new bff.”
More than 16,000 gay weddings took place in Britain last year, with a quarter of them held in London.
More than 25,000 same-sex marriages have been contracted in Canada.
Most of the world is starting recognize same-sex rights.
What are we waiting for? Marriages are for two people who love each other. If they want to get married, so be it. They’re going to be together regardless of whether it has an official “governmental” stamp on it or not.
A government denying them the right to publicly marry is like saying “Okay, you can worship the same god, you can pay your taxes, you can be a law-abiding citizen just like the rest of us… but you don’t have the RIGHT to get married!”
Why? The “sanctity of marriage”. As if marriage would somehow be tarnished if more people were allowed to tie the knot. It is a nonsensical reason. Don’t call it marriage then. I don’t care what you call it – just give the same RIGHTS!
Last summer when my partner was rushed to Emergency for an accident, the hospital would not let me in, until I showed proof that I had Power of Attorney for him. Luckily, I had that document. I had to pay a lawyer $100 to draft it. WHY? Because the law doesn’t recognize me as his partner.
Conservative Americans try to force their beliefs on the gay community.
Remember in the 1980s – there was the belief that only gays had ear-rings (and only in the left ear). The males who got their right ear pierced were straight. Twenty-plus years later no one cares anymore, because many men now have ear-piercings in both ears, along with nose piercing, eyebrow piercings and lip piercings. The silly idea that only gays pierced their left ear was an idea forced upon gays by (guess who!) conservative Americans.
So why should gays and lesbians be denied a part of the American Dream?
They shouldn’t. All Americans are born equal and should all have the equal right to get married.
