Best Gay Cities

Prague Pride Returns in August 2012

Best Gay Cities — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:01:00 GMT

PRAGUE PRIDE OVERCOMES POLITICAL CONTROVERSY TO BECOME THE BIGGEST LGBT FESTIVAL IN CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE

Last year the first ever Prague Pride was organized amid political controversy, when Czech president Václav Klaus openly criticized having a Pride event in the capital of the Czech Republic. In spite of his statements the first Prague Pride was an overwhelming success, with more than 25.000 visitors. The event turned out to be a human rights manifestation as well as a celebration all over the city, which had a lasting impression on all those present.

Prague Pride 2012 will be held from 13 to 19 August 2012 on various attractive locations in the Czech capital.

The ambition of the organizing team is to attract an even higher number of visitors than last year. With 7 days filled with entertainment, debates, concerts, exhibitions, theatre and more, Prague Pride 2012 will represent the Czech LGBT+ community in its full colour and diversity. With Prague Pride still being a relatively new event, it has a fresh atmosphere of activism combined with fun, which can no longer be found in many other, more commercial Prides.

The theme of this year festival is “Bringing our colours together” with the aim to introduce the general public to the LGBT communities that are usually hidden from the public eye, such as LGBT Roma, disabled or transgender persons.

The highlight of the festival will be the parade through the city centre and the consecutive concert at Střelecký Island on Saturday the 18^thof August. The route of the Parade will take the participants from the famous Wenceslav square to the beautiful Střelekcy Island, where a concert will be held with many local and international stars.

“We want to show the Czech society as well as visitors from abroad that we will continue to put Prague on the map as Central and Eastern Europe’s capital of diversity and as one of Europe's main LGBT travel destinations.“ the director of the festival Czeslaw Walek says. By giving Prague Pride 2012 his auspices, the mayor of Prague acknowledges the significance of its LGBT community, with Prague Pride becoming a tradition in Europe’s LGBT summer season.

Prague Pride

* Need a Place to stay? The Temple!

Gay in Santa Fe: Santa Fe LGBT Summer Travel

Best Gay Cities — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:09:53 GMT

Santa Fe's extensive gay and lesbian population is in every part of the city, throughout every business district, and fully integrated into Santa Fe life. From gay-friendly clubs, restaurants and shops, to a number of TAG Approved hotels the city is a hot spot for GLBT travel.

Santa Fe traces its LGBT roots most notably to the migration of artists that came to the area in the early 20^th Century in search of new subject matter, new environments, and fresh inspiration all of which they found in abundance in New Mexico. For the GLBT traveler, Santa Fe offers a refined, romantic, laid back town that provides sophisticated relaxation on all levels. Whether it is visual and performing arts, shopping, outdoor exploration, dining, experiencing the city through its endless hands on and creative opportunities, festivals and events, or relaxing with some simple down time and pampering, there is never a lack of possibilities for getting the most out of Santa Fe.

The calendar gets very full in the summer when Santa Fe is at its most vibrant. Coming events of interest include:

June 23 – Santa Fe Pride Festival

June 13-15 – Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

July 12-15 – ART Santa Fe International Art Fair

July 28-29 – Annual Spanish Market

June 29-August 25 – The Santa Fe Opera summer season

August 2-5 – SOFA West

August 18-19 – 91^st Annual Santa Fe Indian Market

A list of Santa Fe TAG-Approved hotels, gay-oriented events, and additional information on Santa Fe as a gay destination appears on the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau’s web, www.santafe.org/gay

Amsterdam Gay Pride August 1-7 2012

Best Gay Cities — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:51:00 GMT

Join Dave for an unforgettable 7-day/5-night getaway to exciting and beautiful Amsterdam, a city that is easy to get around by bike, canal boat or your own two feet! You will be impressed with its eclectic architecture, excellent museums, and mazes of canals, great shopping, and its serious PARTY SCENE! The mix of people and cultures is like no other in Europe.

Come with me and be introduced to the unique history, PARTY SCENE and spirit of Amsterdam - from the historical city center to the heart of the famous RED LIGHT DISTRICT to the many “COFFEE SHOPS” to the Amsterdam PRIDE festivities and Canal parade - you will be amazed at its unique, laissez-faire attitude.

YOU Won’t be disappointed!

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

round trip air – BASED ON LOWEST PUBLISHED FARES FROM BOSTON

SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT TIME OF BOOKING

(AIRFARES FROM OTHER DEPARTURE CITIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)

round trip airport to hotel transfers
five nights hotel including taxes and service charges
hot buffet full breakfast daily
assistance services BY travel leaders representative on location
red light district tour
canal boat cruise

$400 DEPOSIT to HOLD SPACE - BALANCE DUE MAY 25, 2012

Call DAVE at 1-800-942-1280

Razzle Dazzle Dallas June 2012

Best Gay Cities — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:08:32 GMT

2012 brings added excitement to Cedar Springs as RazzleDazzle Dallas celebrates it's second year of the June Pride event revival.

In meeting our goal last year of the event being bigger and better than the original, we are adding even more 'dazzle' to the four-day schedule.

It begins on on June 6 with a wine and dog walk sponsored by the Cedar Springs Merchants Association plus the finals of our new Best Bartender Contest.

Thursday, June 7 participants will be entertained with a "Pub Crawl" that will move by shuttle bus transportation to participating Dallas area night clubs. Also on Thursday night, we will have the finals of Miss Razzle Dazzle Dallas.

On Friday, June 8, MetroBall at Station 4 brings an evening of dancing, raffles and fund raising as well as headline entertainment to raise money for HIV/AIDS clients living in North Texas.

During the day of Saturday, June 9 the Cedar Springs MerchantsAssociation will host a street fair and sale. The main event, Razzle Dazzle Dallas, will fill Cedar Springs on the night of June 9. Come out for live music, djs' and dancing, VIP areas, refreshments and much more. It will be a night to remember!

Dallas is a great city to visit and June has lost to offer the gay traveler! You could spend a whole week just in the Cedar Springs area - but I encourage to see more of Dallas.

The ninth-largest city and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation, Dallas covers approximately 343 square miles and has a population of 1,299,543. The ultra modern and sophisticated city attracts worldwide travelers, making the area the No. 1 visitor and leisure destination in Texas.

On a recent trip to Dallas I got to pampered at The Stoneleigh Hotel and Spa. WOW! If you love art deco, this is a must see.

Encounter an alluring union of art, glamour, and timeless style at The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa. A legendary landmark set in the fashionable Uptown district, the original 1920's Art Deco design of this historic Dallas hotel has been meticulously preserved through a recent $36 million renovation. Envelop yourself in contemporary comforts and amenities. Indulge in stylish accommodations, the exhilarating Spa at Stoneleigh, a new signature restaurant, Bolla, and a dramatic penthouse suite re-designed by Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Company. Rediscover this celebrated destination among Dallas luxury hotels, where historic grandeur and modern style deliver a five-star lodging experience. An art deco gem! Even if you don't stay here, you must dine or use the spa or at least tour the property.

There is a charming B&B right in the heart of the gayborhood: Daisy Polk Inn. You step back in time in this wonderfully quaint LGBT inn! Antiques and fabrics were painstakingly gathered to recreate an original look and feel. The furniture and furnishings are simply beautiful! It's a historic landmark and you can stay here for about $100 a night! GORGEOUS!

Dallas has an amazing collection of arts and cultural sights. Get closer to the art and architecture of Dallas with the Business Council for the Arts' 30-stop, 3.3-mile walking tour, Public ArtWalk Dallas. Maps are available at the Public ArtWalk Dallas Web site and will be available at various locations, including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center, which is the recommended starting point for the tour. On the Web site, you can find out how many calories you've burned and the number of steps taken, along with fitness tips and details, and downloadable MP3 files. Where: 2001 Flora St.

And what's a trip to Dallas without a stop at the National Cowgirl Museum? The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.

"From pistols to pink-and-gold riding boots, from heartbreaks to champion moments, you’ll see why we’re the only Museum in the world truly dedicated to the safekeeping and sharing of American cowgirl and her courageous way of life."

And I would highly recommend a day trip to Fort Worth.

No other city boasts such an unmistakable mix of preserved Western heritage and unrivaled artistic offerings. Whether you prefer to spend your time in a museum or watching the world's only twice-daily cattle drive, Fort Worth offers plenty of things to do.

Come to Fort Worth, where one thing doesn't change - the friendly, helpful service that's the hallmark of true Texas hospitality. To me, this is a real western Texas town!

Throughout the city, a visitor will enjoy the best shopping in the southwest, four-and five-diamond/star hotels and the largest urban arts district in the nation, 13 entertainment districts and much more. Blend in moderate weather, year-round sports and true Southern hospitality for a true “taste” of the Dallas difference. Visitors are exposed to a city that models its slogan, “Live large. Think big.™” Its pioneering spirit is alive and well, and the philanthropic contributions from its many residents continue to enrich the community and quality of life.

Dallas Tavern Guild

Big Gay Hudson Valley - Pride in Upstate New York May 25-27

Best Gay Cities — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:54:15 GMT

Big Gay Hudson Valley (BGHV), the region’s premier source for gay & lesbian information & resources in the Hudson Valley, has unveiled the plans for its fourth annual Pride Preview Weekend. Last year, more than 700 people gathered to kick-off gay pride season with BGHV. For 2012, more than 1,000 guests will celebrate with three days of events that will run from Friday, May 25th to Sunday, May 27th of Memorial Day Weekend.

The weekend’s events are all detailed on BigGayHudsonValley.com, and include:

Friday, May 25th - Pride Preview Kick-Off Party at the Out Bar [Event info on Facebook]
Saturday, May 26th - Pride Preview Cruise on the Hudson onboard Empire Cruise Line’s Mystere [Event info on Facebook]
Sunday, May 27th – Pride Preview Party at the Locust Grove Estate [Event info on Facebook]

The weekend’s capstone event – the Pride Preview Party – has drawn crowds in excess of 650+ in years past. It is a BYO picnic and attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic dinner to share with their friends. Locust Grove’s gorgeous estate grounds and gardens also warmly welcome dogs (on a leash, please) and children. While a bar will not be set up on site, those of the legal drinking age are invited to pack their favorite adult beverage of choice to be enjoyed on the lawn during the event.

Entertainment for the evening includes live performances by the Hudson Valley’s very-own DJ Ali, Drag Bingo Cabaret with Trixie Starr & Ophelia Nightly of the Hudson Pride Foundation, and our headliner – straight from NYC – acclaimed gay performer and music producer DJ Cazwell.

Metro-North Railroad and Poughkeepsie’s Holiday Inn Express are offering special weekend get-away packages from New York City. For more information about Pride Preview Weekend, booking accommodations, or to purchase tickets for select events in advance, visit BigGayHudsonValley.com.

Gay Pride Maui Hawaii 2012

Best Gay Cities — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:06:57 GMT

Maui Pride Weekend
is October
5th, 6th and 7th!!

This year the main event will be an all day/evening festival at the Maui Tropical Plantation!

You should really think about booking your room NOW. Rooms will sell out!

If you stay with our friends over at Maui Sunseeker, they will be hosting a rooftop VIP Aloha reception only for their guests on Friday evening, the 5th!

Three days of fun in glorious Maui!

Maui Sunseeker
Maui Pride 2012

Hidden Gardens of Paris

Best Gay Cities — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:31:39 GMT

A Guide to the Parks, Squares, and Woodlands

of the City of Light
For the seasoned Parisian traveller or the novice looking to get off the beaten track Susan Cahill provides a roadmap to parts of the city most visitors will never see....

In a city that is the destination of millions of travelers every year, it can be difficult to find your way to its lovely, serene spaces. Away from the madding crowds, the gardens of Paris offer the balm of flowers, tall old trees, fountains, ponds, sculptures, with quiet Parisians reading Le Monde, taking the sun, relishing the peace.

These places are often tucked away, off the beaten tourist track, and without a guide they’re easy to miss: The Jardin de l’Atlantique, out of sight on the roof of Gare Montparnasse. The enchanting Jardin de la Vallée Suisse, invisible from the street, accessible only if you know how to find the path. The Square Boucicaut, its children’s carousel hidden inside a grove of oak and maples. Square Batignolles, the shade of the old chestnut trees an inspiration to the painter édouard Manet and poet Paul Verlaine.

Hidden Gardens of Paris features 40 such oases in quartiers both posh and plain, as well as dozens of others "Nearby" to the featured green space. It is arranged according to the geographic sections of the city—Île de la Cité, Left Bank, Right Bank, Western Paris, Eastern Paris—a lively and informative guide that focuses on each place as a site of passionate cultural memory.

Beautifully rendered, THE HIDDEN GARDENS OF PARIS is not only a useful tour guide, but a tribute to the gardens as sites of passionate cultural memory, revealing the history and personalities of Paris past and present.

About the Author

SUSAN CAHIL has published four travel books on Italy and Ireland. She is the editor of the bestselling Women and Fiction series and author of the novel Earth Angels. She spends a few months in Paris every year. MARION RANOUX, a native Parisian, is an experienced freelance photographer and translator into French of Czech literature.

Get the book at AMAZON!
Hidden Gardens of Paris: A Guide to the Parks, Squares, and Woodlands of the City of Light

San Diego May Be First City to get Harvey Milk Street

Best Gay Cities — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:50:51 GMT

Today, the San Diego City Planning Commission approved a proposal to rename a street after LGBT civil rights leader Harvey Milk. The proposal will now be sent to the full city council for approval. If approved, San Diego will become the first city in the nation to have a street named for the LGBT rights pioneer.

The proposal is particularly significant as Harvey Milk was stationed in San Diego while he served in the US Navy as a diving instructor.

If successful, Blaine Avenue, the street leading up to The San Diego LGBT Community Center will be renamed Harvey Milk Street in time for the anniversary of his birthday; May 22. - You would think San Francisco would have already done this!

To make a donation supporting the Harvey Milk Street renaming project go to sdpride.org/harveymilk

GLBT Travel Expo in Chicago, Philadelphia and New York City

Best Gay Cities — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:45:10 GMT

GLBT TRAVEL EXPO! 3 Cities in MAY - FREE Admission!

The 2012 Travel Expo Tour is an exciting event where you can learn about new travel destinations, rediscover old ones, find glbt friendly travel providers and get information to plan your next vacation.

Airlines
Hotels
Trains
Cruise lines
Car Rentals
Resorts
Exotic Destinations
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Travel Magazines

Every one of them reaching out to the glbt consumer.

Attendees will be able to get the latest travel information, get special travel packages and great deals from the very best travel providers as well as win great prizes.

Face to face promotions still represent one of the best ways to promote your services. This afternoon event will draw 500-1,000 elite consumers from a great demographic group. This is the third year Steven Levenberg Productions, LLC has been producing these events. Each year these shows have had an ever expanding exhibitor base and attendance.

THE TOUR
Chicago, Illinois - Tuesday – May 1, 2012 – Center on Halsted.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Thursday – May 3, 2012 - The William Way Center.

New York , New York - Saturday May 5, 2012 - The LGBT Center.

Last year’s tour was a huge success. Each venue received a targeted crowd of between 350 to 650 targeted glbt travelers.

Dallas Purple Party May 4th-6th 2012

Best Gay Cities — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:15:35 GMT

Established in 2001, Purple Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization whose mission is to raise funds to improve the lives of people in the Dallas area who are living with or are affected by HIV/AIDS. With donated proceeds of more than $400,000, Purple Foundation has become an invaluable source of revenue for local charity organizations whose work reflects their mission.

Purple Foundation produces the annual Purple Party® Weekend in addition to other fundraising events throughout the year. Purple Party Weekend is a sensational weekend of dance events featuring electrifying visual performances and music by the world’s most popular DJs. Purple Party attracts dance-music lovers from all over the world and is one of the largest nonprofit, all-volunteer charity dance fundraisers in the United States.

5 big parties - and it's still very affordable with $140 weekend passes. Some cities get get up to $140 for their main event!

This year Dallas welcomes RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars Manila Luzon & Sahara Davenport! Who will perform in the famous Rose Room during Ignite,   the Purple Party Weekend opening party!

They’ll be joining the fabulous Rose Room cast for this extra special event benefiting AIDS Services of Dallas. Purple Party Weekend starts with Ignite at Station 4 with DJs Joe Gauthreaux and Paul McElroy. Joe Gauthreaux is one of the country’s most popular DJs, headlining events such as White Party Week, Winter Party Festival, The Zoo Party, Halloween in New Orleans, and of course The Purple Party in 2010.

Station 4 is one of the largest nightclubs in Texas, comprising 24,000 square feet of multilevel dance space, the Southwest’s premiere show bar for gender illusion, and an enormous outdoor patio. The Rose Room Theatre and Lounge are located upstairs at Station 4. It also has one of the most impressive intelligent-lighting and laser systems in the country. This is one incredible start to an amazing weekend!

Dallas is an awesome city with so much to see and do - spend a week if you can. They have amazing nightlife, it's a great city full of top-notch restaurants and cultural events. If you are planning to visit an extraordinary place, then Dallas can prove to be an exciting choice for you. When it is about gay Dallas, then gay nightlife is an area in which Dallas shines. Residents and travelers alike love the fact that many of Dallas’ premier gay bars and clubs can be found on the Cedar Springs strip, all within walking distance!

DALLAS PURPLE PARTY

Dallas Tavern Guild

For better knowledge on how to plan your trip and what to expect from gay travel in Dallas, the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau is your one-stop resource. In no time, you can find out about all the major destinations, great deals on flights and even better hotel packages.

To assist with your planning, the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau also launched a Web site specifically for GLBT travelers. GLBTDallas offers full information about gay Dallas, the community, entertainment, dining, accommodations, and all the major shopping hotspots. GLBTDallas also highlights key gayborhoods such as Oak Lawn and the Bishop Arts District.

When first launched a few years ago, GLBTDallas was the first gay travel site operated by any city! There are several reasons why GLBTDallas continues to set benchmarks and provide indispensable information for your trip. There are some of the features on the basis of which you can give consideration to this site when you are looking about gay travel and other features of Dallas.

1)      Personalized Itinerary: gay travelers can create their own personalized itinerary that includes hotels, venues, restaurants, and events of interest. While browsing the site, adding something to your itinerary is as simple as clicking the “Add to Itinerary” button.

2)      Fully informative: this is another remarkable feature associated with GLBTDallas. The Web site will provide you with the full knowledge about gay Dallas and all the upcoming events in the area. Going for the calendar of events offered by the site, you can make the best use of free time available in your trip.

3)      Fully dedicated: when it is about gay travel or all the special events organized in Dallas you can make a good use of information offered by the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Web site will provide you best travel deals making gay Dallas one of your most memorable vacations.

Birmingham UK Shows New Gay Mascot for Village

Best Gay Cities — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:33:00 GMT

Birmingham Pride is the largest free gay and lesbian event in the United Kingdom.

It takes place in Birmingham - this year June 2 & 3, 2012. . The spectacular 'Carnival Parade' passes through the city-centre from Victoria Square and makes its way through the streets of the city to the "gay village".

Launched from Victoria Square in Birmingham's city centre at 12 noon on Saturday 2nd the Carnival Parade route will be our best and most visible procession through the city ever!

This year it will wind its way down Colmore Row, and include other streets like Bull Street, Temple Street, Colmore Row and New Street, before finishing right in the heart of the Gay Village area for festival-goers to continue the celebrations.

Huge tents act as nightclubs for gay and straight revellers alike. In the daytime, specialist stalls and fairground rides make good entertainment. Many famous music acts perform on stage throughout the festival. Take a look at the Birmingham Pride Website

A huge, rhinestone-encrusted sculpture of a rhinoceros is planned to mark entry to the city’s gay village.But it may be installed in time for Pride -

Partly funded by Birmingham’s LGBT group and remaining cash from grants awarded for the council’s initiative to improve the city centre, the horned beast will stand at the junction of Bromsgrove and Hurst Streets as a mascot for the city’s gay village. The sculpture’s bling armoury is intended to reflect Birmingham’s history as a jewellery-producing city.

The full cost of the model, is £15,000 with Birmingham City Council providing the bulk. Those behind the beast said that a rhino had been chosen as they are “associated with strength and were originally a symbol of the gay rights movement in the United States.”

David Viney of Birmingham LGBT told the Birmingham Mail: “This is a hugely exciting project that represents the culmination of four years’ work between Birmingham LGBT and the city council to create a truly iconic piece of art.”

Not everyone was quite so enthusiastic about the project, however, and a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Alliance said: “Taxpayers will wonder why Birmingham City Council are blowing money on public art at a time when it’s pleading poverty in other areas. Art projects like this are capable of raising money for themselves.”

Gay Travel to Homophobic cities

Best Gay Cities — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:09:39 GMT

By now you have heard all about the 2 men being arrested on a gay cruise this past week -

the 2 men have been released after paying $3000 in fines! They were paraded thru the streets to a bank, to withdrawl money and crowds yelled slurs at them!

They admit they were nearly naked, on their balcony.
The couple, Dennis Mayer and John Hart say they were taunted all night long in a jail cell with no light, no water, and no toilet. The courts wanted to have their rectums inspected for signs of anal sex, but that was eventually dropped.

Dennis Mayer said he has no doubt they were arrested in Dominica because they were gay.

Police said it was because they were seen having sex in public on the balcony of their ship cabin. Mayer said they were not having sex, but were ‘partially clothed’.

Mayer, a retired deputy sheriff, told how he and his partner John, were summoned to speak to the captain wished to speak to us. ‘We were caught off guard,’ he added.

Three cruise ship officials and six Dominica police officers were waiting for them. After police interviewed both men separately, the assistant captain spoke, Mayer said.

'At this time, we are going to eject you from the ship. We have zero tolerance toward your behavior,’ Mayer recalled him saying.

‘He said that other people said that we were engaging in homosexual sex. He repeated that several times. I told him I didn't know why they would say that. I wasn't doing that.’

‘The treatment was inhumane,’ Mayer said. ‘We were detained for approximately 26 hours, and 19 of those locked in a cement cell, which had no running water, no toilet, no lights. ‘It stunk of feces and urine. It was infested with cockroaches, ants and bugs.’

AGAIN, I ask, why does Atlantis or anyone gay support these anti-gay ports?! It's ridiculous.

I would avoid Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana, Iraq, Iran, Dubai, most of Africa, Uganda, and lots of little islands! - Check this map out!
The brown areas reflect the DEATH PENALTY!
Red areas = Life in Prison!

Miami Beach Gay Pride April 13-15, 2012

Best Gay Cities — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 23:09:33 GMT

LGBTQ rights activist, author, lecturer and transgender issues advocate Chaz Bono will headline the Fourth Annual Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade as Grand Marshal, announced Babak Movahedi, president of the Pride board of directors.

Bono will lead the parade by riding in a vintage Rolls Royce convertible waving to an anticipated 60,000 fans and supporters who are expected at this year’s parade and festival. The Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade kicks of at noon on Sunday, April 15, along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th Streets. The events run April 13-15th.

More info at Miami Beach Gay Pride

I will NEVER UNDERSTAND why Miami Beach Gay Pride hosts a cruise over the Bahamas every year? Why give them our gay $$ ? FROMMERS says Generally speaking, The Bahamas isn't a gay-friendly destination. If you're gay, think twice before choosing to vacation here. Although many gay people visit or live here, the country has very strict anti-homosexual laws. Relations between homosexuals, even when between consenting adults, are subject to criminal sanctions carrying prison terms.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bahamas/0205028778.html#ixzz1q4uSUBEw

3 Anti Gay Attacks in Washington DC

Best Gay Cities — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:06:00 GMT

You wouldn't normally think of Washington DC as homophobic.

But let's face it - with gay marriage in the news more and more - the haters are coming out more and more. Romney, Santorum, Gingrich, NOM.....on and on. You have got NOM hating on JCPENNY and STARBUCKS for Gods sake! The closer we get to equal rights - the more haters come forward.

Mid March-

A man has been brutally beaten in an anti-gay attack in Washington D.C.'s Columbia Heights neighborhood, NBC Washington reports:

The attack happened around 9:15 pm on Monday night on Georgia Avenue. The 29-year-old victim says the homophobic remarks began as he stepped out of a taxi. It wasn't long before the suspects assaulted him. The victim managed to call his partner for help during the attack, but the suspects turned off his phone. The victims jaw was shattered into two pieces before he was attacked again and dragged along the sidewalk. The suspects stole the victim’s iPhone, iPad, and wallet. He is still in the hospital.

Another gay man and a transgender woman were attacked the following day:

The gay male victims remained hospitalized this week, with one being treated for a bullet wound to his liver and the other awaiting surgery Wednesday afternoon to repair a broken jaw. The transgender woman was treated and released for a head injury after being knocked unconscious. Police have listed the attacks against the two gay men as anti-gay hate crimes. The attack against the transgender woman was not listed as a hate crime but police are looking into the possibility that it may have been an anti-trans hate crime, according to a police report. Officers assigned to the police Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit were said to be involved in the investigation into each of the incidents.

The attack in which the gay man was shot took place at a local iHOP:

Aaron Woodland, who identified himself as the victim’s cousin, said he and another cousin were with the victim at the restaurant when the incident occurred. According to Woodland, the three suspects were sitting at a table near where the victim and the two cousins were seated. He said the suspects referred to the victim and the two cousins repeatedly as “faggies” while the two parties sat at their separate tables.

An altercation took place in which the victim was shot. More at The Blade regarding description of the crimes and the suspects.

I think many of us, especially in big cities, feel safe most of time. We think we're in gay friendly area, we're safe and accepted....but we forget, haters are everywhere. Always remember that. Even when we get full equal rights, there will still be haters and bashers. Always be aware of your surroundings and be careful. It's sad we have to live that way.

Gay Travel to Santa Monica - Just 10 Minutes from WeHo

Best Gay Cities — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:09:12 GMT

Yes, most LGBT travelers know West Hollywood is the focal point of gay and lesbian life in the greater Los Angeles area. WeHo offers great clubs, restaurants and boutiques, making it a bona fide queer mecca.

What’s the one thing you won’t find in this metropolitan gayborhood? The beach. If you’re not interested in going on an expedition through the concrete jungle, head west to Santa Monica. Very fab, very gay.

Santa Monica is known for its laid-back atmosphere, world class hotels and beautiful beach area. What gay tourists might not realize is that there are several activities geared toward LGBT travelers. First and foremost you must find a great hotel located close to the beach. Loews Santa Monica is a luxurious, gay-friendly property that hosts same-sex commitment ceremonies on-site.

After you’ve checked in, strip down, throw on your bathing suit and head to the beach. Less than two miles from Santa Monica you’ll find the most well-known gay beach in the Los Angeles area, Will Rogers Beach in Pacific Palisades. Admittedly, Will Rogers is a little disappointing compared to Black’s in San Diego and other gay beaches. It’s a small, nondescript area but fine if you want to get a tan or play a game of volleyball with some bronzed hotties. Getting to the beach can be a pain if you’re driving, so your best bet is to rent a bike from one of the beachfront shops and get a little exercise before you tan. When you’re tired of hanging out in the sand, take part in an outdoor yoga class. The point is to take advantage of the sunshine, the biggest draw for out-of-towners.

Feeling a bit peckish after a long day at the beach? Head to Ocean Street, Third Street Promenade or Mid-City for a fantastic meal. Whether you’re looking for a great steakhouse, sushi or amazing Thai, there’s a venue for every taste and preference. Seafood lovers will definitely want to experience The Lobster located next to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The surf and turf is just as incredible as the view.

I’m not a huge fan of tourist traps but even I must admit the Santa Monica Pier is fabulous! Once you get past the gaudiness of the amusement park, you’ll find that the Heal the Bay Aquarium is phenomenal and the street performers are a sight each visitor must experience at least once. What sets the Pier apart from other over the top iconic landmarks is the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Looking for LGBT nightlife in the Santa Monica area? You could drive to West Hollywood. It’s only 10 miles away but depending on traffic it might take an hour to get there. The hassle is definitely worth it but if you’re looking for something more low-key, consider a short trip into neighboring Venice. The city is a haven for artists, surfers and anyone who enjoys the wafting scent of Marijuana on every corner. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the heart and soul of the Venice community, lined with coffee shops, eclectic boutiques and restaurants serving exotic cuisine. This is also where you’ll find the area’s only gay bar, Rooster Fish.

For more than three decades Rooster Fish has been the only game in town for the gay and lesbian Westside. When you first walk in, you feel like you’re in a straight college bar, not a beach city gay bar. It’s a small venue with two rooms but it’s a popular spot that attracts a wide variety of patrons, straight, gay, male and female.

Rooster Fish offers a great Domestic Bliss Happy Hour all week long with drink specials starting at just $3.50 from 5-7pm. There’s also an outdoor patio BBQ each Sunday from 1-6pm, where burgers and hot dogs are served.

If you’re in the Venice area at the beginning of the Month, check out First Friday. This is an incredible event where a slew of restaurants, galleries and boutiques stay open until 10pm, allowing locals and tourists to meet shop owners in a festive setting.

Santa Monica, Venice and the rest of the communities located on the Westside of Los Angeles offer gay visitors a vibe that can’t be found in any other area. This beachfront area attracts Hollywood celebrities, college students, artists, executives and musicians. Whether you live in Minneapolis or Downtown Los Angeles, you instantly feel like you’re on vacation when you arrive in town.

So what’s the most important thing each and every visitor must do in Santa Monica, gay or straight? Nothing! Whether you’re hanging out on the beach, lounging by a hotel pool or sipping espresso on a café patio, take time to rest, relax and soak up the sun. Just make sure you tweet lots of pictures to make your friends jealous.

By GAY TRAVEL.com

Bears Take Over Fort Lauderdale May 10-14

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 02:02:00 GMT

BeachBear Weekend will hit the sands of Fort Lauderdale, May 10-14 2012, bringing hot men from around the world to experience all the top gay men’s destination has to offer. Long the muscle bear capital of the east coast, Fort Lauderdale is like a gay cruise that doesn't leave port. From world-class beaches to wild nightlife, the bears and their friends will find their sunny. The host hotel and its beautiful pool bar, overlooking Fort Lauderdale Beach will be the sexy center of activity for the men who want to bask in the sun and cruise the sea of beefy muscle.

BeachBear Weekend has been created to showcase the healthy outdoor lifestyle enjoyed in Greater Fort Lauderdale. The events over the course of the week will focus on the beach, surf, exercise, and of course some of the hottest parties anywhere.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Sunserve- a 501 (3) (c) corporation. Their mission is to provide critical life assistance and professional mental health services with an emphasis on the economically disadvantaged, marginalized youths, and senior adults in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Additionally designated is Abandoned Pet Rescue, Broward’s largest no kill animal shelter.

The bars and events for the weekend will include Ramrod, Boom, The Manor, Wilton Bier Garden, The Depot Cabaña Bar and Grill, and Scandals. In addition to the muscle packed pool parties and bar nights, there will be alternative activities as well, including sunrise meditations on the beach, personal trainers leading fitness classes, and watersports. Also planned are boat excursions for the more adventurous, a vendor fair, and meeting space set aside for Friends of Bill W.

BeachBear Weekend was created by Chad Bush, Bob Young and Shannon Spotts. Young was a founder of the successful LazyBear Weekend at the Russian River in Northern California. The organizers hope BeachBear Weekend will have significant economic impact for Greater Fort Lauderdale.

For more information log onto: Beachbearweekend.com

Broughton Hotels in Chicago Boystown Celebrate with Specials All Year Long

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:58:37 GMT

EAT, SLEEP, DANCE WITH BROUGHTON HOTELS OF CHICAGO DURING NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS IN BOYSTOWN

Broughton Hotels of Chicago are celebrating the much-anticipated Restaurant Week in Chicago by offering a hotel package that highlights the best of the Boystown neighborhood.

Guests can experience the North Halsted street, GLBT-friendly district that is known for an eclectic mix of bars, coffeehouses, restaurants and shopping in Chicago – and take advantage of this package during other Boystown events such as the Gay Pride Parade (June 24) and Northalsted Market Days (August 11-12).

Two neighborhood hotspots - Taverna 750 and Scarlet are participating in this special package deal. Taverna 750 is a ZAGAT-rated restaurant that is known for its old school Italian small plates with a contemporary flair.

The “Boystown Special,” package is $40 in addition to regular room rate at any of the three Broughton Hotels of Chicago – The Majestic, The Willows, and City Suites Hotel offers guests:

•    $30 gift card to Taverna 750
•    2 complimentary drinks at Scarlet
•    Complimentary parking for one night
•    A total value of $62

The “Boystown Special” can be used for hotel stays up until December 31, 2012 and is not valid with other promotions or group reservations. Hotels require a two-night minimum stay on Saturday nights – April through October 2012. Blackout dates and availability apply.

Located in the heart of the stylish and exclusive Lakeview section of Chicago, the Broughton Hotels of Chicago are a collection of Chicago boutique hotels that exude the charm of historic buildings circa 1920. 3 unique properties.

Just steps away from Boystown and only 10 minutes north of downtown Chicago’s business, financial and shopping districts, the stylish Broughton Hotels have the quintessential qualities of an upscale, city hotel – tucked into the tree-lined streets of a neighborhood.

CITY SUITES HOTEL

THE WILLOWS

MAJESTIC HOTEL

About Broughton Hotels

Broughton Hotels was founded in 2001 by Larry Broughton and has been named among the Top 100 hospitality management companies in the United States. From hip to historic, Broughton hotels are loaded with style. Each property is an original, a genuine boutique. And within their walls guests find more than a comfortable spot to rest – they discover a true sense of place. Broughton Hotels currently operates 14 boutique hotel properties throughout the U.S. For additional information, visit www.broughtonhospitality.com.

Gay Chicago Gay Illinois News

Best Gay Cities — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:48:49 GMT

The State of Illinois is adding a section for gay travelers to its tourism web site.

Gov. Pat Quinn announced the launch of "Pride Illinois" on Saturday at a Gala for EqIl.

The section will list gay-owned or gay-friendly accommodations, events and travel destinations, among other things.

It's unclear how concise this page will be - or if only members who pay can promote their business on the page.

The governor signed legislation in January 2011 granting same-sex couples SIMILAR legal rights as married couples. Illinois is the sixth state to allow civil unions.

Last week a bill was introduced for Gay Marriage in Illinois.

So Gay Marriage could be coming to Illinois soon!

BEST GAY CHICAGO.com for more Chicago info!

Gay Atlanta loses LGBT Bookstore and Coffehouse

Best Gay Cities — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:43:06 GMT

The internet is a great thing. I don't think we could live without it. However, with everything good comes something bad. And because we now have everything at our fingertips, some brick and mortar businesses are closing their doors.

In 1993, Outwrite, Atlanta’s gay and lesbian bookstore and coffeehouse opened.

"In May of 2011 we let our community know about our own financial struggle brought on by long term economic conditions and changes in the book industry. It had finally made the rent at our location unaffordable and our future uncertain.

People rushed in, stepped up, volunteered, and offered incredible levels of support and ideas for new business models that bookstores and other community businesses around the country were adopting. Hundreds would come in weekly and tell us how important Outwrite was - and is. Many spoke of how the location was a symbol of strength and diversity in the city.

But it wasn’t enough. We had run out of time to turn the financial situation around. By the end of January we had to close Outwrite for good, putting 10 employees in our community out of jobs and leaving the most recognizable LGBT community landmark empty."

READ MORE at GA VOICE

Gay Sitges Carnival Feb 16-22

Best Gay Cities — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:33:34 GMT

More than 200,000 people will visit Sitges, Spain during the Carnival festivities with all of the gay bars open in town, two huge parades on the Saturday and Tuesday and more glitter than you have ever seen! Feb. 16-22.

There are still great locations and great deals!

Carnival has to be Sitges' wildest party. Even though it is on in February it is still the hottest party in town! On the most popular days you will find partygoers dancing on the major streets across the town.

The busy months of July and August look positively dead! Gay boys and girls from the 4 corners of the world descend on our little town and party the week away!

Jueves Lardero or Fat Tuesday,marks the beginning of carnival with a huge celebration of local dishes and the arrival of the King of the Carnestoltes and ends with the Burial of a Sardine on Ash Wednesday. There's more to do than eat, though.

Sitges Carnival is a full 7 days of parties and events. The King arrives on Thursday the 16th of February, however the gay parties kick off the week before from Saturday the 11th.

Each of the gay bars and clubs has their own theme and their own special night so there is always something to do. And remember its all about your costume so make sure you bring something sparkly.

Get more details online!