Category Archives: Gay California
Gay Travel to Santa Monica – Just 10 Minutes from WeHo
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.
La Cage Aux Folles National Tour Dates
New Winner of 3 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, this hilarious new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is ON THE MOST ‘TOP 10’ LISTS OF ANY MUSICAL THIS SEASON!
With George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber. George Hamilton is everything Hollywood we know and love—dashing, debonair, and full of tenacity as Georges. The talented Tony Nominated Christopher Sieber played Georges on Broadway, opposite Harvey Fierstein. Now he plays the role of Albin/Zaza.
They are joined on stage by Billy Harringtan
Tighe as Jean-Michel, Bernard Burak Sheredy as M. Renaud/M. Dindon,
Cathy Newman as Mme. Dindon/ Mme. Renaud, Jeigh Madjus as Jacob, Gay
Marshall as Jacqueline, Allison Blair McDowell as Anne, Dale Hensley as
Francis, Ashley Kate Adams as Colette, Danny Vaccaro as Tabarro, Matt
Anctil as Angelique, Mark Roland as Hanna, Donald Shorter, Jr. as
Chantal, Trevor Downey as Phaedra, Logan Keslar as Bitelle, Terry Lavell
as Mercedes, Todd Thurston as Male Ensemble (waiter), SuEllen Estey as
Female Ensemble Adult, Todd Lattimore as Male Swing, Christophe
Caballero as Male Swing and Rylyn Juliano as Female Swing.
LA CAGE tells the story of Georges, the
owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner
Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son
brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair,
the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! LA CAGE
is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay
together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to
themselves!
With a glorious score of hummable melodies and a
dynamite cast featuring the “notorious and dangerous Cagelles,” LA CAGE
is an indisputable musical comedy classic… and this extraordinary new
version shows you why!
The national tour launched this past October in Des Moines, IA. We saw the show in Chicago , this past week. It runs through Jan. 1st then off to
St Louis Jan 3-15th.
Washington DC Jan 17-Feb 12th
West Palm Beach, FL Feb 14-19th
Tampa, FL Feb 21st-26th
Naples, FL Feb 28th-March 4th
Wilmington, DE March 6th-11th
Pittsburgh, PA March 13th-18th
Memphis, TN March 20th-25th
Dallas, TX April 10th-22nd
Houston, TX April 24th-May 6th
San Antonio, TX May 8th-13th
Tempe, AZ May 15th-20th
Charlotte, NC May 29th-June 3rd
Orlando, FL June 5th-June 10th
Ft. Lauderdale, FL June 12th – June 24th
Los Angeles, CA July 10th-July 22nd
Costa Mesa, CA July 24th-Aug 5th
MORE DATES AND CITIES To Be Announced! GET TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
San Francisco Site Highlights LGBT Daily Events WSUP NOW
There are lots of gay and queer events always going on San Francisco – and not one real
place that categorizes it in a easy and quick, digestible way. So Stuart Leung came up with a site that readers can quickly scan and see whats happening in San Francisco.
“I found that even after 7 years in San Francisco, I still didn’t
know what was going on at all the gay establishments in the city. I am
not a party animal or scenester that goes out five days a week, but I
am not a shut-in either.
And when I do want to go out, I want to be able to make the right
decisions. And not knowing what’s going on at 75% of the bars on any
given night, I’ll find myself relying on what is familiar and what I
am comfortable with. Sometimes I do like the tried and true, sometimes
I want to experience something different, and other times I like going
to check out other scenes.” says Stuart.
“The site has been live for about four months now, so it’s still in
its infancy. We’ve consciously made the decision to fly under the
radar and grow slowly while we continued to tweak the site, improve on
the features, functionality and user experience.” he adds.
WSUPNOW.com
Pacifica California Waterfront Lodging Just Minutes South of San Francisco
is perhaps the most beautiful state we have in the US – at least in my opinion.
You can travel from Northern to Southern and see so many spectacular areas. San Francisco is often rated one of the most popular tourist destinations for both straight and gay travelers. And one of my favorite trips is fly into SF, stay a couple days, then rent a car and drive down the coast stopping in various cities along the way!
Courtney Conlon, CEO of the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce announced today the launch of the new Visit Pacifica website (Visitpacifica.com), as the seaside community embarks on a marketing plan to promote Pacifica as a destination for travelers.
Seeking to increase tourism, business and residential opportunities, Pacifica provides the only waterfront lodging opportunities in the immediate San Francisco area and a plethora of affordable and outdoor activities suited to visitors near and far.
“We are so pleased to get the word out to a broader audience about Pacifica, said Conlon. “We are a true coastal gem located just 15 minutes south of San Francisco and the airport, yet our visitors say they feel worlds away and right at home when they are here. We like to think of ourselves as the first doorway to serenity from San Francisco, with so many outdoor adventures – from hiking and biking to surfing, and golfing, making us a destination for visitors of all ages and interests.”
With the “staycation” trend in travel and tourism continuing to rise, Pacifica provides a home away from home for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. Its rich cultural heritage and bohemian-esque personality make it an original destination worth uncovering. Pacifica’s vibrant and unique offerings and natural beauty make it a haven for locals and travelers alike. Its diverse and affordable lodging, dining and entertaining options offer a wonderful opportunity to travelers considering a serene locale to relax and spend time with family and friends.
“We are really pleased to share Pacifica’s message with the larger community, and let more people know about our wonderful city,” said Mayor Mary Ann Nihart. “We hope to share the natural beauty and our wonderful community with many visitors and potential businesses and residents.”
The new branding campaign will promote all the elements that make Pacifica a special destination for visitors near and far. Along with the launch of the Visit Pacifica website, the Chamber employed Mana Brand Marketing to create the unique personification of a mermaid as its new logo, beckoning travelers to this ethereal enclave. The logo reflects Pacifica’s historic identity and calls travelers to enjoy the beauty of its seaside location. The mermaid has been utilized since the 1950’s to promote the town’s local Fog Festival, and throughout its history.
Pacifica’s rich history began
Whether taking in the view from an oceanfront room in Pacifica’s beachside hotels, watching the sun set over a candlelit dinner or experiencing the vast beauty of the area from atop one of Pacifica’s many cliffs, there are many unforgettable experiences, historical treasures and spectacular walking and hiking trails to explore. With delicious restaurants and cafes, comfortable hotels and unique shops, there is something for everyone in Pacifica.
** San Francisco has a Gay Bowling League – and according to their Facebook page, bowl at Sea Bowl in Pacifica, CA at 7:30 PM on Monday nights!
BestGayCities.com
Tales of the City…Walking Tour now in San Francisco
Few will deny the impact that
Armistead Maupin’s
Tales of the City
has had since they were
first published in the 1970′s. Eight novels that are such an important part of gay culture and history.
Last month we told you about Tales of the City – The Musical, at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco – it previewed in May and opens today Wednesday, 1st June .
The musical is a creative collaboration between the author, the people who brought us the brilliant Avenue Q and the musical minds behind the Scissor Sisters. The reviews have been wonderful.
Now comes various hikes around the city and see some of the Tales of the City landmarks.
Tours of the Tales charts the exploits of the main characters as walking tours (though for some you’ll need a car) that you can download for free from the website. There is also a program of free guided tours. The walks have even been endorsed by the author himself.
Here is an overview of what is covered…
Tour 1: In the Beginning: Aquatic Park and Russian Hill
The one to do if you only have time to do one tour.
Tour 2: North Beach and Jackson Square
Why not also book tickets for Beach Blanket Babylon.
Tour 3A: Telegraph Hill and Back to Fisherman’s Wharf
Tour 3B: Alcatraz
Tour 4: Chinatown, Nob Hill, The Tenderloin, Union Square
Tour 5: The Castro and Noe Valley
see more at TOURS OF THE TALES
SAN FRANCISCO Says NO to Male Circumcision
A proposal to ban the circumcision of male children in San Francisco has been cleared to appear on the November ballot, setting the stage for the nation’s first public vote on what has long been considered a private family matter.
But even in a city with a long-held reputation for pushing boundaries, the measure is drawing heavy fire. Opponents are lining up against it, saying a ban on a religious rite considered sacred by Jews and Muslims is a blatant violation of constitutional rights.
If the measure passes, circumcision would be prohibited among males under the age of 18. The practice would become a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. There would be no religious exemptions.
The proposed ban appears to be the first in the country to make it this far, though a larger national debate over the health benefits of circumcision has been going on for many years. Banning circumcision would almost certainly prompt a flurry of legal challenges alleging violations of the First Amendment’s guarantee of the freedom to exercise one’s religious beliefs.
Supporters of the ban say male circumcision is a form of genital mutilation that is unnecessary, extremely painful and even dangerous. They say parents should not be able to force the decision on their young child.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/05/18/national/a130240D07.DTL#ixzz1Mqa36rh8
Police Chief’s Retirement Doesn’t Solve Big Gay Problem for Palm Springs
that Palm Springs police
Chief David Dominguez
would keep his job.
That determination came after the city’s internal review of police procedure during the 2009 Warm Sands neighborhood public gay sex sting. Dominguez was among those accused of making offensive comments against the gay men arrested in the sting.
Though state law prevents city officials from releasing any details on their review, Ready said, “I don’t believe one comment in his 30-year history should result in his termination.“I’m convinced that his statement, although inappropriate … was not made in any discriminatory regard.”
Then this past week, Dominguez resigned/retired .
Palm Springs may be considered a gay Mecca, but its reputation has been tarnished and tarred by a 2009 undercover sex sting that went terribly wrong.
SDGLN reports The scandal has sent Police Chief David Dominguez into an early retirement and created a public relations nightmare for the city and for tourism officials. (SDGLN and Ken Williams first broke the Palm Springs sex sting scandal and had access to key documents from the case and direct insight from the Public Defender’s Office, where they have important sources).
Many have questioned why the Police Department would conduct such an “old school” sting, a relic of years gone by when gay men were regularly targeted for harassment and humiliation by local authorities. Think of the Stonewall riots of 1969, when the gay community fought back against blatant discrimination and persecution by police and city officials – launching the gay civil rights movement.
Many have wondered why the sting operation employed attractive and muscular young police officers who dressed provocatively in tight jeans and wife beaters, and who lured men through sexually charged invitations and by rubbing their crotches. Did nobody on the police force consider that entrapment would be a credible defense?
SDGLN has followed the case since the beginning and you can read all the details about what happened – and what could happen at the upcoming Jan. 20 hearing on the motion to dismiss. Writer Ken Williams points out, “Palm Springs has hit a crossroads. The old guard that is resisting the rapidly changing demographics – the LGBT community is growing and thriving, now making up about 40 percent of the population – must give up antiquated ideas that it is OK to discriminate against gays and lesbians. The Police Department must start hiring gays and lesbians to represent the many faces of Palm Springs, and the city must start the healing process by paving the way. After all, the mayor is openly gay and he must lead by example and make Palm Springs a shining beacon of tolerance and diversity.”
Read the full article at SDGLN !
Best Gay Cities.com
GLBT History Museum Opens in San Francisco
is now finally open in San Francisco,
at 4127 18th Street
(between Castro and Collingwood).
This longtime dream marks the 25th anniversary of The Society. This museum is one of only two LGBT museums in the world and the only in the U.S.
The official opening is January 13, 2011. Until then, stop by and see the fabulous museum space during this preview! Remember, members and their guests are always free.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Transgender Historical Society (GLBTHS) collects, preserves, and interprets the history of GLBT people and the communities that support them.
If you can’t get to San Francisco, stop by the site and poke around !
Mr Gay Orange County OC Crowned
Forget about the Real Housewives of Orange County!
How about the Real Gay Men of Orange County?!
For the first time ever, the Orange County gay community hosted a pageant to crown Mr Gay Orange County and raise money for charity.
Tom Stephens, one of the organizers, said he was inspired to host the competition after a friend died from cancer last year.
“I felt like I was wasting my life,” Stephens said. “I needed to do something outside of my life.”
The Orange County Mr. Gay competition became that venue for Stephens after he met with the organizers for the national contest at a travel show in Las Vegas.
“I thought it would be interesting,” Stephens said. “This would be fun, and I get to raise money for charity.”
Proceeds from an opportunity drawing on Saturday and any funds raised by contestants will go to AIDS Services Foundation , Orange County and The Center Orange County. Nearly $5,000 was raised and they are planning on holding the event every year.
Tyrone Jackson was the winner this year.
“It’s super exciting,” Jackson said of his new title. “It shows that with heart and determination you can do anything. It’s a big platform, but I can handle it.”
Jackson also captured the title of Mr. Community for raising $500, the most among the contestants.
UPCOMING IN ORANGE COUNTY……
The Red Ball September 25
Gay Days Anaheim October 1 – 3
Gay Palm Springs – Labor Day Weekend and Fall Activities
Five Ways to Celebrate
Labor Day in Palm Springs….
1) Remarkable Hiking: The Indian Canyons and Mt. San Jacinto State Park feature over 150 miles of hiking trails through pristine wilderness, streams and ancient palm groves.
Outdoor excursions >>>
2) Thrilling Off-Road Tours: Take a guided four-wheel drive along the San Andreas Fault, learn about Palm Springs’ thousands of hillside windmills, or climb among the rocky moonscapes of Joshua Tree National Park.
3) Momentous Museums: From rare sculptures to a stunning glass exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum to the World War II bombers and artifacts of the Palm Springs Air Museum.
4) Vegas-Style Gaming: The downtown Spa Resort Casino has all the entertainment you are looking for in table games, slots, and poker…plus nightlife and dining.
5) Vibrant Village: The famous Palm Canyon Drive is lined with eclectic boutique shops, art galleries, culinary delights and entertainment lounges. Play, Shop and Dine >>>
Or just sit by the pool, sip cocktails and RELAX! Labor Day Weekend is fun time in PS. The Hotels are Full, The Clubs are Busy and The Boys are Back in Town!
INNdulge Palm Springs, OUR FAVORITE PLACE TO STAY, has just a Few Rooms Available for that weekend!
Book Your Room Today!
Can’t make it for Labor Day Weekend? The end of summer, can mean the great deals will start to dry up. However, INNdulge has a non-holiday Summer Special – Second Night FREE! Sun-Thurs, valid until September 30, 2010.
Fiesta Days Latino Celebration
September 18-19, 2010
Cinema Diverse Gay Lesbian Film Festival
September 24-26, 2010
3rd Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Weekend
October 2-3, 2010
Wellness and World Music Festival
October 9-10, 2010
Cool Pools and Hot Deals in Palm Springs
Sparkling pools, palm trees and stunning mountain views…
this is just the beginning of what you experience when you stay in Palm Springs.
Best Gay Cities.com
Best Gay Palm Springs.com
New Gay Travel Guide.com
Gay Palm Springs in The Summertime – Lots of Deals and Lots of Parties
This tropical desert oasis is home to famously long, sun-drenched days, breathtaking mountain views and one of the largest gay communities in the country. It has been voted numerous times and won, the Best Gay Destination in the World! How can you not love 330 days a year of sunshine? It’s a huge outdoor playground with consistently brilliant sunshine, great for swimming and sunning and all types of outdoor activities with the sweet, clean air.
Why go in the summer?
It’s less crowded, less expensive with discounted hotels and discounted airfare and lots of great parties happening.
Fourth of July Weekend Parties, Bears LA Weekend in August and in September, Mr. Nude Palm Springs and Blackfire Weekend!
Whether it’s a romantic couple’s getaway, a group outing or a frisky single’s adventure at one of the clothing-optional resorts, you’re sure to find an exciting vacation. The city boasts a very large and diverse Gay resident population and has become a prime travel destination from the West coast (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle), Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, as well as internationally. Expect to meet guys from Europe, Australia, Canada, and from all over the US! Over the last decade, Palm Springs has experienced an explosion of new gay residents and new gay businesses. The resident LGBT population is now estimated at 40 percent.
There are over 30 openly-gay resort hotels in the city to choose from. Our favorite is INNdulge Palm Springs, A Resort Hotel for Gay Men. @ 601 Grenfall Road, Palm Springs CA 92264
PH 800.833.5675 / (760) 327.1408. Rest; Relaxation; and Pampering! (Pictured top and right)
INNdulge is one of the most established guesthouses here in Palm Springs. Classically Mid-Century in design, INNdulge is listed in the Historic Inns of Palm Springs guidebook. Centrally located in the Warm Sands neighborhood (an area flush with clothing-optional gay accommodations), this elegant award-winning facility offers several sizes of rooms, most of which look out on the spacious pool, open 24 hours. And by the way, the pool is actually “chilled” in the hot summer months! No other gay resort in Palm Springs uses this “chiller system”, which keeps the water at about 86 degrees.
DID YOU KNOW?
Howard Hughes broke ground in the Warm Sands neighborhood over 60 years ago with the first resort here in this part of town. Now this boutique neighborhood, wedged between Ramon and Sunny Dunes Road is home to 10+ resorts – a little oasis of style and pampering.
There is nothing quite like evenings in the desert. Taking a dip in the pool at Midnight. Sitting out with friends under the clear starry skies sipping cocktails, feeling the warm desert breeze against your skin. In fact, many people will take a siesta in the summer months afternoons, just so they can enjoy the magic of the Palm Springs late evenings.
Getting back to Inndulge, INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50’s architecture. You can appreciate the architecture and the mountain views during the hotel’s free social hour that extends for two hours. It is a great way to meet the hotel’s wonderful owners, John and Jean-Guy, as well as your fellow guests.
Plus you get all of the comforts of home and MORE. Today’s savvy travelers except a level of quality in their resort destinations, and that’s what you will find here.
24 Poolside Rooms and Suites
King Size Beds
DVD Players in Every Room
Complimentary DVD Library
Refrigerators, Coffee Pots, Ironing Boards, Safes
Large Heated Pool (open 24 hours)
12 Man Jacuzzi (open 24 hours)
Cool Misters for Hot Days
Complimentary Continental Breakfast
On-Site Gym and Wi-Fi throughout the property
And you don’t have to take our word for it, just read the reviews left by members of the press worldwide.
This September this classic resort will celebrate its 15th Anniversary as one of the leading gay hotels in Palm Springs! Don’t miss all the summer fun! INNdulge your fantasies, INNdulge your fancy, INNdulge your spirit!
SUMMER SPECIAL!
Every Second Weeknight is FREE!
Stay 2, pay for 1. Stay 4, pay for 2.
Call for Details!
June 1 – September 30, 2010,
Sunday thru Thursday Only, Holidays Excepted
PLUS, this summer get a free SPLASH PASS – a wallet-sized discount card that gets you special savings at area restaurants, retailers and other businesses, and discounted admission to many area attractions and special events. It’s the perfect addition to Summer Splash! The best part? The SPLASH PASS is absolutely FREE to everyone – valley visitors and residents alike!
There are SPECIAL EVENTS happening all summer long !
With year-round sun, the largest gay events in the country, and world-class shopping and dining, art galleries, casinos, entertainment, golf courses and a huge gay community, Palm Springs is consistently rated a top travel destination.
Gay Vietnamese March in Orange County Little Saigon TET Parade
ORANGE COUNTY
itself is very welcoming
to the LGBT communities.
This past month, there has been much in the press about the gay vietnamese community and the TET parade.
Last week – WESTMINSTER – A coalition of Vietnamese gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender groups said they will march down Little Saigon streets – a first for the annual Tet Parade. Once Gay and lesbian Vietnamese-Americans said they were marching in the Parade, it sparked rebukes from a City Council member and Christian leader.
The groups have chapters in Orange County, but they have never actually participated in an Orange County public event.
Rev. Nguyen Thanh Van and Westminster City Councilman Andy Quach made very vocal negative comments.
The minister, who leads the Hội Đồng Liên Tôn interfaith council, called on religious and political groups to boycott the parade.
Quach, who is chairman of the parade’s organizing committee, issued a letter in Vietnamese that, stated the politician wishes he could ban the gays but that he can’t. He asked that everyone still turn out and enjoy the parade.
Despite opposition, the group marched anyway. Towleroad reader Rob Hoang published this photo of him and his boyfriend marching with the first LGBT group to march in the Orange County Tet (Vietnamese New Year) parade in California.
“We were anxious, prepared for the worst,” stated one UCLA participant who had been cautioned in an AQWA newsletter and various forums to be wary of possible protests being staged against the LGBT marchers.
“Boos” totaled less than five. Cheers rose from the crowd as the Vietnamese LGBT marchers were announced in English, followed by a second–perhaps more unexpected–wave of cheers as they were again announced in Vietnamese.
And in an extreme act of hypocrisy, Andy Quach, an Orange County City Councilman who warned of gays and lesbians “any extreme or outrageous material not suited for children” while participating in this year’s Vietnamese Tet Parade, rode in the parade in a car painted with tits and ass. That’s real nice Andy.
The call for a boycott from Reverend Thanh Van, and other religious conservatives ended in a massive fail and a potential political migraine for Andy Quach.
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