Category Archives: News and Happenings
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!
Global Entry Fast Lane Speed Pass for Gay Travelers
Travel a lot to other countries? Now, you can skip the lines!
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that
allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon
arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international
travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for
the program. Participants may enter the
United States by using
automated kiosks located at select airports.
read More
Marriott CEO is Anti Gay Marriage
DID YOU KNOW that Marriott CEO does not support gay marriage? So why are we staying there??
Bill Marriott is the chairman and former CEO of Marriott
International, a Mormon owned business. Because of his devotion to
separating personal beliefs and business, he has expressed his views on
gay marriage without backlash,(WHY IS THAT??) unlike president and COO of Chick-fil-A,
Dan Cathy.
Marriott personally believes marriage is a union between a man and a
woman, but he has kept this belief from affecting how his business is
run.
He explains his views of the church to Diane Brady at Bloomberg Businessweek:
Gay Travel to Singapore Amazing Rooftop Pool
Infinity pool 55 floors above ground opens in Singapore! WOW!
While the water in the infinity pool
seems to end in a sheer drop, it actually spills into a catchment area
where it is pumped back into the main pool. At three times the length of
an Olympic pool and 650ft up, it is the largest outdoor pool in the
world at that height.
It features in the impressive,
boat-shaped ‘SkyPark’ perched atop the three towers that make up the
world’s most expensive hotel, the £4billion Marina Bay Sands
development in Singapore.
The hotel, which has 2,560 rooms costing from £350 a night, was officially opened yesterday with a concert by Diana Ross.
The
Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, estimated to have cost £2billion
when it opened in 2004, was previously the world’s most expensive hotel.
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 Maui – Airfare Prices Drop
AIRFARE TO MAUI
CONTINUES TO PLUMMET!
You Can Now Fly Roundtrip from the West Coast for $500 bucks OR LESS!!!!
As you may know, earlier this year, the major airlines were charging outrageous fares to Hawaii.
We could not believe
roundtrip airfare from LAX to OGG (Kahului, Maui) for mid-week flights
in July, 2012 ranged from $950 up to an outrageous $1,400 roundtrip in
economy class.
Then we got the great news,
the three major airlines (United, American and Delta) all cut their
fares from the West coast cities down substantially down to about
$600-700.
Well now Hawaiian and Alaska Air have undercut the major airlines, forcing them to cut again.
We just went online and here are some sample fares for these cities for travel in the fall (8/21 to 11/14):
LAX to OGG $462 Roundtrip
SJC to OGG $499 Roundtrip
OAK to OGG $519 Roundtrip
SFO to OGG $439 Roundtrip
SAN to OGG $509 Roundtrip
SEA to OGG $478 Roundtrip
PDX to OGG $475 Roundtrip
Be sure to book your room at the Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort at our already low rates for the fall!!
$99 Palm Springs Cool Summer Deal
Sure, it can get a little HOT in the desert in the summertime. But so what? That’s why God made pools, right?!
Our fitness friend DAVEY WAVEY told Gaytravel.com, “Interestingly, the high temperatures bring in a different crowd. Instead of attracting the usual crowd from San Diego and Los Angeles,
many of the tourists were from Eastern Europe. For the international
visitors, discounted hotel rooms and hot weather are a huge draw—and
much of Europe closes down later in the summer. It’s why the Palm
Springs locals affectionately refer to the summer months as “Foreskin
Season.”
This trip, I stayed at INNdulge—a clothing-optional resort for gay men.
Though there is no shortage of clothing-optional or gay hotels in Palm
Springs, INNdulge is different. The owners of INNdulge, Sandy and Jon,
go out of their way to build a real sense of community. Each evening,
for example, the owners hold a social hour to let the guests mix and
mingle. It’s a great way to connect with other visitors and to make new
friends.”
BY THE WAY, INNdulge has a $99 Summer Special till September 15th, 2012.
Davey continues, ”
Having said all of that, here are my best tips for visiting Palm Springs—and staying cool—during the summer months:
1. Bring a car. If you don’t drive to Palm Springs, be
sure to pick up a rental car at the airport. While walking is fine
during the cooler winter months, the summer heat is oppressive—and
dangerous. Get a car and take advantage of the air conditioning.
2. Prioritize the pool. Needless to say, the pool is
more important than the room. Stay at a hotel or resort with an amazing
pool. With temperatures as high as 120 degrees, you’ll want to spend
much of your downtime in the water.
3. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Every half
hour, a cable car departs for a mountain peak 6,000 feet above Palm
Springs. The views are stunning—and, it’s usually 30 degrees cooler at
the top. It’s generally 70 – 90 degrees at the summit—thereby providing
some much-needed natural A/C.
4. Shop at the Thursday street fair. Each Thursday—and
after the hot sun goes down—the city comes alive for a weekly street
fair. Packed with local arts and crafts, food and jewelry, it’s a great
way to spend the cooler evening hours.
5. Drink lots and lots of water. Because it’s so hot
and dry, sweat tends to evaporate very quickly—and you might not realize
how dehydrated you really are. Make sure you drink plenty of water—and
take extra bottle with you while you venture out (especially during the
day).
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/
Albuquerque New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Festival Oct. 6-14, 2012
Is this an amazing feast for the eyes, or what?!
Since 1972, The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly festival of hot air balloons that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during early October. The balloon fiesta is a nine day event, and has around 750 balloons. The event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
Buy the amazing and breathtaking book!
The World Comes to Albuquerque
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
Do Gay Travelers Have A Lot Of Baggage? Don’t Fly Spirit
OK, you have seen the travelers trying to avoid the checked baggage fee and cramming 7 days of clothes into a carry on that has to be SHOVED into the overhead!
Spirit Airlines’
new $100 fee for a carry-on bag may be the most recent irritant for
fliers, but other airlines also have quietly raised their fees.
Spirit says that beginning Nov. 6 it will charge $100 for fliers who pay
for a carry-on bag at the boarding gate. That’s a big jump from the $45
the airline is charging now at airport gates and means it could cost
$200 round-trip to carry a bag on board.
Most airlines don’t charge to
carry on a bag, but last month Allegiant Air began charging up to $35, depending on the route.
Bag fees on other airlines also have been rising since USA TODAY surveyed all fees in September:
•Delta
Air Lines’ highest fee then for a second checked bag was $75 for some
international flights. Now the airline charges $80 for fliers paying
online and $100 at the airport for flights between the USA and Europe or
North Africa.
•American Airlines’
highest fee in September for a second checked bag was $60 on some
international flights. Now the price is $70 for flights between the USA
and South America (excluding Brazil).
•JetBlue
increased its fee for a second checked bag from $35 to $40 in February.
Unlike most competitors, though, the airline doesn’t charge to check a
first bag.
BACK TO SPIRIT – It’s been 24 hours of turbulence for Spirit Airlines chief executive Ben
Baldanza since he waved off his airline’s “irrelevant” industry-worst
customer complaint record in an exclusive interview with FoxNews.com.
US Tourism is not Afraid to Welcome LGBT Travel
Watch the music video for “Land of Dreams,” the original song written by
Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal and performed by Rosanne Cash and guest
artists Los Lobos, Bebel Gilberto and TREME.
Encouraging travelers to
come and find your “Land of Dreams,” they are featured in the first ever
global tourism campaign for the United States.
For a couple seconds we see what appears to be a gay couple! (about 1:16). I wish they would have done a little more than just that…but, it’s better then not being included at all.
WATCH NOW!
Gorgeous Inn in Ohio hills Offers Chance to be Innkeeper for an Afternoon!
Inn offers “Innkeeper for an Afternoon” experience; includes free overnight
After frequent comments from guests who say they think it would be fun to run an inn, Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls has created a unique way for them to experience firsthand what it’s like to be an innkeeper. The “Innkeeper for an Afternoon” program was just launched to give staff the day off so that they may help celebrate the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls’ 25th Anniversary. But the program also allows guests to try their hand at the job of innkeeping.
Thus, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is seeking friendly, energetic people to help run the inn on Sunday, June 3. The “job,” will include checking in guests, taking phone messages and other innkeeping duties. The lucky person to get the assignment will also receive a free overnight stay that evening. Interested travelers can email Innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder, ellen@innatcedarfalls.com or call (800) 653-2557. Reservations and complete details on the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls are available at Innatcedarfalls.com.
A Hocking Hills Tourism Association Certified Green destination, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is located ½ mile above Hocking Hills’ scenic Cedar Falls. The region offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, canoeing and fishing, as well as exquisite photo opportunities. The Inn’s pampering spa offers a full compliment of spa services, including couples massage, girlfriend getaways, bridal parties and group events.
Fine American cuisine is the specialty at the Inn’s dining room and meals are prepared with the finest organic herbs, produce and ingredients. The Gathering Place at The Inn at Cedar Falls caters to weddings, family reunions, business retreats and organizational brainstorming sessions of up to 50 guests.
We wrote about this Inn last year – it was an amazing time!
Innatcedarfalls.com or 1-800-653-2557 (1-800-65-FALLS).
The inn is a member of Select Registry Distinguished Inns of North America.
A New Way to Locate Dog Sitters in your City!
This is pretty cool! I know a lot of people board their dogs at these Doggy Daycares and Dog Hotels – but I did that once, and my little yorkie came back stressed out. She really needs to be with people 24/7.
You can search by city now and find dog watchers in your area!
Cage Free
Most dog owners love their dog too much to
keep them crated for hours on end, so why should that change when you
are out of town? Dog Vacay allows you to find a home environment for
your puppy, where they can get individual attention and roam freely
Perfect Fit For Fido
Pick the perfect host and
environment for your dog. Whether you need an affordable apartment for
your chihuahua or a luxury ranch for your champion show dog, Dog Vacay
has an option for you
Affordable
Our prices start at $15 per night. Travel with ease without breaking the budget
Convenience
Browse hundreds of profiles to find the perfect host. Schedule and book online with just a few clicks
Quality
There’s a big difference between watching 3 dogs
and several hundred. In a home environment your dog receives more care
and personalized attention from a true dog lover. It’s like dropping
them off at your favorite aunt’s house.
DOG VACAY.com
Gay Travel to Anti Gay Countries – Would You Go?
I don’t know about you, but I have no desire to go to countries that are anti gay! I work too hard for my money to spend it in countries that hate gay people!
I came across this writer on Huffington Post this week, Laurence Watts, who says there are at least
10 Breathtaking Sights You’ll Miss If You Boycott Anti-Gay Countries.
I can see them in books, right?
Me personally, I have no desire to go to Libya, Dominica, Jamaica, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Uganda,Pakistan/Afghanistan, Namibia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iraq, Russia and even Dubai. Sorry. I am not going. When there are hundreds of other places that welcome gay people.
Laurence goes on to say, “I’ve been to dozens of countries where homosexuality is illegal, and
where our government warns people not to go. Through common sense, I’ve
managed to enjoy my visits.” – why walk on eggshells and have to look over your back all the time? And act straight? Seriously? You really want to go spend money in Uganda when they want to kill you???? You go Laurence, and take some pictures for the rest of us.
American Airlines and US Airways Possible Merger Today
Later today American Airlines is supposed to make a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. Employees we talked to to AA say they expect to hear about the rumored merger with US Airways.
It is believed that 2 will merge – but will remain separate entities for a period of seven years. The current board at AA would be fired and AA would now play by US Airways rules and guidelines. The merger could yield $1.5 Billion per year in revenue and savings.
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!
New Customs Rule Would Affect Gay LGBT Couples
A proposed federal rule change would expand the definition of “family”
and allow non-married couples and others who live in one household and
are traveling abroad together to reenter the United States with a single
U.S. Customs declaration.
This would mean a gay couple could go through together, as a “family”.
Nowhere does the proposed rule change mention gay or lesbian partners.
The wording specifies “two adult individuals in a committed relationship
wherein the partners share financial assets and obligations,” not
including “roommates or other cohabitants.”
Customs estimates an annual savings of 72,600 “burden hours” under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The government believes the change
would effect more than a million travelers a year or four minutes per
response.
At present, gay couples traveling together must each go through Customs separately.
Read more at Steve Rothaus / Miami Herald.
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 Travel To Russia – Feds Say NO
The federal government has advised gay and lesbian travellers
visiting St. Petersburg, Russia – to
take extra precaution in the wake of a new law in the city banning
“homosexual propaganda.”
Canada’s ambassador has written to the Russian government to
express deep concern, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said.
“We are all deeply concerned by this legislation that runs
contrary to core Canadian values of freedom of speech, of human rights
and the rule of law,” Baird said on Friday during question period.
read more at CNEWS
(photo above –
Russian gay activist
Nikolai Alexeev and Alexey Kiselev were arrested in January in the far
north city of Arkhangelsk, Russia after a series of actions in sub-zero
temperatures in defiance of a “gay propaganda” law that was passed there
last year similar to the ones under consideration in St. Petersburg,
Moscow, and nationwide, according to Alexeev’s Facebook page.
Pictured, they unfurled a 20 meters rainbow flag in front of the entrance to Arkhangelsk Parliament.)
