Gay Travel and Pride SERBIA
AFTER A 4 YEAR ABSENCE –
GAY PRIDE RETURNS TO SERBIA
Pride returned to Serbia this week, taking place in the capital city of Belgrade. The BBC reports that the march transpired almost completely without incident.
Participants marched through the centre of the city to the National Assembly, where ambassadors from numerous European countries addressed the crowd. “I feel phenomenal. Our efforts of the past three years have borne fruit,” organiser Boban Stojanovic told Reuters news agency.
On Saturday evening, anti-gay rights campaigners demonstrated in the capital in anticipation of the Gay Pride march on Sunday. But the influence of the far right has declined in recent years, our correspondent says, and several government ministers have spoken in favour of the march.
FROM THE AP…
Waving rainbow-colored flags, several hundred gay activists proceeded undisturbed through downtown Belgrade on Sunday thanks to the protection of thousands of riot police.
The march advanced for only several hundred meters through the empty Belgrade streets where shops were closed and public transport was stopped. Still, it was important symbolically as a rare public event staged by gays in this highly conservative Balkan country.
Skirmishes were reported between small groups of extremists and police during and after the march, with soccer hooligans attacking liberal B-92 radio and TV station with flares and smoke bombs. Two policemen were injured, the station said. Also, the hooligans set one public bus on fire with flares, police said.
Water cannons, armored vehicles and riot police blocked traffic on the route of the march amid threats of attacks from extreme nationalists, as Serbia tried to show it respects human rights of all of its citizens as it seeks European Union membership.
“This is a very positive and strong message,” Michael Davenport, head of the EU mission in Serbia, told the pride rally. “It is also a strong message to those using the hate language.”
Belgrade Mayor Sinisa Mali who joined the march together with several foreign diplomats, government members and Serbian party leaders, said it was a chance to show that Belgrade is a world capital “where all of its citizens are equal.”
Is Gay Travel to Uganda Safe?
From Gay Star News…
Ugandan tourism officials have said the African country still welcomes gay tourists despite repeated attempts to pass an anti-gay law.
The Ugandan Tourism Board (UTB) recently met with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) to try to restore the country’s reputation among both gay and straight tourists.
John Tanzella, president and CEO of IGLTA, told the SoSoGay website that the board felt Western media had portrayed Uganda in a particularly negative light since the country passed a law that would punish gay sex with life imprisonment in December last year.
The law was struck down last month.
Tanzella said, ‘The delegation said that gay people are welcome.
‘They were very concerned about the perception of Uganda in Western Europe and North America, and claimed that the backlash caught them by surprise.
‘No-one thought it would pass. The delegates all pointed out that they have friends and family who are gay.’
He said Uganda was a long way off from joining IGLTA and first would have to go through a ‘process of education.’
In a statement released in March the UTB said, ‘The controversy currently surrounding the Anti Homosexuality Act 2014 is exaggerated.
‘No gay person will be killed in Uganda.
‘The law was based on the majority support for it in the Parliament of Uganda and the majority ordinary Ugandans whose cultural and religious beliefs are not agreeable to some habits such as homosexuality.
‘However, Uganda is a very hospitable, friendly, warm and loving country of diverse culture, religion and beliefs which welcomes all visitors of all backgrounds regardless of their sexual orientation, beliefs and skin color.’
Not for me! No thank you!
– See more at: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/uganda-tourism-board-gays-are-welcome150914#sthash.yBHqG57K.dpuf
Sao Paulo Sauna 269 Chilli Pepper
Brazilian Gay Sauna and Hotel was included in Louis Vuitton Travel Guide.
The top French luxury brand Louis Vuitton has included Hotel and Sauna 269 Chilli Pepper in its new edition of the tour guides.
The Louis Vuitton travel guides offer tips for those who want to know the 15 hottest destinations in the world, including Sao Paulo.
269 Chilli Pepper is the biggest and the best hotel for single men in Latin America. Created by businessman Douglas Drumond, the enterprise has 2,3 thousand square meters and is located at Largo do Arouche, downtown São Paulo, brazilian largest city.
The place offers 5 suites, 124 single rooms at its three floors, as well as 369 lockers for local visitors. Showers and jacuzzis working with filtered water, two ofuros, a winter swimming pool with waterfall, and a summer pool, ionized with sand filter.
There is also a 60 square meters steam room and cooled indoor pool (with filtered water) and a dry sauna designed with ergonomic benches. Chilli also counts on a L-shaped lounge bar with seven square meters, furnished by acclaimed designer Philippe Starck, where several drinks and snacks are served. The second floor houses Mini Cine Cabaret, with a special selection of gay-themed movies. This is the hotel’s sexiest floor, where glory alleys, “Love Corner” lounge and “Surprise Surprise” space are located.
Still at the first floor, the hotel has a charming boutique which offers products by sex shop Alizée, books, E.S Collection speedos and shorts, in addition to exclusive clothes from 269 brand, designed by stylist Rafael Vicente. Besides that, Chilli Pepper’s first floor gains party atmosphere with setlist signed by top DJ Anderson Noise. Sporadically parties take place, and encounters among different tribes happen daily.
Single rooms have soft siliconized-fiber pillows, which guarantees guests a wonderful night sleep. Probel mattresses are very confortable and made in 100% cotton fabric. Sheets, bedspreads and towels are by Topázio brand, an assurance of sophistication.
At 269 Chilli Pepper, single men can definitely find what they look for, at any time and with confort, safety and hygiene. All areas have been developed for the better service to goers, ensuring intense moments of rest and leisure. The hotel can be found at Louis Vuitton’s City Guide SP.
269 Chilli Pepper Single Hotel
Largo do Arouche, 610 (Corner with Jaguaribe Street) Santa Cecília – São Paulo/SP
24h
Phone: (11) 3331-3336
Website : www.hotelchillipepper.com.br
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotelchillipepper?fref=ts
Twiter: https://twitter.com/ChilliPHotel
Gay pride in Vermont
PRIDE WEEK September 7-14
Burlington, Vermont
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 –
2 pm Annual High Heel Race on Church Street, Church St.
This exciting race will provide a colorful and competitive start to the festivi- ties. The event is open to all who are brave enough to don high heels. Dress- ing in drag is highly encouraged, but not required.
Extra shoes will be avail- able to accommodate spectators wanting to sign up on site.
Register by email
highheelrace@pridevermont.com.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
5:30-6:30 pm Interfaith Prayer Service, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect St.
Designed by Deacon Stan Baker, rabbis, ministers and priests and from the greater Burlington areas several welcoming and affirming congregations all take part in this service. Join us for a PRIDE Vermont tradition, sharing our spiritual traditions together, with fellow LGBTQIA family and friends, both locals and visitors. All are welcome.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
7 pm Gender PRIDE Event, Contois Auditorium, City Hall
Model and transgender activist Geena Rocero will make a special guest appearance to discuss her work on gaining transgender rights throughout the globe. She has become one of the countrys leading voices for the transgender community.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
All Day OUT On Church Street, Church Street Marketplace
Special wristbands will be available for $10 each, and will provide discounts at participating shops, restaurants and department stores on the popular Church Street Marketplace. For a list of places to purchase wristbands, visit PRIDEVermont.com.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
4-4:30 pm Brick-Laying Ceremony in Memory of Wayne Beam, Upper Church St.
4-6 pm Generations of PRIDE History Exhibition and Reception,
Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St.
This exhibit traces the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community PRIDE celebrations in Vermont from 1983 to the present. Through 9/27/14.
5 -7:15 pm Stride To Pride 5K Walk/Run, Battery Park
7 pm Burly Bears Pre-PRIDE Party, Red Square, 136 Church St.
7 pm Wild and Precious, The Black Box Theatre, Main Street Landing
Vermont raised, Steven Cadwell performs his one man show Wild and Pre- cious, a theatrical memoir that chronicles one mans journey through sexual awakening, mental breakdown, and acceptance. Tickets $10 available at the Flynn Box Office.
9 pm-1 am Pop-Up! Queer PRIDE Party, Arts Riot
18 and up. $5 cover.popupqueerdanceparty.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
8 pm Risque PRIDE Ball, Higher Ground Ballroom
This 18+ multimedia event features two of Vermonts best DJs, Manny Ward and Man Machine, playing the hottest club music.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
12-5 pm Northern Decadence Vermont Food & Travel Expo, Battery Park
Produced by the Vermont Gay Tourism Association (VGTA),NDVT showcases LGBT-friendly businesses from across Vermont, includes food and drink samples and a silent auction. $5 for adults; children 12 and under free. Some alcoholic samples may have additional fees. For more information, visit northerndecadence.com.
12:45 pm PRIDE Parade, Church St.
The PRIDE Vermont Parade will start at at the bottom of Church Street and wind all the way to the Festival site at Battery Park.
1-5 pm PRIDE Festival, Battery Park
The festival will include music and entertainment in the Battery Park band- shell, vendors, family, youth activities, games, and community resources. Other highlights of the family-friendly PRIDE Vermont festival include:
Gender Fun Lawn Games and Scavenger Hunt. Play lawn gaymes, make craft projects, and get information on gender diversity, rights, and resources.
Live Entertainment hosted by drag artist Major Face featuring local and regional performers.
Dancing on the Lawn with music by DJ John Martin of Superior Sounds.
5 pm Screening of THE PARADE (PARADA),
North End Studios Studio A, 294 N. Winooski Ave.
Turning transgression into a comedic principle, this turbulent farce that toys with cliches and stereotypes turned out to be an unexpected hit in Serbia and other ex-Yugoslavian countries. FREE. http://vtiff.org/events/4380/
5 pm Burly Bears Tea Dance at Red Square, 136 Church St.
Airplane Travel and Flying with Service Dogs
Flying with Service Dogs
Flying with a service dog requires you to prepare in advance. Most airlines have specific rules and requirements for trips that depart from and connect through regions of extreme temperatures. Check your airline before you consider booking your flight; or you can opt to travel early in the day when you are certain that temperatures are cooler for your service dog. When flying with your dog, know that your dog will fly in a pressurized, heated and cooled section. Temperatures as well as pressures will be the same as they are in the passenger cabin.
Packing for your dog
• Ensure that you have your dog’s leash, collar or harness along with identification tags. You are advised not to take off your service dog’s identification tag while traveling. You never know, your dog can get lost and ID tags will make certain that he will find his way back to you.
• Make an effort of carrying motion sickness remedies. You need to consult your vet concerning medication or natural remedies that can alleviate motion sickness for your service dog, and the symptoms to look out for.
• Carrying along full paperwork for you service dog. This should include: license paperwork, proof of rabies vaccine, vaccination records, along with any other paperwork that you may need when boarding airplanes and crossing borders.
Important considerations you
need to make in advance
Most airlines may expect you to make at least forty eight hours notification, in advance.
Documentation is usually demanded when you do not provide credible assurance as far as your service dog is concerned. When making reservations, you are advised to request for a convenient seat. Inquire if they can have the seat next to you blocked, in the event that your service dog is large. This is usually not recommended, but chances are that they can block a seat for you if the flight doesn’t sell out.
Security checkpoints at the airport may present some challenges. First and foremost, make sure that your service dog does not wear any tags when going through metal detectors. This is to avoid any unnecessary search for you and your dog. You can also opt to go through the metal detectors first and then your dog; this way, the security guards will be certain that you and your dog are no threat, despite the fact that your dog may be wearing a tag.
It is advisable to make sure that your service dog is well fed and exercised before your departure. In addition, ensure that your dog drinks as well as poops in advance. It is quite inappropriate to feed your dog a few moments before take-off, he or she might get sick. Good exercise is essential for a service dog before take-off, since it helps the dog calm down. You are also advised not to sedate your dog, higher altitude pressures may make your dog vulnerable to cardiovascular and respiratory issues when sedated.
For your service dog to be allowed in the cabin you need to:
- Provide proof of your disability, and the manner in which your service dog proves helpful in easing the effect of your disability.
- Provide appropriate documentation confirming that your service dog has received an acceptable level of training that makes him a fit assisting companion for you.
- Provide confirmation that your dog is registered to serve as a service dog when booking your flight.
- Present a valid service dog identification card or equivalent documentation when you are checking in the flight.
- Ensure that your service dog can fit on your lap or alternatively in front of your seat.
As stated previously, not all airlines may allow you to fly with your service dog. Therefore, it is advisable to make early reservations to ascertain that your dog will be flying with you. In addition to different air travel rules, you may also find that some airlines charge extra fees when one is traveling with a service dog.
For more information visit Service Dogs Certification
Gay Travel and Gay Marriage in Denmark
Gay Marriage in Denmark celebrates
25 years!
Twenty-five years ago the first same-sex couple was lawfully married under the Danish registered partnership law, the first of it kind and an inspiration for same-sex marriages, partnerships, civil unions and family laws in countries all over the world.
On the occasion of the ”Silver Anniversary”, an exhibition: ”Equal Love Silver Anniversary, Copenhagen 1989-2014” will be held September/October 2014 at the Copenhagen City Hall where the first couple said yes to each other 25 years ago.
In connection with the exhibition we want to collect wedding pictures and rainbow family photos from all over the world. To that end we hope that you will mention the Equal Love Silver Anniversary in your magazine so that your readers may send us their photos by uploading them to Twitter and hashtag them with #equallove25 or send them by mail to equallove@lgbt.dk – You can read more about the Equal Love – Silver Anniversary celebrations on www.lgbt.dk/equallove25.
We want to show everybody that it was not the end of the world when the first same-sex couple was married 25 years ago. Life goes on. For better. For worse. And for all, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Richardt Heers
International Spokesperson
LGBT Denmark
The Danish National Organisation for Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender Persons
Sitges Spain Gay Pride BEST IN THE WORLD
BIGGER is not always better.
While Sao Paulo has the BIGGEST GAY PRIDE in the world – I think SITGES has the BEST GAY PRIDE in the world!
Sitges is a fantastic gay-friendly beach town less than an hour away from Barcelona. The city’s seafront promenade, (often called Spains answer to the French Riviera) art deco architecture and nightlife make it a popular tourist spot, especially in the summer, where it is often hard to book a room.
THIS is what PRIDE is supposed to be. Thousands of people having fun, dressing up and partying.
This 10 minutes of fantastic footage will make Sitges the #1 Pride in the world!
Official Video Coverage of the International Gay Sitges Pride 2014 – Including all of the parades, tribute acts, pool parties, events and more. Come Join us in 2015 – June 18th to 23rd.
Christmas Holiday in Europe
I know it’s still summer in the US – But December is not far away!
I guess since I was born in December, I have this thing for Christmas and shiny objects! And many of the best decorations and celebrations come from Europe. Poland, Germany and Italy are hubs for glass blowing and ornament making.
Some of Europe’s Christmas markets have been around since the Middle Ages, so it’s no surprise that Cologne Germany, which has five markets, is a seasonal popular hot spot.
Cathedral Market, Angels Market, Harbour Market, Old Market Christmas and the Market of Fairy Tales! Every year, the city centre of Cologne is touched by the magic of the festivities in the weeks leading up to Christmas. When the Christmas markets in Cologne open their gates on the last Monday before Advent, millions of visitors from around the world delight at the goods on sale at the quaintly designed huts (or “Buden”).
Some say you haven’t experienced Christmas lights until you’ve seen nearly four miles of them artfully hung in patterns dictated by Tiffany’s head designer in Copenhagen’s (Denmark) famed historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens — and that’s not counting the 1,800+ strands dramatically draped on the lakeside willows. They say there are EVEN MORE LIGHTS added this year!
Copenhagen celebrates Jul (as in “yuletide”) in high style, with its famed Christmas market the centerpiece. Over 50 stalls are stocked with fine handmade crafts, including traditional figurines of clog-clad elves in pointy red caps, while vendors are selling iced doughnuts slathered with black currant jam and hefty cups of gløgg, a steaming hot mulled red wine laden with raisins, almonds, cinnamon sticks, and cloves—all of which are steeped in aquavit or schnapps.
Vienna is another magical place for the holiday season. At the traditional Vienna Magic of Advent, the Rathausplatz becomes a shining fairytale land. The 150 or so stands offer Christmas gifts, Christmas tree decorations, delicious sweet treats and wonderful warming drinks.
You see a sea of lights in the trees around City Hall park.
Not far away is the Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz. Over 60 stands offering traditional handicrafts and original gift ideas are set up here during Advent. The romantic Christmas village in the Old AKH is also a popular meeting point during the season.
Not too many European cities have such a rich gay history as the Austrian capital. You can get up-to-the-minute information on the Facebook page “Gayfriendly Vienna”.
Christmas in Europe is a time for elaborate pastries, for lyrical midnight masses in Gothic churches, and for the upholding of quirky local traditions—in many countries, Christmas just isn’t complete without mischievous pixies (Copenhagen), kindly witches (Rome), treacherous demons (Salzburg), or an 8,000-pound fruitcake (Dresden)!
Gay Las Vegas New Years Eve
Count down to midnight with Gay men from around the world at Evolve Vegas NYE. It’s more than a Party, it’s an Experience!
- Enjoy three days in Las Vegas, voted Favorite American City by OutTraveler!
- Meet Gay men from Amsterdam to Australia and everywhere in between!
- Participate in Shows, Special Events, Parties, Receptions, Shopping and Dining, Gambling and more!
- Stay at the newly renovated MGM Grand Hotel!
You may even find that special midnight kiss at our New Years Eve Blowout
The newly-renovated
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino!
The world renown MGM Grand Hotel will host Evolve Vegas NYE and is home to some of Las Vegas’ hottest new clubs, restaurants and shops. The recent $175 million renovation features hi-tech guest rooms of 450 sq. ft. and amenities that will make your stay a real delight. Best of all, it’s located at one of the most exciting corners on the Las Vegas Strip and the fun will be right outside your front door!
3 days of nonstop fun! December 30th – January 1st.
Call David and find out about exciting packages! 1-800-942-1280
HEATWAVE in Chicago November 15-16
To our knowledge this has never been done before! a 24 hour private party/event in an INDOOR waterpark / hotel resort. You check in around 3pm Saturday November 15th and you check out around 3pm Sunday November 16th! No kids, no families, 21+
And most rooms are $100 pp based on double occupancy!
From the producers of Six Flags OUT IN THE PARK, comes this very exciting event. HEATWAVE!
“We’re taking over Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Resort, for 24 hours!” says Derrick Sorles of BestGayChicago.com. “Like our OUT IN THE PARK event at Six Flags, this will be a totally private event and it will benefit a local charity.”
Imagine 24 Hours of LGBT Paradise at
Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Park Resort!
Be a part of the country’s first-ever 24-hour PRIVATE LGBT Indoor Poolside Dance Party and Water Park Celebration Benefiting a different charity every year. Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will be the beneficiary for 2014!
Saturday, November 15th, 2014 3pm – Sunday, November 16th, 2014 3pm!
Room/Party Packages $98 Per Person/double occupancy,
includes ROOM + PARTY TICKETS!
4 person rooms as low as $85 per person.
PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR! Suites can accommodate 6-8 for $100 – $160 pp
*414 Resort-Style Key West Guest Rooms and LUXE Suites
- *Seven Room/Suite Options Sleeping/Connecting 2 to 12 Or More Guests
- * 12-Hour Indoor Water Park Dance Party Admission Included In Your Room Price
- * 4 Amazing DJ Sets and Poolside Dance Party from 3PM – 3AM
- * 45 Minutes Away from Chicago, Across From Six Flags Great America in Gurnee Illinois
- *65,000 Square Feet of INDOOR Water Park FUN – Always tropically-inspired, 84 degrees and Humid
- *10,000 Square Foot State-Of-The-Art Gaming Arcade
- *Restaurants, Bars, Confectionery Center, Convenience Store, Souvenirs
EVERYTHING A Guest Needs- Just bring your swim suit!
BOOK NOW! Call 877-360-0403 and tell them code HEAT WAVE!
(as of July 20th, this event is 55% sold out!) HEATWAVE CHICAGO
Most Expensive Food around the World
From a guest author : It’s just another Paris Hilton Instagram post showing the room service meal she ordered during her Shanghai sojourn last November. “I love Chinese food,” she commented. But there’s one problem, except for the fried rice, the dishes were hardly Chinese: panini, creamy soup, spaghetti, and some other general meals. I wouldn’t fault her though, and the public seems to understand her little culinary mishap. After all, the Paris Hiltons amidst us are more at home eating fancy meals than being confronted by an unassuming panini. Well then, let’s give Paris Hilton one fancy menu.
I thought to put together a set of meals for one day in this infographic, featuring the most expensive foods in the world. These foods are unabashedly opulent, but before you get upset, many of these items were created for fundraising programs (like an auction). Okay, some are truly lavish beyond reason. To put their prices in perspective, our total bill by dinner’s end easily matches the annual income of an average American household, whose weekly meal budget is estimated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be somewhere from $130 to $250 for a family of four.
There’s another reason why a dish can be very expensive: the chef sprinkled some diamonds, luxury pearls, or gold as a side attraction, such as the spoon, plate, goblet, or a decor. I thought it’s cheating. You can always make anything the most expensive by throwing in some diamonds, the most expensive toilet for instance.
Still, some dishes are easy to imagine why they’re expensive: the ingredients are either rare or take a lot of time and effort to source. What makes Wagyu beef literally a cut above the rest? The cow where the beef comes from is massaged and fed on beer every single day of its short bovine life. Saffron, a most prized spice, requires 75,000 filaments to make a pound!
We have more surprises in this day’s menu, from an ice cream whose price leaves you deathly cold, to a putrid cake slice that the ultra rich had craved to buy.
Gay Palm Springs $99! with INNdulge
The ultimate desert playground for outdoor adventure, arts and culture, gaming and entertainment. Whether you are planning a family vacation, couple who wants a romantic retreat, or want a girlfriend’s getaway…Palm Springs is “Fun in the Sun” year-round.
INNdulge corners the market on comfortable and casual. One section of the structure has the requisite pool and hot tub, and features rooms that are spacious and pampered without being stuffy, with nicely preserved ’50’s style kitchenettes (PS loves its retro history!) There is a poolside social hour (which most inns offer) and INNdulge probably boasts the most spectacular mountain-range view. Practically every Palm Springs Locale is outfitted with misters to combat the desert heat, but INNdulge has the only pool chiller which, when the heat soars to skin-melting temperatures, is quite a draw.
Gay Travel to Jamaica? Not for me!
I had a friend recently say he was going to Jamaica with some girl friends because it was a cheap get away. FOR ME, you could not pay me to go there!
A “very frightening” mass of about 25,000 protesters rallied in support of Jamaica’s so-called “buggery law” — a colonial leftover in the civil code that criminalizes sodomy — in a demonstration organized by religious leaders in Kingston on Sunday, according to BuzzFeed.
Sunday’s rally comes less than a month after pro-LGBT organization Human Rights First embarked on a new effort to make the island nation a safer place for its LGBT residents, and as Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has reportedly been working with the government to introduce legislation to repeal the colonial-era antisodomy law. It’s unclear what impact — if any — the rally will have on those efforts.
Prague pride August 2014
PRAGUE – one of my favorite places to visit! is getting ready for PRIDE.
The 4th edition of the Prague Pride festival will take place from Monday 11 until Sunday 17 August, with the Parade and main concert & outdoor party on Saturday 16 August. The main theme will focus on Prague being a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe.
Gay Travel to Asia with Boys Town Booking Service
JOIN THE PARTY!
Fast, easy booking service for gay parties and gay vacations and packages in Asia.
Macau, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and MORE! This booking company offers the most information and trained staff to help you choose and book your Gay Asia Vacation!
Gay Vacation / Boys Town is THE SERVICE to use for Gay Asia travel.
Whether you need a cruise, a room, a whole package of tickets to a show like Taboo, Boys Town Can Help You!
*TABOO, The Show of Secret Fantasies, City of Dreams, the home of Macau’s only two resident shows, has once again teamed up with Franco Dragon, the creator of The House of Dancing Water, to deliver audiences a seductive cabaret experience.
TABOO, the show of secret fantasies, explores every man
and woman’s deepest desires through mesmerizing performances by a cast of beautiful artists from around the world. The show is never the same experience twice with new fantasies and surprise acts being added all the time.
Join us at City of Dreams’ Club Cubic, Macau’s most prestigious nightclub,
and embark on a seductive journey to arouse your own secret fantasies.
Book Now for Southern Decadence Deals in New Orleans
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For more information, please contact Dave at dave@donovantravel.com or 401-942-7700.
*Southern Decadence is an annual six-day event held in New Orleans by the gay and lesbian community during Labor Day Weekend, climaxing with a parade through the French Quarter on the Sunday before Labor Day.
Marriott #LoveTravels Campaign
Marriott International Celebrates Inclusion with Powerful LGBT Portraits by Noted Photographer Braden Summers
Marriott International today launches #LoveTravels, a multicultural campaign that conveys the company’s commitment to make everyone feel comfortable being who they are, LGBT and GAY, everywhere they travel. To bring #LoveTravels to life, Marriott has partnered with photographer Braden Summers to share exclusive and powerful images celebrating inclusion as part of its new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) social media and marketing campaign. Summers’ unique ability to capture warmth and emotion perfectly communicates the company’s welcoming approach to hospitality.
RUSSIA’S Campaign of Hate and Propaganda
RUSSIA is a very scary place right now.
As most of the world moves forward toward gay equality, Russia is seemingly heading backward. Antigay sentiment and legislation are spreading rapidly throughout the country.
In 2013, the Russian parliament passed a ban on so-called “gay propaganda” that effectively makes nearly any public discussion of gay equality a crime. The city of Moscow has outlawed Gay Pride parades for the next 100 years. Adoption of Russian children is forbidden to citizens of any foreign country that permits gay marriage. And legislation is now being considered that would permit the Russian government to remove gay people’s children from their homes.
The Kremlin has chosen the LGBT community as its scapegoat in a populist campaign against supposedly decadent “Western” values, and there are ominous signs of much worse to come. Violent attacks against Russian gays or suspected gays are more and more common. Videos of young LGBT people being taunted and tortured have been widely distributed on the Internet.
Those are the stories that get the headlines, but there is much more to the Russian LGBT men and woman I have met. It is my hope that this documentary will educate viewers to their reality.
A film by Michael Lucas
sneak peak: Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda
on Facebook too
Gay Travel China : Shanghai Pride 2014
6th annual Shanghai Pride Week, titled Pride6 will take place from 13th to 22nd June. A week-long string of events has been planned to boost the LGBT’s community position in China and raise awareness around LGBT themes including marriage equality, sexual health and societal acceptance.
Shanghai Pride Mixes Advocacy with Fun at this year’s week-long event.
Organisers are also hoping to boost interest in Shanghai’s Gay Film Festival which will be held during Pride Week. Their aim is to make it the largest gay film festival in the region within a few years and they are already reviewing locally produced films to screen. Sandwiching the week at both the beginning and end will be LGBT-themed theatre performances and then towards the end of the week there will be an art exhibition featuring work by local up-and-coming LGBT artists. As usual, the opening and closing parties are expected to draw the biggest crowds; last year over 800 people attended the closing party which was held at Mi Tierra and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.
“We’re very optimistic that this year will be the biggest and most fun Pride yet, but more importantly it will be the most significant in terms of content,” said Dylan Chen. “With a greater focus on equality, advocacy and sexual health we hope that we can bring together people in a more meaningful way than we have done in the past. It’s time to stop being afraid of confronting the issues that seemed daunting to us before, it’s time for us to come together as a community and share our experiences and knowledge for the benefit of our society.”
Run by volunteers from the not-for-profit group, ShanghaiLGBT and other NGOs, Pride6 is expected to bring thousands of people together at a multitude of fun social and advocacy events.
More info at SHPRIDE
Gay travel Guide to Havana Cuba
A new revolution has quietly been brewing in Havana, Cuba which could make it the next great gay travel destination.
The gay scene in Havana is beginning to sizzle after years of repression. Raul Castro’s daughter, Mariela, has even participated in a gay rights march and Brokeback Mountain has been seen on government television.
While gay life is still largely underground, one of the most amazing scenes occurs every night in Havana starting at about 11:00 pm where La Rampa Street and the Malecon, an ocean front walk, intersect. On weekends you’ll see hundreds of guys strolling, chatting, and playing guitars all night until the sun rises. Talk to the right people and you’ll get an invitation to one of the private home parties that pop up in different locations throughout the week.
Travel blogger, Ryan C Haynes, offers his advice on staying safe and having fun in the Cuban capital’s gay scene….
There are certainly areas in the Vedado area (the downtown and a vibrant neighborhood in the city of Havana, Cuba) where you will find a thriving gay community. Calle 23 is the centre of gay life, near the Cine Yara (cinema). This street is frequented by gay people night and day – but don’t expect it to be anything like major cosmopolitan cities.
The one gay venue on this street is more like a canteen than a party establishment, though get talking to one of the locals and they will invite you to the official gay party that evening. If you want to join in the official parties you need to put faith and trust in the local Cubans who will order a taxi and take you to the chosen event. However be aware that you will most likely be expected to pay the taxi fair, entrance fee and possibly a drink for the guide. Read More Here.
HAVANA CUBA – Before the Communist revolution, Havana was one of the vacation hot-spots of the Caribbean, and since Cuba reopened to tourism in the 1990s, it has become a popular destination once again.
The capital of Cuba, Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean, and one of the most culturally rich urban centres in the world. The city’s appreciation of its glorious colonial past is on display at a dizzying array of castles, cathedrals, mansions and museums. The historic neighborhood of Vieja Habana (Old Havana) is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, with over 900 landmarks, including the Presidential Palace and Cathedral Square.
IN the Plaza Vieja of Havana, is a quaint independent gay friendly apartment for rent! Bohemia Boutique Apartment.
It has been listed by the Guardian as one of the top 10 places to stay in Havana. The apartment is fully furbished, plenty of light and very well ventilated.
1 living room with kitchenette, 2 balconies (facing the Patio of the Palace), 1 spacious bedroom with air conditioning, 1 bathroom.
Daily rent 80 CUC (66 EUR or 80 USD) SEE MORE HERE
PLUS the owners have just opened CAFE BOHEMIA in the same building.
On the renovated and luminous Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, Café Bohemia was recently opened in loving memory of Cuban journalist Ricardo Sáenz, member of the prestigious group that founded Prensa Latina, and which included Jorge Ricardo Massetti, Gabriel García Márquez and other icons of journalism in Latin America.
Thanks to its location in the cool inner courtyard of the colonial building, Café Bohemia is perfect for taking a break from long walks and seeking shelter from the stifling Cuban heat as you explore the Havana’s Historical Center.
Entering the cool inner courtyard where Café Bohemia has set up shop you feel your temperature gauge go down a few notches. More than an escape hatch from Cuba’s sometime stifling heat this is meant to have a Bohemian vibe. A meeting place for Cuban musicians, singer-songwriters, authors and journalists, despite its touristy locale. READ MORE.
