Gay and Lesbian Travel Resources
Sadly some destinations are less open to Gay tourists than others. It is worthwhile doing some research to check out the legal, political and cultural position of Gay and Lesbian people in the country you wish to visit. It may just make interesting background reading or it might get you informed on your choices of where to stay and where to avoid.
Everybody knows places like Sydney, London, New York, San Francisco and Capetown are gay friendly; but many societies have attitudes stuck in the stone age. So where is it not so cool to be queer? Take for example Zanzibar where in just 2004 homosexual sex became punishable with 25 years in prison. Or Egypt? you can receive up to five years hard labour for ‘debauchery’ (a sentence meted out fairly regularly). Who knew homosexuality was illegal in Papua New Guinea?
Travel to these type of places is obviously still possible, but being out while about may cause serious problems.
Very basic advice for any destination is that public displays of affection, whatever your sexual orientation, are frowned upon in more conservative cultures. You will find more openness to homosexuality in the larger metropolitan areas and may find rural or remote areas less open minded.
The International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Index (http://ilga.org/) is another good resource which has a world map showing the legal situation for Gay and Bisexual travellers in many different countries. A great start if you are unsure on a certain destination!
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association ( http://www.iglta.org/). This site lists gay friendly tour operators and accommodation providers from around the world.
For gay men
Gay Travel (http://www.gaytravel.org/)
Our World Magazine (www.ourworldmagazine.com)
For Lesbians
Lesbian (www.lesbian.com) has a good travel section
Olivia (www.olivia.com) A Lesbian tour operator
Ginger beer (www.gingerbeer.co.uk) is a lesbian hub in London
World Travel
Check out this site which is selling tours and accommodation to the Gay community, but has listing of gay friendly accommodation in widespread locations from Mexico to the Middle East. http://www.gaytravel.com/index.cfm
Parts of Asia and more specifically, Thailand, is known for having an open and friendly gay scene. Check out http://www.utopia-asia.com/ for a comprehensive guide to Asia for Gay and Lesbian travellers.
If you are planning to study abroad then check out the resources section of this US based organisation’s website for specific information of the cultural approach to homosexuality in your chosen destination.http://www.rainbowsig.org/
Global Gayz (www.globalgayz.com) A worldwide gay travel guide.
Gay Costa Rica (www.gaycostarica.com) a site with info on the scene in Costa Rica.
Gay Guide to Puerto Vallarta (www.gayguidevallarta.com) a guide to this emerging gay destination in Mexico.
In the end..
Getting informed before you go on what might be local sensitivities will help you better enjoy your holiday.
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