Category Archives: Gay News
Beautiful Christmas Displays Around the World
It’s like flowers in spring or colorful foliage in fall: You know it’s Christmastime when everywhere you go, there are colored lights and fanciful decorations.
district standbys: The evergreen inventiveness and humor of Macy’s
window displays, or Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Shoppers walk by
carrying gifts, kids are everywhere and holiday music ribbons the whole
scene. It’s like a warm Christmas bath: if holiday shopping has you worn
down early, a visit can help even the Grinchiest visitor find the
spirit.
decades, where cars and tour buses fill with families for hours-long
sightseeing trips. Winn Tours’ “Tacky Lights Tours” drives customers by
some of the area’s best-decorated homes, complete with personalized
Christmas music and a full bar–even eggnog. “We do over 100 of these
tours every season, each with a group of 40 or more people,” says Mark
Pounders, director of operations for Winn Tours. “There are all types:
large families who come together, church groups, office parties.”
From wacky residential displays to professional over-the-top spectacles, AOL Travel has rounded up the 10 Best Christmas Light Displays in the U.S. Unlike your kooky neighbor’s blow up Santa Claus, these Christmas light displays have been bringing visitors back year after year. Some are classy, others tacky — but each one sparkles with unmatched holiday cheer.
Here is the America’s Best Online list of the Best Christmas Light Shows in America. After the top ten light shows and festivals there is a
list of honorable mentions. Many are listed with the approximate dates
they are available for viewing but start and end dates change yearly.
HAPPY GAY HOLIDAYS!
SPONSORED BY….INNdulge Palm Springs
Naked Men in the Desert
Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort Featured in Travel Channel’s HOTEL IMPOSSIBLE
Second season of ‘Hotel Impossible’ features a Maui, Hawaii resort that caters to the LGBT clientele.
“It was eye opening for all involved in this show” laughs Spence, “for us from a business perspective and for the cast when they discovered the clothing optional hot tub”.
Carnival Cruise Ru Paul Charter says Guests CAN NOT Come in Drag
DRAGS QUEENS AND TRANSGENDERS are SREAMING MAD about the upcoming Carnival Cruise featuring Ru Pauls Drag Racers.
but Carnival Cruises has managed to spark a bit of controversy a week
before the ship even sails by banning drag costumes. Yes, they’ve banned
drag costumes from a drag queen-themed cruise.
An email was sent to ticket holders on Carnivial’s “Drag Stars at Sea”
cruise, telling them that they wouldn’t be able to put on a wig and
heels and kiki aboard the U.S.S. Glory. Only the professionals from RuPaul’s Drag Race could. Y’see, there were other people on the boat—including children—so everyone would have to keep their pants on.
When asked, Carnival management acknowledged that gender illusion was verboten among passengers on the December 2 cruise, but said it wasn’t discrimination. It was part of their standard policy as a result of the war on terrorism.
Anaheim, Orange County…Disneyland and Beyond
towns, family fun, gay-friendly vibrant boardwalks and cool breezes in the warm
California sun. The Orange County coastline is comprised of six BEACH CITIES, each offering its own unique brand of the Southern California
experience. A day on the coast can include surf lessons, a romantic walk
on the beach or a nighttime bonfire cookout. What else could you ask for?!
We were in Anaehim for Gay Days Anaheim 4 years ago. (What a fantastic party weekend that was!) So we went back just a few weeks ago, and I wondered what could really changed in 4 years, with the recession most parts of the US have dealt with. In Anaheim, they ask, WHAT RECESSION? Nothing paused here for a moment and building bigger and better moved full speed ahead!
$1 billion+ in renovations have been added to the California Adventures Park with the new addition of CARS LAND and 10 rides are being closed and refurbished, as we speak in the 2 parks.
But what is most exciting, is the new developments happening all around Anaheim. There is so much to see and do off Disney property now as well. Anaheim is turning back the hands of time, getting into deep values, enriching the community through the arts, providing a space for the production for local culinary artisans, embracing farm-to-table foods, the slow-food movement, vintage Americana, a focus on native food and health and allowing the public to watch firsthand the processes of baking, beer brewing cooking and more. Small business ownerships and no big box stores allowed here! Embracing the history and heritage of Anaheim.
The Downtown Center Street Anaheim is located at the heart of Downtown Anaheim and is surrounded by City Hall, newly built lofts, and the historic Carnegie Library and
Muzeo Museum, the Gehry-designed Anaheim ice rink, and the historic neighborhoods of the Colony District. You will find an awesome collection of like-minded individuals and businesses focused on a common goal. Old values, personal service, shop local with handmade goods or have a haircut, shave (Imperial Barber Products) and a beer (Barbeer) . Homemade culinary treats with a distinctive cultural legacy. (Healthy Junk and Gypsy Den ). Everything old, is new again!
With new and ongoing development projects (including the restoration of of the Packing House &
Packard Showroom by Lab Holding LLC*), Downtown Anaheim is enjoying a revitalization that will reestablish it as the center of Historic Anaheim and an important Orange County destination.
Coming soon (completion of project projected for March 2013) Anaheim residents and visitors alike will be treated to an amazing, new communal gathering place in the heart of downtown Anaheim, complete with refurbished historic structures and new exciting uses.
The Packing District, located at the intersection of Anaheim Blvd and Santa Ana Street, includes the restored Packard Car Showroom, an outdoor marketplace and the restored citrus Packing House. The Packing District designs and architecture will pay homage to the master illustrators and printers of early Californian fruit crates and union organizations.
One of the few remaining packing houses from the agricultural era for which Orange County is named, the Anaheim Citrus Packing House is a landmark in both County and City history. Built in 1919 at the edge of downtown Anaheim and along the Southern Pacific rail line, the Packing House was a hub of commerce for the area. Local farmers arrived to unload trucks of freshly picked citrus to begin the process of washing, grading and eventual packing into wooden crates. Once completed, the crated and labeled citrus would be loaded onto rail cars parked on the side of the building to be shipped nationwide.
The restored Packing House will serve as a culinary center, planned as a food hall reminiscent of the great public markets of South America and Europe, that brings together artisan food producers and purveyors in a public market type setting serving as a resource for the neighborhood (daily food production) and a community gathering space (restaurants and entertainment).
The bright 42,000-square-foot historic warehouse will feature communal dining, railroad car patios, an indoor music venue and unique culinary offerings. The two level Packing House will have a large central atrium with communal dining surrounded by cafes and kiosks of varying sizes as well as outdoor picnic gardens and a building-length dining porch looking out to the outdoor marketplace, Farmers’ Park.
Farmer’s Park is an outdoor marketplace slated to host weekend farmer’s markets, outdoor concerts and movies, and festivals. Farmers Park will serve as picnic grounds for the entire project. Two small cafes sit in the park for quick takeout to enjoy in the gardens.
Farmers Park is a front porch for the community; a space that the existing neighbors will utilize as an amenity, and a welcome to those who will be visiting the adjacent Packing House and Packard Showroom.
The Packard Building is one of a handful of historic commercial buildings remaining in a district that has seen tremendous new urban development in the past decade. Contrasted with this new higher density development, buildings such as the Packard Building, the newly restored Carnegie Library and the citrus Packing House are quickly becoming the jewels of downtown Anaheim.
This mission revival building was built in 1925 and was designed with an open and light filled interior typical of car showrooms. After decades of various automobile uses and miscellaneous modifications, the Packard Building is now being restored to its original 1920’s glory. The Packard Showroom is home to the Anaheim Brewery (where past has a presence) and Umami Burger (named Burger of the Year!) and the two merchants share a large landscaped beer garden. All of this is OPEN NOW and packing people in. The final phase should be unveiled in March 2013!
In the coming months we will take you to more of Anaheim and the OC including the breath taking Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Crystal Cove State Park and more!
Anaheim and Orange County info
Anabella Hotel Just steps from Disneyland!
Great property and pricing!
Segestrom Center for the Arts
South Coast Plaza –
The most AMAZING luxury shopping complex in the US
Laguna Beach Visitors info
*LAB Holding – In 1993, LAB holding invented the “anti-mall”, to meet the demands of urban shoppers dissatisfied with the homogenization of conventional malls. In his his quest to hipsterize OC retail, Shaheen Sadeghi has built
quirkily beautiful properties and gained more than a few critics.
His latest extreme building makeover: the overhaul of Center Street in downtown Anaheim.
In the coming months, the palm-tree-lined, marble-and-teal shopping
plaza recently vacated by a jewelry-repair shop, discount-clothing
boutique and travel agency promoting cruise vacations will be
transformed into a 1940s-themed destination hub, packed with
meticulously conceptualized shops that nod to the city’s past.
New Gay Travel Survey Examines LGBT Tourists Motivations
The University of Tennessee and the University of South Carolina are
conducting research concerning the travel motives and expenditures of
members of the LGBT community.
is estimated that tourism is a $1.3 trillion industry, of which $65
billion is generated by LGBT tourists (CMI, 2011).
continues to be a vast amount of research conducted on the various
motivators that lead people to travel, there are very few studies that
explore LGBT tourists’ motivations.
Gay Travel to Australia for the Holiday Season
Thinking about what to do this holiday season?
The biggest event down under will be the 2012 solar eclipse, Turtle Cove has the
best vantage point in Australia with the path of the eclipse passing
right over our resort.from 5.45am to 7.40am on Wednesday 14 November 2012.
( Bloody early in the morning he…he..)
It
is rare for a total eclipse to be visible from land, so the excitement
is building for those who want to share in this once in a lifetime
extraordinary phenomenon.
Zinc
FM 102.7 / 4CA will be doing a live broadcast from our lawns on the
beach where the eclipse passes right above us causing a total
blackout.They will also broadcast live through all their channels in QLD
and other stations throughout Australia.
As this is such a unique once in a lifetime phenomenon
it would be unfair to cut out the rest of the world and keep this very
special day just for us.So for this one event only,Turtle Cove will have
all mixes of people of all beliefs and persuasions,if you get my drift.
BOOK NOW not many spaces left.
Xmas Day Dec 25th 2012
This
is the day that most people from down south and overseas want to get
away from your traditional Xmas day stuff.Rightly so just the thought of
sitting down for lunch all dressed up and stuffing yourself with food
in 30+ temperatures and 90+ humidity makes you feel faint.
That
doesen’t happen @ Turtle Cove,after all we are different and thus we do
our famous “Grazing Menu”Our amazing chef will deliver delicious
tasting platters every 45mins from 8am right through to to 4pm or so.
Every time a new platter arrives i will ring the xmas bell to let everyone know.
No
one should get dressed up and look pretty for the food,no,no,no…
everybody can stay in their swimmers,laze around the pool and
jacuzzi,take a plate and go for it.
Last
year was a blast and both our house and day guests loved every minute
of it. So bookings are essential,as it is already filling up.
New Years Eve Dec 31st 2012
Featuring a New Year’s Eve Dinner and Show
“DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER” with Vicki Vegas
Celebrates Vicki’s 25 years in the Biz with all the BEST known numbers/impersonations & stories ONE NIGHT ONLY! End
2012 in style with all the glitz & glamour,Sydney’s famous VICKI
VEGAS returns to Turtle Cove and transforms herself. This will be a
sensational 3 part floor show that will be like no other!!
The night kicks off with a scrumptious dinner big tropical seafood buffet.
This night is one not to be missed – FNQ’s biggest and best GAY NYE PARTY!
Dinner & show available to outside guests – bookings essential!
Accommodation is selling fast – 2 night minimum over this period
Turtle Cove is an Adults Only, Gay, Holiday Resort. Join us in Tropical Far North Queensland and experience the most fantastic piece of unspoilt Paradise in Australia.
Be assured Turtle Cove Beach Resort is not your ordinary Gay Hotel!
Come and explore our totally private, Absolute Beachfront,
slice of Gay Heaven and have the vacation of your lifetime!
Gay Day Disneyland in Anaheim is Oct 5-7, 2012
States, you’ll find yourself “Walking on Sunshine” in Anaheim and Orange
County. It is home to the 1.6 million square-foot Anaheim Convention
Center, world class dining for every appetite, championship sports, and a
variety of nightlife and entertainment.
used to have a private party one night of the year for gays and lesbians.
When the event was canceled in 1998, we created Gay Day Anaheim. We based the happening on our big sister event in Orlando, Gay
Day, which attracts
over 100,000 gays and lesbians from around the world each June.
Like the Orlando event, Gay Days Anaheim is a “mix in,” meaning gay people
and straight people mingle together; the park is open to the general public.
Also like Orlando’s Gay Day, we wear RED shirts to identify one another
and show our numbers.
The first Gay Days Anaheim in 1998 attracted about 2,500 people.
Today the event attracts over 30,000 guests to the Disneyland Resort
each year! Pretty amazing. What was once a small one-day gathering has
become a full weekend event with parties, gatherings, group photos,
scavenger hunts, private meals, and much more!
Gay Travel to Greece – Skiathos Gay Weekend July 2012
Unfortunately, we just discovered this – or we would have shared it earlier. It’s a little late to book now – but maybe next year!
While Mykonos
has long been considered to be the most gay-friendly island in Greece,
with a tradition of welcoming gay holidaymakers stretching back to the early 1960s, other islands also welcome gay travelers.
The
popular island of Skiathos, perhaps better known as one of the locations
for the movie version of “Mamma Mia!”, is presenting its first Gay
Culture Festival July 12th-15th, 2012.
The 1st International Gay Culture Festival will take place on July 12th to 15th on the cosmopolitan island of Skiathos Greece. This festival is organized with the initiative of the Hoteliers Association of Skiathos. Young artists from all over the world will join their forces for the G Festival and various events will take place, from beach parties to poetry reading.
You can watch a little video teaser online.
They have an official website as well Skiathos Gay
Gay Travel to Iceland – Reykjavik and More!
Iceland is a great destination for LGBT travelers, gay people are equal in the eyes of the law and have enjoyed marriage rights, in churches from the year 2010.
Iceland is proud to have the worlds first openly lesbian primeminister and to show support in action one third of the population shows up for Reykjavík Gay Pride.
The gay scene and society in Iceland is small but active and open, it exists mostly in the capital Reykjavík but the northern branch in Akureyri is getting stronger each year. Iceland as a gay friendly destination has gotten great reviews, it has landed on various top ten lists and gotten 5 pink stars by Diva magazine.
With its gay friendly atmosphere Iceland has come a long way since the Gay rights association, Samtökin’78 were founded in 1978 by brave, but few people. Now in the year 2012 we stand equal to straight people in the eyes of the law. The Reykjavík Gay Pride has become one of the biggest celebrations of the nation with 100.000 people attending the parade and the down town festivities and prejudice towards lgbt people are on retreat.
Ask someone in Iceland: Do you know any gay people; we can almost guarantee that the answer will be positive, this has helped the progression of gay rights in Iceland. As soon as someone you know and love has come out, gay rights are also yours to protect because they protect someone you love. Regarding transgender rights Iceland has a long way to go but we are hopeful that we can celebrate equality in the year 2012.
Check out these events!
Reykjavik Gay Pride
Always held in the second weekend of August Reykjavik Gay Pride is one of the biggest festivities in Iceland.
Dates for 2012: August 7th-12th
Gaypride.is
Pink West:
Amazing LGBT trip to the Westfjords of Iceland pre and post Reykjavík Gay Pride
Dates: August 13th-15th
Pink West
Pink East:
Magical LGBT trip to the Eastfjords of Iceland pre and post Reykjavík Gay Pride
Dates: August 6th-8th & August 13th-15th
Pink East
Bears on Ice: Four day event from September 6th
Bear event in the world´s northernmost capital
Bearsonice.org/
Rainbow Reykjavík: January 31st-February 3rd
LGBT winter festival, mixture of nature, culture, wining, dining and great parties:
Rainbowreykjavik.com/
Death Threats in Croatia for Gay Pride
I have always wanted to see Croatia.
Croatia has a double ‘personality’ with its thousand Adriatic islands adjacent to picturesque mountains
and lakes. But it’s also a survivor of the bloody Balkan wars where massacres and ethnic cleansing ravaged
the land in the 1990’s. Narrow-minded socialist thinking still expresses some sharp intolerance toward gays and lesbians. But time, peace and prosperity have helped in the healing of war scars while new national legislation has given first-time recognition of LGBT partnerships. (from 2006).
THIS WEEK, Several government ministers in Croatia announced they will join a gay pride march
set for this weekend amid threats of violence from opponents, saying it
was a test of democracy for a country due to join the European Union
next year.
Last year’s event, held in the Adriatic city of Split,
plunged into violence as police failed to protect the marchers from
angry locals who pelted them with eggs and rocks. Several people were
injured and at least 30 arrested.
Several nationalist and war veteran groups have issued warnings
against this year’s June 9 march in Split, calling it a “shameful
provocation by sick people to which we will respond.”
I can tell you, we were in Budapest last year, 2011, for Gay Pride, and nearly 1500 police tried to protect the 1500 marchers. And it was kind of scary. This year Police said they would NOT do it again and tried to cancel Pride – but Parliament overruled, and said they MUST protect the marchers again this year!
But back to Croatia.
Croatian Gay Pride revelers are being threatened with violence by members of a rightwing Facebook group, according to reports.
B92 notes that over 400 Facebook users joined the now-defunct group,
which has been dubbed, “Blood will flow in the streets of Split, there
will be no gay parade.”– the group even threatened.
“The group says its goal
is to point out to the public that it was unacceptable to hold the
“immoral manifestation” which should be held on June 9 in Split.
According to the group, the manifestation is “poisoning children”.
“What
are they proud of, their disease?”, “Every normal person is sick of
parades of mentally ill people (gays). They don’t care about the fact
that someone’s child has to watch the sick people”, “Gay bashing June 9,
2012”, “Don’t parade, go get some treatment!” are just some of the
comments posted on the group.“
An investigation of the group and its origins is reportedly underway.
“We will try to determine who the author of the group was and we will
act in accordance with the law,” Split-Dalmatia Police Spokeswoman
Marina Kraljević-Gudelj told the site. “After that we will inform the
state prosecution.”
Gay Travel to Maui: The Gay Side of the Valley Isle
Paradise is a strong word.
But ask anyone who has been to Maui, Haawii and they say it
is truly a paradise in every way.
For the gay/lesbian couple seeking a romantic haven, the island of Maui is waiting to welcome you with bright rainbow leis.
From snorkeling to whale watching and lounging and relaxing on a remote gay beach, Maui is paradise found.
With a population of less than 150,000 people, the gay scene is much smaller on Maui than in Oahu but there’s a small, tight knit LGBT community and a lot of great activities geared toward the gay tourist. The gay population is mainly concentrated
around the Kihei area in South Maui, but gay people live all over the
island.
Whether you want to surf, canoe or kayak, opportunities abound on gay Maui for the outdoor enthusiast. (which I am not! However, Maui was the perfect place for me, to unplug, and RELAX!). There are several companies that offer visitors outdoor equipment and training.
If you’re looking for something lower impact, Maui is the leading whale-watching center in the Hawaiian Islands. Head to the beach and try to spy a Humpback, dolphin or sea turtle. Stick around and be sure to catch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever experience. No Ka Oi Adventures offers nature-based excursions organized for LGBT travelers. The operator specializes in nature-based excursions and offers the queer traveler small group tours featuring off-the-beaten-path destinations on the island.
The first step in planning your memorable jaunt to the Valley Isle is finding the right accommodations. Luckily there are several gay and lesbian owned or friendly hotels and resorts on the island. Some of these properties, like the Maui Sunseeker, offer LGBT specific packages and host commitment ceremonies. In 2012, Hawaii became the seventh US state to legalize civil unions. What better place to be married and have your honeymoon at the same time?!
Industry insiders have said they expect that the law legalizing civil
unions, which took effect Jan. 1, 2012, will lead to a boost in tourism among
same-sex visitors. Hotel executives said they’re actively reaching out
to the gay and lesbian community with promotions and packages aimed at
couples who are eager to make their commitment official.
The amazing coastline is one of the main reasons to visit Maui and Little Beach is the most popular gay beach on the island. You’ll find this nude beach in Makena State Park, South of Wailea at the end of Wailea Alanui Road. It’s a little tricky. You’ll have to walk past the Big Beach and over the lava-flow trail to get there. It’s a great place to meet and greet the local gay set and gay tourists from all over the world.
After a day of fun in the sun, you’ll want to experience the local gay nightlife. Don’t expect to a wide variety of dance clubs and other gay venues like you’d find in Honolulu, but you’ll definitely have a great time.
One of the most popular bars for gays and lesbians on the island is Ambrosia. Named by Maui Time Weekly as best bar (two years in a row), Ambrosia offers daily entertainment and eclectic décor. If you want to try some exotic local drinks, you’ll fall in love with Ambrosia. Their wide varieties of specialty martinis are extremely popular and are the perfect way to cap off an adventure-packed day. There are also great drink specials and a happy hour every night from 6pm to 9pm.
Betty’s Beach Café is also a great place to eat, drink and be Mary! Their Sunday brunch is out of this world, featuring amazing omelets, egg scrambles and signature cocktails. No trip to this tropical venue would be complete without trying one of their “Betty” drinks. From the Bettie Paige (red wine, peach schnapps and pineapple) to the Betty Rubble (a Blue-beri Hawaiian), there’s truly a vice for everyone. Happy hour is always a blast at Betty’s. Every afternoon from 2pm to 5pm enjoy $3 Mai Tais and $4 Longboard Kona Beers. Stay or come back later in the evening for Betty’s evening happy hour, from 9pm to 11pm every day.
October is a great time for gay travelers to experience Maui. Maui Pride is October 5-7, 2012 and it’s always a celebration to remember. The festivities begin that Friday with an Aloha Reception at the Maui Sunseeker. This mixer is a great opportunity to get to know the local queer community and hobnob. But space fills up fast! Book as early as you can.
The main event will be held at the Maui Tropical Plantation on Saturday, October 6. Entrance is free and there will be a wide variety of vendors and activities. That morning the Pride committee will also be sponsoring drag races and other fabulous events. Saturday night, return to the venue to hula your ass off! DJs will be spinning and live performances (including the local Deborah Vial Band) are scheduled to entertain the masses. The final day of the Pride festivities kicks off at Stella Blues for breakfast (8am to 10am). Cap off the final day with a snorkel tour or hidden waterfall hike.
Before you leave Maui, during Pride or any other time of the year, you MUST take a helicopter ride overlooking the island. Air Maui and other operators offer flights for tourists and it’s only about a 45-minute flight. The sea cliffs are breathtaking! The waterfalls, awe-inspiring.
When the luau is over and you’re depressed that you have to leave the dream vacation of a lifetime, take solace, when you say “aloha” it means goodbye and hello. The friendly islanders will be there to welcome you back with sweet, sun-kissed smiles!
Guest Author Jon Fairbanks – Gay Travel Team Member
For more information about Maui or other LGBT destinations please visit www.gaytravel.com
Photo credit Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Gay Travel with HELLO KITTY
I personally LOVE Hello Kitty. It is so bright and gay and happy!
EVA Air has recently announced the transformation of two of its
Airbus A330-300 airplanes into airborne tributes to Japanese icon Hello Kitty. I’m pretty sure this proves there is nowhere to hide from the magic of Hello Kitty.
The adorable kitten created by Sanrio, in 1974, has become a
powerhouse brand in Asia, worth billion of big dollars. Everybody seems
to love Hello Kitty so Taiwanese airline EVA Air decided to associate
itself with it in an attempt to boost their struggling sector.
Analysts
say there is no risk in the move, and that despite having to pay Sanrio a
HUGE sum of money for licensing , the company has a high chance of reaching
its goal. After all, this is their third Hello Kitty plane, so they must
have had some success with the previous two.
Photos: REUTERS
Just in case you were wondering what other things bare the Hello
Kitty logo, the answer is simple: EVERYTHING! The world already has Hello Kitty theme-park, a Hello Kitty Castle, Hello Kitty cars, and even Hello Kitty themed weapons. If you’re looking for more, just check out Hello Kitty Hell, and you’ll realize there’s just no escaping the pussy. Um, kitty I mean.
Get a peak!
see also Hello Kitty Hotel in Japan
Gay Family Treated Like Second Class Citizens at London Heathrow
Two gay dads traveling with their children claim they were
humiliated by border officials who refused to believe they were BOTH
parents.
Seething civil partners Tony and Barrie Drewitt-Barlow
said “horrendous homophobia” confronted them when they landed with three
of their five kids at Heathrow.
Businessman Tony, 47, said
yesterday: “The woman asked who I was. When I told her I was their
father, she asked who ‘he’ was, looking at Barrie.
“When I said he
was my civil partner and also the children’s father, she sneered and
said it was ‘biologically impossible’ for us to be their parents.
“It was horrendous – it made my blood boil. We travel abroad a lot and this has never happened.
“We’ve faced homophobia before but it was like going back in time.”
Tony
and Barrie, 42, made history in 2000 after they traveled to the US and
used donated eggs and a surrogate mother to have twins.
Saffron and Aspen became the first children in Britain to be registered with two dads and no mother after a court ruling.
Gay Travel Brazil – A Murder every 24 Hours
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association is holding its 2012 Convention in Brazil this week, while violence against gays in that country is making headlines – again.
“Murders of gays and lesbians [in Brazil] are on the rise,” according to the online news site The Daily Beast.
“Attacks against gays have climbed steadily for most of the last
decade, with 272 murdered in 2011—one every 36 hours, according to GrupoGay da Bahía, a leading gay-rights group that tracks anti-gay violence.
This year, GGB reports, it’s even worse, with 75 murders in just the
first 10 weeks. That’s one every 24 hours.”
These statistics are shocking for a country often cited as one of
the gay-friendliest in South America. However, reports of gay-murders in
Brazil are not new. According to a January 2011 article by Gay City News, there were 121 gays murdered in 2007, 187 in 2008, 198 in 2009 and 250 in 2010.
– I am wondering what is the count of locals being murdered vs tourists?
Sérgio Carrara, a professor at the Institute of Social Medicine at
UERJ, the State University of Rio de Janeiro, believes that the number
of gay-murders is likely under reported. In the same Gay City News
article, Carrara is quoted as saying, “The absence of a law against hate
crimes means most of these crimes are treated with silence.”
While Brazil allows same-sex marriage and is home to one of the
largest gay pride celebrations in the city of São Paulo, its efforts to
pass measures designed to curb anti-gay violence have failed.
As word of Brazil’s gay-murders spread, it is possible that U.S. LGBT
travelers will decrease their travel to the country. As part of the 16th Annual Gay & Lesbian Tourism Report
by the gay travel research and marketing firm Community Marketing,
Inc. 81% of gay men and 84% of lesbians in the U.S. report they would
“avoid destinations that have a reputation for anti-gay violence.” Um, yeah!
Police Refuse to Allow Budapest Pride to Happen This Year
The gays in Budapest have struggled for years, for their freedom and acceptance. It’s a gorgeous city and a great value for travelers.
We were there last year for their gay pride, which had been on again, off again during the planning months. Police were unsure they wanted to provide the protection needed. In the end, the pride parade and march did happen – but over 1400 police were on hand to make sure no skinheads or fascists bothered or harmed the marchers.
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.
Last year’s parade went off just fine, other than some anti-gay people yelling at us. But I am guessing the city feels the cost to have 1400 police on high alert was too much?
We received this press release today –
The Budapest Police Department has refused to grant permission for this year’s Budapest Pride march. The march had been announced for July 7, 2012, with a route from City Park to Alkotmány Street along Andrássy Avenue, by the festival’s organizers, the Rainbow Mission Foundation. This is not the first time the police have tried to prevent the march, and this year they again justified their decision to restrict our freedom of assembly with the claim that it is impossible to redirect traffic to another route. With the help of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ), we are filing a petition for review of the ban. We look forward to the Budapest Metropolitan Court repealing the police’s decision, which is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
Banning the march is one of the means used to silence the LGBTQ community. The last two years have seen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law threatened in Hungary, and through its actions, the government has infringed upon the rights of many groups. The Basic Law, passed in April 2011 and in effect since the beginning of this year, the “family protection” law voted on last December, and the Hungarian Society for the Science of the Family founded in February all severely violate the rights of LGBTQ people. Banning the Pride march would only exacerbate the social marginalization of this community.
One of the themes we are highlighting in this year’s festival is the diversity of the LGBTQ community in Hungary. Given that the community is often invisible, our diversity of identities and experiences often goes unrecognized even within the community. For example, bisexual, queer, and trans people frequently find themselves marginalized and their voices unheard. LGBTQ people who are members of other marginalized groups as well (disabled people, national, ethnic, and religious minorities, etc.) are hardly ever allowed the opportunity to express their full identities. Mainstream society’s view of the LGBTQ community is restricted to a very narrow segment of the group, primarily gay men and lesbian women, and this picture is often based on explicitly homophobic and transphobic stereotypes.
Kudos to the gay community! They are not backing down and plan to march with or without a permit!
The campaign video against the ban
2012 Budapest Pride for news and updates
If you love architecture, Hungary is STUNNING! It is a gorgeous city. And there a dozen or so gay bars and clubs. They have a couple saunas. There is lots to see and do and it is so inexpensive to eat and drink and sleep there. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Gay Thailand – Phuket Pride Week April 23-28, 2012
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang (Tha-Laang) and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang, i.e. “Cape Salang”), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.
Phuket, which is approximately the size of Singapore, is Thailand’s largest island. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea.
Pride comes to Phuket – April 23 to 28, 2012. Phuket Loves You (PLU)
Club is the organization selected to produce this year’s pride
celebration.
The goal for this year’s pride celebration is to create a
stronger sense of community within the Thai and Farang communities in
Phuket which is why this year’s theme, chosen by the Phuket Pride
committee, is “Join our Family”
PHUKET
is an international destination attracting visitors
from Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.
With 17 sandy beaches, access to the amazing Pha Na
Bay with its dramatic rock formations, and numerous
smaller islands, PHUKET has vaulted to become one of
Conde Nast’s Magazines top ten tropical resort
destinations in the world.
And no wonder. From fantastic food, to world class
water sports (a top world snorkeling and scuba diving
destination), from fabulous shopping to a vibrant night
life, Phuket has something to offer every traveler.
And your money goes a lot farther here than in other
places. (You can life the high life in Phuket for weeks
for the same amount of money one week in Hawaii or the
Caribbean would cost you.) There are countless smaller
boutique hotels and guesthouses – both stylish
and inexpensive – as well as the usual array of
the world’s top hotel chains.
Get details for pride at Phuket Pride.
Gay Travel and Sodomy Laws
Our buddy Lyndon over at Focus on The Rainbow, tipped us off to this scary story today.
When you travel to foreign countries you must be aware of their laws relating to sex. What is the age of consent? Do they have a sodomy law?
Two men from California are learning that the hard way as GayStarNews is reporting
using several sources. The two men were arrested Wednesday after being
seen by someone from the dock where the ship they were on, a Celebrity
Summit cruise ship, organized by Atlantis Events, was docked and the individual alleges the two men
were engaged in sex. – Was he peeping in the windows? Or were the guys outdoors in public view?
The ship carrying about 2,000 passengers departed Puerto Rico (not so gay friendly) on
Saturday and arrived in Dominica on Wednesday. It departed for St. Barts
without the men, who are being held in a cell at police headquarters in
the capital of Roseau.
John Robert Hart and Dennis Jay Mayer both
in their 40’s were arrested on the ship by local authorities and will
appear in court today on charges of suspicion of indecent exposure and
sodomy. The ship had been docked in the Caribbean country of Dominica
which outlaws sex among gays.
The cruise which had been organized by the gay travel company Atlantis
Events in West Hollywood, CA warns all travelers of potential sodomy
laws which are in effect in the various countries their planned cruises
take travelers.
I guess I would question Atlantis. And why they choose to take gay travelers to area’s who are against gays – when there are thousands of beautiful destinations worldwide to choose from. What’s next, a gay cruise to Uganda? How about St. Petersburg?
The penalty in Dominica for same-sex sexual activity is up to 10 years in prison.
In an update from one of the sources GayStarNews used in doing their article, Dominican News Online, the website reported
the charge of “buggery” (sodomy) would be dropped and they had been
charged with indecent exposure. The sodomy charge was dropped because as
Police Chief Cyrille Carrette told the website Wednesday evening, that charge will take too long to expedite, hence the men will only be charged with indecent exposure.
The ship sailed on without the two men to continue the scheduled cruise.
If
found guilty of the indecent exposure charge they could be fined $370
each and could face up to six months in prison according to a report by the Associated Press via The Washington Post.
UPDATE – the 2 men have been released after paying $3000 in fines! They were paraded thru the streets to a bank, to withdraw money and crowds yelled slurs at them! They admit they were half naked, on their balcony. But that’s all.
Mayer and Hart say they were taunted all night long in a jail cell with no light, no water, and no toilet. The courts wanted to have their rectums inspected for signs of anal sex, but that was eventually dropped.
Dennis Mayer said he has no doubt they were arrested in Dominica because they were gay.
Police
said it was because they were seen having sex in public on the balcony
of their ship cabin. Mayer said they were not having sex, but were
‘partially clothed’.
AGAIN, I ask, why does Atlantis or anyone gay support these anti-gay ports?! It’s ridiculous.
GAY Russia – Not So Much
Lawmakers in Russia just passed a draconian censorship law that would
impose stiff fines for anything construed as “the promotion of
homosexuality” in Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city.
Reading, writing, speaking or reporting on anything related to gay,
lesbian bi or trans (LGBT) people would become a criminal act. This ban
on “promotion” would also target Pride parades, literature, theater, or
NGOs that openly serve LGBT people.
All Out, a community of
almost a million people around the world fighting for full equality,
made a little video to send the Governor a message.
Pass this law – We
Won’t Go There.
WATCH DON’T GO THERE
Columbus Ohio Celebrates 200 Years
People who live in Columbus Ohio know it’s a great place to live! But the tourism board is working hard to prove to people it’s a great place to visit, too!
We have done several articles on Columbus, since our visit last Spring.
A new article in the Columbus Dispatch says what we discovered last Spring:
During the past five years or so, Ohio’s capital city has been getting big props from major travel trendsetters.
“Lord knows, there are a million rankings, but we have been doing
really well with them lately,” said Scott Peacock, media-relations
manager at the Experience Columbus convention and visitors bureau. “I’d
say in the last two years, it’s really taken off.”
The high point was in August, when National Geographic’s
website named Columbus one of the 10 best fall destinations in the
world, alongside places such as Zanzibar and Dublin (the one in Ireland,
not the one along I-270).
Columbus turned the BIG 200 this year! There are events and happenings scheduled all year long!
You can also stop by their LGBT specific page for what to see and do.
Columbus Ohio is a highly recommended place to see and visit.
Man Overboard on Gay Cruise Identified
That man overboard, from the Atlantis Cruise, has now been identified as 30-year-old Kenneth John
Gemmell, a native of Bailieborough, Co Cavan, Ireland. Gemmell was a
flight attendant with UAE airlines stationed in Dubai.
In a statement, Royal Caribbean indicated that Gemmell was seen going overboard at 7:10 am local time and that fact was confirmed by surveillance cameras aboard the ship.
Edward Owen at The Examiner reports that the family is seeking information to bring some closure to their situation:
They are issuing an appeal to anyone on
board the ship who might have met Kenneth during the cruise, to touch
base with them. And they particularly would like to hear from the
person who witnessed him going overboard. The family has said they want
nothing more than to understand what drove their son, who had just
turned 30 last Tuesday, to this.
The family says that some
information has already come their way. One party told them that
Kenneth may have been arguing with a ship’s crew member (perhaps a
bartender) in one of the bars late Thursday night or early Friday
morning. They were also told that the crew member, a man they
understood was sharing a room with a Canadian citizen, left the ship in
Cozumel.
Because of the lack of information, a
family spokesman told examiner.com that some members of the family are
finding it hard to accept that Kenneth actually went overboard.
Anyone
who has information on this tragedy is asked to email Michael at
michael-at-mhynes.com. The family says they just want to know what
happened to their son.
