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: Places outside US
Christmas Holiday in Europe
I know it’s still summer in the US – But December is not far away!
I guess since I was born in December, I have this thing for Christmas and shiny objects! And many of the best decorations and celebrations come from Europe. Poland, Germany and Italy are hubs for glass blowing and ornament making.
Some of Europe’s Christmas markets have been around since the Middle Ages, so it’s no surprise that Cologne Germany, which has five markets, is a seasonal popular hot spot.
Cathedral Market, Angels Market, Harbour Market, Old Market Christmas and the Market of Fairy Tales! Every year, the city centre of Cologne is touched by the magic of the festivities in the weeks leading up to Christmas. When the Christmas markets in Cologne open their gates on the last Monday before Advent, millions of visitors from around the world delight at the goods on sale at the quaintly designed huts (or “Buden”).
Some say you haven’t experienced Christmas lights until you’ve seen nearly four miles of them artfully hung in patterns dictated by Tiffany’s head designer in Copenhagen’s (Denmark) famed historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens — and that’s not counting the 1,800+ strands dramatically draped on the lakeside willows. They say there are EVEN MORE LIGHTS added this year!
Copenhagen celebrates Jul (as in “yuletide”) in high style, with its famed Christmas market the centerpiece. Over 50 stalls are stocked with fine handmade crafts, including traditional figurines of clog-clad elves in pointy red caps, while vendors are selling iced doughnuts slathered with black currant jam and hefty cups of gløgg, a steaming hot mulled red wine laden with raisins, almonds, cinnamon sticks, and cloves—all of which are steeped in aquavit or schnapps.
Vienna is another magical place for the holiday season. At the traditional Vienna Magic of Advent, the Rathausplatz becomes a shining fairytale land. The 150 or so stands offer Christmas gifts, Christmas tree decorations, delicious sweet treats and wonderful warming drinks.
You see a sea of lights in the trees around City Hall park.
Not far away is the Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz. Over 60 stands offering traditional handicrafts and original gift ideas are set up here during Advent. The romantic Christmas village in the Old AKH is also a popular meeting point during the season.
Not too many European cities have such a rich gay history as the Austrian capital. You can get up-to-the-minute information on the Facebook page “Gayfriendly Vienna”.
Christmas in Europe is a time for elaborate pastries, for lyrical midnight masses in Gothic churches, and for the upholding of quirky local traditions—in many countries, Christmas just isn’t complete without mischievous pixies (Copenhagen), kindly witches (Rome), treacherous demons (Salzburg), or an 8,000-pound fruitcake (Dresden)!
Prague pride August 2014
PRAGUE – one of my favorite places to visit! is getting ready for PRIDE.
The 4th edition of the Prague Pride festival will take place from Monday 11 until Sunday 17 August, with the Parade and main concert & outdoor party on Saturday 16 August. The main theme will focus on Prague being a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe.
The Czech Republic remains the most tolerant country of the former Eastern Bloc, which is reflected by its Pride event, which is the biggest and most open LGBT festival of the region. However further East many gays and lesbians face persecution by their government and extremist groups in their societies. This is why Prague Pride decided to support them by giving them an opportunity to attend this year’s Prague Pride parade virtually. They will be able to connect to a secured website www.LGBTavatars.cz, which will be launched shortly. Here people can choose a person physically present in Prague, who will represent them in the Parade. These „live avatars“ will join the Parade on their behalf and share messages, photos and short videos from the Prague Pride Parade through an easy mobile application. Those who do not enter the interaction with a concrete avatar can still access the public contents on the website.
„People cannot organise festivals similar to Prague Pride to the East of our country. In Moscow, such parades have been banned until 2112 and attendees in neighbouring countries risk attacks from the police or extremists,“ said Czeslaw Walek, the president of Prague Pride.
The main theme of Prague Pride 2014 is also reflected by the festival poster in the style of propaganda posters from the 1950’s and will be visible in several events during the week, such as a debate on LGBT in diplomacy and the Pride Talks, where people from different kind of societies from all over the world will talk about LGBT life in their respective countries.
Overall Prague Pride will provide a week-long cutting edge program, with almost a 100 different kind of cultural and social events, parties, debates and much more. Many of those events are catered especially to tourists and will be held in English. There will be a week-long festival village on the banks of the river, where people can join in various activities, see exhibitions, watch movie screenings, enjoy concerts and get all the information about Prague and its gay community. It will be a place of to meet participants, guests and the organisers of the festival. Other highlights of the program include a concert by the famous British duo the Pet Shop Boys, the election of Mr Bear Czech Republic and the annual Business Forum.
The main event of the week, the Prague Pride Parade, will take place on Saturday 16 August and will start at the world-famous Wenceslas Square. This year more organisations than ever before will participate. The route of the parade will lead through the beautiful historical city centre to Letná Park, where a free concert with several DJ stages and an information fair will be held until late in the evening. The Saturday will conclude with several parties all over town, showing the many facets of Prague’s gay scene.
The full programme will be released at www.praguepride.com shortly.
RUSSIA’S Campaign of Hate and Propaganda
RUSSIA is a very scary place right now.
As most of the world moves forward toward gay equality, Russia is seemingly heading backward. Antigay sentiment and legislation are spreading rapidly throughout the country.
In 2013, the Russian parliament passed a ban on so-called “gay propaganda” that effectively makes nearly any public discussion of gay equality a crime. The city of Moscow has outlawed Gay Pride parades for the next 100 years. Adoption of Russian children is forbidden to citizens of any foreign country that permits gay marriage. And legislation is now being considered that would permit the Russian government to remove gay people’s children from their homes.
The Kremlin has chosen the LGBT community as its scapegoat in a populist campaign against supposedly decadent “Western” values, and there are ominous signs of much worse to come. Violent attacks against Russian gays or suspected gays are more and more common. Videos of young LGBT people being taunted and tortured have been widely distributed on the Internet.
Those are the stories that get the headlines, but there is much more to the Russian LGBT men and woman I have met. It is my hope that this documentary will educate viewers to their reality.
A film by Michael Lucas
sneak peak: Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda
on Facebook too
Gay Travel China : Shanghai Pride 2014
6th annual Shanghai Pride Week, titled Pride6 will take place from 13th to 22nd June. A week-long string of events has been planned to boost the LGBT’s community position in China and raise awareness around LGBT themes including marriage equality, sexual health and societal acceptance.
Shanghai Pride Mixes Advocacy with Fun at this year’s week-long event.
Organisers are also hoping to boost interest in Shanghai’s Gay Film Festival which will be held during Pride Week. Their aim is to make it the largest gay film festival in the region within a few years and they are already reviewing locally produced films to screen. Sandwiching the week at both the beginning and end will be LGBT-themed theatre performances and then towards the end of the week there will be an art exhibition featuring work by local up-and-coming LGBT artists. As usual, the opening and closing parties are expected to draw the biggest crowds; last year over 800 people attended the closing party which was held at Mi Tierra and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.
“We’re very optimistic that this year will be the biggest and most fun Pride yet, but more importantly it will be the most significant in terms of content,” said Dylan Chen. “With a greater focus on equality, advocacy and sexual health we hope that we can bring together people in a more meaningful way than we have done in the past. It’s time to stop being afraid of confronting the issues that seemed daunting to us before, it’s time for us to come together as a community and share our experiences and knowledge for the benefit of our society.”
Run by volunteers from the not-for-profit group, ShanghaiLGBT and other NGOs, Pride6 is expected to bring thousands of people together at a multitude of fun social and advocacy events.
More info at SHPRIDE
Gay travel Guide to Havana Cuba
A new revolution has quietly been brewing in Havana, Cuba which could make it the next great gay travel destination.
The gay scene in Havana is beginning to sizzle after years of repression. Raul Castro’s daughter, Mariela, has even participated in a gay rights march and Brokeback Mountain has been seen on government television.
While gay life is still largely underground, one of the most amazing scenes occurs every night in Havana starting at about 11:00 pm where La Rampa Street and the Malecon, an ocean front walk, intersect. On weekends you’ll see hundreds of guys strolling, chatting, and playing guitars all night until the sun rises. Talk to the right people and you’ll get an invitation to one of the private home parties that pop up in different locations throughout the week.
Travel blogger, Ryan C Haynes, offers his advice on staying safe and having fun in the Cuban capital’s gay scene….
There are certainly areas in the Vedado area (the downtown and a vibrant neighborhood in the city of Havana, Cuba) where you will find a thriving gay community. Calle 23 is the centre of gay life, near the Cine Yara (cinema). This street is frequented by gay people night and day – but don’t expect it to be anything like major cosmopolitan cities.
The one gay venue on this street is more like a canteen than a party establishment, though get talking to one of the locals and they will invite you to the official gay party that evening. If you want to join in the official parties you need to put faith and trust in the local Cubans who will order a taxi and take you to the chosen event. However be aware that you will most likely be expected to pay the taxi fair, entrance fee and possibly a drink for the guide. Read More Here.
HAVANA CUBA – Before the Communist revolution, Havana was one of the vacation hot-spots of the Caribbean, and since Cuba reopened to tourism in the 1990s, it has become a popular destination once again.
The capital of Cuba, Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean, and one of the most culturally rich urban centres in the world. The city’s appreciation of its glorious colonial past is on display at a dizzying array of castles, cathedrals, mansions and museums. The historic neighborhood of Vieja Habana (Old Havana) is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, with over 900 landmarks, including the Presidential Palace and Cathedral Square.
IN the Plaza Vieja of Havana, is a quaint independent gay friendly apartment for rent! Bohemia Boutique Apartment.
It has been listed by the Guardian as one of the top 10 places to stay in Havana. The apartment is fully furbished, plenty of light and very well ventilated.
1 living room with kitchenette, 2 balconies (facing the Patio of the Palace), 1 spacious bedroom with air conditioning, 1 bathroom.
Daily rent 80 CUC (66 EUR or 80 USD) SEE MORE HERE
PLUS the owners have just opened CAFE BOHEMIA in the same building.
On the renovated and luminous Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, Café Bohemia was recently opened in loving memory of Cuban journalist Ricardo Sáenz, member of the prestigious group that founded Prensa Latina, and which included Jorge Ricardo Massetti, Gabriel García Márquez and other icons of journalism in Latin America.
Thanks to its location in the cool inner courtyard of the colonial building, Café Bohemia is perfect for taking a break from long walks and seeking shelter from the stifling Cuban heat as you explore the Havana’s Historical Center.
Entering the cool inner courtyard where Café Bohemia has set up shop you feel your temperature gauge go down a few notches. More than an escape hatch from Cuba’s sometime stifling heat this is meant to have a Bohemian vibe. A meeting place for Cuban musicians, singer-songwriters, authors and journalists, despite its touristy locale. READ MORE.
Gay Friendly Nevis Island Romantic Getaways
Talk about hidden gems!
Nevis is one of the most unspoilt and relaxing islands in the Caribbean. Vividly green with blue skies, clean air and long empty beaches, Nevis has a pace of life that encourages you to stop and appreciate all the natural beauty around you.
It’s a very special place famed for its charm and the easy-going genuineness of its people.
Nevis is a small island in the Caribbean Sea that forms part of the inner arc of the Leeward Islands chain of the West Indies. Nevis and the island of Saint Kitts to the northwest form the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The two islands are separated by a shallow two-mile (3.22 km) channel known as “The Narrows”. Nevis is conical in shape with a volcanic peak known as Nevis Peak at its centre. The island is fringed on its western and northern coastlines by sandy beaches that are composed of a mixture of white coral sand with brown and black sand which was eroded and washed down from the volcanic rocks that make up the island. The gently-sloping coastal plain (0.6 miles/1 km wide) has natural freshwater springs as well as non-potable volcanic hot springs, especially along the western coast.
ONLY 400 rooms on the entire island – making it very quaint and private and appealing to the upscale traveler. Four Seasons has about 200 rooms and the rest are made up of colonial style inns, superb villas and contemporary condos. This is a place you come to unplug and relax. 36 square miles of beauty, beaches and picturesque scenery.
The locals will tell you that the best beaches on Nevis are on the northern and western shores. But all the beaches are well-cared-for, public and free. And because they are never crowded, you might have an entire beach to yourself!
The island takes a live and let live attitude and treats everyone with respect and courtesy. Times have changed and the Caribbean is not the homophobic place it once was.
HOWEVER, Jamaica is still the most homophobic island in the Caribbean, with harsh anti-gay laws, even though there is a large local gay population.
Slovenia is drawing UK LGBT Honeymooners
Slovenia is among the most wanted wedding and honeymoon destinations for British gays and lesbians – that’s the message from Attitude magazine ahead of same sex marriage being legalized in England and Wales.
Slovenia lies in the heart of Europe, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain meets the Karst. This small green country measures 20,273 km2 in area, and is home to sincere, hospitable people of great diligence.
As the rainbow flag is raised over Whitehall this weekend to mark the country’s first same-sex marriage ceremonies, English and Welsh gay couples are set to tie the knot from Saturday. And with the arrival of gay marriage, attention now turns to the best locations for newlywed gay couples.
In the latest edition of the leading gay lifestyle magazine Attitude Slovenia was included among its 25 of the best and most exciting most romantic honeymoon destinations, while capital Ljubljana was named as one of the world’s most beautiful capitals.
Slovenian luxury inbound operator – Imperial Luxury Travel Solutions has seized the moment with a tourist package targeting gay and lesbian couples calledPinkWeek.eu, which was successfully launched recently in London and Berlin (ITB 2014).
The first ever Slovenian tourist package for gays and lesbians and their friends will take place from 4th and 11th May 2014 at various Slovenian tourist spots. PinkWeek.eu guests will have an opportunity to explore Slovenia through several prepared packages and even choose their ideal wedding location. As a part of the programme, Imperial Luxury Travel Solutions will organise on 10th of MayEurosong 2014 themed gala dinner at Ljubljana Castle for guests, visiting LGBT media and PinkWeek.eu partners.
– See more at: http://www.travpr.com/pr-28622-slovenia-a-perfect-destination.html#sthash.x0BaaRIw.dpuf
Casinos Around The World
I am really not much of a gambler, but I enjoy the opulence and beauty of so many of the new casinos. And I do like slots!
If you’ve driven the Las Vegas Strip lately, you may have noticed some major construction going on just below the Stratosphere, near the northern end of the Strip. Which previously has been a neglected area for new construction, but Las Vegas is running out of room! Eventually downtown and the strip will connect.
There are two major projects here, the first of which is the SLS Las Vegas, a 1,600-room luxury ($400 million rebuild) casino resort from growing hospitality company sbe. This will be the fourth SLS property in the US (New York, South Beach and LA, while sbe also operates Redbury Hotels and the Raleigh in South Beach).
Macau, one of the hottest new international gambling locations, is known worldwide as “the Monte Carlo of China.” However, don’t expect any draconian rules here – Macau is home to some of the biggest, most exciting casinos and casino hotels in the world. Hotel Lisboa – The Lisbon Hotel in Macau is renowned as a symbol of Macau. It looks like a cross between a Western luxury five-star hotel and a traditional Chinese lantern, all 15+ stories lit up like a beacon in the middle of Macau.
MONACO – Monte Carlo, the Hotel de Paris; Famous for its jet-set lifestyle and magnificent casinos, Monte Carlo is ideal for a high rolling holiday. As for the lodging of choice, none can compare to Hotel de Paris, connected to the Place du Casino by a mere flight of stairs. Despite how popular this opulent hotel has become since it first opened in 1864, it still retains an air of discretion.
So we all kind travel the world this year?! You can still gamble from the comfort of your home. CasinoSpesialisten offers everything from blackjack to roulette, plus mobile casino for your phone or tablet. So until you can get to Macau or Monaco, stay home and get online!
Gay and Straight Travel – Cities and Countries You Might Get Kidnapped!
GREAT ARTICLE this week at THRILLIST..
7 Countries Where You Are Most
Likely to be Kidnapped!
Gay travel or straight travel!
MEXICO – in Juarez, Tijuana and Tampico – Puerto Vallarta IS TOTALLY FINE!
HAITI – very unsafe everywhere.
BRAZIL -Sao Paulo and Rio – they look for wealthy businessmen and their family members mostly. But I have friends got to both cities, and during big events like Carnival and Pride, they do prey on all tourists to steal from and pick pocket.
Philippines – They watch for tourists.
India – Foreign and tourist abductions are rare. But they prey on Indian children.
Columbia – avoid rural areas, jungles and mountains – cities are usually OK
Venezuela is now considered the most dangerous country in Latin America
See all of the details at Thrillist
Gay Pride Around the World 2014
GAY PRIDE IS COMING! Over the next 6 months, gay prides will be happening coast to coast!
PHOENIX PRIDE April 5-6, 2014
MIAMI PRIDE April 11-13
TOKYO PRIDE April 27rh
SAO PAULO PRIDE May 4th, 2014 – the BIGGEST in the WORLD
NEW JERSEY PRIDE June 1st, 2014
LOS ANGELES PRIDE June 6th-8th
MILWAUKEE WI Pride June 6th-8th
CAPITAL PRIDE DC June 6th-8th
DETROIT PRIDE June 7th-8th
HONOLULU PRIDE June 7th
PHILADELPHIA PRIDE June 8th
BOSTON PRIDE June 8th-16th
KEY WEST PRIDE June 11th-15th 2014
NASHVILLE PRIDE June 12th-14th
SITGES SPAIN PRIDE June 12th-16th
PITTSBURGH PRIDE June 14th-15th
BERLIN PRIDE June 14th-15th
OSLO PRIDE June 20th-29th
HOUSTON GAY PRIDE June 20th-29th
TORONTO PRIDE June 20th-29th – BIGGEST in NORTH AMERICA!
PLUS in 2014, Toronto will actually be WORLD PRIDE with even BIGGER crowds
RHODE ISLAND / PROVIDENCE PRIDE June 21st
NEW YORK CITY PRIDE June 24th-29th
TAMPA FL PRIDE June 27th-29th
PARIS PRIDE June 28th
LONDON PRIDE June 28th
MINNEAPOLIS PRIDE June 28th-29th
CHICAGO PRIDE FEST June 21st – 22nd
(they are trying to fill in the days in between to make a full week of pride)
CHICAGO PRIDE June 29th
SEATTLE GAY PRIDE June 29th
MADRID PRIDE July 2nd-6th
COLOGNE GERMANY PRIDE July 6th
SAN DIEGO PRIDE July 18th-20th
STOCKHOLM PRIDE July 28th – Aug. 2nd
MONTREAL PRIDE July July 28th-Aug. 3rd
AMSTERDAM PRIDE August 1st-3rd – with floats on the canal!
ANTWERP PRIDE August 4th-11th
REYKJAVIK PRIDE August 5th-10th
CHICAGO MARKET DAYS – August 9th-10th (not really pride – but a big party!)
OTTAWA PRIDE August 15th-24th
PRAGUE PRIDE August 11th-17th
COPENHAGEN PRIDE August 26th-31st
ATLANTA PRIDE August 27th-Sept. 1st
SOUTHERN DECADENCE – August 27th-September 1 (not really pride – but a big party)
LAS VEGAS PRIDE September 2nd-8th
AUSTIN TX PRIDE September 20th
DALLAS PRIDE September 21st
MAUI HAWAII October 4th-5th
GAY PRIDE is a time of celebration and with that, usually comes some drinking. MAKE SURE YOU DRINK WATER AS WELL! Keep yourself hydrated! You don’t want to go to the hospital with your boa and go go shorts on! (poor guy!)
Ukrainians Seek Freedom – Please Share
Ongoing protests known as the Euromaidan have been taking place in Ukraine, with protestors demanding an end to the Ukrainian dictatorship and closer integration with the European Union. This month, clashes between protestors and the government have steeply intensified, and yesterday at least 26 people were killed. The goverment is beating people, calling them “extremists”. All they want is freedom!
The Ukraine also wants to adopt Russia’s rules against gay people.
We want to be free from the politicians who work only for themselves, who are ready to shoot, to beat, to injure people, just for saving their money, just for saving their houses, just to saving their power.
I want these people who are here, who have dignity, who are brave, I want them to lead a normal life. We are civilized people, but our government are barbarians. That’s not a soviet union. We want our courts not to be corrupted. We want to be free.
Interspersed with still images and video footage of the violent clashes between protestors and police in Kiev, a young thin white woman, speaking in accented English, speaks directly to the camera. PLEASE SHARE THIS VIDEO!
Michael Lucas and Undressing Israel and Tel Aviv
UNDRESSING ISRAEL:
GAY MEN IN THE PROMISED LAND
When many people think of Israel, it is often in terms of modern war or ancient religion. And camels! But there is much more to the Jewish state than missiles and prayers.
In his debut as a documentary filmmaker,
adult-film entrepreneur and political columnist Michael Lucas examines a
side of Israel that is too often overlooked: its thriving gay community.
Undressing Israel features interviews with a diverse range of local men, including a gay member of Israel’s parliament, a trainer who
served openly in the army, a young Arab-Israeli journalist, and a pair of dads raising their kids.
Lucas also visits Tel Aviv’s vibrant
nightlife scene—and even attends a same-sex wedding—in this guided tour
of a country that has emerged as a pioneer for gay integration and equality.
Travel Alert Warning for Olympics in Russia from US State Department
The US State Department made special note of Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law in a travel alert it issued on Friday (10 January) for those traveling to Sochi for the Olympics.
The alert mentions Russia’s ban on ‘propaganda of nontraditional sexual
relations,’ the controversial anti-gay law that went into effect last
year, and states it will be applied to visitors as well as Russians.
– See more at:
www.gaystarnews.com/article/us-state-department-issues-travel-alert-olympics-warns-russias-anti-gay-propaganda-law110114#sthash.4FTwmXl4.dpuf
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.”
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
Taiwan Pushes for Same Sex Marriage Recognition
Taiwan is one of Asia’s most progressive countries as far as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights are concerned, not only since the government attempted to legalize same-sex marriage
in 2003 (which stalled without passage), the first country in Asia to
attempt to do so. Taiwan is also described as the most liberal after
approximately 65,000 attended the Taiwan Pride parade in 2012, making it the largest LGBT event in Asia.
This weekend, Same-sex couples in Taipei, Taiwan symbolically tied the knot down
the road from the presidential palace Saturday in a symbolic mass
“wedding banquet” intended to push the government to recognize same-sex
marriages.
From Focus Taiwan:
A mass wedding that attracted over 1,000
people was held in downtown Taipei on Saturday, amid a push by local
civic groups to legalize all forms of civil partnerships, including
same-sex marriage, in Taiwan…
The alliance also hoped that the
banquet would drive up support for an amendment that would legalize gay
marriage, civil partnerships, and the adoption of children by diverse
families in Taiwan.
The proposed legislation is set to be submitted to the Legislative Yuan later this month.
AFP adds:
Participants sat around tables decorated
with red cloths printed with the Chinese character for “wedding”, as
they had dinner and watched a video recording of local celebrities
showing support as well as live performances in a makeshift banquet
venue in a square outside the presidential office in Taipei.
“This
looks likes a traditional wedding scene and even if it’s not real, I
think a picture is worth a thousand words and I hope we will get more
public attention and support for same-sex marriages,” said Richard Chen,
a 22-year-old student from Taipei.
According to The China Post, a poll from the United Daily News shows
that 55 percent of the population are in favour of same-sex marriage,
with 37 percent opposed. Though that same poll also pointed out that 61
percent of respondents would not accept their children if they were
gay.
“Taiwan is considered one of the more liberal countries in Asia in
terms of homosexual issues and hosts one of the largest gay pride
parades in Asia each year,” according to The China Post.
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.
Australia Looks to cash in on Same Sex Marriage and Honeymoons
There were about 33,700 same-sex couples in Australia, according to the 2011 census.
Australian Marriage Equality has said hundreds of same-sex Australian
couples were planning to head to New Zealand to marry. New Zealand
will be the 16th country to allow same-sex marriage when it comes into
force on August 19, while gay marriage in Britain is expected to be
fully in force next year.
But Australia is clearing the way for states to begin passing gay marriage, one by one, as we’re doing in the US.
Tourism New Zealand and Visit Britain are both using the passing of same-sex marriage laws in
England and Wales as a promotional tool to entice gay and lesbian
tourists.
The chief executive of the Tourism and Transport Forum, Ken Morrison,
said there was a significant market in this area that countries which
permitted same-sex marriage were exploiting.
Although it was difficult to calculate how much this market was worth,
Mr Morrison said a recent US survey found gay and lesbian travellers
spent as much as 60 per cent more than heterosexual tourists.
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!
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
