Same Sex Living

If a party is what you crave for your lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender holiday, there are some well-known hotspots where you will not be disappointed in the rich variety of LGBT fun. Here are some of the most popular and populated cities for you to see and be seen:

New York City – Host to over 50 gay bars and hot clubs, the Big Apple has something for every flavor of LGBT nightlife. The city that doesn’t sleep is available for entertainment seven nights per week at places such as Mr. Black for indie dance parties of the het-homo variety, and Sugarland for gritty hipster.

San Francisco – For a world-class range of LGBT nightlife options, San Francisco is the choice. From the upbeat The Bar on Church to the gay Latino club Esta Noche, this city will have something for everyone.

Los Angeles – For young and old, L. A. has the scene for your LGBT holiday. From the lesbian Normandie Room to the bohemian Funky Akbar, the nightlife sizzles. WeHo and Silver Lake are the destination venues.

Toronto – This Canadian jewel served as the film location for “Queer as Folk” and will not disappoint those in search of hot nightlife. Woody’s and Fly Niteclub, both of QAF fame, still garner large crowds of gay and lesbian patrons.

Chicago – For a more relaxed and less image conscious destination, Chicago will fit the bill. In Boystown and Andersonville, you can find the largest concentration of gay clubs. Sidetrack is the most popular and Circuit has the largest 3-D glitter dance floor.

Encouraging news from the country of India, home to rich culture, stunning scenery and an emerging economy: Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code has been repealed. This 150-year-old statute left over from the British colonization period criminalized sexual activity “against the natural order.” While there has not been much active enforcement of this law in several decades, its place on the books was a tacit approval for homophobia and mistreatment of the Indian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population of the country. The High Court has taken the bold steps to repeal the law, and the LGBT citizens are flocking to the streets in celebration.

This year’s Mumbai Queer Azadi (Freedom) March drew twice the turnout it had last year. Even though there was a relatively small number, 3000 or so, it was a big step for the LGBT community in expressing themselves in public. One prominent journalist comments, “India is approximately where the U.S. was in the '70s.”

The commercial sector has taken notice of this new development as companies are broadening their advertising efforts to garner LGBT consumers. An LGBT magazine has returned to the newsstands (see it here!), a new gay travel company has opened, and the country’s largest food brand is playing a commercial for butter that states, “Out of the closet, out of the fridge!”

It takes the tentative first steps in order to form the strength necessary to fight effectively for justice and equality. As the journalist states, “it’s still going to take time before things change.” But change it will!

The Great White Way, aka Broadway, has always been a traditional holiday destination for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. What is more festive than parades, Macy’s windows:

 the tree lighting in Rockefeller Center, (nyc.com tree lighting info) and song and dance on the great theatrical stages of the world! This holiday season has some very special venues that the LGBT community simply must not miss.

The highlight is going to be Liza – “with a Z!” This amazing woman is back on stage at The Palace Theatre throughout the month of December. Her show, “Liza’s at The Palace,” opens on December 3^rd and now is the time to reserve your seats. This promises to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime events that will be talked about for years to come. Click here for more info!

At the Ohio Theater, you can boogie down the aisles to “Dance, Dance Revolution.” This entertaining production, opening December 3^rd, has been dubbed a mix of “Flashdance” and “roller derby gone awry.” For the more traditional LGBT set, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” is in production at the Marquis Theatre (check out the theatre's website here). Whatever your tastes, New York City at the holiday season is a great way to spend memory-making time with your loved ones!

Guido Westerwelle and his partner Michael Mronz have been dubbed Germany’s new “power couple” by the country’s leading daily newspaper Bild (AP). In a country that is tolerant of openly gay politicians and other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens in general, Westerwelle is likely to be chosen as the next Foreign Minister. The newspaper highlighted the couple in the coveted front-page above the fold position in a recent edition, while speculating that Westerwelle will receive the high-power position in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government.

Westerwelle has an eight-year political history as a strong leader of the pro-business Democrats in Germany. He has been out since 2004 and states, “I’ve never been hiding my life. I just lived it” (AP). In an interview with Berlin’s gay magazine, Siegessaeule, Westerwelle states, “I can only tell all young gays and lesbians to not be disheartened, if not everything goes their way.” He continues, “This society is changing for the good in the direction of tolerance and respect ... though slower than I would wish” (AP).

Throughout his career, Westerwelle has been an outspoken advocate for civil rights in Germany, and openly critical of German law that does not extend full rights to gay couples in the area of adoption. LGBT rights groups in Germany, such as The Lesbian and Gay Association, are hopeful that he will continue his advocacy within the country, while utilizing his new position as Foreign Minister to speak out for the rights of all LGBT citizens around the world.

The 17,508 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia are home to a citizenry that makes up the fourth most populous country in the world. The 237 million people share a rich history of ethnic, religious and linguistic traditions. The islands themselves are so rich with natural treasures that the country is recognized as having the second highest biodiversity level on the planet. The national motto for the Republic of Indonesia is “Bhinneka Tunngal Ika,” or “Unity in Diversity.” The literal translation is “many, yet one.”

But alas, there is an area in this fine location that recently passed a law against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. According to the Associated Press, the new legislation states, “Any person deliberately performing homosexuality or lesbianism is threatened with up to 100 cane lashes and a maximum fine of 1,000 grams of fine gold, or imprisonment of up to 100 months” (AP Website). This new law has been implemented since the province of Aceh replaced the Indonesian federal criminal code with Islamic religious law called Sharia.

Although the majority of the population of Indonesia is Muslim, they practice a moderate form of this religion. The decision in the province of Aceh has been met with concern from other areas of Indonesia. The vice governor of Aceh even stated in The Jakarta Post, “In Islam, the law must protect its citizens’ human rights.” That being said, how are we to reconcile caning, exorbitant fines and up to eight years in prison with “human rights” or the national motto of “Unity in Diversity?”

On the life list of anyone who loves the thrill and adventure of traveling is the African Safari! This amazing continent is rich with culture, history, nature and exotic destinations just waiting to be experienced. Now the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has the opportunity to join a group of travelers that are exclusively LGBT. Singles, couples and families are booking their trip across the Atlantic for Memorial Day 2010 with GAY 2AFRIKA, Inc., a company with 14 years of experience in LGBT travel.

The 16-day African safari will depart on May 18, 2010 and is fully escorted through the beautiful lands of Kenya and Tanzania. The trip cost includes all transfers, all accommodations, 36 meals and a full 17 drives for safari game viewing. There are even optionals available for London and Zanzibar for those who wish to extend their vacation. Unlike some travel companies, GAY 2AFRIKA does not have a single supplement upcharge for those traveling alone.

The safari experience will include time in Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crate among other amazing destinations. What better way to enjoy the trip of a lifetime than in the company of LGBT family!

”GAY 2AFRIKA, INC. is the only African-gay-owned and operated Safari Specialist Company in the United States. GAY 2AFRIKA is the pioneer of LGBT travel to Africa and has been ‘out’ there for 14 years” (Company site).

For more information, please visit www.gay2afrika.com

One of the most visited cities in the world is Paris, which is also one of the gayest destinations on the planet. Paris is the first world capital to elect an openly gay mayor in 2001 who was then re-elected in 2008! Right in the heart of the city in the richly historic district is the area known as le Marais. This fashionable and upscale area is the place to stay if you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender traveler. With 20 centuries of history, le Marias, home to Mozart and Victor Hugo, is sure to have all the entertainment and points of interest to inspire even the most seasoned traveler.

This area of Paris is home to one of the largest gay pride parades in the world with some 700,000 attendees annually. There are over 300 gay places of interest ranging from restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, cafés, bookstores and sex clubs. The nightlife starts about midnight and continues into the morning. You can expect to stay out all night until the Métro re-opens at 5:30 am.

The le Marais area of Paris is the destination for the LGBT community from around the world. It has become one of the most culturally diverse areas of the city as visitors from all nationalities, races, countries and ages find themselves drawn to the welcoming atmosphere. There is a range of accommodations from which to choose including five star hotels and rooms to let. There are also flats and apartments for those who plan for an extended stay. Le Marais in Paris is one destination that should be on every LGBT travel list!

For more information, please visit www.parismarais.com

Tel-Aviv, the cosmopolitan city in Israel that welcomes differences and embraces diversity, has been the latest place on the globe to feel the terror of hate. The victims in this internationally televised incident were the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teens and adults at a center for gay youth in the city. Set up as a safe place for teens and counselors in the LGBT community, the meeting place became a target for a gunman who killed two and critically injured or wounded others.

In a country where gays serve openly in the military and rainbow flags are proudly flown at citizen’s homes, this atrocity is drawing sharp responses from the governmental and civic leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a special statement at the Israeli Cabinet's weekly meeting stating, “I want to condemn utterly the horrific killing that took place in Tel-Aviv. I spoke with the Minister of Interior Security, and I strengthen the hands of the police forces in looking for and finding the murderer.”

The LGBT community of Tel-Aviv held vigils and protests on the streets and where supported by local authorities. One citizen is quoted as saying, “I don’t care who the victims were (that they were gay)...it’s a terror attack…it’s a terror attack.” Although other areas of the country are more conservative, Tel-Aviv is a safe place for living openly as a member of the LGBT community. The reaction among the local citizens, gay and straight, is that of shock in this city of “live and let live.”

If you have never considered New Zealand as a travel destination, you are missing one of the most enchanting and beautiful spots this planet has to offer! This South Pacific country is overflowing with the splendor of diverse ecosystems found nowhere else in the world. From tropical rainforests to volcanic regions to sandy beaches and coastal regions combined with rich cultural history, New Zealand should be quickly added to your life list of “must see” destinations.

Two of the most popular areas to discover are the following:

• National Parks – Here you will find pristine environments untouched by humans. New Zealand is one of the premier eco-tourism locations for nature lovers due to its beauty and wide range of flora and fauna. The geysers at Rotorua on the North Island and the fjords and Southern Alps of the South Island will take days to explore. Be sure to plan an extended stay for ample opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds, and remember that summer is from November to April.
• Auckland – This cosmopolitan city is home to the nightlife, restaurants, cultural events and historic locales, and is a must see on any visit to New Zealand. The Polynesian influence abounds in this city that is ranked one of the best places to live and visit in the world. Be sure to experience the Maori walking tour of the city to learn of this native culture and its heritage.

There are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender tour group companies specializing in tailoring trips for the LGBT community. These organizations will arrange all the details of your travels or connect you with LGBT friendly businesses if you would like to travel about the country without an itinerary. New Zealand is a very “gay friendly” destination that should be on every LGBT travel list!

For more information, please visit http://www.gaytours.co.nz

Important announcement for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers:

DO NOT GO to JAMAICA!

For all the travel brochure depictions of a tropical paradise in this island country, nothing could be further from the truth. The slick copy and tantalizing TV ads are masking a dark secret that is an affront, menace and mortal danger to the LGBT community. There is an institutionalized system of bigotry in Jamaica that would make the Inquisition blush.

The residents of the country who are “unlucky” enough to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender live their lives in total secrecy and daily fear of being discovered. This could, and often does, lead to beatings and murder by fellow citizens and even the local police. All this hate is sanctioned in the pulpits and in the government. Preachers regularly visit the topic and rally their parishioners with victim blaming tactics and ignorance theories on being LGBT. The highest government officials rail against the gay citizens calling them “brazen, abusive and violent” and vehemently vowing to uphold the “buggery” laws, which carry a 10-year jail sentence.

The fear and hate mongering has even made its way into the popular rap-reggae “dancehall” music. This acerbic intolerance, made for public consumption, is having a fomenting impact on a large number of citizens since many more people listen to pop stars than politicians.

If you are planning a trip to sandy, sunny tropical shores, avoid Jamaica. Until there is redemptive change, this island is truly a paradise lost.

Of all the travel destinations available to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community these days, Miami should definitely be on the list. This metropolis at the tropical tip of Florida has so many LGBT visitors that it is dubbed “The Gay Riviera.” Miami South Beach and many surrounding areas cater to the LGBT family with rainbow hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping.

The city hosts a whopping six events per year in celebration of diversity. These are complete with music, arts, festivals, parades, rallies, dances and visits by some very famous folks. The Winter Party Festival draws an attendance of 10,000 people from all over the world. The Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is rolling in April and May and celebrates Latin filmmakers as well – a unique component in the world of film. Also during the spring, Miami becomes the destination for all things lesbian with the Gay Pride Festival. The fall in Miami is the destination for HIV/AIDS awareness events and celebrations of life.

Throughout the year, the nightlife in The Gay Riviera has something for everyone’s taste from raucous and glitzy to intimate and jazzy. The city is filled with cultural venues, sporting activities, shopping experiences and outdoor pastimes. There is a welcoming air about this city, and all LGBT visitors will find events and venues of interest. The weather is always hospitable, and the Miamians always friendly. Grab the sunscreen and your best tropical attire and head off to The Gay Riviera for a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life!

Some twenty years back the US government had the grand idea of legislating the health conditions of any person wishing to enter the country. Although this was not new legislation per se, what was quietly added to the current regulations of the time was the specific inclusion of HIV. A few years later, in the early 1990s, the country was undergoing a reformation of immigration laws. During the process, public health officials attempted to remove explicit mention of HIV, but to no avail. The results of this process were codified statutes under federal law discriminating against visitors and immigrants with HIV.

As it currently stands, this discrimination applies to travel and immigration. Anyone with HIV wishing to visit the US must possess a “special waiver” which is often difficult if not impossible to get, and his or her length of stay is limited to short periods of time. Also, any foreign national with HIV who is already in the country is banned from receiving US citizenship! Considering the time when these laws were proposed, supported and passed this was likely a slap at the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as well.

There is, however, some progressive news in this area. Several Senators and Representatives are backing the repeal of the statutes, and supporting the return of the decisions to the Health and Human Services Department where it belongs. Part of this process is to remove HIV from the standing regulations that state “communicable disease of public health significance” is a reason to exclude foreigners. Interestingly, HIV is the ONLY disease specifically mentioned! The President of HRC, Joe Solmonese states, “We are one important step closer to finally ending this discriminatory ban once and for all. This regulation is unnecessary, ineffective and lacks any public health justification.  We are confident that this sad chapter in our nation’s treatment of people with HIV and AIDS will soon be closed.”

For more information, please visit www.hrc.org.

One definition of gay is happy. Happiness is something that we all strive for especially where career is concerned. There is one company that has made it a goal to bring happiness to patrons and employees alike, and that is the Walt Disney Company. Disney provides a multitude of benefits for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender family.

For employees, Disney recognizes same sex partner relationships and provides company benefits for partners of employees in a same sex relationship. Disney also provides medical transgender benefits such as coverage for surgery, medical leave after surgery, counseling, and hormone therapy.

In addition, the Walt Disney Company forbids discrimination against homosexuals in the work place and explicitly outlines this practice in the employee handbook. To encourage the cooperation of employees and further implement nondiscrimination procedures, Disney also provides diversity training for all employees. This training includes information on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Historically, the Walt Disney Company has shown a philanthropic attitude toward the LGBT community with financial support to many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations. As an added benefit, Disney offers adoption assistance for couples looking to adopt children.

For the 39^th year San Francisco is hosting its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Pride Celebration on the weekend of June 27^th and 28^th, 2009. As an integral part of this fabulous event, the theme for the gathering is titled, To Form a More Perfect Union – State by State. The SF Pride Committee is tracking all LGBT issues for each state of the union. Reflecting the dedication of the Committee’s support of family from all economic situations, admission to the Celebration is always free.

This year’s Celebration has drawn 200 parade entries, 300 booth exhibitors and entertainers to fill 19 stages and venues! Through the commitment to encourage cutting edge talent, this year’s Celebration will feature dozens of talented musical performers, stand-up acts and guest speakers.

BoA, the #1 pop star in Asia will be a headliner on the main stage. She has released eleven #1 albums and will rock you with her talent. Solange Knowles will also perform as a headliner on the main stage. She has worked with Destiny’s Child and Beyonce. Her style has been likened to The Supremes and Dusty Springfield with a modern touch. Also headlining, the Toronto trio the Cliks. These three have turned tumultuous pain into rock magic.

In addition to this, there will be an AP&I stage, a country stage, swing and Soul of Pride stage, a Latin American stage and a HomoHipHop stage – truly something for everyone. Along with the entertainment there are Green Initiatives, political action venues, a women’s pavilion, youth space and elder space. The parade will be led by the Stonewall/Gay Liberation Front commemorating the 40^th anniversary of this historic event.

The entire month of June is filled with gay pride events in the Southern city of Nashville, Tennessee. Located within a day’s drive of over half the population of the country, this year’s events promise to draw one of the biggest and proudest crowds in its history. Beginning June 5^th and continuing throughout the month until June 26^th, the Music City will be painted in a rainbow of colorful performances, vendors, exhibits, celebrations and LGBT family.

The headliner for the celebration of all things lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender is the R&B, pop, dance and Broadway star Deborah Cox. The star of Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida” will mesmerize the crowds with her most soulful R&B performance to date. Joining her will be the Nashville raised Kelly King, about whom Ryan Seacrest said, “Watch out for this hot new artist!” Eric Himan and The Adams will perform their unique folk rock and Jason Antone will perform his melody-driven pop electronica.

The all female band Atomic Blonde and Carol Plunk will rock the stages of this much anticipated event. The Atlanta Freedom Marching Band will also entertain with their Sousa to Latin to show tunes repertoire. The incomparable Lady Bunny, the famous comedienne, singer and hostess of Wigstock, will emcee Nashville Pride.

The Nashville Gay Pride celebrations are as diverse as the participants. There will be art exhibits and movie screenings; a beer bust/cookout and 80’s prom night – just the excuse to get out the spandex and ankle boots! Between all these events and the Pride Pageant, Drag King Extravaganza, Roller Disco and more, plan to stay awhile in the Southern city of Pride – Nashville, Tennessee.

For more information, visit www.nashvillepride.org. 

For some of us, the not-too-distant memory of a couple’s vacation was defined by the world as a woman and a man. Or the “girl’s getaway” meant unwelcome advances from the straight males of the species. Happily, we now live in a time where companies recognize us for who we are and provide travel accommodations to fit our lesbian souls!

If you are partnered or single, there are several travel companies that are courting your business as you court your loved ones. The premier tourism industry destination for lesbian cruising is Olivia, and the ship is included! For over 35 years, this company has been providing venues for women to express themselves. Olivia offers lesbian-only cruises to the far reaches of the globe at all times of the year.

This woman-owned company also books resorts and plans package tours for the explorer in you. From the Galapagos to France and Africa, from the Caribbean to Alaska you are sure to find a destination and package that fits your dreams and budget. There are special events with every cruise including celebrity performances. Olivia has hosted such stars as Melissa Etheridge, The Indigo Girls, Whoopi Goldberg and Margaret Cho.

Treat yourself to a family friendly getaway in an environment that respects our definition of “family.” Young and old, with another or single, every race and creed are welcome aboard. Your every moment can be spent relaxing and celebrating in the company of women. A lesbian cruise is truly an adventure in freedom.

For more information, visit www.Olivia.com. 

Puerto Rico is a gay destination just as well known as the very popular Gran Canaria and Ibiza; and for good reason. This Caribbean destination is a hub of gay life and is located in one of the hottest regions on the planet. It is also a U.S. territory, which has the great benefit of no customs formalities if you're coming in from mainland USA.

The capital, Old San Juan, is a magnificent city that has a beautiful scenic and rustic feel to it, much more fitting a western European city than a US State. Catering for everyone with its great shopping and varied sightseeing, it is a great place to start on the island.

Typical of any gay travel hot spot it has several gay owned guesthouses, bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants located in the Santurce and Condado areas, as well as probably the Caribbean’s best gay scene. The only downside to this fantastic destination is that parking can be a bit of a nightmare given that most of the streets are narrow and made of cobblestones. Taxi's however are cheap and there is an excellent free shuttle bus that runs every 20 minutes or so. For added security they even have a special tourist oriented police force in busy areas patrolling in light blue uniforms.

Condado is the place for deluxe beach resorts, as well as numerous casinos. It is also home to much of the gay nightlife. With plenty of sun, beautiful beaches, and lovely food and entertainment this gay metropolis is a great place to spend a summer vacation. 

Although Texas rarely disappoints when it comes to large celebrations, its pride event is year after year more successful and this year it looks like it will continue that trend in glorious fashion. 

The Pride Festival, which is to be held on June 27th from 11am – 7pm, is free of charge for admission because it is fully sponsored. The festival is located south of Westheimer along Yoakum and Commonwealth Streets in the Montrose neighborhood.

There are six zones catering for all tastes with a ‘Family Retreat’, which is alcohol free and obviously aimed towards those with children. ‘Gender Block’ is geared towards transgender people. ‘Community Street’ is the central hub catering to everyone and home of the main stage and performances.  There will be a ‘Kid’s Zone’ with several activities such as face painting, a rock wall, balloons, games and more. The aptly named ‘artSpace’ will be a place for the more artistic amongst you to go exhibiting art and sculptures celebrating pride. ‘Festival Latino’ will be the place to be for Latin, salsa, pop, rock and traditional music and other diverse music played on the Latin stage.

Food and drink are served throughout all of these venues. As well as this there will be key performances throughout the day. Previous performers include, Nemesis, Josh Duffy, Kimberly Caldwell and Taylor Dayne.

The Pride March begins at 8:45pm and runs till 11pm. In addition to the festival and march, there is a Pride Wine Festival to raise money for PrideHouston on June 20^th.

Pride Maspalomas is one of the biggest celebrations there is when it comes to gay pride. Somewhat strangely it's actually not held in Maspalomas, it’s in Playa Del Ingles, the other heavenly resort within Gran Canaria one of the most popular and friendly gay travel destinations in the world.

May 4^th to 11^th are the dates of the official festivities. Most of these will take place around the commercial area called the “Yumbo Center”, located in the middle of Playa Del Ingles.

This center will offer seven full days of entertainment including special nightclub events and amazing singles nights out; world famous drag acts, themed nights throughout the center, pool parties, party balls, boat trips and live talent shows to mention just a few.

These will be hosted within the dozens and dozens of gay bars, restaurants and nightclubs inside the Yumbo Center, as well as on the main plaza which is being used for musical performances.

It would be easy to forget the Pride Parade which starts on Saturday but this is going to be started as a drag queen chorus line world record attempt and will end with performances from artists famous on the island such as Mark Read, Elli and Jo Frances.

For all the good Samaritans out there the event is also hell bent on raising large amounts of cash for charities. Chief among them is ACES, a leading AIDS charity. More information about the events and pretty much anything to do with Pride Maspalomas can be found on their website: http://gaypridemaspalomas.com/. 

Gran Canaria is one of the most gay friendly destinations in the world and is well known for its large events that cater almost solely to the LGBT community. The island is situated just off the coast of beautiful Spain and is one of the sunniest places in the world. I would recommend it as an essential place to go for anyone of the pink persuasion who is looking for a relaxing, warm and thoroughly enjoyable vacation.

Gran Canaria boasts plenty of good quality hotels that cater exclusively for gay people; these establishments have certainly centered their service around our needs. When the  evening arrives the island’s largest shopping center in Playa Del Ingles turns into one of the largest LGBT entertainment spots in the whole of Europe. With dozens of gay and lesbian clubs and cabaret bars it's also home to the largest Mardi Gras on the continent.

Gran Canaria boasts several beautiful beaches of white sand, catering for both the traditional and naturist sunbathers.  Some beaches have separate gay nudist sections.

Because of its location, Gran Canaria is hot all the year round, typically 24 degrees Celsius in December and around 30 degrees Celsius in June.

Although people usually visit for the vibrant entertainment and lifestyle of the south of Gran Canaria, there are also beautiful mountain landscapes on the island. Nature centered day trips to the scenic and varied north part of the island are very popular.

Gran Canaria truly has it all for the gay traveler.

As an international destination Edinburgh boasts a great variety of attractions for anyone wishing to visit the United Kingdom. Being the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has everything you'd expect from a large city and much more. 

Its main street, Princes Street, is home to a great shopping experience with several large and prestigious department stores and a great many other attractions for tourists.

These tourist spots are close by with the Royal Mile being only two minutes walk away. Here you will find Edinburgh's historic and popular tourist attraction Edinburgh Castle. At the bottom of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's residence when in Scotland.

There are numerous museums and art exhibitions to visit.  Also take a while to enjoy the city’s world famous historical architecture.

The gay village is a short distance from the city center.  Known as the 'Pink Triangle' it is located on Picardy Place and Green Side Lane, and here you can find Edinburgh's gay owned guesthouses, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

The city’s nightlife is varied with the most popular nightspots being located in George Street and along Lothian Road.  There you will find many excellent restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Also in this area, you will find Edinburgh's most popular entertainment centers, the Omni Center and Ocean's Terminal, where you can find complete in-house restaurants, entertainment bars and movie theaters.

For the more active amongst you there are also nature trails, such as Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh's own dormant volcano, and the Crags, a nearby craggy hill. 

Being a popular international destination with cheap flights available from several US airports, Edinburgh in Scotland has an exuberant gay nightlife, and a friendly and chatty atmosphere.

Most of Edinburgh's gay scene is located within the “Pink Triangle” which is at the top of the area called Leith and is ten minutes walk from the city center. It is home to several of the best places of entertainment in the city. This is definitely the place to be between 10pm and 1am on a Saturday night.

Cafe Habana is Edinburgh's most popular gay club. With its two floors, low drink prices and extremely friendly staff, this club provides an excellent way to start a great night out. There are also often vouchers available giving discounts to other nightspots located in Edinburgh.

PlanetOut, which is just down the road at the end of Greenside Lane, caters to a Lesbian crowd and is very open and friendly.  It has a vibrant chatty atmosphere and features comfortable art deco surroundings.

The city’s two main gay nightclubs, CC Blooms and GHQ, are both a stones throw from the previously mentioned venues. GHQ has two main rooms; the one for cheesy dance and chart music during the weekend is beautifully decorated. There is a variety of music available throughout the week in the other room. CC Blooms has two floors, one for current dance tunes and the other for cheesier music and Karaoke.