OLIVIA Lesbian Travel Company is Asking for Donations?
Olivia customers received a letter in mid-March announcing the launch of the company’s capital campaign, which offers a variety of charter membership donation levels ranging from a low of $500 to a high of $10,000. The capital campaign comes amid the worldwide economic downturn and on the heels of a lawsuit by former company executives that settled out of court last November.
The Bay Area Reporter obtained a copy of the letter from a longtime Olivia traveler. The woman declined to be identified or interviewed for this article.
The letter, which was signed by Judy Dlugacz, owner and co-founder, outlined ways in which members could “take action” by becoming a “charter member,” planning an Olivia vacation, throwing a house party for Olivia, or donating directly to the company. – WHAT?!
Since when did Olivia become a non-profit?? Olivia’s unusual campaign sparked suspicion about the company’s financial stability. I am pretty sure Olivia is the only LGBT vacation company that is currently offering charter memberships. Atlantis Events Inc., which bought rival RSVP Vacations in 2007 and operates both companies, doesn’t have a charter membership program, according to Oscar Yuan, vice president of sales and marketing. R Family Vacations also doesn’t have such a program, according to Gregg Kaminsky, who co-founded the company with Kelli O’Donnell, the partner of lesbian entertainer Rosie O’Donnell.
Kaminsky said that R Family Vacations does offer some benefits, such as cocktail receptions, jackets, and other gifts to loyal customers of the six-year-old company, but people “don’t have to buy a special membership.”
Dluugacz says they are having “cash flow issues” with the resorts and cruises they work with. And she says that everyone in the business is in the same boat. Hmmmm, Atlantis, RSVP, and R Family Vacations aren’t experiencing cash flow issues with the cruise lines and resorts they work with, according to Yuan and Kaminsky……
You know I am having some “cash flow issues” as well!
If anyone wants to make a donation or have a benefit party, please let me know!
READ THE FULL OLIVIA ARTICLE at Bay Area Reporter.
Gay Beach Season! Head to the Beach With Something Unique from Spain – ES COLLECTION Barcelona
is just weeks away!
(Depending on where you live…)
and if you want something NO ONE ELSE has yet, this hot new line from Barcelona is what you need!
ES COLLECTION
Previously only available in Spain, it is spreading worldwide this year, but still in limited quantities.
Now going into its fourth year of production they will be unveiling the 2010 underwear collection this fall in the US. I just got back from Barcelona and bought a couple of the swimsuits from the 2009 collection – VERY HOT! Clean lines, fresh styles, bold color combinations and amazing fit!
This swimwear and underwear for men, is honestly some of the hottest styles we have seen with PERFECT construction and craftsmanship. Made in Barcelona, “ES tries to be unique, different and fresh in a market that is fast and more brands are joining this fast market every day. Made in Barcelona with the best fabrics that we can get from the EU market but still we can be competitive with any other brand out there on quality, price,design and delivery.”
Their designs have a wonderful cut to them, accenting your body perfectly! I purchased some of their men’s underwear and men’s swimwear, and they fit comfortable and like a glove! Many of the swimsuits features the “Pack Up” system which can easily be removed if aren’t in the mood for extra padding however is perfect for giving you that perfect “beach bulge” if you want it! It does not make your package look HUGE or anything. But it just accentuates your own package nicely and provides a wonderful smooth fit.
One of the great things about ES Collection Swimwear is the high quality of craftsmanship. With extras like the metal grommet holes and the plastic tips on the drawstring you’ll never have to “fish” out the drawstring. They also use high quality zippers, rubber logos, and just overall high quality finishing.
Word of advice for Americans – As for sizing, I would suggest, if ordering from the US, order 1 size larger than usual. Both my partner and I are 32-33″ waist, and would normally buy Medium – but their Large fits perfect. I always find European clothes run smaller than most US brands are labeled.
And who doesn’t love a SALE! Each collection features “X” number of pieces in so many sizes. Each year when the new collection is launched, anything that did not sell from the previous collection, is marked down! So when you visit their website ES COLLECTION, make sure you check out the SALE OUTLET.
MUST SEE – VIDEO of the NEWEST ES STYLES and all of their HOT models!
If you are visiting Barcelona, stop by their main store and see the entire collection on display.
Consell de Cent, 218 and right around the corner is ES4U, the outlet store at Casanova, 56!
They also have a shop at 35007 Las Palmas de G.C., Carnary Islands and soon will have stores in Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid!
And of course, you can order worldwide via their ES COLLECTION site!
The New Gay Travel Guides and Best Gay Cities
Gay Vacations, Gay Retreats and Gay Spiritual Travel
We first became aware of SPIRIT JOURNEYS last year. And we ran a story about their gay spiritual vacations and retreats.
For nearly 20 years, they have been planning and offering opportunities for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities (and our friends) to travel together, exploring the world or to gather together in retreat environments, with the intention of adventuring into the frontiers of self-awareness, personal growth, and spirituality. Since the beginning of this new millennium, there was a shift in EVERYONE’S mindset for personal growth. So now more than ever, these types of gay vacations and retreats are becoming more popular.
They have some very exciting retreats and destinations they will be exploring in summer 2009, and I wanted to share some of them with you. They are a great way to “get away” on an exciting pilgrimage with other like minded gay people, and explore lands and traditions, while also making new friends and growing personally, and spiritually.
Tantric Tribes
Asheville, North Carolina
June 11, 2009 to June 14, 2009
This Workshop is for Gay and Bi Men
A Tantra and Yoga Workshop
Four days of rejuvenation and reawakening. The fusion of the powerful and complementary practices of Tantra and Yoga allows you to harness your sexual drive and awaken your Kundalini energy. Once harnessed, this energy is channeled into a dynamic and healing force in your life. The practice of Tantra alone is a very energizing experience, but blending the benefits and principles of yoga with tantra sexual practices transforms all aspects of your life.
In this workshop, you learn the basics of yoga and breathing practices. Using a step by step, practical approach, you integrate the essential elements of Tantric sexual techniques. Channeling your erotic energy helps unlock your creativity, transforming your sexual experiences and significantly altering all other aspects of your life. There will plenty of “down time” just to relax and connect with the others in the group. More info at Tantric Tribes.
Going Deep
Grand Canyon Rafting
July 01, 2009 to July 10, 2009
This Journey is for Gay and Bi Men
An amazing adventure rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Imagine spending eight days rafting 280 miles of the Colorado River with mile high canyon walls on either side. Days filled with excitement, awe and play and nights of almost luxurious camping. Now, imagine all of this with a group of gay men, who want to experience the river and the canyon as only a Spirit Journeys can offer.
Adventure, play, meditation, campfire talks and group movement rituals are used to help open our hearts and deepen our experience of this incredible place. The more we open to what the Canyon and River offer, the more alive we become; we reawaken to our true nature of laughter, playfulness and a quest for adventure; we leave behind the cares of daily life. It is the intention to actively engage the Canyon and the River so that you come to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in the power of waterfalls.
More info at Going Deep.
17th Annual Summer Retreat
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
August 10, 2009 to August 16, 2009
This Retreat is for Gay and Bi Men
Spirit Journeys will be introducing new aspects to their Annual Summer Retreat this year. “One new aspect we are introducing is that we will be exploring more deeply what it means to be a gay man in today’s world, uncovering the gifts of being gay and how to offer those gifts to the world. We will still incorporate all the things that the Summer Retreat is known for: Heart Circles, Sweat Lodge, Trance Dance, Erotic Touch, etc. But this year we want the Summer Retreat to be a true celebration of the gift of being gay.”
The mountains of Northern New Mexico provides a relaxing, rejuvenating and life affirming retreat. The Summer Retreat is a chance to really “get away from it all”; to really recover from the stresses of daily life; to make new connections with other men. There is extraordinary power to be found in a community of gay men gathered together for eight days in such an intimate setting. With the loving encouragement of brothers, we are able to see ourselves more clearly and empower each other in realizing our life’s potential, taking small steps and sometimes leaps, toward living life to the fullest.
The shifting light on the red rock walls of Jemez Canyon, the sounds of the Jemez River, the natural hot springs, the new friends you will meet and the endless stars overhead, all welcome you. Here you can “unwind” to the core and go home truly renewed.
The Summer Retreat is much more than a summer vacation, focusing on activities that encourage relaxation, recovery and inner reflection. The days can consist of insightful group sessions, yoga, meditation or shamanic ceremony, and of course lots of laughter and play. There is also plenty of free time just to “chill out”. You may discover deep levels of intimate connection with other participants and lifelong friendships can be born. Greater self-acceptance and clarity of future direction often spring from this sacred time together. More info at Annual Summer Retreat.
Cherished Lands –
An American Southwest Pilgrimage…
Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon,
The Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelley & More
August 16, 2009 to August 23, 2009
This Journey is for Everyone
Explore the great American Southwest! This adventure takes you to some of the most spectacular lands in America…Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, The Grand Canyon and Canyon de Chelley.
Days will be filled with outdoor activities, adventure and relaxation. As with all Spirit Journeys’ adventures, we will combine the joys and benefits of being on a vacation with a spiritually stimulating agenda that can provide opportunities for us to “look inside” and learn about ourselves. Conscious travel in this manner allows ample personal time for play, reflection, relaxing and appreciating the beauty surrounding us.
We will make offerings to the land, sing Navajo songs and tell stories around the campfire. We will leave behind the stresses of life by rediscovering our harmonious connection with creation. In this harmony, we will find the openness to allow events and teachings to unfold; it is here that true recovery and rest can occur.
You will be able to visit the ancient sacred sites used by the Dine’ (the name the Navajo people call themselves). Like the Dine’ of long ago, and like the many who still respect the traditions today, you should bring with you on your journey a thirst for adventure, a respect for nature, a desire to widen your inner and outer horizons and a sense of playfulness. The oral traditions of the Dine’ are filled with stories of brave deeds, fierce battles with enemies, the delight and surprise of new relations, and the insistent call of nature. As you undertake your own journey, you will have ample opportunity to add meaningful personal stories to the sacred narrative of your own life. More info at Cherished Lands.
Authentic Eros
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
August 18, 2009 to August 22, 2009
This Journey is for Gay and Bi Men
Come and play in a group of erotic explorers and open up the amazing potential that lives within your erotic self. Identify and cultivate the spark that stirs inside you, trusting it to lead you to your erotic fire.
Interrupt the patterns of habit, judgment, or comparison that block your sexual freedom. Practice surrender and spontaneity. Be real. Have fun. Step fearlessly into the ecstasy that lives inside your body and soul. Can you imagine that?
At Authentic Eros, you will use breath, touch, movement, sound and sensual experience as doorways to a freer and more fulfilling sexuality. “We will work with the desires and growth of each man, emphasizing individual freedom of choice and accountability. Authentic Eros offers a safe and supportive environment for each participant to explore his own erotic development in the company of others with a similar commitment.”
Much of this exploration will be clothes off and interactive. You will work with ourselves, with partners, and with the group as a whole. No prior experience is required. However, each participant will be asked to bring a sincere willingness to go deep, to be truthful, and to play in the energies of creativity, arousal, and embodiment.
AUTHENTIC = real, spontaneous, organic, fun
EROS = sex, love, intimacy, connection
The goal of this workshop is to help you get INTO your body and get OUT of your habits
that lead to sexual boredom and dissatisfaction. More details at Authentic Eros.
Those are just some of the trips that sound good to us! Visit their website for much more. On many of the vacations, if you register early there is some savings involved. And some of them fill up fast. So check your schedule early, if you can.
A Spirit Journey has all the benefits of gay travel adventures or gay vacations, only enhanced beyond imagination!
Gays in Iraq – Baghdad Crackdown on LGBT
I think we often take for granted how good most of us really have it. Imagine living in a country who does not tolerate gay people?
This week, Chris Johnson reported in Southern Voice, Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) is taking U.S. officials to task over alleged human rights abuses against LGBT people in Iraq.
Polis, who is gay, told the Blade that he urged action from the U.S. after looking into “a round of crackdowns on the gay population in Baghdad” during a congressional fact-finding trip to the country last week.
During his investigation, Polis said he learned that Iraqi officials in the Ministry of Interior were allegedly involved in human rights violations against LGBT people. He sent a letter to Patricia Butenis, the acting U.S. ambassador to Iraq, requesting “that the State Department follow-up on these allegations and urge the Iraqi government to respect all human rights.”
He said a café frequented by gay Iraqis was destroyed, leaving six Iraqis dead. Polis said it was unclear who was behind the destruction, but noted that the Iraqi government “failed to protect them.”
Polis also said he heard several gay Iraqis were jailed because of their sexual orientation and that one or more of them might have been executed by the Iraqi government. The lawmaker said he received a letter allegedly written by a jailed man who was beaten into confessing that he was involved with an LGBT rights group in Iraq.
The New York Times said, that in the past two months, the bodies of as many as 25 boys and men suspected of being gay have been discovered in Sadr City.
“Most have been shot, some multiple times,” the article says. “Several have been found with the word ‘pervert’ in Arabic on notes attached to their bodies, the police said.”
Read the full article at Southern Voice.
China River Cruises – Shanghai, Beijing, Xian and the Yangtze River
CHINA RIVER CRUISES-
China is a fascinating land of contrasts: mountains, plateaus, deserts, lakes and rivers…small villages and huge modern metropolises…ancient history and futuristic technology.
China’s geography is widely varied, with terrain ranging from rainforests to deserts and beaches to snow-capped peaks. The Chinese landscape boasts the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, as well as the world’s third longest river, the Yangtze.
We did a story a few months back about River Cruises in Europe. A close friend of mine who is fascinated by Asian culture, just got back from a River Cruise in China, and he absolutely loved it! River cruising is an intimate, up-close way to explore your destination. It’s a very boutique, hotel-style experience.
China is one of the world’s largest countries, and with more than 1.3 billion people it is also the most populous. It has not always been possible for visitors to explore China’s wonders, but today, as the country becomes increasingly open and free, dreams of travel to China can finally come true. Today you can see the highlights of Beijing, Shanghai and Xian (including the Terra Cotta Warriors) and enjoy an unforgettable China River Cruise along the Yangtze River through the spectacular Three Gorges region.
The Yangtze’s Three Gorges is the river’s most famed stretch, long known for its treacherous and rocky passage. Once boats could only travel here by means of trackers—men who pulled the ships by ropes as they walked along the slippery rapids. Now, with the creation of the Three Gorges Dam, the scenic gorges are accessible, and travelers can delight in the misty beauty of lush greenery, towering cliffs and the vestiges of traditional life along the river’s banks. VIKING RIVER CRUISESis the worlds leading river cruise line. And on Viking’s deluxe China river cruise, every cruise stateroom has a river view and balcony. This is a breath-taking way to see China!
Exploring China by River
A cruise along the Yangtze River is one of the highlights of any journey to China. Viking cruise program directors and cruise ships make it easy and enjoyable to see the heartland of a nation that can otherwise be a challenging destination to navigate. Guests enjoy the comfort and convenience of being escorted by their deeply experienced staff from the moment of arrival in China through departure.
Viking River Cruises offers several exciting itineraries in China, all of which show guests the highlights of China and include a Yangtze River cruise. The river cruise portion of the journey travels through the spectacular Three Gorges region on a sumptuous cruise ship with all balcony staterooms; one of our itineraries takes you farther along the river to see the birthplaces of Chinese silk and porcelain and much more. All cruise travelers also have the chance to visit a school near the Yangtze River and meet the children—a highlight for many people. A Viking cruise takes visitors on fascinating excursions off the river as well, with fully escorted land tours of major attractions in China including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the Great Wall.
Cultural activities, such as a dramatic performance of selected Peking Opera highlights, a Tang Dynasty dinner show and a breathtaking Chinese acrobatic show, are unique opportunities to experience the true heart of China. Choose the cruise tour itinerary that most interests you: see China’s cultural delights on a longer Yangtze cruise, or take three days at the “roof of the world,” Lhasa, Tibet.
If you want to explore the gay side of China, Shanghai probably has the most to offer. Andrew Collins from ABOUT.com reports,
As China in general, and Beijing in particular, shifted into crazy-high gear with massive growth as both a business and a leisure destination, the capital city’s once non-existent gay nightclub scene is slowly but surely developing legs.
Keep in mind that Shanghai has quite a lot more happening in terms of gay nightlife – take a look at my article on the gay Shanghai bar scene for details.
A 2008 survey showed public attitudes towards gays and lesbians in China. 91% of respondents said they agreed with homosexuals having equal employment rights, while over 80% of respondents agreed that heterosexuals and homosexuals were “equal individuals”. Gay-bashing is rare in modern China.
The authorities still refuse to promote either gay issues or gay rights in China. Although there is no explicit law against homosexuality or same-sex acts between consenting adults, neither are there laws protecting gays from discrimination, nor are there any gay rights organizations in China. It is believed that the Chinese policy towards the gay issue remains the “Three nos”: no approval, no disapproval, and no promotion.
Utopia – Asia is a great source for gay listings in China.
A river cruise is very different from an ocean cruise. For a start, you are in almost constant sight
of land and stops are far more frequent than they are at sea. The vessels are like small, friendly, floating inns, whereas ocean-going ships tend to be bigger, flashier, busier and livelier, the crew practised in the art of moving up to 4,000 people from one port to another and getting them on and off the ship. In contrast, when your river cruise vessel docks you simply walk up the gangway and into the town or city—in many cases the dock is located right at the heart of things.
The bottom line is a Viking River Cruise can give you an intimate view and atmosphere as well as comfort which spacious staterooms and breathtaking views! Enjoy the scenery from just about everywhere on the ship—in the bar, restaurant or lounge (all with panoramic views), on the sun deck with fresh air or from the privacy of your stateroom. And, river cruise vessels keep moving, so you see new vistas and explore new destinations throughout the day, every day.
Whether you are cruising Berlin to Prague, Switzerland to Belgium, Austria, Germany and even Shanghai or Beijing, THIS IS THE WAY TO TRAVEL AND SEE THE WORLD!
Call your travel agent or request more information directly
from Viking River Cruises at 1-800-304-9616.
Sordid Lives Series Nearly Bankrupts Del Shores
WHAT A MESS!!
‘Sordid Lives’ writer Del Shores goes public with his financial crisis and attacks third parties involved with the show. Shores announced to his facebook fan club this week, that the production of Season 2 of ‘Sordid Lives: The Series’ will be at a standstill because parties failed to pay.
Many fans have reacted negatively to the news and began a boycott of LOGO. A facebook group has been set-up with email addresses — some personal — of the executives in charge at LOGO, asking supporters to persuade the network to pay up so that Shores can continue on with Season 2. But it’s complicated. Logo is not really at fault.
Shores published a letter Tuesday which goes into details about his relationship with LOGO and his financial situation. Shores says his home has gone into foreclosure and the producers still refused to pay his residuals.
Shores credits his husband Jason Dottley (singer) for getting him through a difficult period: “I live daily with gratitude. Jason told me it would be okay and suggest that I start teaching and to get back on stage to tell my stories. I did and it saved me.”
A public letter says:
I’m tired of being told to be silent.
You all deserve to know the truth about why “Sordid Lives: The Series” is not going forward into Season 2.
First of all, I want you all to know that this has been an amazing experience for me, for the cast. We love each other, we love working together. AND WE LOVE OUR FANS.
When the show premiered July 23rd, according to the executives and marketing team at LOGO, “SLTS” was in a league of its own. We were told that it was off the charts for them. That it was 20 times bigger than any show they had ever aired. I brought them stars and beloved characters and they got mainstream press — and RAVE REVIEWS across the board! Whoopi Goldberg even called me personally and told me that she wanted me to write her into Season 2. I did!
Viewers were changing their cable companies (Direct TV, you owe me money!) LOGO was in more households than ever. Not just gay. We had crossed over! We were flying high and destined to many seasons to come! I took a big risk and it paid off.
See, usually, when you bring a network a hit, you are rewarded! And we were. LOGO ordered the 2nd season 2 weeks after we premiered. BUT, LOGO doesn’t own the show. Our production company owns the series. In fact, there are three financial partners.
LOGO, our production company and IMG International, who is our foreign distributor. LOGO ordered the show CONTINGENT on the other partners also ordering the show. IMG did not. They were still selling the show — and still are. They seem to be doing very well — France, Germany, Austria, Israel, Canada, Sweden and more in the wings — so they could still come in.
But a bigger problem arose. The 12 episodes have now aired 262 times collectively (in America alone). Each time SLTS airs, the writer, director and actors are to receive compensation — residuals. The production company is the signatory with all the Guilds, meaning they have agreed to pay the residuals. To this date, WE HAVE BEEN PAID NOTHING!
I wrote and directed all twelve episodes and am personally owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. I have been paid nothing! I took a huge pay cut to do this show. I made less money in four years working on SLTS than I made in one season on “Queer As Folk”. The actors, who worked for minimums or slightly above, have also BEEN PAID NOTHING. The Guilds have stepped in, but these claims takes months.
Actors have lost health insurance and okay, now I’m going to really get honest and bare all. I worked exclusively on “Sordid Lives: The Series” for over four years. I was contractually bound to the show and turned down many opportunities — because I was doing what I loved — writing, creating, directing my own show, with amazing creative control (thank you LOGO). It was my choice and my extreme pleasure. But I took a hit. A big hit. It was a gamble. A risk. I thought I had won.
In January, our home went into foreclosure — and yes, the producers knew about my financial situation — still refused to pay me my residuals which would have saved the house and a lot of stress. I informed the executives of LOGO, hoping they would at least step in and pay me for the scripts of Season Two (which I had written). No response from the network.
Thank G-d for friends. Thank G-d for C.R., for N.A and R.A, for B.B. For Jason’s amazing family, for my kids, my ex-wife — and for the support of you, my friends and fans. You have no idea how much strength you gave me… make that — give me.
It was a crazy time. It still is.
But you know, I learned so much. I learned that things are things — and health, family, friends, and my adoring fans, are important. I am loved and I’ve had a good ride. I’m lucky and I am BLESSED.
I live daily with gratitude. Jason told me it would be okay and suggest that I start teaching and to get back on stage to tell my stories. I did and it saved me. Yet, I was still fighting for “Sordid Lives: The Series”. I even tried to buy the show back from the producer — knowing, I could put together the money.
But negotiations came to a screeching stop. The price was too high.
We reached an impasse — and now, I have a glimmer of hope — but yes, it has faded.
And as much as I love my friends at LOGO, it did sting when they picked up a second run (reruns) of “The Sarah Silverman Program” for more money per episode than they paid for SLTS. That money could have saved our show. And no disrespect to Ms. Silverman. I LOVE her show, but that’s not the point. My interpretation — “Sordid Lives: The Series” was just simply not that important for LOGO to save.
So, I must move on. I have other stories to tell. I want to see “Southern Baptist Sissies” on the big screen. I know the effect of the play. The healing. The salvation. {Anybody with a couple of mil want to make a difference, be a movie producer? 🙂 } I have other plays in me, other TV shows. Caroline Rhea, Leslie Jordan and I will bring our “A-Sordid Affair Comedy Tour” to you very soon. It’s all good.
But I do have more “Sordid Lives” in me… the 2nd season was written before it all went down. I own the stage rights and the publishing — so someday, someway, you’ll know how Noleta fares in the looney bin, where Brother Boy winds up… what happens to Ty and Jacob, to Latrelle, Wilson and Tomeka. You’ll know if Sissy gets out of jail. And who set the fire at Bubba’s? And how dear LaVonda works her magic on the masses! And how “Juanita” has at least has one clear moment.
I love you all — and if I get in trouble — I better have some lawyer fan (hopefully really cute) who will save my ass.
And as my Mama Merck used to say — “You can’t get blood from a turnip.”
And yes, as Sissy says, “It’ll all turn out…”
And as the Bible says, “The truth will set you free!”
Del Shores
IN THE MEANTIME – CATCH DEL SHORES LIVE – ON TOUR – Telling Stories!
April 24th, Atlanta, GA Actors Express
May 15th, Dallas, TX KD Studio / Lifewalk benefit
May 16th, Dallas, TX KD Studio
May 21st, Los Angeles, CA Zephyr Studio
DEL SHORES WEBSITE
Del Shores on Facebook Del Shores on MySpace
The Great Urban Race – Amazing Race in your City!
It’s back again, for another year of fun races!
Coming to a city near you.
The Great Urban Race is like the Amazing Race, for one day, in your city. Teams of two compete to solve twelve clues for the local prize, and winners move on to New Orleans to compete for the $10,000 Grand Prize!
It’s a wacky urban adventure and the clues are a mix of mental and physical challenges. (Is there liquor involved?)
Physical Challenge: Feed your teammate some tasty food, do something daring or compete in a game. Mazes, Segways, Tae Kwon Do lessons, bicycle races, holding huge fish, canoeing and many other activities were used during the 2008 season.
Scavenger: Return to the finish line with an item or find a specific vendor.
Puzzles: Think anagrams, Sodoku puzzles, word searches and crosswords.
Brain Teasers: Riddles or tests to tease your brain.
Challenge: Interaction with the general public.
Teams are encouraged to dress up –
or dress down – and have fun!
*High Heels are NOT encouraged.
COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU???
5/2/2009 – Washington DC 7/11/2009 – Minnesota
5/16/2009 – San Francisco 8/1/2009 – Chicago
5/30/2009 – Boston 8/15/2009 – New York City
6/6/2009 – Portland 8/29/2009 – Seattle
6/20/2009 – Madison 9/12/2009 – Charlotte
6/27/2009 – Denver 9/26/2009 – Philadelphia
10/3/2009 – Dallas
10/16/2009 – Normal, Illinois
10/24/2009 – San Diego
11/7/2009 – New Orleans Championship
The Great Urban Race
Obama Welcomes LGBT Families to White House this Weekend for Easter
In 2006 over 100 families with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents attended the White House Easter Egg Roll, organized by Family Equality Council (formerly Family Pride). At the time, it was unclear whether LGBT families were truly welcome at the White House, or if the Bush camp caved to pressure, but our families enthusiastically participated and the country had an opportunity to see and hear from LGBT families in an unprecedented way.
This year, another 100 LGBT families or more will attend the Egg Roll, but this time the White House has specifically encouraged them to participate in this time-honored event. President Obama was the first presidential candidate to openly affirm the equal value of LGBT families, in an August 2008 letter to Family Equality Council’s Executive Director, Jennifer Chrisler.
Then Senator Obama stated that we must “do more to support and strengthen LGBT families. Because equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights is not some abstract principle; it’s about whether millions of LGBT Americans can finally live lives marked by dignity and freedom.”
“I was thrilled when the White House called on the Family Equality Council to encourage our supporters, tens of thousands of LGBT families nationwide, to apply for tickets to this year’s Easter Egg Roll,” said Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Equality Council. “It’s clear to me that when the Obama Administration thinks about American families, they think about LGBT families, as well. For too long our families suffered under administrations that simply ignored us or attacked us outright, often for the sake of short-term political gain. Americans are tired of divisive politics. In a time of national crisis, all Americans—all families—should come together to renew this country. LGBT families will take this opportunity to show up and be counted as part of this great effort.”
Common Sense Gay and Lesbian Travel Trips from Fabugo
An increase in drug-related violence along the U.S. and Mexico border
has prompted the U.S. Department of State to issue a Travel Alert for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico.
MOST Mexico destinations ARE NOT affected. And while not advising against travel to Mexico, the alert does offer common sense precautions that all travelers should take when visiting Mexico.(or ANY other foreign city, for that matter).
As a provider of travel for the gay and lesbian community, Fabugo is committed to providing our customers the tools and information to help make their Mexico or any vacation a safe one.
“When planning a vacation to Mexico, there are several factors to consider, but probably the most
important is location,” said Jason Rhen, Fabugo’s Managing Director. “There are several gay-popular
resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, which are all a great
distance from the violence and media attention. We always urge our customers to travel smart and
be safe, regardless of their destination.”
Gay and lesbian travelers should always be aware and never be complacent when traveling to Mexico
resort destinations. As always, it is critical that gay and lesbian travelers exercise common sense
practices to help ensure their safety, including:
• Pre-plan your transportation from the airport to your hotel. This is best through a contracted
transfer company usually available with a vacation package purchase. Fabugo offers
roundtrip airport/hotel transfers to contracted hotels within Mexico vacation destinations.
• Do not travel, walk, hike or tour alone. It is always best to travel with at least one other
person, preferably in a group. Do not walk at night in unlighted areas where there is little
tourist activity. Use common sense in regard to public displays of affection.
• Choose your hotel in a popular tourist location selecting one that works with U.S. tour
operators and maintains those contacts. Fabugo offers a large variety of hotels in resort areas
and maintains relationships and contact with them.
• Avoid drinking too much to ensure you are always aware of your surroundings and can act
appropriately in any situation. Make sure you drink with friends and that you leave with them
to return to your hotel.
• If you travel away from the tourist areas of your destination, be sure to only do so with a
registered tour guide or tour company. Fabugo offers scheduled tours for our customers that
can be arranged with a contracted tour company when you book your vacation.
• Avoid being a target for robbery. Keep cash, jewelry and other items hidden; keep passport and other documents in a safe in your room. (To be extra safe, make a photo copy of your passport as well. Just in case). Do not use an ATM at night. Be careful at the beach. Common sense can help you avoid a vacation-ruining crime.
• Remember to be careful. Mexico is not the Castro in San Francisco and the culture is typically
much more conservative. Always remain conscious of your surroundings and use common
sense to ensure you don’t make poor judgements.
Fabugo remains committed to providing our customers with fabulous vacation experiences in Mexico
and is proud to offer a quality vacation product to gay and lesbian-popular resort destinations. We urge gay and lesbian travelers to always travel smart and make safety your number one priority when traveling anywhere, including Mexico.
Right now Fabugo’s gay and lesbian customers can book a dream Mexico vacation to a number of
resort destinations and save $100 off their already low package price. Combined with great values
offered by many of the hotels that we feature, your Mexico vacation might be closer than you think.
Enter FABMEX100 into the Promotion Code box when booking your vacation to receive the discount.
To receive the discount the vacation booked must be four nights or longer with at least two people on
the reservation. Your Mexico vacation must be booked by December 31, 2009 with travel complete
by March 31, 2010 to enjoy the discount. Other restrictions may apply.
Gay & Lesbian Mexico Hot Deals!
About Fabugo…
Fabugo is the premier source for gay and lesbian vacation travel offering our customers a broad
range of travel products, fabulous low prices, incomparable customer service and unique destination
content. Fabugo offers air, car, tours, shows and more than 20,000 hotels worldwide including
GayComfort Accredited properties. To book your vacation with Fabugo or for more information, visit
your local travel professional and ask for Fabugo.
Gay Marriage in Iowa & Sweden!
This morning – it’s official!
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the state’s same-sex-marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples, making it the third state where gay marriage is legal.
In a unanimous ruling issued today, the court upheld a 2007 Polk County District Court judge’s ruling that the law was unconstitutional. The case stems from a 2005 lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay-rights organization. The group filed a lawsuit on behalf of six gay and lesbian Iowa couples who were denied marriage licenses.
Iowa now joins Connecticut and Massachusetts as states that allow same-sex couples to marry.
Meanwhile, the Vermont House of Representatives late Thursday approved a bill legalizing gay marriage, a measure that now faces a veto from the state’s governor.
The Democratic-controlled house voted 95-52 in favor of the bill, which had already cleared the state Senate in a 26-4 vote. The state’s Republican governor, James Douglas, says he now plans to veto it.
Lawmakers in New Hampshire and Maine also are considering bills that would allow gay marriage.
The Defense of Marriage Act says that under federal law only a marriage between a man and a woman is recognized. President Barack Obama has said he wants to repeal the 1996 law. That could give same-sex couples in states that recognize gay marriage or civil unions access to federal benefits, such as Social Security payments in the event of the death of one of the partners.
ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK –
Sweden has become the fifth European country to allow same-sex marriage. Parliament on Wednesday adopted a new law, to take effect May 1, that gives same-sex couples the same marriage rights as heterosexuals. The Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Spain also allow same-sex marriages.
London is Now Cheaper than New York City
London offers some of the world’s best theatre and musicals. And there is no better time to go! It was announced recently that London is officially cheaper than New York to inhabit and visit for the first time since 2002. Ken Kelling, Director of Communications for Visit London said: “There has never been a better time to visit London. It is now 25 per cent cheaper for an American to come to London than it would have been last year.”
Of gay interest, what’s considered to be the first great play by the great and notorious English gay playwright Joe Orton has recently returned to London’s theatreland. Entertaining Mr Sloane, showing at Trafalgar Studios now to 13 April, was first performed in 1964 and later made into a film.
The eponymous Mr Sloane is a young, beautiful, psychopath and con man who is persuaded to become the lodger of Kath, a lonely middle-aged landlady with designs on him. Further trouble comes his way when Kath’s elderly father Kemp recognises him as a man wanted by the police for murder, and with the appearance of Ed, Kath’s powerful but conflicted brother, who is also attracted to him. The manipulative brother and sister eventually agree on a deal….
Joe Orton’s extraordinary artistic and private life (he was 34 when he was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by Kenneth Halliwell, his lover of sixteen years, in 1967) was the subject of Prick Up Your Ears, a biography by acclaimed American author John Lahr, later adapted into the film starring Gary Oldman. In a short but prolific career lasting from 1964 until his death, he shocked, outraged and amused audiences with his scandalous black comedies.
PLAGUE OVER ENGLAND is another show getting some great reviews! On 21 October 1953, John Gielgud — the dream-voiced Shakespearean star of his generation, and knight of the realm — walked into a public lavatory off the Fulham Road. There, he exchanged a few nods and prods with a young man who winked at him — and triggered Britain’s highest profile prosecution for homosexuality since Oscar Wilde.
In Plague Over England, the entrapment of Gielgud by a “pretty policeman” is the centre of gravity for a play that swoops across the gay underworld of Fifties London — from the bushes of St James’s Park strewn with guardsmen to the Whitehall clubs where the crackdown on this “filth” is planned.
Visit THIS IS LONDON for an exclusive 20 EURO Ticket Offer Special Price!
Finborough Theatre – now thru May 16th
BEST GAY CITES and NEW GAY TRAVEL GUIDE
GAY VIENNA and the LIFE BALL May 16th
The four Elements of Life Ball: 2009 – Let Love flow!
The 17th Life Ball on 16th May 2009 is the start of a four-year cycle: the elements water, earth, air and fire metaphorically stand for the central symbols of life in their artistic implementation.
In the previous years each Life Ball presented itself thematically very different. This year though the team surrounding Gery Keszler decided to develop a concept valid for the next four years – starting with the 17th Life Ball an 16th May 2009 and concluding with the 20th edition, the jubilee ball in 2012. In the centre of the artistic implementation are the elements water, earth, air and fire. Powerful archaic symbols but still enormously progressive in their value.
It is still these four elements that feed the world, back the ecological balance, take a vital role for health and serve the economic development – for a start simply make life possible. Water – the element of 2009 – is the start of all life and the evolution. The Earth feeds us. Air lets us breath and carries us over the continents. And the discovery of fire even was the start of civilisation.
The element water marks the start of this cycle on 16th May 2009 – as a central symbol of life. Clean water is the base for all human existence. It regulates the circle of nature is the central need of economical progressing. The scarcity of water brings hunger, illness and misery. Especially in countries most affected by HIV/AIDS, in countries where the Life Ball acts within international projects, severe scarcity of water prevails.
However when water is available in abundance it can even bring deserts to life. The Life Ball 2009 especially focuses its attention to this distinctive allegory of extremes in our world.
Musically as well as theatrically the Life Ball theme 2009 is largely along the line of the baroque, which in its inconsistency picked up the visual language of the mythological history of the ancient world and converted it in a new way.
But in its staging it is obliged to the here and now. The audience can expect a vast number of opulent surprises – a grand part of the opening ceremony production of the coming Life Ball will happen on, by and in water. This way the show in front of Vienna’s City Hall strongly emphasises the elemental force of water and its central value for life itself.
Life Ball is Europe’s largest and most spectacular annual charity event dedicated to raising support for the worldwide fight against HIV and AIDS. Celebrating the beauty of life and the diversity of world cultures, Life Ball reinvents the great Viennese Ball tradition with glamorous, outlandish performances and inspirational speeches. It attracts huge interest in the media and is broadcast live on Austrian National TV prime time, with delayed airing in Germany.
Since 1993, world famous personalities and artists have lent their voices and support to Life Ball, giving their time and effort to make the charitable event successful every year. With their appearances, personal impulses and involvement, Sharon Stone, Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Catherine Deneuve, Liza Minnelli, Kim Cattrall, Linda Evangelista, Heidi Klum, Dennis Rodman, Naomi Campbell and Randy Crawford and many more have inspired courage and promoted the joyful aspects of life and given a clear sign against discrimination and ignorance.
For more on GAY VIENNA visit our other story!
SIDENOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS –
For the first time in history, Life Ball, the most glamorous and over-the-top AIDS/HIV benefit in the world, is offering a very small number of tickets to International travelers, and they’ve selected Steele Luxury Travel as the exclusive tour operator for the US and Canada. Steele Luxury Travel has put together an all inclusive, affordable travel package for those hoping to experience the glamour and spectacle that is Life Ball. Life Ball has also authorized Steele to book seats on the Life Ball “Party Plane”, which carries all US celebrities and VIP’s to Vienna in true style… The entire jet, sponsored by Red Bull, is configured to allow additional space and all business-class service. The party begins at the Austrian Airlines lounge in JFK, and continues throughout the weekend.
The best way to grasp the scale of this extravaganza is to see it:
http://tinyurl.com/cq68wm AND http://tinyurl.com/ck4bp2
Steele travelers will receive full VIP treatment from the moment they depart JFK… They’ll walk the paparazzi filled red-carpet when they arrive in Vienna (with celebs and VIP’s) where they’ll be whisked away to their deluxe accommodations at Vienna’s Ring Hotel They’ll stay the weekend and attend the most buzzed about soirees and special events. They’ll mix and mingle with the stars and enjoy the opening ceremonies and fashion show !
Best Gay Cities! BUMP Gay Travel Information
Bump! is the world’s first gay and lesbian travel and lifestyle television series. It is unique and international in scope. In each episode Bump! presents a new gay-friendly destination in a stylish and upbeat format.
Bump! travels the globe in search of fascinating gay human-interest stories. From gay tourism hotspots like Miami and London, to urban centres such as Montreal and Los Angeles, Bump! focuses its lens on gay and lesbian communities around the globe.
Finding a gay and lesbian-friendly travel destination doesn’t mean having to focus on the well-known gay villages or tourism hotspots in urban centres anymore.
Charlie David, (from Dante’s Cove) Canadian co-host of the American TV series “Bump,” has found gay and lesbian-centric getaways in remote corners of the world as travel companies and governments cater to the culture.
“What I’m finding more and more and what we’re discovering through the series is gay and lesbian life around the world is becoming less and less ghetto-ized, which is fantastic,” David, who hails from Yorkton, Sask., said in a phone interview.
“I don’t mean ghetto in kind of a derogatory type of term, just, you know, a group of people living together. They were developed out of being kind of safe havens for people in many ways, and now it’s not as much needed.”
“Bump,” which kicks off its third season on Outtv in Canada this week, takes viewers to places and events that are of interest to the LGBT – lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transsexual – traveller.
David has been with the show since Season 2 and has journeyed to dozens of cities, some of which are hidden-gem vacation spots for LGBT tourists. Examples include a little fishing village in Brazil called Paraty, a ski resort in Telluride, Colo., and Calgary – one of David’s favourites.
“Oh my gosh, I loved Calgary … OK, I like cowboys,” David, who is openly gay himself, laughed over the line from Los Angeles.
“But Calgary for me, I guess, being from Saskatchewan originally, it’s very similar. It feels like home. But they are so friendly there. It is such a friendly city and we showcased the gay rodeo while we were there and to see the sportsmanship of those guys and gals out there riding the bulls and doing all their rodeo contests, it was crazy.”
That’s not to say the series doesn’t highlight the more popular gay neighbourhoods and events like splashy pride parades. It’s just that while there, David and his camera crew also seek out spots that are relevant to LGBT culture but not heavily promoted.
“I think the best example is when we did Paris, I didn’t go and do a piece on the Eiffel Tower,” said David, whose co-host is lesbian playwright Shannon McDonough.
“So pieces that I did there were a tour of Musee d’Orsay from a homosexual perspective in terms of which artists might have been gay or had that influence or through the art . . . Or a tour of Le Marais, which is almost like Church Street in Toronto, that type of thing.”
With travel corporations creating gay and lesbian cruises, resorts and hotels, “it’s more difficult to, in some ways, find some of those extremely gay-centric or gay-only type of neighbourhoods and places,” said David.
“Buenos Aires was an amazing example of that, as well as throughout Scandinavia,” he said.
“There, it’s not like you’ll have a Church Street (in Toronto) or a Davie Village in Vancouver or that type of thing. There are establishments that are either gay or lesbian-friendly, or gay-owned or lesbian-owned, throughout the whole city and it’s not so much of, like, ‘Oh, this is the only place that’s safe for us,’ which I think is a huge statement because that would not have been the scenario 20 years ago.”
Government sponsorship is also helping, he said.
“There are places in Greenland that are really strongly advocating, you know, ‘Hey, gay and lesbian tourists, come visit here. We’re an open city, we’re an open place, you can come dog sledding, you can have a completely different experience,’ and that’s awesome,” said David.
WATCH CLIPS ONLINE AT LOGO or buy the DVD’s!
Western History and Hollywood Glam Meet in Gay Tucson at Hacienda del Sol
How could you not love 350 days
of sunshine every year?!
TUCSON is the second largest city in Arizona with a growing metropolis of 1 million that keeps getting better and better. The city’s geography is a postcard image of cactus forests, rolling hills and awe-inspiring mountains.
Tucson is known as a laid back, casual place that is very gay friendly. While there are plenty of lively and trendy places to go, people tend to come here for a relaxing and grounding experience.
Colorful history and culture abound! Native American, Spanish Colonial, Mexican and pioneer influences are found in architecture, cuisine, festivals and attractions.
1n 1929, Hacienda del Sol was little known by the Tucson community. It was at first a private residence, that then became a girls’ college prep school – attended by members of Pillsbury, Vanderbilt, Maxwell, Westinghouse and Campbell families.
In the late 1940’s, the property became a guest ranch – and they quickly attracted the big names of Hollywood, who were looking to get away from it all. Clark Gable, John Wayne, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn were among some of the famous guests who stayed here.
Situated on 34 stunning acres, Hacienda del Sol has gorgeous gardens and grounds, historic buildings, hiking on the property, horseback riding on site, pool, hot tub, spa services, and a selection 30 unique rooms – no two are alike! And all of them feature custom built furniture and original artwork.
OUTDOOR is a keyword here. People are drawn by the spectacular beauty of the Sonoran Desert, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, jeep tours and hot air ballooning. Designer golf courses, and world-class birding are options to experience the beauty of Arizona.
Besides the outdoors though, there is an eclectic mix of shopping and renowned attractions. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (part zoo and part botanical gardens), Old Tucson Studios (Old West theme park), Pima Air and Space Museum, and Kartchner Caverns – a stunning “live” limestone cave discovered in the 1970’s.
The Lost Barrio is a restored warehouse district filled with importers of really interesting furniture, architectural elements and cool home accessories from around the world. Costume designers from Los Angeles frequent the Fourth Avenue funky shopping district near University of Arizona, known for high-quality vintage clothes.
Of course, all of the big name retailers can be found at the upscale La Encantada along with trendy restaurants. Dining options from family-run cantinas that have been in business for half a century (El Charro downtown) to innovative and award-winning restaurants and chefs.
THE GRILL at the Hacienda del Sol was opened about 12 years ago and has been recognized as one of the finest restaurants in all of Arizona. No detail was spared in design, and it was built around the original dining room and kitchen.
The creative menus include fresh items right from the Hacienda gardens. The restaurant has been featured in national magazines and won awards such as “Best of” Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. It also been named Best Grill, Best Special Occasion Place, Most Romantic Dining, Best Sunday Brunch! – And if you are a wine connoisseur, The Grill has one of the most extensive wine lists in the country!
Hacienda del Sol offers an authentic hospitality to GLBT guests that is so refreshing! And they are perfect hosts, with activities and amenities to keep you as busy – or as relaxed! – as you wish.
Voted one of the best Romantic Inns
Voted one of the best Inns in the US
Zagat has awarded them “Excellence in every category!”
Lush landscapes, crystal-clear water and breathtaking mountain peaks. From small communities to one of the fastest growing cities in North America, Arizona offers travelers amazing sights, adventure, and you will find many open arms and hearts to the GLBT community.
SPECIAL OFFER!
Book a stay at Hacienda del Sol by APRIL 1st – for anytime in 2009 – and choose a free bottle of wine from Hacienda’s Excellent 50 under $50 wine list. PLUS, enjoy early check in and late check out.
Enter code “progay” when you book online at Hacienda Welcome.com
or when you call 1-800-728-6514 mantion “hacienda welcome”.
Gay Travel in Bangkok and Thailand – gCiruit Party in April with SK3
Bangkok, like the rest of Thailand is, on the whole, a very gay friendly city. It also has some great night-life and fantastic restaurants to keep even the most discerning of visitors happy.
There are various hotels, guesthouses, bars and clubs that cater, if not exclusively, then very often, to gay and lesbian clientele from all over the world. The Thai are very tolerant and welcoming of gay people and offer a very relaxed and comfortable environment for the gay community and its visitors.
Gay and lesbian Bangkok can be fun, naughty, refined or private, depending on what you prefer. There are discreet gay massage places in Bangkok, or pockets of lively bars and go go venues. Others prefer the tasteful restaurants and spas that are welcoming of a gay atmosphere in Bangkok. Wherever you go, the Thais and foreigners alike are unlikely to make you feel uncomfortable.
Thailand has a larger than usual gay community, for they are readily accepted without fuss. The feminine side of society is celebrated and many Thai boys find it much easier to ‘come out’ in this country, especially in Bangkok.
Then there is the famous ladyboys who add a fun character to the gay community. Most lady boys are ‘she males’ (most can’t afford the full operation) who are equally at home with women and men. They often find themselves partners in both gay and straight men and are always ready for a party. They can be quite assertive but always take good care of themselves.
The main website for Bangkok LGBT resources is
1 Stop Bangkok.
There are several PRIDE FESTIVALS in Thailand. But in April, the third installment of gCircuit’s now famous Song Kran event is here again!
Spending the Thai New Year in Bangkok with gCircuit has become a tradition with not only the local gay populace but with the rest of gay Asia as well. Song Kran 3 will feature 3 parties, namely Spin (on the 10th April 09), Steam (on the 11th April 09) and Splash (on the 12th April 09). Super DJs Joe Gauthreaux and Tye will return to headline the opening and closing parties respectively while the main event will feature the debut of renowned top DJ Roland Belmares, who will be playing in Asia for the first time.
With 3 unique parties and 3 stellar DJs, there is no better way to spend the Song Kran holidays than with gCircuit once again.
reFRESH Magazine – The International Gay Coffee Table Magazine – Meets Gay Switzerland and EuroPride 09
reFRESH Magazine is a beautiful international gay lifestyle magazine that is published alternate monthly in a coffee table sized format.
Founded in 2002, by Wild Publishing, a small independent publishing company based in South East London. the magazine set out to provide an alternative read for people who happened to be gay and five years on, they are still doing exactly that.
The content mix focuses primarily on culture & arts, homes & lifestyle, travel and fashion & grooming. They work with an amazing collection of journalists, stylists, photographers and illustrators from across the world to ensure that they provide a top-notch magazine that is both informative and creative. With no expense spared on production values they are one of the most glossy gay lifestyle magazines produced.
This current issue celebrates Switzerland! “It is the culmination of a six month working partnership with our friends at Switzerland Tourism in London and explores every aspect of this most diverse of countries.
Each of our regular editorial sections pays tribute to Switzerland in different ways, from a focus on Swiss fashion to a look at some of Switzerland’s most celebrated historical figures who have played a role in their LGBT history.”
Indeed, Switzerland has frequently been nominated as the best place in the world to live, and that’s certainly true for its lively gay communities. Stylish, eclectic, professional and sometimes just a touch anarchic, its cities often surprise. Go to this most dramatic country to ski in winter, but don’t forget the summer months when the streets come alive to the sounds of Techno beats and cool Jazz.
reFRESH also takes a major look at the forthcoming EuroPride 2009 celebrations that will be taking place in Zürich.
New Gay Travel Guide did an article on EuroPride 2008, when it was held in Stockholm. EuroPride is the largest and most important festival of the lesbigay community in Europe. Each year, EuroPride is hosted by another city in Europe. 2009, Zurich will be the host city, making it the first time ever EuroPride being celebrated in Switzerland.
During one month, a large variety of lesbigay events will be organised, covering all aspects of daily life like culture, politics, science and sports. Not only lesbigay people will be invited to join, all events are planned to address citizens and all visitors in Zurich and Switzerland.
EuroPride 09, being celebrated form 2 May until 7 June 2009, will bring a unique event to Zurich. Starting with an amazing Opening Party, a firework of cultural, political, scientific and sportive highlights will cover one entire month, inviting not only a lesbigay public from Switzerland and abroad to join. The climax and highlight of it all will be the large-scale EuroPride 09 Parade with a festival of activities in the EuroPride 09 Village in the very heart of Zurich.
reFRESH Magazine reFRESH on MySpace EuroPride09 Visit Gay Switzerland
(cover boy for Swiss issue is the smouldering Simone Lucioli
and it was shot by reFRESH favourite Dean Stockings)
Pridebook – LGBT International Social Networking Site
Because of all the work we do online, we LIVE on the Internet! And last week we came across PRIDEBOOK. An online international LGBT Social Networking site. It is a very neat site with over a thousand members currently, and growing each day.
Once you join PrideBook, which is totally free, inside you will find all kinds of other groups you can join and network with. Groups like Pet Owners, Gay Trekkies, Travel Interests etc. – sort it like a gay version of MySpace or Facebook.
In this Web 2.0 world, with the creation of things like MySpace and FaceBook, more and more people are setting up groups and networks targeted to gays. WE even set up a GAY TRAVEL group on Facebook. And we mentioned a couple weeks ago, FABUGO GAY TRAVEL is getting ready to launch their gay travel Social Networking site.
Started by Rob in Canada, he told me they have members and traffic from over 80 different countries! “I thought the GLBT Community could use its own little niche social networking site.” he says.
It’s a great place to network, post photos, make friends and have fun!
Check it out!
PrideBook! New Gay Travel Guide group on FaceBook
A Gay Boy and His Car! Travel Across The United States…Driving Equality
CHRIS MASON
is about to embark on a
road trip to raise awareness!
16,000 miles.
100 days.
48 states.
35 cities.
1 goal:
to advance LGBT equality.
Driving Equality is a trek across America to raise awareness of the various forms of discrimination faced by LGBT people in each state of the nation. Highlighting the differences in rights, laws, and amendments between the states will shed light on the current social standing of queer individuals today. I hope to create a dialogue about the disparities across the nation, and what can be done to end discrimination for all.
“During the 100-day trip (which kicks off MAY 11th), I will be meeting with LGBT community organizers, activists, and any citizens willing to talk. Through these interviews, I will gain an understanding of the current political climates, and explore ways of combating discrimination. Throughout my journey, I will make frequent posts on this website, including photos and video clips.
The project will culminate with a documentary of my experience with the aim of activating a discussion about potential strategies for ensuring equality.
Check out my route! If you happen to be along the way, and would like to be a participant let me know. “
You can also donate and get one of these cool buttons!
Join his group on FACEBOOK and MySpace.
Great Barrier Reef Caretaker – Best Job in the World
Imagine…living and working in Australia for 6 months,
exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
And your job is to write, blog, photograph and tell the world about it!
That is what I hope to be doing this coming July!
Please take 90 seconds and view my video and cast me a vote!
This would be a dream job for us!
VOTE FOR DERRICK SORLES!
Many thanks!
Derrick and Michael
Gay Marriage, Gay Unions, Domestic Partnerships, EQUAL RIGHTS!
EVERY COUNTRY IS DOING IT …
Except the United States!
There was a great article this week at
Huffington Post, by Nancy Lublin.
Called HOW THE GAYS CAN SAVE US!
She says, “I’ve got a simple, cost-free proposal for stimulating the economy: legalize gay marriage.
Forget your politics. Shelve your bigotry. Just listen to the numbers….
The average American wedding costs $20,000. The number of gay couples living together without the benefit of marriage is estimated at 3 million. Using those numbers, same-sex marriages could pump an estimated additional $60 billion in revenue into our ailing economy. That doesn’t even include money from the pre-wedding parties, honeymoons, or wedding registries.
I suspect that gay marriage would be celebrated with the same outrageous excess as heterosexual unions. Not that everyone can afford a wedding like Ellen Degeneres and Portia DeRossi’s elaborate celebration…but even some vows at city hall followed by a nice dinner with friends would help more than a $300 tax rebate. In fact, that $60 billion in revenue is all taxable!
Think about the number of jobs that would be created. The Association of Bridal Consultants say that on average 43 professionals are needed to service the average American wedding: florists, caterers, reception planners, photographers, travel agents, hotels, airlines, jewelers and bakeries just to name a few who would directly benefit from this huge infusion of cash….not to mention the divorce attorneys.
Picking and choosing what kind of love is worth recognizing is an expensive choice. Is discrimination worth that price?
It seems to me, the ailing economy might just be gay marriage proponent’s new bff.”
More than 16,000 gay weddings took place in Britain last year, with a quarter of them held in London.
More than 25,000 same-sex marriages have been contracted in Canada.
Most of the world is starting recognize same-sex rights.
What are we waiting for? Marriages are for two people who love each other. If they want to get married, so be it. They’re going to be together regardless of whether it has an official “governmental” stamp on it or not.
A government denying them the right to publicly marry is like saying “Okay, you can worship the same god, you can pay your taxes, you can be a law-abiding citizen just like the rest of us… but you don’t have the RIGHT to get married!”
Why? The “sanctity of marriage”. As if marriage would somehow be tarnished if more people were allowed to tie the knot. It is a nonsensical reason. Don’t call it marriage then. I don’t care what you call it – just give the same RIGHTS!
Last summer when my partner was rushed to Emergency for an accident, the hospital would not let me in, until I showed proof that I had Power of Attorney for him. Luckily, I had that document. I had to pay a lawyer $100 to draft it. WHY? Because the law doesn’t recognize me as his partner.
Conservative Americans try to force their beliefs on the gay community.
Remember in the 1980s – there was the belief that only gays had ear-rings (and only in the left ear). The males who got their right ear pierced were straight. Twenty-plus years later no one cares anymore, because many men now have ear-piercings in both ears, along with nose piercing, eyebrow piercings and lip piercings. The silly idea that only gays pierced their left ear was an idea forced upon gays by (guess who!) conservative Americans.
So why should gays and lesbians be denied a part of the American Dream?
They shouldn’t. All Americans are born equal and should all have the equal right to get married.
