A central committee tasked with the status of expatriates will look
into the proposal when it convenes on November 11, Yousuf Mindkar, the
director of public health at the Kuwaiti health ministry, has said.
Category Archives: News and Happenings
The Love Lock bridge in Paris, Pont de l’Archeveche, is Collapsing
PARISIANS can’t remember when it all began. At first, the appearance of
the locks was nearly imperceptible. Soon, though, they felt like a
statement. On some of the city’s most iconic bridges, thousands of
visitors left small padlocks, neatly attached to the metal railings.
Once discreet, doing their deed at night, visitors soon acted in broad
daylight, in pairs, photographing each other in front of their locks,
and videotaping the throwing of the keys into the Seine. The Paris town
hall expressed concern: what about the architectural integrity of the
Parisian landscape? One night about two years ago, someone cut through
the wires and removed all the locks on one of the bridges. But in just a
few months, locks of all sizes and colors reappeared, more conspicuous than ever.
The public displays of affection have unchained loathing among
coldhearted locals. Some gripe that the locks are no better than
graffiti, defacing the city’s landmarks. Rust and pollution are
concerns, too. Think of the keys littered on the bottom of the Seine
“with cars and cadavers,” says
Sylvain Louradour,
a baby sitter who lives near the Pont des Arts.
True, the locks are causing major damage to Paris’ bridges that
are literally cripping under the weight of all our love. The thousands
of padlocks that coat the bridge have authorities saying that there is
risk of a “fatal accident.” According to Forbes:
“The situation in Paris has become more critical, though, and according
to local newspapers, the Paris Council worries that so many padlocks
have been snapped on the Pont des Arts that the railings risk crumbling
under the weight and crashing into the river. The scenario some of them
fear is not only of people tumbling into the river along with the
railings but of the heavy metal enclosures landing on passengers on the
many tourist boats that ply the river under the bridge.”
Gay Games 2014 in Cleveland – and 2018 in Paris
the 2014 Gay Games will be presented by the Cleveland Foundation…one of the
biggest sports and cultural festivals in the world comes to the United
States 9-16 August 2014.
Cleveland+Akron, Ohio, expects to welcome more than 10,000
participants from more than 65 countries. The 2014 Gay Games is about
fun, games and culture too. The founding principles of Participation,
Inclusion and Personal Best mean the Games are open to everybody
regardless of sexual orientation, gender, transgender status, religion,
nationality, political convictions, age, physical condition or athletic
ability. Register, volunteer, donate or simply sign up for the e-newsletter.
Then in 2018 – PARIS won the bid for the Gay Games 10. Organizers report:
The international delegates and board of
directors of the Federation of Gay Games voted at the end of a three-day
meeting featuring site inspection reports, question-and-answer
sessions, committee reviews and, a highlight of the event, the oral
presentation by each bidding organization. This meeting was held in
Cleveland, host with Akron, of the 2014 Gay Games, presented by the
Cleveland Foundation next year from 9-16 August.
David Killian, co-chair of the FGG Site Selection Committee, noted some
factors that may have influenced voters in their choice: “The vote is
the result of dozens of individual choices, but some points stood out
for many voters. Paris proposed a wide range of sports in quality
venues, many of which offer good visibility for the event. French LGBT
sport organizations already have a great deal of experience hosting
international multisport tournaments, and their LGBT community presents
outstanding cultural events.
They are already well advanced in
planning, for example, with the designation of a dedicated sports
manager. They arrived with demonstrable political support, including
Minister for Sport Valerie Fourneyron and five-time Olympic fencing
medalist Laura Flessel, who were part of the presentation team. And of
course Paris is a great destination to visit or revisit.”
Gays ‘to be barred from entering Persian Gulf’
I have never had a desire to see Iraq, Iran, Kuwait – I would like to see Dubai – but if I have to hide being gay – I am not about to go anywhere near those homophobic places!
Now, Medical screening tests are going be used to reinforce the decision to keep gay people OUT OF THE PERSIAN GULF area!
From Gulf News.com – The routine clinical screening of
expatriates coming into the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) might be
also used to “detect” homosexuals, a senior Kuwaiti official has said.
“Health centres conduct the routine medical check to assess the health
of the expatriates when they come into the GCC countries,” he said.
“However, we will take stricter measures that will help us detect gays
who will be then barred from entering Kuwait or any of the GCC member
states,” he said, quoted by local daily Al Rai on Monday.
Homosexual acts are banned in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the GCC member countries. READ MORE
Trouble Brewing in Gay Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is usually a pretty gay friendly and tolerant place. But trouble struck this past weekend – Ben Stoviak and his boyfriend Aaron were attacked outside of Remedy
Bar on Butler Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday night after
being taunted by a group of men.
Ben Stoviak wrote on Facebook:
Last night, a group of men attacked me
and my boyfriend on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. After yelling, from
across the street, “Faggot!” at us, I replied, “yes, we’re faggots!”
Immediately after, the group of men ran across the street and began
hitting, kicking, and stomping me. The mark on my right cheek is a
bootprint. Aaron threw himself on top of me to discourage them from
continuing the assault, but they began kicking him in the head, as well.
To the women who saw the ordeal, wrote down their license plate number, and stayed to talk with the police, thank you.
Three
of these men have been arrested since the assault. Aaron and I were in
the hospital until almost 10 am so that the doctors could take MRI, CT
scans, and x-rays to make sure there was no internal bleeding.
So it surprised me to read about gay bashing there.
CURACAO LGBT Honeymoon Paradise
The island of Curaçao embraces the Gay and Lesbian community
With exceptional gay friendly hotels and attractions, the Curaçao
Tourist Board encourages gay and lesbian travelers to visit the island
and experience its ‘Live and let live’ atmosphere for themselves.
“It is important to us that it’s known to the gay & lesbian community that everyone
is welcome in Curaçao. Our island offers diverse culture, art
galleries, beaches, museums, fine accommodations and exquisite cuisine
that are enjoyed by all visitors to the island.” commented the Executive Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board.
Joining the millions who support LGBT marriage and the recent U.S.
Supreme Court decision to overturn the “Defense of Marriage Act,” the
southern Caribbean island of Curaçao
has always embraced the LGBT community with a “‘Live and Let Live”
philosophy and attitude.
Today, Curaçao’s progressive environment,
UNESCO World
Heritage city of Willemstad, world-class diving sites, beautiful
beaches and luxury hotels and restaurants make the island the ideal
destination for Caribbean commitment ceremonies and honeymoons for all
the LGBT couples who have, or plan to, tie the knot.
UNESCO World
Heritage city of Willemstad, world-class diving sites, beautiful
beaches and luxury hotels and restaurants make the island the ideal
destination for Caribbean commitment ceremonies and honeymoons for all
the LGBT couples who have, or plan to, tie the knot.
What makes Curacao special among Caribbean islands? Authenticity. “For centuries, we have forged a vibrant and rich culture rooted in history and hospitality. Our heritage is both European and African – representing more than 50 nationalities. We speak Dutch, Spanish, and English – as well as a local language, Papiamentu, a colorful Creole dialect.
Exploring Undiscovered Curaçao
The best part of exploring Curaçao is that it feels undiscovered, like an exclusive hideaway. One of the tiny “ABC Islands” – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – this secluded slice of paradise is the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. The Curacao tourism board wants to help you uncover its many wonders. There are no “tourist traps” here. Locals and visitors mingle in harmony throughout the island. Relax and unwind amidst Curacaoäns working, playing, and enjoying life to its fullest – the same as they have done for generations. We love to socialize, so don’t be surprised if someone waves and tosses a friendly “Bon Bini!” (Welcome!) or “Kon ta bai?” (How’s it going?) your way.”
Curaçao’s current promotion –
Every 4th Night Free
– includes many LGBT-welcoming properties, ideal for honeymooning
couples celebrating in Curaçao. The offer gives guests one
complimentary night for every three nights booked. INFO HERE
Many properties are also offering special upgrades for newlyweds, including:
-In-room mimosas at the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort.
-Sparkling wine and chocolates upon arrival at the Hilton Curaçao.
-A 15% spa treatment discount, along with complimentary champagne at JanThiel Villas.
-Daily complimentary breakfast buffet, plus a
$75 food and beverage credit at the Sandton Kura Hulanda Hotel &
Spa and sister property Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club.
-A complimentary upgrade (subject to availability) and a bottle of sparkling wine at the Renaissance Curaçao Resort.
-A VIP picnic basket with snacks compliments of the Floris Suite Hotel.
-A 20% discount on spa treatments at the
Papagayo Beach & Lounge Resort on-property spa as well as a $50 food
and beverage credit.
-Complimentary champagne at both the Sunscape Beach Resort & Casino and the Lions Dive & Beach Resort.
Why Should You Use a Travel Agent?
When the internet exploded, many travelers went out on their own, searching, looking for deals and bargains, booking things themselves – I never understood that. Why would I want to spend HOURS doing all the work – when a travel professional probably knows most of the answers!
They know what deals are happening – they know how you can save money – there are over 100 REASONS to use a travel agent –
here are just a few…..
Convenient One-Stop Shopping
Travel agents can
handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets to lodging,
ground transportation, activities, tours and more.
Consumer Advocate
If you should have a problem during your trip, travel agents can act on your behalf to see that proper restitution’s are made.
Expert Guidance
Travel
agents are experts in helping travelers get where they need to go and
in helping to create possibilities most people never would have dreamed
were possible.
Save Time
Avoid the headaches and let the travel agents call around and do all the time consuming work of planning a complex itinerary.
Choice
Travel
agents offer you an array of options and price quotes from a variety of
travel suppliers, giving you the upper hand when making your final
travel decisions.
Less Stress
Planning a trip
can be stressful. There are so many options and details to worry about.
Travel agents do the work, resulting in less stress for you.
Updated Information
Travel
agents are constantly communicating with the travel community, thus
giving you the most up to date info on airlines, hotels, car rental
agencies, travel visas, and other travel services to consider as you
plan your trip.
Customer Service
Travel
agents offer that “personal touch” to your travel planning experience-
Offering help and advice that a website cannot provide.
Travel Expertise
Many travel agents are
considered experts in the area you are traveling to and have probably
already been to your chosen destination.
Best Value for Your Money Spent
Travel
agents can help you to make your dollars go farther while you are
away. They have access to finding all sorts of deals ranging from
flights to hotels to dinner recommendations.
Location, Location, Location!!!!
Travel
Specialists can help you to find a place to stay pretty much anywhere
you desire. If it’s a hotel with a view of the ocean in Hawaii or a
jungle hut in the Nilgiri foothills, a travel agent can help you make it
happen.
Knowledge of All the Ins and Outs
Travel specialists can help bring you up to speed on the local laws and regulations of wherever your travels take you.
Avoid International Flight Confusion
Travel specialists can help organize those confusing international flights that internet search engines don’t cover.
Personalized Trips
A travel agent can prepare you a personalized trip based on where you want to go and what you want to do.
Where to Go to Avoid Kids
Want
to go somewhere without children running all over the place? A travel
agent can help you to find excellent retreats that are open to adults
only.
Local Traditions
Travel
specialists can update you on all local traditions and customs of
places you are visiting, so you make a good impression. For example, in
Japan many people expect their visitors to take their shoes off before
entering their homes.
Complicated Itineraries Made Simple
Travel
experts can take care of all the details for those complicated around
the world itineraries and all the extra headaches that go with them,
such as hotel and transportation along the way.
Special Deals Worked Out in Advance – Travel
agents may have a relationship with certain tour operators and could be
able to get you a special price that might not otherwise be available.
Difference in Days to Save Money
Instead
of playing around with dates on the internet for hours, your travel
agent can advise you on any changes to your travel dates that might save
you hundreds of dollars.
Staying In-the-Know of Daily Promotions
Travel agents get emails and faxes of daily money saving promotions.
They Are Considered Travel Experts and Specialists – Wouldn’t you rather have a travel expert plan your trip rather than a pre-programmed website?
It just Makes Sense to Use a Travel Agent.
They’re Out There… Use Them
Why do the work if someone else like a travel specialist can.
Travel Agents Must Be Doing Something Right. They Sure Have a lot of Business
Travel
agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all
cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car
rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.
It Makes Traveling Easy
Once you find a good travel agent, your dream vacation is just a phone call away.
We highly recommend Dave at Donovan Travel!
Donovan Travel
Let Dave help YOU with YOUR next Trip!
1-800-942-1280 E-MAIL THEM
This is Why Gay Travelers Should NOT go to Jamaica
Jamaican LGBT News posts this news clip to its YouTube page about a
group of five gay men trapped and barricaded by a mob at their home late
last week. The gay men had to be rescued by police.
From the news report’s transcript:
One of the angry residents stated, “we have young youth
growing up, and what they (gays) want to do is take them and put them in
a different direction. When we can bear the hunger and don’t stoop to
certain level, the youth really cannot do that. That is what really
started all of this.”One shall question the rationale behind
the residents fear; and possibly conclude if their fears are plausible.
In what way did the alleged homosexuals earn the mob’s fury? What were
the alleged action and statements made by the accused homosexual man?
These critical questions remain unanswered. Yet still, the actions taken
by the mob were justified in their own regards.The fear,
ignorance and misconceptions of homosexuality are the primary causes of
rampant anti-gay violence and pervasive intolerance towards gays living
in Jamaica. The church sows and nourishes this seed of hatred within our
society. Clearly, to impede the cycle of hate and misconception of
homosexuals in Jamaica, education and sensitization outreaches are
necessary and imperative. Hence the role of the church and family are
critical in the fight for tolerance and equality.
Gay Travel News – Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City CONTINUE TO BE SAFE
As of this past month, our government here in the US is still saying, there is no recommendation against travel to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and also Mexico City. THEY ARE SAFE!!!
So many people are concerned about travel to Mexico – there is a long document online which details the areas to stay away from, but our favorites Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and also Mexico City CONTINUE TO BE SAFE places to visit!!
Sponsored by HOTEL MERCURIO Puerto Vallarta
Gay Travel Warning – Jamaica is ANTI GAY Still
NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN JAMAICA!
A “cross-dressing” teen was allegedly “chopped and stabbed” to death
by a mob in Jamaica earlier this week, according to local media reports.
Dwayne Jones, a gender-nonconforming 17-year-old,
was attending a river party in St. James on the night of July 21 when a
mob allegedly set upon him, according to radio station Irie FM. He was
dressed as a woman and was dancing with a male when another female
attendee told a group of partiers that Jones was actually a man, the
report notes. One of the men went up to Jones and groped him,
discovering he was a male.
Jones was chased and later “chopped and stabbed” to death, Irie FM reported.
Explosions were also heard, and police were called. Authorities eventually found Jones’ dead body on a nearby road “with multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound,” according to the Jamaica Gleaner. More at Huffington Post
CHICAGO is VERY GAY and GAY FRIENDLY!
Stay at one of these hotels in the heart of BOYSTOWN!
Best Gay Travel Guide Awarded Blog of the Day!
Best Gay Travel Guide (aka New Gay Travel Guide)
was today’s Blog of the Day at Blogging Fusion Blog Directory!
The Blog of the day or better known as (BOTD) are blogs that have been
selected by the Blogging Fusion Blog Directory Editor’s as top blogs.
selected by the Blogging Fusion Blog Directory Editor’s as top blogs.
We choose our Blogs of the day based on the following criteria:
– Quality of content.
– Blog design and layout.
– Blog Activity & user interaction (comments).
– Number of referrals each month.
– Site Ratings.
– Blog Directory Editor’s Review of blogs.
– Number of Hits or (level of Popularity).
– Number of Indexed or backlinks.
THANKS!!
Tourists Arrested in Russia for “Gay Propaganda”
FROM GayStarNews, Four
tourists were arrested in Russia for ‘gay propaganda’ 21 July,
making them the first foreigners to be officially charged under the
anti-gay law.
In
Murmansk in North Russia, four Dutch citizens were detained by police.
Murmansk in North Russia, four Dutch citizens were detained by police.
While
the four Dutch tourists were being held in the police station,
authorities said they had violated the ‘rules of stay in the territory
of Russia’.
the four Dutch tourists were being held in the police station,
authorities said they had violated the ‘rules of stay in the territory
of Russia’.
They were told they had broken the law of ‘non-traditional sexual
relations’ propaganda among children, which was signed into law by
President Vladimir Putin last month.
Read it all at GayStarNews
HARVEY FIERSTEIN spoke out in the New York Times, saying this was like declaring war on gay peope… “Mr. Putin’s campaign against lesbian, gay and bisexual people is one of
distraction, a strategy of demonizing a minority for political gain
taken straight from the Nazi playbook. Can we allow this war against
human rights to go unanswered? Although Mr. Putin may think he can
control his creation, history proves he cannot: his condemnations are
permission to commit violence against gays and lesbians. Last week a
young gay man was murdered in the city of Volgograd. He was beaten, his
body violated with beer bottles, his clothing set on fire, his head
crushed with a rock. This is most likely just the beginning.
Nevertheless,
the rest of the world remains almost completely ignorant of Mr. Putin’s
agenda. His adoption restrictions have received some attention, but it
has been largely limited to people involved in international adoptions.
This
must change. With Russia about to hold the Winter Games in Sochi, the
country is open to pressure. American and world leaders must speak out
against Mr. Putin’s attacks and the violence they foster. The Olympic
Committee must demand the retraction of these laws under threat of
boycott.” – New York Times
Orbitz celebrates Marriage Equality with Photo Contest
Love is love! Orbitz celebrates marriage equality progress with our Take
Vacation Back photo contest. You could win one of five prizes including
first- or business-class flights to LGBT-friendly destinations in
Europe, South America or the US.
Vacation Back photo contest. You could win one of five prizes including
first- or business-class flights to LGBT-friendly destinations in
Europe, South America or the US.
Send us a photo to enter. And refer a friend because if your friend wins, you do too!
Details on facebook
Gay Travel news : Iceland Wants to Break Ties with Russia
Moscow and Reykjavik, may be Iceland “sister cities”, but Reykjavik Mayor
Jon Gnarr wants to end that relationship over Moscow’s anti-gay laws.
A proposal has been submitted on behalf of Mayor Jón Gnarr to end
Reykjavík’s partnership with Moscow, on account of the Russian capital’s
stance on gay rights.
Reykjavík’s partnership with Moscow, on account of the Russian capital’s
stance on gay rights.
The proposal was put forth during a City Council meeting yesterday, Vísir reports. Should the proposal pass it would effectively terminate all political and cultural relations between Reykjavík and Moscow.
“In light of the developments that have taken place in recent years in
matters of gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Russia, the Human
Rights Office and the Mayor’s Office have entrusted the deputy mayor to
propose amendments to the existing agreement between the two cities or
terminate it all together following consultation with the Foreign
Ministry,” read the minutes from the City Council meeting.
matters of gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Russia, the Human
Rights Office and the Mayor’s Office have entrusted the deputy mayor to
propose amendments to the existing agreement between the two cities or
terminate it all together following consultation with the Foreign
Ministry,” read the minutes from the City Council meeting.
Source – Reykjavík Grapevine
Gay Scuba Diving in Maui Hawaii February 2014
HOW COOL IS THAT PHOTO?
That could be you!
If you’re an experienced diver, have we got a special excursion planned for you!
Come have fun with other experienced divers for a privately chartered week long scuba excursion!
Maui Sunseeker has teamed up with Richard Lear, Founder of Gay SCUBA Week to bring you an amazing scuba experience.
We’ve
already sold out of two full weeks of this SCUBA Adventure to Richard’s
list and just opened a third week exclusively for our Sunseeker Ohana.
From February 15-22, 2014, you can be one of only 24 divers on a privately chartered boat with other LGBT divers (yes its open to all sexes).
Whether
you are a couple or traveling single, if you are interested, you should
book now as some of the 24 spaces have already sold.
Here are the basic details:
Diving with Maui Dive Shop – Ranked the Highest Rated Dive Boat in Maui
Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort
February 15 – February 22, 2014
This is what is included!
- 7 Nights Accommodations
- Welcome Dinner
- Departure Luau
- Transfers to and from Maui Airport
- Free WiFi
- Pool and Boat Towels Provided
- 6 Days Diving = 12 Boat Dives
- Transfers to and from the boat
- Tanks, Weights, Belts, BCD, Reg, Computer, Mask, Fins, Wetsuit & Snorkel
- Daily Breakfast on board Boat
- Daily Lunch on board Boat
- Partial Valet Service for Gear
- BCs and Regs will be washed, cleaned and stored nightly. They will be returned fully prepped for travel on Friday afternoon
- Nitrox – must be Nitrox Certified – Dive shop will be offering courses at a discounted rate of $175
- Diving on Air if not Nitrox Certified
- Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Towels and Ice Filled Coolers
- Rental Car Parking
For more information and pricing OR to make your reservation for this very unique opportunity, please visit the Gay SCUBA Week Website.
TO BOOK THIS PACKAGE EVENT, YOU MUST GO THROUGH THE GAY SCUBA WEEK WEBSITE AT:
Prague Pride 2013 – Keep on Growing!
Prague Pride returns for year 3! It all started with a vision – Prague Pride Civic Association is a voluntary, non-governmental, non-political, non-profit organizations.
Its aims are mainly promoting tolerant civil society, the fight against
homophobia and increase public awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender community in the country.
The association was founded in 2010 and its main activity is organizing a warm human rights Prague Pride festival in August. August 12-18, 2013 this year.
In just 2 years Prague Pride has grown into the
biggest LGBT festival of the former communist countries of central and eastern
Europe, with 40.000 visitors in 2012. It has
shown that Prague is the most liberal capital of the region, so it was no
surprise when Lonely Planet listed Prague among the top 10 of friendliest
cities to gays and that Prague Pride has recently been listed among Europe’s 10
best prides on gaycities.com. Prague
Pride is proud to act as an exemplary beacon of openness and tolerance for its
neighbours in the region.
Passport Magazine wrote, “Indeed, the rainbow people are now more visible than they’ve ever been
in picturesque Prague. The city’s first two LGBT Pride events in 2011
and 2012 have done wonders to turn what was previously a rather
scattered and underground gay community into a vibrant and cohesive
whole. “Before Pride 2011, there were basically just numerous bars and clubs concentrating only on their own businesses,” explains Prokopík, founder of a local tour operator, Prague4Gay.
“Alongside them were a few ‘islands’ of projects and organizations
struggling for recognition and support from the community. The
organizers of Prague Pride managed to bring them together. During Pride
the individual ‘islands’ merged into one community, recognizing and
supporting each other for the first time.”
Prague is very affordable since they still are NOT on the euro.
Read more at passport.
In Chicago – Stay in BOYSTOWN!
Use CODE BGC When Booking!
Exclusive Interview about LGBT Travel Safety and the U.S. Department of State
By Sophie Needelman
The LGBT travel niche has become a thriving economist force in tourism
both domestically and abroad. Given the diversity in backgrounds and
experiences around the world, LGBT travel safety is being promoted more
and more on a political level to promote awareness and education across
all realms of society. For better or for worse, a destination’s attitude
toward the LGBT community is an important factor to keep in mind when
planning travel and tourism details. The U.S. State Department is
spearheading the efforts of promoting and circulating LGBT travel
information online by developing resources and support regarding travel
for the LGBT community. Consequences for engaging in homosexual activity
vary around the world, so it is important to have an understanding of
the context of where you are traveling.
GayTravel.com’s
CEO Steve Rohrlick was recently invited to a roundtable with the State
Department in D.C. to discuss the importance of promoting LGBT travel
safety for Americans traveling abroad. This roundtable consisted of a
variety of government officials and leaders from the gay travel
community to start a dialogue on how the government can facilitate
travel safety awareness. Specifically, the State Department has put
together an online forum of resources:http://travel.state.
Since
the roundtable, GayTravel.com got the inside scoop through this
exclusive interview with GayTravel.com CEO Steve Rohrlick, as well as
Jack Markey, the Division Chief for Africa in the U.S. Department of
State’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management about
LGBT travel safety. Check it out!
GT: How did you get involved in the State Department’s roundtable on LGBT Travel Safety abroad?
JM:
I am a division chief in the Office of American Citizens Services and
Crisis Management. This office – publishes information about safety and
security concerns for U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad. Our
State Department Travel Warnings and Country Specific Information
documents are two good examples. We recently started a systematic
expansion of the information we provide to LGBT travelers through our
Country Specific Information sheets. A roundtable discussion on how U.S.
citizens obtain important travel information overseas was a great way
to highlight this, in addition to highlighting the debut of our LGBT
travel information page.
GT: What sort of perspective were you able to offer the group on the needs of the LGBT travel community?
JM:
An informed traveler is a smart traveler. LGBT travelers needed access
to official, accurate and timely information that is also relevant to
the specific concerns facing LGBT travelers overseas. It’s important to
know whether certain over-the-counter medications are banned in some
countries, or that certain styles of dress are frowned upon by the local
community. But it’s even more critical for travelers to know whether
there are cases of harassment, threats, or violence directed towards
LGBT persons in a particular country, or that a country criminalizes
consensual same-sex sexual relations, with legal implications. Finally,
it’s important for LGBT travelers to have the assurance that they can
turn to consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates for help if
they run into trouble abroad.
SR: The team at gaytravel.com
fully supports what it is the state dept is doing. One of the things
that became apparent from the meeting is that it takes about 6 months
for the State Department to update any changes in a specific location.
That is understandable with all the destinations they are covering.
However things can change significantly in a six month period. I
suggested that With the power of the internet gaytravel and other LGBT
travel related websites could help facilitate feedback from LGBT
residents and travelers in a real time fashion, thus enhancing the great
work the State department is already doing.
GT: What are the goals of the State Department regarding LGBT travel safety and how are you able to contribute to their efforts?
SR:
The state dept. is responsible for all U.S. citizens once they leave
the United States. The travel safe program is good for all travelers,
and with the recent developments also address specific issues relevant
to LGBT travelers. We plan to utilize the power of internet and our
network of millions of travelers at GayTravel.com-to track on the ground
changes in a more timely manner. As part of our site redesign this
Fall, we plan to add an RSS feed from the State Department, along with
our own updates with regard to attitudes and treatment of LGBT
individuals around the globe.
JM:
One of the top priorities of the State Department and the Bureau of
Consular Affairs is protecting the lives and interests of U.S. citizens
abroad. Keeping travelers informed and updated with the latest and most
accurate information helps U.S. citizens travel safely. One of the
best ways for U.S. citizens to stay connected to this information is
through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which also allows loved
ones in the U.S. to locate you in times of distress or emergency.
Additionally, travelers should also visit travel.state.gov
to get the latest country-specific information, and make sure they have
adequate health and travel insurance for emergencies. LGBT travelers
should read our LGBT Travel Information page, and review the linked
resources. Our Country Specific Information for LGBT travelers is
undergoing a systematic expansion. All of this information is reviewed
and updated at least every six months.
GT: Will you/how will you continue to stay involved with the State Department and its efforts to promote travel safety?
JM:
As I mentioned earlier, my office – the Office of American Citizens
Services and Crisis Management – publishes information about safety and
security concerns for U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad. In
addition to our Country Specific Information and Travel Warnings, we
also publish information for niche market travelers, available on our
Bureau of Consular Affairs website. We have information for older
Americans, Americans retiring abroad, medical tourism, voluntourism all
on our website, and a related website for students planning overseas
studies or travel.
SR:
GayTravel.com will definitely stay in touch with the State Department-
they are providing a valuable service to all U.S citizens. We plan to
harness the power of the global LGBT community to provide additional and
more current safety related information on the gaytravel.com
website in a more real time version as an enhancement to what the State
Department is doing. The work both organizations do are complimentary
to one another so it is absolutely a priority a priority for us to
remain involved.
GT: How should safety and homophobia influence travel for the LGBT community?
JM: Safety should be a top priority for every overseas traveler. We
never tell U.S. citizens that they can’t travel to a particular
location, but we do make every effort to provide them with an accurate
assessment of safety and security concerns abroad for them to use in
determining their own acceptable level of risk. LGBT travelers should
carefully consider the laws, customs, and culture of the countries they
are planning to visit, and decide what measures they want to take in
order to protect themselves. Good judgment and knowledge of local laws
and customs before traveling abroad will help ensure personal safety.
LGBT persons traveling abroad for leisure have the option to decide
where they will travel. Business travelers and younger persons
accompanying their parents may not have the same flexibility in choosing
where to travel, and may find themselves in a country where the culture
or custom where there are criminal penalties simply for being LGBT.
SR:
At the end of the day that is really a question that each traveler
needs to answer for themselves. A smart traveler is a safe traveler, so
you have to do your homework in advance.
GT: What resources are available for the LGBT community regarding travel safety abroad?
JM: The State Department publishes Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts,
Country Specific Information, and a wide range of facts sheets on our Travel.State.Gov
website. We also have an LGBT Travel Information page that identifies a
number of resources, both general and LGBT-specific, for LGBT
travelers. You can download our free Smart Traveler App, available
through iTunes and Google play, to have this travel information at your
fingertips. If you sign up for our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP), you will also have up-to-date safety and security messages sent
directly to your email inbox when you’re abroad by the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate.
Finally,
but very importantly, you can contact the American Citizens Services
(ACS) Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Consular
officers there may be able to help you if you run into problems
overseas, especially if you feel that you can’t approach the local
police or encounter difficulties with local authorities. Consular
officers will protect your privacy, and won’t make generalizations,
assumptions, or pass judgement. They also monitor and record incidents
U.S. citizens report to them about the treatment they receive from host
authorities. Our embassies regularly raise issues of concern,
especially inappropriate treatment or harassment of our citizens, with
relevant officials.
GT:
What can members of the LGBT community do to promote travel safety both
at home and abroad? How can LGBT travelers get involved in these
efforts of the State Department?
JM:
Perhaps the best thing that individual travelers can do is to research
their travel destinations before leaving home, and make wise decisions.
And by all means, let your friends and family know about the
information on our website and the resources, like STEP and our Smart
Traveler App, that we offer. LGBT media, travel, and business
organizations can place our icon on their websites to direct visitors to
the LGBT information on our website.
SR: We plan to proudly display the LGBT State Department icon on the gaytravel.com
site and to provide access via an RSS feed. We will also have a
methodology on the next version of our site for LGBT travelers and
citizens to inform the LGBT community at large as to their observations
on the ground wherever they may be.
Gay Travel Tip! 5 Affordable Countries to visit NOW
5 AFFORDABLE COUNTRIES YOU SHOULD VISIT NOW! Albania (pictured), Bolivia, Vietnam, Iceland and Myanmar.
As Albania is becoming more and more popular with Brits, so is property
buying. Already many Brits have spotted the opportunity that Albania
has as an emerging tourism destination and as such many of them own
properties on the Albanian coastline that stretches for over 450
kilometres.
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buying. Already many Brits have spotted the opportunity that Albania
has as an emerging tourism destination and as such many of them own
properties on the Albanian coastline that stretches for over 450
kilometres.
Albania has a rich history, and over 2000 archaeological sites to be
visited. Albania has three important UNESCO protected sites that are
visited by many.
- Gjirokastra is one of them, known as the stone city, built on top of
the mountains with fascinating scenery and the dominant castle that
overlooks the city. - Berat, known as the city of 1000 windows. Also built on the side of
the mountains, the characteristic buildings are the dominant feature of
the city. - Butrinti, is an ancient site where Caesar retired after the
successful battles. The sites oversee the beautiful island of Corfu.
And the list goes on and on.
Vietnam for $10 day! Can you believe that? You can get your lodging, food, alcohol, and even transportation for about $10 a day. That is just crazy! As of 2012, the government is officially debating the issue of allowing
gay marriage and this open discussion is rippling through Vietnamese
society in a fundamental and positive way. From famous poets,
celebrities, and party leaders, gays have, of course, always been an
integral thread in the fabric of Vietnam.
Another cheap spot – Boliva. Eat, drink and have lots of fun for just a few dollars a day. Meals for $3, and hotels about
$30/night. Bolivia is a typical “macho” Latin American country where there is deep
rooted prejudice and homosexuality is never discussed. There is a very
small gay scene developing in Santa Cruz and La Paz though with a
greater focus on cruising in the city squares than bars or night clubs. One thing to keep in mind with Bolivia is that there are
reciprocal visa fees for Americans.
$30/night. Bolivia is a typical “macho” Latin American country where there is deep
rooted prejudice and homosexuality is never discussed. There is a very
small gay scene developing in Santa Cruz and La Paz though with a
greater focus on cruising in the city squares than bars or night clubs. One thing to keep in mind with Bolivia is that there are
reciprocal visa fees for Americans.
ICELAND . The gay scene in Iceland is small, but active and open. Gay and lesbian bars and clubs exist mostly in Iceland’s capital Reykjavík, but the northern branch in Akureyri is growing each year.
Iceland as a gay friendly destination has received great reviews from
visitors — it has landed on various top ten lists and received the “5
Pink Stars” rating by Diva magazine. There’s never been a better time to go. Take advantage of Icelandair’s
stopover package and take in the glaciers, geysers and so much more. The
Eyjafjallajokull volcano has ignited a spark welcoming tourists to
explore this natural and romantic destination.
Rainbow Reykjavik is a new LGBT festival held in Reykjavik, Iceland
on Jan 30th – Feb 2nd 2014. The 3rd annual festival is a mix of
fascinating culture, amazing nature, fantastic music, great food and a
lot of fun.
Pink Iceland, the only tour operator in Iceland dedicated to LGBT
clientele has put together a fabulous program with the best Reykjavik
and its surroundings has to offer. Pink Iceland’s partners are either
gay owned, gay operated or gay friendly and with a great cooperation of
this Icelandic velvet mafia we hope to make your stay unforgettable.
If you want to experience a part of Asia that simply isn’t seen by most
outsiders right now, head to Myanmar. Because of the small amount of
tourism that the area currently sees, it is a very cheap area to visit. Myanmarseems frozen in time, but expect everything to change rapidly as the
country opens. You can still see Asian daily life here as it existed
more than a century ago. Almost everywhere you visit is going to be
safe. You must take shoes off at all sacred s, so consider easily
removable footwear (and a wet towel to clean feet).
How Big is TOO Big? Tallest Building in the World
Only in Dubai right? Where size matters.
If this proposed structure is built in Saudia
Arabia, Kingdom Tower will be the tallest building in the world at 3, 281 feet. The
Sears/Willis Tower is 1,451 feet. One World Trade Center was just crowned 1,776 feet.
Arabia, Kingdom Tower will be the tallest building in the world at 3, 281 feet. The
Sears/Willis Tower is 1,451 feet. One World Trade Center was just crowned 1,776 feet.
Burj Dubai I think currently holds the record and is the tallest man-made structure in the world, at 829.8 m (2,722 ft).
After 20 months of convincing investors, financing is finally ready for the
Kingdom Tower project. Talal Al Maiman, CEO of Kingdom Real Estate Development Co. said in an
interview in Shanghai that every detail about financing was discussed with investors and
currently the project can move forward as there are no financial obstacles to it.
Kingdom Tower project. Talal Al Maiman, CEO of Kingdom Real Estate Development Co. said in an
interview in Shanghai that every detail about financing was discussed with investors and
currently the project can move forward as there are no financial obstacles to it.
Kingdom Tower in Jeddah will be the world’s tallest skyscraper with a height of
1,007 meter (3 303.8 feet). It will be the first building to reach the height of 1
kilometer.
1,007 meter (3 303.8 feet). It will be the first building to reach the height of 1
kilometer.
Although no exact completion date
was given, the Kingdom Tower might be completed as early as 2017, and it will have more than 200
floors, with the highest deck observation in the world on the 157th level.
was given, the Kingdom Tower might be completed as early as 2017, and it will have more than 200
floors, with the highest deck observation in the world on the 157th level.
Check out this InfoGraphic showing tall building comparisons!
Gay Travel in Brazil Valued at $23 BILLION
We have written about the many gems of South America plenty of times before. (As well as the travel safety warnings).
With cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo ranking in the top 20 global destinations for LGBT travellers during 2013, South America Gay Tourism is a BILLION $$$ Industry. By some estimates, about 23 billion.
(DID YOU KNOW, Sao Paula has the biggest gay pride in the world?)
All this new research and data – undertaken by the world’s leading LGBT consulting firm Out Now Global http://www.OutNowConsulting.com
– reveals for the first time that the value of Brazil’s own LGBT
tourism market is USD$22.9 billion dollars. This figure is a significant
percentage of the total annual global value of (LGBT) leisure travel
spending, which is on course to reach a record USD$181 billion during
2013.
The new report gives the clearest-ever picture of the immense scale and potential of Brazil’s LGBT tourism market.
With a per-capita annual travel spend of $2,583 Brazil’s nearly nine
million LBGT people represent a large opportunity for companies and
destinations willing to show their commitment to this market through
appropriate staff training, effective tailored communications and the
delivery of products and services that reflect the concerns of this
growing tourism market.
“LGBT people have grown weary of the number of destinations, hotels and
airlines all claiming to be gay-friendly,” Darren Cooper, from OUT NOW said. “LGBT people do
not experience tourism when they view an advertisement. Whether an LGBT
person has a great holiday is directly correlated to how welcomed they
feel when they stay with a hotel and visit a destination – and it is the
tourism industry staff who serve them during their holiday who have the
most direct bearing upon how well-respected LGBT people feel.”
Copies of the ‘Brazil LGBT2020 Travel Report – 2013’ can be downloaded here http://www.outnowconsulting.com/media/1329/BR-public-reportV9-smB.pdf
Gay Weddings is Paris – The Most Romantic Place on Earth
Some say Paris is the most romantic city in the world! Now, GAYS and LESBIANS can get married there too!
Netherlands said Yes! – 2001
Belgium said Yes! – 2003
Canada said Yes! – 2005
Spain said Yes! – 2005
South Africa said Yes! – 2006
Norway said Yes! – 2008
Sweden said Yes! – 2009
Portugal said Yes! – 2010
Iceland said Yes! – 2010
Argentina said Yes! – 2010
Belgium said Yes! – 2003
Canada said Yes! – 2005
Spain said Yes! – 2005
South Africa said Yes! – 2006
Norway said Yes! – 2008
Sweden said Yes! – 2009
Portugal said Yes! – 2010
Iceland said Yes! – 2010
Argentina said Yes! – 2010
Brazil said Yes! – 2011
Denmark said Yes! – 2012
Uruguay said Yes! – 2013
New Zealand said Yes! – 2013
Denmark said Yes! – 2012
Uruguay said Yes! – 2013
New Zealand said Yes! – 2013
TODAY, TUESDAY, APRIL 23th, 2013,
FRANCE SAID OUI OUI!!!
ABC reports – France legalized gay marriage on Tuesday after a wrenching national
debate that has exposed deep conservatism in the nation’s heartland and
triggered huge protests that tapped into deep discontent with the
Socialist government.
debate that has exposed deep conservatism in the nation’s heartland and
triggered huge protests that tapped into deep discontent with the
Socialist government.
Legions of officers with water cannon braced outside the National
Assembly for violence that had not come by late evening. The protests
against the measure included thousands but were peaceful. Other
gatherings were simply celebrations.
But it was an issue that galvanized the country’s faltering right, which
had been decimated by infighting and their election loss to President
Francois Hollande.
The measure passed easily in the Socialist-majority Assembly, 331-225,
just minutes after the president of the legislative body expelled a
disruptive protester in pink, the color adopted by French opponents of
gay marriage. read more.
