Category Archives: News and Happenings

Montreal Offers Gay Tour Guides – Plus, BBCM Hot & Dry Party May 14th

DANIEL BAYLIS is a Montreal writer – and also a tour guide. On his blog, he keeps you up date with everything happening in this great city!  Like the upcoming HOT & DRY  Circuit party.

Love it or leave it, “the circuit” has become a mainstream global phenomenon, and Montréal is a much-loved destination on the tour.

May 14-18 brings the beloved annual Hot & Dry party. The event is hosted by the Bad Boys Club de Montréal (BBCM), a volunteer-based non-profit gay organization that gives financial support to groups providing direct care to people living with HIV/AIDS, and to gay & lesbian community groups. To date the BBCM has given out $1,250,000. Hot & Dry is the second-biggest event on the BBCM calendar after the infamous Black & Blue (October 7-13, 2009).

This year’s theme is “Fresh!”, which celebrates the arrival of summer. And after the winters that we get, nobody appreciates the changing of seasons more than a Montréaler.


This year’s talent includes DJ Maüs aka Louise Gauvreau (Montréal), the world renowned DJ/producer Chris Cox (Los Angeles), and DJ Scotty Thompson (New York).

Tickets for the main event are $35.

For details on Hot & Dry and the other events held throughout the weekend visit BBCM.





WHEN IT COMES TO TRAVEL –
 
What better advice than from a local?!

 
Tourisme Montreal  just launched their new “Insider” program, with a Montréaler who will show visitors what’s hot and happening in the city’s gay life. Finding gay-specific information about a particular destination isn’t always easy, but Daniel Baylis, of course,  always has the inside scoop to gay Montreal.

Many cities offer similar types of programs for tourists – but this is the FIRST I have heard of, specifically geared towards LGBT travelers! 

Over the years, the city has seen the forging of a special spirit of openness and acceptance between the general public and the city’s gay community.


Montréal is one of the oldest cities in the New World, as well as one the most cosmopolitan. Visitors often describe it as having the best of North American modernity and friendliness as well as the architectural beauty and sophistication of Europe.

The largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, and Canada’s second-biggest metropolis, the vast majority of its citizens speak both English and French, and often other languages. Montréal’s 3.6 million inhabitants live around the base of a mountain forest in cozy neighbourhoods, rich with artists and famous for winding, outdoor staircases.

Daniel is one of five Montréal “Insiders” who show visitors what’s hot and happening throughout the city in the world of arts and culture, epicurean life, gay life, nightlife and girls’ getaways. Recruitment of the five “Insiders” began early in 2009 and the selection criterion was rigorous and focused on integrity. Each had to be a Montréaler and possess a thorough knowledge of the destination, specifically in their area of insider expertise. Social media savvy was also a must, balanced by an embracing of Web 2.0 values including: transparency, humility, honesty, authenticity, innovation, listening and credibility. They are top-notch communicators, real and representative of the city’s underlying multicultural fabric.


Visit Daniel’s blog             Follow Daniel on Twitter             Be Daniels Friend on FaceBook



Visit Tourisme Montreal !


The Best Gay Cities and the New Gay Travel Guides

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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



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Gay Vacations, Gay Retreats and Gay Spiritual Travel


We first became aware of SPIRIT JOURNEYS last year. And we ran a story about their gay spiritual vacations and retreats.

For nearly 20 years, they have been planning and offering opportunities for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities (and our friends) to travel together,  exploring the world or to gather together in retreat environments, with the intention of adventuring into the frontiers of self-awareness, personal growth, and spirituality.  Since the beginning of this new millennium, there was a shift in EVERYONE’S mindset for personal growth.  So now more than ever, these types of  gay vacations and retreats are becoming more popular.

They have some very exciting retreats and destinations they will be exploring in summer 2009, and I wanted to share some of them with you.  They are  a great way to “get away” on an exciting pilgrimage with other like minded gay people, and explore lands and traditions, while also making new friends and growing personally, and spiritually.





Tantric Tribes

Asheville, North Carolina
June 11, 2009 to June 14, 2009
This Workshop is for Gay and Bi Men
A Tantra and Yoga Workshop 
 
Four days of rejuvenation and reawakening. The fusion of the powerful and complementary practices of Tantra and Yoga allows you to harness your sexual drive and awaken your Kundalini energy. Once harnessed, this energy is channeled into a dynamic and healing force in your life. The practice of Tantra alone is a very energizing experience, but blending the benefits and principles of yoga with tantra sexual practices transforms all aspects of your life.

In this workshop, you learn the basics of yoga and breathing practices.  Using a step by step, practical approach, you integrate the essential elements of Tantric sexual techniques. Channeling your erotic energy helps unlock your creativity, transforming your sexual experiences and significantly altering all other aspects of your life. There will plenty of “down time” just to relax and connect with the others in the group. More info  at  Tantric Tribes.


Going Deep
Grand Canyon Rafting
July 01, 2009 to July 10, 2009
This Journey is for Gay and Bi Men

 An amazing adventure rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Imagine spending eight days rafting 280 miles of the Colorado River with mile high canyon walls on either side. Days filled with excitement, awe and play and nights of almost luxurious camping. Now, imagine all of this with a group of gay men, who want to experience the river and the canyon as only a Spirit Journeys can offer.


Adventure, play, meditation, campfire talks and group movement rituals are used to help open our hearts and deepen our experience of this incredible place. The more we open to what the Canyon and River offer, the more alive we become; we reawaken to our true nature of laughter, playfulness and a quest for adventure; we leave behind the cares of daily life. It is the intention to actively engage the Canyon and the River so that you come to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in the power of waterfalls. 
More info at Going Deep.



17th Annual Summer Retreat
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
August 10, 2009 to August 16, 2009
This Retreat is for Gay and Bi Men 
 
Spirit Journeys  will be introducing  new aspects to their Annual Summer Retreat this year.  “One new aspect we are introducing is that we will be exploring more deeply what it means to be a gay man in today’s world, uncovering the gifts of being gay and how to offer those gifts to the world. We will still incorporate all the things that the Summer Retreat is known for: Heart Circles, Sweat Lodge, Trance Dance, Erotic Touch, etc. But this year we want the Summer Retreat to be a true celebration of the gift of being gay.”

The mountains of Northern New Mexico provides  a relaxing, rejuvenating and life affirming retreat.  The Summer Retreat is a chance to really “get away from it all”; to really recover from the stresses of daily life; to make new connections with other men. There is extraordinary power to be found in a community of gay men gathered together for eight days in such an intimate setting. With the loving encouragement of brothers, we are able to see ourselves more clearly and empower each other in realizing our life’s potential, taking small steps and sometimes leaps, toward living life to the fullest.


The shifting light on the red rock walls of Jemez Canyon, the sounds of the Jemez River, the natural hot springs, the new friends you will meet and the endless stars overhead, all welcome you. Here you can “unwind” to the core and go home truly renewed.


The Summer Retreat is much more than a summer vacation, focusing on activities that encourage relaxation, recovery and inner reflection. The days can consist of insightful group sessions, yoga, meditation or shamanic ceremony, and of course lots of laughter and play. There is also plenty of free time just to “chill out”. You may discover deep levels of intimate connection with other participants and lifelong friendships can be born. Greater self-acceptance and clarity of future direction often spring from this sacred time together. More info at Annual Summer Retreat.



Cherished Lands
An American Southwest Pilgrimage…
Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon,
The Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelley & More
August 16, 2009 to August 23, 2009

This Journey is for Everyone

Explore the great American Southwest! This adventure takes you to some of the most spectacular lands in America…Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, The Grand Canyon and Canyon de Chelley.

Days will be filled with outdoor activities, adventure and relaxation. As with all Spirit Journeys’ adventures, we will combine the joys and benefits of being on a vacation with a spiritually stimulating agenda that can provide opportunities for us to “look inside” and learn about ourselves. Conscious travel in this manner allows ample personal time for play, reflection, relaxing and appreciating the beauty surrounding us.

 


We will make offerings to the land, sing Navajo songs and tell stories around the campfire. We will leave behind the stresses of life by rediscovering our harmonious connection with creation. In this harmony, we will find the openness to allow events and teachings to unfold; it is here that true recovery and rest can occur.


You will be able to  visit the ancient sacred sites used by the Dine’ (the name the Navajo people call themselves). Like the Dine’ of long ago, and like the many who still respect the traditions today, you should bring with you on your journey a thirst for adventure, a respect for nature, a desire to widen your inner and outer horizons and a sense of playfulness. The oral traditions of the Dine’ are filled with stories of brave deeds, fierce battles with enemies, the delight and surprise of new relations, and the insistent call of nature. As you undertake your own journey, you will have ample opportunity to add meaningful personal stories to the sacred narrative of your own life. More info at  Cherished Lands.



Authentic Eros
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
August 18, 2009 to August 22, 2009
This Journey is for Gay and Bi Men

Come and play in a group of erotic explorers and open up the amazing potential that lives within your erotic self. Identify and cultivate the spark that stirs inside you, trusting it to lead you to your erotic fire.

 


Interrupt the patterns of habit, judgment, or comparison that block your sexual freedom. Practice surrender and spontaneity. Be real. Have fun. Step fearlessly into the ecstasy that lives inside your body and soul. Can you imagine that?


At Authentic Eros, you will use breath, touch, movement, sound and sensual experience as doorways to a freer and more fulfilling sexuality. “We will work with the desires and growth of each man, emphasizing individual freedom of choice and accountability. Authentic Eros offers a safe and supportive environment for each participant to explore his own erotic development in the company of others with a similar commitment.”


Much of this exploration will be clothes off and interactive. You will work with ourselves, with partners, and with the group as a whole. No prior experience is required. However, each participant will be asked to bring a sincere willingness to go deep, to be truthful, and to play in the energies of creativity, arousal, and embodiment.


     AUTHENTIC = real, spontaneous, organic, fun
                 EROS = sex, love, intimacy, connection


The goal of this workshop is to help you get INTO your body and get OUT of your habits
that lead to sexual boredom and dissatisfaction. More details at Authentic Eros.

Those are just some of the trips that sound good to us!  Visit their website for much more. On many of the vacations, if you register early there is some savings involved. And some of them fill up fast. So check your schedule early, if you can.

A Spirit Journey has all the benefits of gay travel adventures or gay vacations, only enhanced beyond imagination!

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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. 


 

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Why is Steve Guttenberg Naked in New Yorks Central Park?




People do the strangest things…..

Here is a video  of Police Academy Star Steve Guttenberg  running in  New York Citys  Central Park . Sounds pretty boring, right? Usually, we would agree, but he runs in the park PANTLESS, nearly every day!

 Steve Guttenberg does not have any pants on. There is no frontal exposure, due to laws around You Tube, however was on The Howard Stern Show in August and bragged that he was especially well endowed and that it was a great source of confidence.

When questioned about being pantless in the park, he really offers no explanation. He just says he is getting ready for a new thriller movie project!

Since he does this nearly every day, why hasn’t he been ticketed???


Watch Steve Guttenberg run half naked now!


The Best of Gay New York

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Hurricane Gustav Shuts Down New Orleans and Gay Southern Decadence



Southern Decadence was just getting started and the Mayor shut down the city. 25,000 – 30,000  tourists fled the city Saturday, when the mayor called for a mandatory evacuation. The Mayor also asked organizers of Southern Decadence to shut down all festivities.

As of now, there is no discussion of refunds for tickets to cancelled parties. But in the post-mortem, expect some agonized discussions about whether to continue the party next year.

While it has helped get a troubled city back on its feet, it also takes place during hurricane season. And it may be more difficult to attract out-of-towners in wake of Katrina and now, Gustav.




 

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EuroGames in Barcelona and The Gay Circus

          
              

EuroGames 2008 just wrapped up in Barcelona this week.  “Provisional figures show that we had about 5,300 participants, which makes this 12th edition of the EuroGames the most important in terms of participation.” More than 1,000 volunteers help this make one of the most successful events yet!

Besides all of the sports and hot athletes (men and women!) everyone was buzzing about THE GAY CIRCUS!

 After more than two years of gestation was born in Barcelona, The  Gay Circus, a premiere international absolutely a new concept of circus acrobatics based on male and female-oriented audiences gay friendly, ie a show directed to all people without prejudice. For people who accept gays and lesbians and understand that they too are human and can love. – Imagine Cirque du Soleil, but all gay with a gay story!

27 world renowned artists took part in this unique event; artists who have been prize-winners in the most important circus festivals (Monaco, Amsterdam, Paris, Budapest, Massy …) and celebrities in the most famous rings worldwide.

The two hour show where expressiveness, sensuality and poetry fuse with one single goal: a careful staging where light, music, costumes and stage effects wrap the challenging physical performances of the acrobats and dancers, achieving an up-to-date, modern and attractive aesthetic.

 After more than two years of gestation was born in Barcelona, The  Gay Circus, a premiere international absolutely a new concept of circus acrobatics based on male and female-oriented audiences gay friendly, ie a show directed to all people without prejudice. For people who accept gays and lesbians and understand that they too are human and can love. – Imagine Cirque du Soleil, but all gay with a gay story!

27 world renowned artists took part in this unique event; artists who have been prize-winners in the most important circus festivals (Monaco, Amsterdam, Paris, Budapest, Massy …) and celebrities in the most famous rings worldwide.

The two hour show where expressiveness, sensuality and poetry fuse with one single goal: a careful staging where light, music, costumes and stage effects wrap the challenging physical performances of the acrobats and dancers, achieving an up-to-date, modern and attractive aesthetic.

 The Gay Circus big top was set up in the heart of Barcelona, in Moll of Barceloneta. A comfortable, innovative and beautiful venue –  sold out 4 nights!  5,000  people got to witness the magic of these performers.

From lack of knowledge,  one could argue that Gay Circus is an event opportunistically set in this frame in order to exploit, once again, the economic power of the gay community.

Also one could argue if there’s an actual need to label the show as “gay”. All these misconceptions are far from reality.

In the same way we can talk about the existence of a pop, rock or hippie culture, there is also a gay culture. We identify certain colors, music, lifestyle, mentality, amusement as genuinely gay. Only this would be reason enough for staging a show.

But Gay Circus goes beyond. Very often the circus has translated the partner dance to the trapeze, acrobatics or contortion. We frequently attend to circus performances that present a love story as the common thread of the show… but this is always between people of different sex!

The acts in Gay Circus shows with pride homosexual love with the hope that one day future generations will be able to attend a “conventional” circus and find there, with normality, acts that now belong to Gay Circus.

The show builds from the basis of referents from literature (Death in Venice, Divine Comedy o A Midsummer Night’s Dream), painting (Masaccio’s Expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Sorolla’s Children on the Seashore, Goya’s monsters in his prints, Velazquez’s Apollo in the Forge of Vulcano), sculpture (the faun in the Louvre or the kouros in the British Museum), photography (Pierre et Gilles), and cinema (Pink Narcissus, Passolini). These sources translate in a careful staging where lights, costumes, stage effects and music wrap the challenging physical performances of the acrobats and dancers.

The Gay Circus was an amazing  high-quality show set within the framework of Euro Games 2008, the biggest homosexual sports event in the world!  It is safe to say that Gay Circus was  the greatest cultural gay event in Europe in 2008.

Let us hope and pray, with all the talent and hard work that went into this, there will be an international tour! We will keep you posted!

Watch  a clip – Gay Circus – Swinging From A Chandelier!

and this one –  Gay Circus – Hot Acrobats!

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BREAKING NEWS! Pregnant Transgender Man Thomas Beatie Just Gave Birth to Baby Girl!




The transgender man who made national news earlier this year when he revealed he was pregnant has given birth to a healthy baby girl.


Thomas Beatie, 34, became pregnant through artificial insemination. The Oregon man is resting and healthy. The birth was natural.


He was registered under a fictitious name and separated from other birthing mothers. – He actually gave birth Sunday, but news hit the Internet just hours ago.

Beatie, who was born a woman, kept his female sex organs.

“I actually opted not to do anything to my reproductive organs because I wanted to have a child one day,” he told Oprah Winfrey earlier this year. “I see pregnancy as a process and it doesn’t define who I am.”







 

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ATTENTION! Gay Couples 18-28 Planning To Marry This Summer….MTV WANTS YOU!




In the last few months, there have been thousands of articles cranked out by the media around the topic of gay weddings, especially in California. – So why not make a reality show about it?!

Enter  MTV. From Hawaii  to California, Gay Destination weddings are becoming incredibly popular. Are you Gay and going somewhere far from home to tie the knot? 

I just got a call from MTV – they want to hear from you if your heading to California this summer to tie the knot! Make your wedding even more extraordinary by having MTV document your journey.


TRUE LIFE: I’m Having a Destination Wedding 

True Life employs first-person narrative storytelling to provide a window into the lives of young Americans. The show  will focus on the growing trend of young people choosing to get married thousands of miles from home. – Especially for gay people who may be taking off to California or somewhere else,  to be legally recognized for their partnership.



“We’re looking to follow young people who are getting married this July or August that appear to be between the ages of 18 and 28. Email married2@mtvstaff.com and tell us your story. Please be sure to include your name, age, location, date of the wedding, phone number, and a photo.”




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BREAKING NEWS – Clinton Concedes to Obama



Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., will end her presidential bid Saturday in Washington, D.C., surrounded by supporters, some of whom are devasted and angry that her campaign to become the nation’s first woman presidential nominee has ended.


The former first lady is expected to thank supporters, formally endorse Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and urge Democrats to unite behind him in an effort to defeat presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain in November.


It’s a dramatic end to one of the longest, most closely fought primary races in recent history, and one that is unbelievable to many of Clinton’s most ardent supporters.



READ MORE AT ABC News !


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Madonna’s Vanity Fair Globe Brings $24,000 in a Charity Auction on EBAY




Last night, a fan paid $24,200 on EBAY for the globe Madonna signed for a Vanity Fair photo shoot!

100% of the final sale price will support Raising Malawi c/o United Way of Miami-Dade, Inc.

The winner gets:

• the autographed globe from Madonna’s May 2008 Vanity Fair cover shoot;

two tickets to a very special Madonna performance in New York City at the end of April;

• accommodation for two nights at N.Y.C.’s Bowery Hotel;

• dinner at Gemma—one of Manhattan’s hottest restaurants;

• round-trip airfare for you and a guest (from select cities) to N.Y.C., provided by Virgin America.


Since 2006, Raising Malawi has been dedicated to bringing an end to the extreme poverty and hardship endured by Malawi’s one million orphans. Co-founded by Madonna and Michael Berg, Raising Malawi uses a community-based approach to provide immediate direct physical assistance, support long-term sustainability, create education and psycho-social programs, and build global awareness through multi-media and worldwide volunteer efforts.




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Rainbow Rampage – The Ultimate Gay Road Rally Party in Europe and United States




The world’s first gay centric motorsports event is set to launch two events this summer that will highlight the daily destinations rather than the speed of individual participants. The Rainbow Rampage is a fabulous expression of spirit. Welcoming participants of every color and stripe to represent the full spectrum of gay identities, personalities and style for the “Ultimate Gay Party.”


The first rally begins in Brighton, England with parties and a grand official send off before crossing the channel and heading to the first stage destination: Paris. Following a course designed to highlight spectacular non-highway roads, participating in fun challenges that urge participants to take in their surroundings while enjoying a non-stop gay festival of Europe’s greatest cities; Paris, Amsterdam,Hamburg, Berlin, Prague and Vienna.

The Rainbow Rampage is essentially a large group road trip that precedes the gay pride parade in Budapest, where the tour ends. Participants are given free entry to participate in the parade as a grand finale that also includes luxury accommodations at one of Budapest’s famous spa hotels.


EU RAINBOW  RAMPAGE              US RAINBOW  RAMPAGE

June 28th – July 4th, 2008          Sept. 27th – Oct. 3rd, 2008
7 days – 2300  miles                     7 days – 2200  miles


The US Rainbow Rampage will follow a route through Seattle, Crater Lake, South Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Las Vegas, Joshua Tree National Park, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Lead Organizer, Guy Zucker, hopes that there will be a growing
“awareness that this event is taking place,” and that organizers are
looking for “local support … especially reaching [out] to the gay
community at each stage along the way.” It may be the first event of
its kind but with GLBT travelers accounting for ever increasing
participation in major cities and luxury vacations known to be gay
friendly destinations, it was only a matter of putting it together.

For ENTRY DEATAILS visit RAINBOW RAMPAGE

New Gay Travel Guide


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YOTEL is Invading Airports for Pod People – The Future Has Arrived!





How  about a posh little pod pad for $50 -$100   as opposed to the airport chain hotel for $200 a night?
During at dreaded overnight  layover at many airports, you are forced to stay at an over-priced chain hotel on or near the airport property. Or worse yet, have you ever tried to catch a few zzzz’s on an airport hard-as-rock bench? You just want to freshen up and rest your eye’s for a few hours, for Gods sake!

What if you could sleep in comfort in a luxurious pod for a fraction of the price the hotels charge?

The future has arrived! Pay by the hour – not by the night –  and get well rested. Everything you would expect from a luxury hotel in a small space. Located uniquely inside the airport terminal buildings at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4 and London Gatwick’s South Terminal.  Amsterdam Schipol is coming this summer. YOTEL  plans to be in every major airport eventually!




Of course, much smaller than a standard room in a hotel, these little 23-33 square foot pods have a bed, (complete with plush mattresses) television complete with about 60 international channels, 80 radio stations and 5000  music tracks, desk and chair, free Wi-Fi, and a private shower with monsoon showerheads. AND 24-hour room service with snacks and small meals.

Prices start  at  $35 and go up from there. FABULOUS! Yotel was the idea of Simon Woodroffe, founder of the U.K. chain YO! Sushi restaurants. – “I was lucky enough to get an upgrade to the sleeper bed in British Airways first class. I went to sleep with the conundrum of how to make a Japanese capsule hotel acceptable in the west and woke up realising the solution was around me: all I needed to do was find the designer of the BA first class cabin and ask them to help me design a hotel.” – The rest as they say, is history! In 2003 he partnered with a designer, in 2005 built a prototype, 2007 opened their doors!


BOOK ONLINE or find out more! Coming soon, to an airport near you!

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¿Viva La Revolucion? ¡Relajar América! ABSOLUT VODKA AD SCANDAL




ABSOLUT found themseleves in some hot mess drama this week! Bowing to pressure, Absolut has pulled the ad and is “refocusing” efforts in the Latin American marketplace, specifically in Mexico. The creative, early 19th century map showing chunks of the United States as a part of Mexico, has angered many American and Mexican consumers. CNN even covered it!


(*a note from the Historical Accuracy Department & Wikipedia: the map used is historically accurate up until 1848 when the United States, under President James K. Polk, invaded Mexico and seized Mexico City after the Mexican government refused to acknowledge the United States’ annexation of Texas.)



According to my blogging buddy Ryan Arnold The Ad Guy,  – Let’s put this into perspective, people. Absolut Vodka is a Global brand. Hence, they undertake marketing initiatives that are geared toward specific consumers located in various parts of the Globe. In the case of this ad, it was part of an outdoor and print campaign in Mexico City, Cancun, and other larger Mexican cities. This ad was not geared for the US General Market – it was placed in Mexico and targeted Mexican consumers. When media outlets throughout the Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California caught wind, many tried to spin the ad as Absolut weighing in on immigration and citizenship reform. Absolut released this statement on their website:

“In no way was this meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues.”

Recognize this advertisement for what it is: another in the long list of clever advertising we’ve come to know and love from Absolut Vodka. You can view a fine collection of Absolut Vodka ads (some less controversial than others) here
. France’s Pernod-Ricard is taking over Absolut Vodka, one of the world’s top-selling spirits, after buying government owned Vin & Spirir earlier this year.



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Harry Potter Gets Naked in New York on Broadway




Gosh, it’s been a week of hot news from New York City!


Daniel Radcliffe, the star of the ”Harry Potter” movies, will make his Broadway debut on Sept. 5, playing the disturbed stable boy in a revival of Peter Shaffer’s play, ”Equus,” it was announced today.


Radcliffe, 18, earned rave reviews for his performance in the London production of the Tony Award-winning play. He also received loads of media attention for appearing naked onstage — a departure from his wholesome image as the bespectacled boy wizard in the big-screen adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling fantasy novels.









”Equus” begins previews Sept. 5 for a limited 22-week run at the Broadhurst Theatre. The play opens Sept. 25-Feb. 8, 2009. Thea Sharrock directs.


Richard Griffiths, who portrays Harry’s mean Uncle Vernon in the ”Potter” movies, reprises his London role as the psychiatrist who treats the stable boy, who has blinded six horses.



Radcliffe told Reuters in an interview in September that the prospect of acting in New York was “terrifying”.


“I would be very nervous because I think (the audiences are) even more discerning than in London.”


England’s liberal perspective on nudity differs greatly than that of New York’s, so it will be interesting to see how Americans respond to their young hero being in his birthday suit!

If you love New York, visit our New York Site!



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Who’s Your Next Hot Tranny Mess? Project Runway Season 5


 

SEASON  5….ARE  YOU READY  FOR  A  NEW  HOT  TRANNY MESS??




WHO WILL IT BE????

Auditions for Project Runway 5, to be held in Los Angeles, March 28, 29, 30, 
Chicago on April 1st, Miami on April  3  and  New York City April 5, 6, and 7th!


 

WHO WILL BE YOUR NEXT HOT TRANNY MESS????



Did you see the SNL spoof of Christian Soriano ?

That’s hot!


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George Michael Announces First North American Tour in 17 Years





It’s going to be a hot summer for concerts! George Michael has just announced his first tour of North America in 17 years. PLUS a new album. After performing 80 shows in 12 European countries for a staggering 1.3 million fans over the past year alone, legendary superstar George Michael will be bringing his smash 25 LIVE tour to North American Arenas in the summer of 2008 in support of his new retrospective record.  The new record, titled Twenty-Five, will be released April 1st and is a 29-song, 2-CD set featuring six new songs (including duets with superstars Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige and a song from the Eli Stone finale, “Feeling Good”) in addition to many of Michael’s iconic songs from both his solo and WHAM! career. In addition, a companion 2-disc DVD of 40 videos will also be made available.
 
The 25 LIVE tour broke several ticket sales records, most notably in Copenhagen. Michael’s concert at The Parken Stadium sold over 50,000 tickets in the matter of minutes, shattering the previous ticket sales record at the venue, formerly held by U2. On the 25 LIVE tour, Michael left both fans and critics alike in awe:
 
“It was a master class in pop genius.” – The Observer
 
“George proved he is simply one of the best vocalists this country has ever produced. A stunning performance.”
– The Sun
 
Worth waiting for. The show was, in every single meaning of the word, perfect.” – De Morgen
 
“A tremendous singer, a complete showman, all George Michael needs is a mike, his songs, and the magic on stage is instantaneous.” – La Parisien
 

The North American leg of the 25 LIVE tour will kick off in San Diego on June 17th and will continue through San Jose, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York and several other major cities. The tour will incorporate 22 shows over the course of seven weeks and Michael will perform material taken from the entire span of his career, including some classic Wham! tracks. Michael has recently teamed up with iTunes and Ticketmaster to produce an innovative media package which allows fans rare access to Michael’s videos, songs, and tickets to one of his North American 25 LIVE concerts. The package goes on sale on iTunes on March 25th. Tickets to the 25 LIVE tour will go on sale to the general public the weekend of April 6th. 
 


George Michael has enjoyed one of the most successful and enduring careers in the history of pop music, selling more than 85 million records globally and encompassing seven US No. 1 singles, two Grammy awards, three American Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award and two prestigious Ivor Novello awards for songwriting. His record “Faith” has sold over 20 million copies alone. In addition, Michael has garnered 11 British No. 1 singles and seven British No. 1 albums. He recently was declared the most played British artist on radio over the course of the last 20 years. On March 27th, Michael can be seen making his American acting debut on the new hit ABC series, Eli Stone, in which each episode is titled after one of his songs.
 
For more information about the George Michael tour visit his site.

 
 
OFFICIAL 25 LIVE U.S. CONCERT DATES:
 
6/17    San Diego/San Diego Sports Arena
6/19    San Jose/HP Pavilion
6/21    Las Vegas/MGM Grand
6/22    Phoenix/US Airways Center
6/25    Los Angeles/Great Western Forum
7/2     Seattle/Key Arena
7/4     Vancouver/General Motors Place
7/7     St Paul/Xcel Energy Center
7/9     Chicago/United Center
7/13    Dallas/American Airlines Center
7/14    Houston/Toyota Center
7/17    Toronto/Air Canada Centre
7/18    Montreal/Bell Centre
7/21    New York/MSG
7/23    New York/MSG
7/26    Philadelphia/Wachovia Center
7/27    Boston/TD Banknorth Garden
7/29    Washington DC/Verizon Center
7/31    Atlanta/Philips Arena
8/2     Tampa/St Pete Times Forum
8/3     Sunrise/Bank Atlantic Center



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2ND ANNUAL TRUE COLORS TOUR! With Cyndi Lauper, B-52’s, Rosie O’Donnell and More!






CYNDI LAUPER,THE B-52s, ROSIE O’DONNELL AND SPECIAL GUESTS CELEBRATE THE SECOND ANNUAL TRUE COLORS TOUR PRESENTED BY LOGO AS THEY TAKE THE STAGE TO “GET OUT THE VOTE”
WITH HOST CARSON KRESSLEY!


The True Colors Tour will hit the road again this summer with an exciting new line-up of legendary and up and coming artists. After receiving rave reviews and a successful debut in 2007, the True Colors Tour is expanding to meet demand in many more cities. The tour will kick off Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month on May 31 at Boston’s Bank of America Pavilion.


Produced by True Colors Concerts in partnership once again with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the 24 city North American tour is presented by Logo in support of the newly created True Colors Fund of Stonewall Community Foundation. The concerts feature nearly five hours of nonstop music with exciting special guests appearing on select dates throughout the tour including Wanda Sykes, Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Joan Armatrading, Indigo Girls, Nona Hendryx, Deborah Cox and The Cliks.



 


The True Colors Tour was conceived by Cyndi Lauper stemming from her desire to give back to the community for the love and support they have given her throughout her career.  The True Colors Tour is a celebration of the basic values and freedoms that should be shared by all Americans. Fans will experience these values through the music of both legendary icons and the newest and coolest acts this generation has to offer.


 


“I’m so excited and honored that we’re taking True Colors out on the road again this year,” said tour producer and creator Cyndi Lauper.  “We had a blast last year and we are proud that the tour also brought about visibility and discussions of issues that LGBT citizens face in our country today. This year I am once again joined on the tour by an array of incredibly talented artists. The tour is a non stop 5 hour music party with a message. This year the party only gets bigger and our message to the fans is to get out and vote in November. The True Colors Tour asks for equality for all, not just for some, that is the principal upon which this country was founded. So let’s celebrate and have fun this summer while we spread the word to get out the vote and all become a part of the changes in this country.”


  


 


“Thanks to the overwhelming success of the first True Colors tour last year, we were able to send a loud and unmistakable message to all Americans that it is past time our federal hate crimes laws be updated to  include sexual orientation and gender identity. This year, we are going to build on the grassroots power of the tour by launching a massive, nonpartisan voter outreach campaign that will educate, engage and organize equality voters in this year’s election,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This year’s True Colors Tour will provide us with an historic opportunity to organize our community to achieve a powerful voice in the 2008 elections.”


  


 


The True Colors Tour is presented by Logo and produced by True Colors Concerts, LLC in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign. For the second year, SIRIUS Satellite Radio is the exclusive national radio partner of The True Colors Tour.  Various SIRIUS talk and music channels will promote True Colors, with flagship station SIRIUS OutQ – America’s LGBT Radio Station – creating a tour-long campaign spotlighting the True Colors mission.  SIRIUS OutQ will also exclusively air a True Colors concert performance. 

Concert Dates…Tickets for select cities are on sale NOW and  available at TicketMaster.


May 31   Boston, MA                       Bank of America Pavillion       


June 1     Wantagh, NY                        Nikon at Jones Beach Theater            


June 3     New York, NY                       Radio City Music Hall                    


June 4     Toronto, ON                         Molson Amphitheatre 


June 6     Mashantucket, CT               MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods


June 7     Washington, DC                  DAR Constitution Hall 


June 9     Minneapolis, MN                 US Bank Theatre at Target Center


June 10   Chicago, IL                            Chicago Theatre


June 11   Clarkston, MI                        DTE Energy Music Theatre


June 13   Atlantic City, NJ                   Borgata Resort Spa & Casino                 


June 14   Bethel, NY                             Bethel Woods Center for the Arts


June 16   Atlanta, GA                           Chastain Park Amphitheatre


June 17   Atlanta, GA                           Chastain Park Amphitheatre


June 18   Clearwater, FL                       Ruth Eckerd Hall


June 19   Fort Lauderdale, FL             Frank Sinatra Theatre at Bank Atlantic Center


June 21   Houston, TX                         Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion


June 22   Dallas, TX                             The Superpages.com Center


June 25   Phoenix, AZ                          Dodge Theatre


June 27   Alpine, CA                            Viejas Casino – Concerts in the Park


June 28   Los Angeles, CA                 Greek Theatre


June 29   Berkeley, CA                         Greek Theatre


July 1      Seattle, WA                          WaMu Theatre


July 2      Vancouver, BC                     Deer Lake Park


July 4      Salt Lake City, UT                USANA Amphitheatre


July 5      Morrison, CO                        Red Rocks Amphitheatre




 


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Woman Sues American Airlines Over Straight Masturbating Passenger



Remember Ben Stiller in “Something About Mary“? Got that sticky stuff in his hair?
Well, fasten your seat belts, this is a wet, bumpy ride! 

A 21 year old Texas woman has filed a $200,000 lawsuit against American Airlines alleging the flight crew failed to protect her from a passenger who moved into the seat next to hers while she was sleeping, then “masturbated to her.”


The Fort Worth Star Telegram reports,”The woman slept most of the flight, but awoke about 20 minutes before landing when the pilot announced the plane was on descent into Los Angeles. When the woman opened her eyes, she saw that an unknown man had moved into the seat next to her and was staring at her as he masturbated, the suit states.


The woman turned toward the window in embarrassment and in an act of nervousness began to run her fingers through her hair where she noticed “a substantial amount of an extremely sticky substance in her hair,” the suit states.


The woman began to cry and tried to get the attention of a flight attendant, but was unsuccessful, the suit states. Finally a passenger in the row in front of the woman comforted her and verified the semen in her hair, the suit states.


When the plane landed, employee called airport police and the man was arrested.”

The suit claims that during the police investigation, the flight crew acknowledged they saw the man move from his assigned seat to the seat next to the woman while she slept.  The woman alleges employees knew of the risks associated with failing to “police the passengers to ensure that passengers do not hurt one another,” the suit states.


Thank God it wasn’t the gays involved!

 

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Earth Hour 2008




Earth Hour 2007 was a Sydney event. Earth Hour 2008 is a global movement.


On the 3rd of March 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour. If the greenhouse reduction achieved in the Sydney CBD during Earth Hour was sustained for a year, it would be equivalent to taking 48,616 cars off the road for a year.

On 29th of March 2008,  MILLIONS are expected to part this around the world! Many cities will be going dark for one hour. 


  • Aalborg »   Aarhus »  Adelaide »   Atlanta »   Bangkok »  Brisbane »


  • Canberra »  Chicago »  Christchurch »  Copenhagen »  Dublin »  Manila »


  • Melbourne »  Montreal »  Odense »  Ottawa »  Perth »  Phoenix »  San Francisco »


  • Suva and Lautoka »  Sydney »  Tel Aviv »  Toronto »  Vancouver »




  •  GET INVOLVED!


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