Category Archives: Places US
Gay Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Wooffest and Miami Celebrates White Party for Thanksgiving
While all the circuit boys will down in Miami for Thanksgiving’s Annual WHITE PARTY, the Bears, Cubs & Daddies will be spending it in Fort Lauderdale for WOOFFEST!
The Cabanas Guest House and Gay Nudist Resort reports that BearCiti said it will be taking over the production of Wooffest starting this year. Wooffest is a yearly event that was created in 2003 by Joe Soler and friends after the unfortunate passing of his partner to suicide. Joe wanted to create an event where he could raise funds and awareness to support suicide prevention and to help those whose lives have been changed by the loss of a loved one.
Wooffest takes place every year during Thanksgiving weekend in beautiful sunny Fort Lauderdale FL. During the weekend you can catch up with old friends and make new lasting friendships with people from all around the world as we all come together to raise funds for a good cause and remember a portion of all the proceeds from the whole weekend are given to non profit agencies which will benefit suicide prevention.
November 26th – 30th, 2008 Check out Wooffest for more details!
The Best of Gay Fort Lauderdale and the New Gay Travel Guide
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
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.
Southern Decadence Gay Party in New Orleans Labor Day
Southern Decadence started thirty-seven years ago as a simple going-away party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of our world’s major annual events. One of the largest annual celebrations in New Orleans, it has become known as the “Gay Mardi Gras.”
People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don’t even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday.
With over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants, and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $100 million, the city has recognized its importance with an Official Proclamation to welcome the event.
It was so popular, that for a while many hotels would TRIPLE their normal rate, require a 5 night minimum stay, and make your PRE-PAY the entire amount due, with no refunds! And every hotel, always sold out. Since the hurricane and the re-birth or New Orleans, times have changed a bit. And it is currently affordable and some hotels were even offering “deals” as of last week. So it’s a good time to go have fun!
The city’s wildest neighborhood gets even crazier as the French Quarter is packed for the entire event; however, the big day is Sunday. That’s when the Grand Marshal leads the annual parade through the streets beginning at 2 p.m. The 2008 Grand Marshals are Paloma and Tittie Toulouse. The official theme for 2008 is “Decadence Does Disco” and the colors are silver, black and white. There is usually not a parade route. The Grand Marshal makes it up as they go along!
The corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets is generally considered to be the epicenter of Gay New Orleans, and even more so during the Southern Decadence festival weekend. At that intersection is the largest gay nightclub, The Bourbon Pub video bar and The Parade dance club, which is home to the hottest dancers in town. Across the street is Hit Parade Gift and Clothing store. Most of the city’s main gay attractions are located within a few blocks of this intersection.
Chi Chi LaRue, the “Diva of Decadence,” has been the hostess for the past ten years, and returns for 2008 for her 11th anniversary. Performance artist Adam Killian coordinates the incredible stage shows. Cult-comedienne Shirley Q. Liquor returns for 2008 performing to sold-out crowds. The legendary Lady Bunny brings her outrageous show to The Bourbon Pub stage on Friday evening.
The Bourbon Street Extravaganza returns with a free outdoor concert on Saturday afternoon at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets featuring recording artists Deborah Cox, Kimberley Locke, Jeanie Tracy and Thea Austin.
It will be an AMAZING WEEKEND – GET THERE IF YOU CAN
Southern Decadance Online
Womensfest Keywest – September 2nd – 7th
A week of women, sun and fun in beautiful KEY WEST!
The Annual WomenFest attracts women from all over the country to enjoy Key West’s ‘live and let live’ attitude and a host of exciting events.
For the 22nd consecutive year, the island city renowned for its all-embracing diversity is to welcome as many as 5,000 women during the Womenfest celebration.
Set for Tuesday through Sunday, Sept. 2-7, the acclaimed event for lesbians and their friends features activities ranging from pool parties and women-only watersports excursions to an art and poetry evening and a group commitment ceremony.
Activities are designed to allow singles, couples and groups of women to experience the atmosphere of openness and acceptance that has made Key West an internationally acclaimed lesbian and gay vacation destination.
The festival is coordinated by the KEY WEST Business Guild, the United States’ oldest LGBT-oriented chamber of commerce-type business organization, and includes a luncheon commemorating the guild’s 30th anniversary.
For women who want to celebrate their partnerships during Womenfest, a group commitment ceremony and champagne brunch are scheduled at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Pearl’s Rainbow, For more information and costs, call (305) 292-1450. Womenfest is to conclude with a “floating tea dance” aboard the catamaran Fury, with entertainment provided by DJ Harmony and festival headliners God-des & She.
Festival information including event prices, ticketing andlodgingis online or call the Key West Business Guild at (800) 535-7797 or (305) 294-4603. Lodging information also can be found on the Florida Keys & Key West site.
The Best Gay Beaches Around The World – Rio, Brazil – Sydney, Australia – Fire Island – Chicago – Florida – Texas – Puerto Vallarta
GAYS AND BEACHES!
A love affair with the sun, water, and nearly naked men! Gay beaches are everywhere … small ones, big ones, hidden ones, sandy ones, rocky ones. Coast to coast, if there are gays around, there must be a gay beach!Some of the most popular gay beaches include:
FIRE ISLAND / NEW YORK – Probably the most famous. Home to two queer communities – for the A-list gay crowd there is the Pines and the everybody-welcome community of Cherry Grove, forever separated by the infamous, forested Meat Rack (aka “The Petting Zoo”). Both boardwalk-lined gayborhoods are carless and hopping in summer, but you may need connections to spend the night here. You just can’t show up and get a room!
Summer weekends are an event on the Island. It takes some planning as well. You’ll need to coordinate train and ferry schedules if you don’t find a place to spend the night. A MUST SEE if you are visiting New York in the Summer!
Florida – In South Beach you have the very gay 12th Street Gay Beach and in Fort Lauderdale you have Sebastian Street Gay Beach. Other gay favorite beaches include the unspoiled John U. Lloyd State Park just south of Fort Lauderdale in Dania Beach and South of the city is the clothing-optional beach at Haulover State Park in North Miami. The gay section of the beach is at the North end. Please note: there are periodic rumors of arrests and raids at the beach. Nude sunbathing is technically illegal in Florida, however it has been tolerated at the north end of Haulover for years.
Farme Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The gay spot at Ipanema Beach is a little to the East of Rua Farme de Amoedo. This is the best place to make friends with locals in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the bars and club scene.
While bears and trannies prefer to meet in Copacabana’s Bolsa, Gay Farme is “Barbie Land”. Barbie is how locals call muscled South Side gay men. Waxing is optional… You don’t have to be in top shape to join the fun, though. Farme is so traditional with the gay community, that even beach vendors display the rainbow flag. You may run into local TV stars, stranded socialites, families with children, there’s a little of everything.
Chicago. Chicago? Most people don’t think of beaches when they think of Chicago, but Chicago is home to 28 miles (45 km) man-made lakefront shoreline. There are twenty nine lakefront beaches in Chicago along the shore of Lake Michigan.
You’ll almost mistake Lake Michigan for an ocean with its vast expanse and seemingly endless shore. With beautiful blue water as far as the eye can see, you may think you’ve gone from Chicago to southern California.
The gay beach is Hollywood Beach. (AKA Kathy Osterman Beach) The gays and gay friendly people hang out at the southern end of the beach. Weather permitting, the gay boys will be out sunnning themselves late April thru October! But any given Sunday in the summer there are about 200-300 people out here.Hippie Hallow – Austin Texas – Situated on 109 peaceful acres, Hippie Hollow is a clothing optional park securely nestled in the natural beauty of the Hill County of Lake Travis, only 20 minutes off Interstate 35, but a world away from the bustle of nearby Austin, a haven for those who wish to escape the rigors of modern life in a safe and comfortable nudist atmosphere. Hippie Hollow is internationally popular for sunbathing and swimming, welcoming visitors from all over the world. You’ll need shoes! It’s very rocky. Many folks (both straight and gay) rent houseboats and cruise around the lake, making for weekends of Southern-style outdoor aqua parties. – Memorial Weekend and Labor Day are big gay SPLASH Weekend Parties.
Sydney Australia has Bondi Beach – If Sydney was famous for anything other than its Gay Life and friendly people, it would have to be her sparkling beaches.
Sydney is among cities of the world whose inner suburbs front onto exceptional ocean Beaches. Even in the brisk winter, one cannot visit Sydney without at least enjoying a drink or a meal overlooking the blue Pacific from one of Sydney many spectacular beaches. Naturally, Sydney’s warmer months from September to April, are the ideal times for visiting Sydney’s beaches.
At Bondi Beach, directly in front of the North Bondi Surf Club – Looking out to sea, this unofficial area is to the left, however you will find gay groups right along the beach. You also have 2 Nude Harbour Beaches – Obelisk Beach and Lady Jane Beach. After many years of flouting the law, Sydney sun-lovers and Naturalists, have got their way and the governing bodies have finally sanctioned nude bathing on these beaches. Also Tamarama Beach (a.k.a. “Glamarama”) may not have the wedgie-Speedo wet dream lifeguards of Bondi Beach to the north, but the views are just as inspirational at this look-at-me gay cove lined with sandstone boulders, under the seaside mansions and sidewalks cafes of a posh Sydney neighborhood.
And we must mention the gay beach in Puerto Vallarta! Looking for a beach resort that offers a traditional Mexican flavor with lots of fun things to do? You might be looking for Puerto Vallarta, where you can lay out on the beach all day or do a gay boat tour with Diana, then cruise around town searching the shops for the best bargains and restaurants all night. And the choices of food are endless! You might have homemade Mexican fare one evening and dine at a 5 star epicurean delight the next!
Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beach, Playa de los Muertos, is located just south of the malecon and the River Cuale. This beach is surrounded by the neighborhood of Olas Altas (Old Town or Zona Romantica), with it’s indescribable variety of restaurants and shops. It is lined with beach front hotels and restaurants and is usually bustling with activity, sun worshipers by day, the dining and nightlife crowd after dark. The beach front bars and restaurants in this area are a great place to catch one of the incredible Vallarta sunsets.
One section of the beach is very gay, around
the beach concession commonly known as the blue chairs, which sits in front of the Blue Chairs Resort. So many gays now come to the beach area it has to spread to neighboring chairs as well! In this area you’ll find hundreds of gay men and women sitting under the palapas (thatched umbrellas) or on towels nearer the surf line, soaking up the hot Mexican sun and socializing with gays from all over the world. Waiters can bring you drinks and food all day, so you never have to get up if you don’t want to! – They throw an awesome parties over Thanksgiving called VALLARTA FEVER and LATIN FEVER!Tell us your favorite beach!
The New Gay Travel Guide –
Gay travel, gay news and gay events from around the world!
New York Public Library Presents Kenn Duncan Retrospective
A major retrospective exhibition of Kenn Duncan’s work, Focus on the 70s: The Fabulous Photography of Kenn Duncan, including many of the images which will be seen in the fourth coming book Divas!: The Fabulous Photography of Kenn Duncan (Photography), (October 2008, Universe Publishing)
will be on view at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center
starting this week
through October 25, 2008.
Photographs of an effervescent Bette Midler twirling barefoot in a summer dress, a sensual Alexander Gudonov staring intently into the camera, a youthful Diane Keaton with the cast of Hair, and an ethereal portrait of transgender Andy Warhol superstar Candy Darling wrapped in furs are all part of a comprehensive exhibition featuring materials from the archive of renowned portrait and fashion photographer Kenn Duncan.
Duncan was an amazing artist who truly shined in the 1970’s. This retrospective of Duncan’s 20-year career features approximately 400 photographs and includes his iconic images of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Eartha Kitt, Angela Lansbury, Peter Martins, Bette Midler, the cast of Hair, as well as selections of his nudes, his fashion portfolios, and his work with hundreds of celebrities including shock rock legend Alice Cooper, Al Pacino, and Christopher Walken.
Focus on the 70s: The Fabulous Photography of Kenn Duncan is on display in the Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, located at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, and Admission is free!
Read more about Kenn Duncan and the NYPL exhibit online!
Pre-order the fourthcoming book
Divas!: The Fabulous Photography of Kenn Duncan (Photography) now and SAVE!
(Divas! © by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations ,
Universe Publishing, 2008.)
The Best of Gay New York and the New Gay Travel Guide
Eric and Todd Dammann – Hottie Twin Gay Guys in Seattle with Voices, Guitars and a Webcam!
Ah, Seattle!
The 5 best things about Seattle:
1) Seattle is gorgeous.
2) The proximity to a lot of outdoor activities.
3) The people in general are more polite than the rest of the country.
4) The culture is great. Great restaurants, and great arts.
5) The Dammann Twins – Eric and Todd.
They sing, play guitar, and are both gay!
YouTube is an amazing tool that wasn’t around when I was a kid! Now anyone with a webcam and some talent have amazing opportunities and in fact, can be discovered through the Internet.
The guys covered Brittney’s GIMME MORE and it has been viewed by nearly half a million people!
At 21, these two Seattle boys are finishing college, packing their bags and heading to sunny California!
I caught up with the guys this week, in between finals!
“Moving to California is definitely next on our priority list. After we finish up some college work here in Seattle, we will be doing all we can to set up home base somewhere near Los Angeles. With all of the opportunities for performing and promotion down there, it is something we are looking forward to.
We want our fans to know that we are working hard to write and record some great music that is going to be very symbolic of who we are as artists. So many people have reached out to us and given us words of support and encouragement. We appreciate it all so much and everyday are more and more surprised and flattered by the messages and letters our listeners are sending. It is our ultimate hope to someday tour and see all these fans in person!
We don’t have a record deal yet. This project is more of a demo than a full fledged album. The record we are working on is about 75% complete. We still have to finish writing and recording a few songs to make sure we have material that is not only work we’re proud of, but a collection that is as diverse and well rounded. After that, we will spend some time mastering the tracks and making sure all of the kinks are worked out.
It’s our first time really doing something like this by ourselves. Everything from the song writing, recording, and mixing, to the vocals and instrumentals are being done by us alone. It’s a big task to undertake but this is something we’ve always wanted to do. Music is our life, and we couldn’t imagine living without it!”
The duo was recently interviewed by Out magazine / PopNography ,
What inspired you to start putting videos up on YouTube?
Do you think part of the appeal is that a lot of people have twin fantasies?
Eric: YouTube really has become one of the cultural artifacts of this technology dominated/cyber space century. We love to sing and perform, so we figured, why not put it up on a site that would allow all our family and friends see what we’re up to? I love the idea of being able to have a digital platform where you can share your creative abilities with anyone who cares to watch.
Todd: I honestly laugh at the whole twin fantasy idea. I guess as a twin, it’s hard for me to look past my own relationship with Eric when I think about it. But I guess if that makes people listen, then I’m cool with it! If they come into it with that fantasy, I hope they’ll discover the talent underneath the fantasy!
The guys were asked recently if they have tried out for American Idol before?
“We tried out for the last season of American Idol. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Out of the 10,000 contestants trying out in Seattle, we made it to the top 100. We were obviously thrilled, but after continuing on, it became increasingly obvious that this was hardly a singing competition. Just like all “reality” shows, there’s very little real anything on the show.”
Don’t worry guys –
you are well on your way!
Stop by their MySpace page and listen to their music!
Eric has his own page and so does Todd as well.
It’s Official ! Gay Couples Can Get Married in California!
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According to the Associated Press – Dozens of gay couples were married Monday night after California became the second state to allow same-sex nuptials, offering a preview of the euphoria and anger to come as gay couples from across the nation head west to wed.
At least five county clerks around the state extended their hours to honor specific couples or to mark the historic occasion, and many couples exchanged vows on the spot. The May 15 California Supreme Court order overturning bans on same-sex marriage became final at 5:01 p.m.
“I never thought I’d see this,” Michael Groark, 61, said at a San Francisco sports bar, watching on television as Mayor Gavin Newsom officiated the first same-sex wedding in the city. Newsom helped launch the series of lawsuits that led the court to strike down California’s one-man-one-woman marriage laws.
A big rush to the altar was expected today, when most counties planned to start issuing marriage licenses to gay couples. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of couples nationwide are expected to seize the opportunity to make their unions official in the eyes of the law.
Groups that oppose same-sex marriage have pursued several legal avenues to stop the weddings, including asking the California Supreme Court to postpone its decision until after the November initiative. The high court denied that request.
In Sonoma County, Melanie Phoenix, 47, and Terry Robinson, 48, were first in line to get a license. Together for almost 26 years, they plan to wed in August.
“It’s a historic occasion,” Phoenix said. “I never believed it was really possible until Gavin Newsom took the first step in 2004.”
Unlike Massachusetts, which legalized gay marriage in 2004, California has no residency requirement for marriage licenses, and that is expected to draw a great number of out-of-state couples. The turnout could also be boosted by New York state’s recent announcement that it will recognize gay marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Gov. David A. Paterson has directed all state agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, like Massachusetts, California and Canada.
A UCLA study issued last week estimated that half of California’s more than 100,000 same-sex couples will get married over the next three years, and 68,000 more out-of-state couples will travel here to exchange vows.
GOOD TIMES WE ARE LIVING IN!
CELEBRATE!
Jay Leno Shows Support for Gay Marriage at Abbey in West Hollywood
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Talk show host Jay Leno showed up at the symbolic mass commitment ceremony at the Abbey in West Hollywood Wednesday night to show his support for gay marriage.
Leno – who several times has been criticized for being insensitive towards LGBT people on his late night talk show – said he didn’t understand why people are concerned about gays being allowed to marry.
Daily News’ Greg Hernandez
interviewed Leno at the event:
Greg: What do you think about gay marriage in California and all that’s happened in the last few weeks?
Jay: “Well, I come from Massachusetts and they have it there and the sky didn’t fall in, everyone seems to be fine. It’s one of those things where it’s a matter of time, you sort of ease into it and you see what happens.”
Greg: Do you have any friends who you want to see married?
Jay: Oh, I have a lot of gay friends. We have a couple of gay couples at ‘The Tonight Show’ who’ve been together 7,8,9 years.
“But you know what’s so funny to me, it’s how people miss out on the economic benefits just in terms of catering and flowers and planning. The services that come with it. I see all the companies that have benefited from gay travel. If you look at it, gay people have probably the most disposable income of any group and the businesses that cater to them do very well. So it just seems like common sense. Gas is four bucks a gallon. For me to worry about what Larry and Bob are doing seems sort of ridiculous.
Greg: Were we too hard on you over the whole Ryan Phillippe thing? (Leno was blasted for asking the actor to give him his “gayest look” while guesting. He later apologized for any offense)
Jay: “That seemed a little over the top to me, I have to admit. Only because it was not my intention. When I’ve had straight actors on who’ve played sexy roles, I’ll say, ‘Give me your sexiest face.’ So, when I said it to Ryan, we had said he’s a kid from a Baptist community who was now playing a gay part and I said, ‘OK, now give me your gayest look’ knowing he wouldn’t do it. You laugh and OK fine. Obviously it upset some people. Hey look, I’m an entertainer, sometimes you annoy people, you make people mad. Alright, that happens. But, I really think there are bigger issues than that. That’s a classic case where you’re not talking about morality or lifestyle, you’re just talking about silly stuff.”
Luxury Camping in California – Perfect Spot For Your Gay Honeymoon ?
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Camping has never been big on my list! However, I discovered this place on the outskirts of the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara, California – El Captain Canyon. – which has changed my mind!
While it is primarily a straight clientèle, they do welcome gay people. And with the recent Supreme Court ruling, gay marriage in California could be a reality in just weeks, and this could be a beautiful spot for a honeymoon. Luxury tents and cabins, massage/spa services, jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, even Wi-Fi access in their cabins, this is a pretty fabulous place!
El Capitan Canyon caters to “luxury campers” with an assortment of the same comfortable accommodations any Santa Barbara hotel can provide. Southern California nature lodging near the beach has never been so enjoyable. All accommodations are furnished with willow beds, down-style duvets, western-inspired blankets and casual furnishings. Roomy tents have wood floors – some even have bathrooms and kitchens!
During the day, enjoy the great outdoors and fresh air! Hiking, biking, beach cruising, whale watching, swimming (beach or pool), horseback riding, Segway through Santa Barbara and more. All summer there is an outdoor concert series or you may choose to stay in your cabin and sip champagne in your jacuzzi or in front of the fireplace.
From off-road trails to lush valley vineyards, invigorating hikes to romantic sunsets and spectacular, mountain to ocean vistas memorable experiences and unique adventures await! Why haven’t the gays thought of this?
Rates range from $145 for tents and cabins from $225.
(866) 352-2729 El Captain Canyon
CHICAGO, A WELCOMING DESTINATION FOR LGBT TRAVELERS
Chicago is proud to be home to one of the most active and friendly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities in the world. Boasting renowned arts and cultural organizations, a thriving LGBT sports scene, and hundreds of LGBT-owned businesses and social hubs throughout the city – and as the host of Gay Games VII in 2006 – Chicago is known internationally as a welcoming destination for LGBT travelers.
Download the free Chicago Navigaytour, a comprehensive visitor guide to the city written and designed specifically for gay and lesbian travelers.
Arts and Culture
Chicago is widely recognized as a cultural mecca, with hundreds of performing arts organizations located throughout the city, including a variety of renowned LGBT organizations. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus entertains audiences with innovative musical programming exploring themes ranging from love to politics to the sometimes fabulous, sometimes challenging world of being gay-often all at the same time. The award-winning About Face Theater presents works that strive to challenge audience’s intellects, imaginations, self-conceptions, moral expectations, and ideas about gender and sexuality. Each year, Chicago is home to the Reeling Film Festival, the second oldest LGBT film festival in the United States. Reeling demonstrates the diversity of work being created today by screening films from a range of genres-from award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts. Plus, Broadway in Chicago!
Neighborhoods
In addition to hundreds of LGBT-owned and friendly businesses and social hubs throughout the city, Chicago has an official City of Chicago-designated LGBT neighborhood, Lakeview (Boystown,) marked by 22 rainbow-ringed and illuminated 20-foot pylons on Halsted Street, from Belmont to Waveland Avenues. Known by the locals as “Boystown,” this highly eclectic gay quarter features fine restaurants, outdoor cafes, vintage clothing, high fashion, and several blocks of LGBT bars ranging from classic Chicago pubs, to sultry lounges, from hard-core leather scenes to booming, high-energy dance clubs. Wandering Halsted and Broadway streets, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfares, a visitor might think he or she had stumbled onto a gay pride celebration.
Andersonville, an old Swedish enclave, has steadily developed into a very popular, yet low-key lesbian and gay neighborhood. Andersonville, a sort of “Girl’s Town,” features one of few remaining independent women’s bookstores in the nation, a sleek LGBT gym, coffee houses, art galleries, and a wide variety of ethnic culinary experiences. LGBT-owned restaurants, gourmet delis and ethnic food stores add elegance to the somewhat bohemian scene. Andersonville has also become an exciting nighttime destination, and is home to many LGBT bars, including a swank wine bar, taverns, dance clubs, leather bars, and some of the friendliest neighborhood pubs you will find in the city.
Hollywood Beach, long recognized as the city’s LGBT beach, is a pleasant 15-minute walk away through the beautifully landscaped and garden-laden streets of Andersonville.
Accommodations
From luxe 5-stars to trendy boutique properties to student-friendly hostels, Chicago is home to dozens of hotels that can suit any travel style and budget. While LGBT travelers are welcome at any hotel in the city, properties near the Boystown neighborhood are known for being particularly LGBT-friendly. The Neighborhood Inns of Chicago are three stylish hotels located in Lakeview – the City Suites Hotel, Majestic Hotel and Willows Hotel. Those looking for a smaller venue can check out three elegant B&Bs located minutes from Boystown and Andersonville – the Ardmore House, the Villa Toscana and House 5863. The Hawthorne Terrace Best Western is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Lakeview.
Pride Celebrations
Each June, Chicago celebrates Pride Month, with dozens of social, cultural, political and athletic events. The culmination of Pride Month is the annual Gay Pride Parade, which takes place on the last Sunday of the month (in 2008, the Parade will be held on Sunday, June 29). The Parade, which attracts more than 400,000 viewers, steps off from the corner of Belmont and Halsted and proceeds through the Boystown neighborhood.
Halsted Street Market Days is a mid-summer street festival in Boystown that takes place each year in August (2008 date: August 9-10). During the festival, Halsted Street is closed to vehicular traffic for two days of music, dancing and food. Festival organizers believe that Market Days is the largest street festival in Illinois, with more than 300,000 attendees each year.
Andersonville’s MidSommarfest in early June (2008 date: June 14-15) and Lakeview’s Pride Fest on the Saturday before the Pride Parade (2008 date: June 28) are also popular festivals with an LGBT flavor.
For even more detailed information about visiting Chicago, visit The Best of Gay Chicago!
Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations and receive trip-planning assistance by calling toll-free 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246), or visiting www.cityofchicago.org/tourism.
Gay Hawaii
Golfing. Beaches. Shopping. Clubs. Snorkeling. Surfing. Whale Watching. Swimming With Dolphins. Luxury Hotels. Hiking. Sunset Cocktails. Boat Crusies. Waterfalls.
Get Married! or just plain relaxing, Hawaii has it all!
Tropical Paradise. The Hawaiian Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean, are the most remote chain of islands in the world. Honolulu is 2,398 miles southwest of San Francisco (the closest continental point), 3,818 miles southeast of Tokyo, and 5,067 miles north of Sydney. Oahu, the third largest island in the chain, contains about 75% of the state’s population and is considered the main island. Honolulu (the state capital and major city), and its beach resort area at Waikiki, are on Oahu.
Hawaii Welcomes All to Paradise
“Perhaps because Hawaii is one of the world’s great melting pots, where people of many races and beliefs live in relative harmony with each other and nature, Hawaii is amazingly open and welcome to gay and lesbian visitors.” says writer John Fischer.“Despite the defeat of efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii, the government of Hawaii is anything but anti-gay. The Reciprocal Beneficiaries Law (Act 383) of 1997 allows any two single adults — including same-sex partners, blood relatives or just friends — to have access to less than 60 spousal rights on the state level. So, lots of couples “get married” here – it is such a perfect setting!
The hub of gay and lesbian activity in Hawaii continues to be Waikiki on the island of Oahu. For many years the gay center of Waikiki was along a stretch of Kuhio Avenue between Kalaimoko Street and Lewers Street. Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand was located here for many years before moving to its new location at 134 Kapahulu Avenue in the second story of the Waikiki Grand Hotel.”
Don’t come to Hawaii expecting Key West or some other big gay mecca. “Hawaii’s gay community is interesting because it doesn’t run like the anonymous gay Mainland cities. I learned that in Hawaii emphasis is placed on the ‘ohana, or family, aspects of the gay community. The queer communities are very grassroots. Especially on the outer islands, I found potlucks and beach gatherings and eco activities to be the norm. Hawaii’s gay scene is more about camaraderie versus numbers.”
The two beaches on Oahu which are most often considered gay/lesbian beaches are located nearby, the Queen’s Surf Beach on the eastern end of Waikiki near the recently renovated Natatorium War Memorial – the area from the park to the Waiikiki Aqaurium, is usually very gay. And there is a nice snackbar and restrooms right nearby.
Also, Diamond Head Beach at the foot of Oahu’s most famous landmark. Secluded and countrylike. Very gay usually near the lighthouse area. No facilities here and bring snacks if you are spending the day.
However, Mokuleia Beach Is the only beach to attract gay sunbathers on Gay Oahu’s Leeward coast. The remote “Mecca” comprises approximately six miles of narrows white sand beach only about
approximately 150 feet wide between Kaiaka Bay and Camp Erdman. The Gay area is near Mokuleia Beach Park located midway along the beach. Park facilities include restrooms, showers, camping sites, and parking. Follow the path into the brush area to find the boys.Lanikai Beach: Remote and awe-inspiring, this beauty is off the tourist radar screen on the windward side of Oahu has a mile of perfect sand and water that’s crystal clear. If you are there of the sun think about arriving in the morning, as the shadow of the Koolau Mountains blocks the sun’s in the afternoon. This beach caters to both Gay Hawaii and straight sun bathers.
Kailua Beach: One of the best beaches on Oahu this paradise is popular with the local elite but rarely a stop for visitors that stick to Waikiki for the most part. Large grass and picnic area and changing facilities are available. After the beach stop in to Buzzes Steak House (right across the road) and sit at the table that President Clinton did. This is the beach to be seen at!Each of the Hawaiian Islands has many things to offer gay and lesbian visitors. Maui has the second largest gay and lesbian community particularly in the Kihei area. Maui also has a popular nude beach, although public nudity is officially outlawed in Hawaii. On Maui you will find numerous gay and lesbian friendly bed and breakfasts as well as many services offering commitment ceremonies. Gay Maui is a magical island that has been named ‘Best Island in the World’ time and time again. Crystal waters, golden beaches, beautiful scenery, tropical breezes, swaying palms, award-winning cuisine and world class resorts just to name a few.
So much to see and do and explore in Hawaii! The best vacations are full of unexpected surprises. For more information see HAWAIIg Adventures and Only in Paradise – Hawaii’s only gay owned and operated travel and activity agency. Check them out if you are making Hawaii plans! “Being a local owned and operated gay company we know the best places to make your vacation all that it can be.”
More Hawaii info available at GAY HAWAII, and HAWAII’S GAY SCENE
gay hawaii gay maui gay oahu gay travel gay hotels gay beaches Turbo Tagger
Who’s Your Next Hot Tranny Mess? Project Runway Season 5
project runway bravo tv hot tranny mess christian soriano
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!
fashion week gay cities Turbo Tagger
Gay Real Estate Prices
What’s up in the Gay Ghettos with home prices?
On the West coast, seems prices have dropped, while some area’s like New York’s Chelsea neighborhood, have sky-rocketed!
According to Melissa Data….
January 2008 prices vs. January 2007 prices
SF Castro $890,000 $1,125,000
West Hollywood $647,00 974,000
Chelsea $1,543,000 1,194,000
Houston/Montrose 288,000 266,000
Chicago/Andersonville 316,000 361,000
Provincetown 416,000 407,000
South Beach 1,020,000 749,000
Ft. Lauderdale 411,000 430,000
Boston / Roxbury 602,000 693,000
DC / Dupont 662,000 603,000
How does your area stack up?
Check out these gay zip codes, and then put the code into Melissa!
CHER AT CEASARS ! WITH BETTE AND ELTON JOHN
THE INK IS DRY AND IT’S A DONE DEAL…..THE FAREWELL TOUR CONTINUES!
Cher has signed a 3 year, 200 show $60 million deal with Ceasar’s Palace.
We reported here a couple months back, that Better Midler was in fact replacing Celine Dion at Ceasars. Allegedly Midler signed a 2 year contract, 200 show deal. Negotiations were also going on with Diana Ross but eventually fell apart. And Ceasars is said to have extended Elton Johns current contract out for another year. Cher will open her show in May and says it will be “Visually Unbelievable”!
LAS VEGAS in the news again – PALAZZO and DIANA ROSS
diana ross las vegas Palazzo siegfried and roy frank marino bernie yuman Turbo Tagger
Was it real or was it Memerox? Motown icon Diana Ross, playing before her largest Las Vegas crowd in years, kept everyone guessing and wondering: was it live or a masterpiece of music technology?
The former Supremes star raised suspicions during her nine-song performance at Saturday’s concert capping the grand opening weekend of the $1.9 billion Palazzo. – it’s called “a world-class luxury hotel, casino and resort with a design reminiscent of high-end locales such as Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Rodeo Drive”. – 3000 rooms – 400 suites – 6 villas!
Ross’ voice was spectacular, but there were questions because she not only performed with a sound track that included backup singers and a band, she also requested that she not appear on the jumbo screens on each side of the stage. – Ross’ diva reputation remains firmly intact. She also requested that no photographers be allowed to shoot her performance — which didn’t stop hundreds from using cell phones — and she declined to attend a pre-concert VIP meet-and-greet.
One of Ross’ biggest fans, female impersonator and Riviera headliner Frank Marino, insisted it was vintage Ross.
“I was right up front and everything coming out of the mic was 100 percent her,” said Marino, who has made a career of lip-synching Joan Rivers.
“She was using a click track; it’s what people use on a corporate gig,” he said. “The tracks are laid down for your music and your background vocals are on there.
Longtime Siegfried and Roy manager Bernie Yuman and Nicole Durr, who produced the short-lived “Havana Nights” at the Stardust, are reportedly working with Hollywood heavyweight publicist Ken Sunshine on an entertainment project for the Palazzo. Sunshine, who represents Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake and Leonardo DiCaprio, was spotted at the Palazzo concert on Saturday. …
ELSEWHERE around town, Michael Jackson and his children, were seen having lunch Sunday at Planet Hollywood restaurant (Forum Shops at Caesars) so he is still alive and well. … Chelsea Clinton was enjoying a victory dinner with friends at Koi ( Planet Hollywood Resort) on Saturday…. Drew Barrymore and actor Justin Long, catching dinner Saturday at Fix restaurant (Bellagio). … Music star Lenny Kravitz, checking into the Penthouse Suite at the Hard Rock Hotel. – SOOOO LA!
Las Vegas becoming the New Los Angeles?
Las Vegas is becoming the star-studded playground, more and more every year!
Hollywood’s young A-listers like Paris Hilton, Sean Combs and Brad Pitt are hanging out here more and even buying condos and residences here.
The bankrupt PLANET HOLLYWOOD has even resurfaced (in the old Aladdin Hotel) ! One hundred restaurants went belly up in 2001 and investers lost $1 billion. But Las Vegas could be different. Hip, modern, decidedly dramatic, and the centerpiece of the Las Vegas Strip, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is more than the newest hotel in town. It’s the shopping, dining and gambling destination of choice for the city that celebrates celebrity. And to show they mean business. Babs was hired (for a rumoured $1 million, for the grand opening a few weeks ago.)
Streisand performed at the grand opening of the new gambling and hotel complex, on the same stage where Pamela Anderson usually appears in Hans Klok’s weekend magic shows.(That show just closed by the way.)
A couple videos can be seen HERE and HERE
Speaking of magician HANS KLOK, allegedly, he has been seen around town with Siegfried, and not Roy. Klok was in town this year with his show, but the show just closed, so he will be returning home to be with his longtime male companion. – But no worries, they (Klok and Siegfried) are just friends we are told. In fact, it has been said Siegfried has been working on plans for a new house, that would also include a small theatre room, so that perhaps they could entertain celebrity friends with some close-up magic!
More details when we know them!
By the way, one of my readers stated that Siegfried & Roy were actually married when they met on the Bremen cruise ship in Germany in 1960…..They were married by the Captian of the TS Bremen.
The reader even went so far as to say that
in the Hall of European Vital Records is a marriage license between
Siegfried and Roy. Hmmmmm. Interesting. Can anyone verify that? I don’t know…..
NEW YEARS EVE WITH PARIS & NICKY HILTON IN LAS VEGAS
Barron Hilton Kathy Hilton make a wish foundationParis Hilton Nicky Hilton Las Vegas New Years Eve Luxor LAX Turbo Tagger
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEARS EVE???
Celebutante PARIS HILTON really, truly is trying to do some charitable work. Ever since her trip to Rwanda was postponed, Paris has been searching for a way to give back. Their mom Kathy Hilton has set up KATHY HILTONS WISHING TREE on EBAY, to benefit the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION. Philanthropist Kathy invited her family and friends to donate auction items this holiday season to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
For one week, all kinds of things were sold. Autographed goods from Liz Taylor, Tom Cruise, Dean Martin and more. One of the top items was round trip air fare for 2 to Las Vegas, a couple nights at the Luxor Hotel, and hanging out with Nicky and Paris at their New Years Party they are throwing at the hot LAX nightclub. The auction fetched $4050.00 and 100% of the proceeds were donated.
In the news again this week, hotel heiress Paris Hilton’s potential inheritance dramatically diminished after her grandfather Barron Hilton re-announced plans to donate 97 percent of his $2.3 billion fortune to charity.
Jerry Oppenheimer, who profiled the Hilton family in his 2006 book “House of Hilton,” has said Barron Hilton is embarrassed by the behavior of his socialite granddaughter Paris and believes it has sullied the family name. – Oh, please!
Paris isn’t exactly hurting. She has amassed a nice little fortune on her own and was recently on one of the stock channels discussing her business decisions and her strategies.
Prior to her New Years Party, she be watching fireworks from MANDOLAY BAY at a table that costs $20,000 for 8 people! And there is no food included with that! Just a couple bottles of DOM. But it is supposed to be the place to view the Las Vegas fireworks disply! – Will her new boy toy Swedish pretty boy 22 year old Alexander von Zweigbergk Vaggo, aka pizza boy/model Alex Vaggo be there? Probably. The two have been seen EVERYWHERE together the last 6 weeks!
New York Living – Jade Jagger Style
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Look out New York, Jade Jagger has created laid-back luxury condo residences in the heart of Chelsea!
16 W. 19th street is the location for Jagger’s POD LIVING. Unveiled last fall, the building offers ‘pod living’ – a concept that provides a huge box to sit in your living space. When opened up, the pod offers bathroom, kitchen and closet utilities.
At the Jade, New York’s great downtown loft tradition gets a modern twist with Pods: jewel-like lacquered boxes that seem to float in each residence. Enclosed within this single cube are your meticulously laid-out kitchen and bathroom. When opened, the Pod reveals a glamorous interplay of sparkling tiles, vivid colors and textures.
Some people say if you haven’t got any space already in your apartment, what’s the point of sticking a great big box there? – It’s a good point – but does this reflect a new twist on ‘ready-to-use’ home improvement? Your thoughts? – I kind of like the idea of hiding the kitchen…maybe if you can hang art on the box, it might look less blah.
