On Wednesday July 30th, HIV positive travelers worldwide celebrated
President Bush’s signing of an important piece of legislation, PEPFAR,
or the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. PEPFAR will
authorize $50 billion dollars over the next five years to various
domestic and international HIV and AIDS causes.
This plan is
especially relevant to travelers as it immediately
repeals the United State’s discriminatory laws that barred HIV-positive
visitors and immigrants from entering the country.
Previously, a known HIV-positive traveler could only enter the country
through a short-term travel waiver that was no easy feat to obtain, to put it lightly. In 2007, working in conjunction with the Human Rights Campaign, who led the
fight against the laws, Senators John Kerry and Gordon Smith as
well as Representative Barbara Lee introduced the HIV
Non-Discrimination in Travel and Immigration Act in their respective
houses of Congress. Their introductions of this act paved the way for
the repeal on July 30th.
On the day of the victory, HRC President Joe Solmonese praised the
legislators who aided in the cause of removing the ban which
“perform[ed] no public service, [was] unnecessary and ineffective.”
He
then made the formal request that US Secretary of Health and Human
Services Michael Leavitt to remove any “remaining regulatory barriers to HIV-positive visitors and immigrants.”
It seems I’m not the only one won over by Toronto. I met Mel C., a.k.a. Sporty Spice, before her storming Pride Toronto performance.
MC: I’m a big fan of Toronto! I’m here a lot. I’ve been here many times over the years, but I’ve just had a heavy Toronto visiting period; shooting my own video, doing the Much Music Awards, of course the Spice Tour, my own tour, and I’m back for Pride. I like Canada as a country. I think the people are lovely! I’ve really seen it now. I’ve toured it on a bus, so I’ve seen the whole bloody thing and it’s big… and it’s gorgeous. I really enjoyed seeing places that I hadn’t even heard of. Saskatoon was really lovely. I never, ever thought I’d go to Winnipeg, but I did.
AM:Do you find that here you can nip out to the shops and not get bothered? MC: Well, life’s pretty similar everywhere. People tend to recognize you and you get a few people asking for autographs. But the funny thing is I tend to get photographed here more than I do in London. I think ‘cause when they know when I’m in town, the paps know where I stay.
AM: Where are your top spots in Toronto? MC: Each time I’ve come back to Toronto, I’ve been staying in a different hotel. So I should do a little Toronto hotel guide! I like the Four Seasons. The Park Hyatt has a fabulous spa. Next on my list is the Hazelton. I want to stay there next time. It’s a bit more boutique-y, a bit more trendy. And I frequent a restaurant here. A place called Sotto Sotto. It’s a little, family-run Italian place. You must go! It’s fabulous. You go downstairs, it’s quite dark and casual, but there are pictures of all the celebrities that have been there. You can do some real star spotting. It’s all real Hollywood A-listers.
AM: Are you there? MC: (Proudly) I’m there! I’m up on the wall.
AM: Where do you go out in London these days? MC: Don’t go clubbing anymore. Did it to death! I used to go out clubbing, from the age of about 17 till about 22. So I peaked too early. I don’t actually go out and socialize in London that much, because when I’m at home, I like to be at home. It’s more restaurants, pubs, and bars that I do. I live in Hampstead. We’ve got some nice little pubs that serve good food. There’s a place, a really old-fashioned pub called the Hollybush. They’ve got the tiniest kitchen, but they do the most fantastic food. Lots of organic stuff, home made pies, and it’s really good.
AM: Is this the first time you’ve played Pride Toronto? MC: First time I’ve played any Pride! I’ve been to Pride in New York years ago, so this is only my second experience of Pride and I’m here to play. I’m really excited!
AM: Can we expect any acrobatics on stage tonight? Any of your trademark back flips? MC: Not in these shoes!
Melanie C’s fourth solo album, the fantastic This Time is out on Mel’s Red Girl Records now.
Fresh from the grapevine, check out this contest for a free trip to Antwerp, Valencia, Vienna, Amsterdam, or Zürich! CoolCapitals.com, the travel site running the giveaway and an advertiser with our sister publication, OUT magazine, is a travel information hub loaded with interactive features that have a bit of Second Life-style edge.
The sections for travel deals, current arts and nightlife events, shopping,
and hotels are intuitively-designed and seem to be frequently updated, but the best thing are the click-able mini-maps of each city.
Photos in order: Courtesy SoberPride 2008; Courtesy EuroPride 2008
Stockholm, the 14-island Venice of the North, is in full EuroPride 2008 swing this week. Boys and girls in their best jeans are gearing up for the massive parade on August 8th -- last year half the city's population came out to watch and participate -- in all the ways one would expect: parties, bigger parties, and bigger parties in the streets.
But the best part of any Pride is that everyone who wants to celebrate comes out, and EuroPride 2008: Stockholm is no different. Kicking off Thursday with a BBQ that organizers hope will draw thousands of folks from around Europe, SoberPride 2008 will add its own celebrations, workshops and speakers to the city through August 3rd.
The international AA convention, planned to specifically coincide with EuroPride 2008, provides a welcome place to gather, socialize and celebrate queer life without kegstands.
Still agonizing about not being able to take that fantastic vacation this summer? Perhaps you caught our recent blog posting about saving gas on your way to Vegas, but you really had your heart set on Europe? With outrageous airfare and poor exchange rates, such a trip might have been impossible, but a really fantastic bargain is readily available thanks to our friends at Atlantis Cruises.
In a really unbelievable deal, Atlantis is offering a fantastic price for its 10-day cruise on the Celebrity Constellation (rated #1 cruise ship in the world by Conde Nast Traveler last year), which sails from London to Barcelona between August 30th and September 9th. Booking now will fly you out to London for a previously unheard of airfare at $699, roundtrip!
The cruise will land at fantastic European locations, allowing visits in the capital cities of London, Paris, and Lisbon. Further stops include numerous spots in Spain, such as Bilbao, Seville, and the Mediterranean party-Mecca, Ibiza.
The room rental onboard the ship starts at $1699 per person. But perhaps the best part of this deal is that every service this ship offers is payable in dollars, meaning that you can visit Europe without losing all of your coins to the cruel demon of exchange rates.
Not everyone is a tan-crazy beach queen, knocking back daiquiris to thumping house music in order to enjoy a 'relaxing' vacation. Some like to breathe clean air, stretch out near a fragrant garden with a good book, and perhaps go for some light antiquing after a fresh country breakfast. Jeffery Lord is trying to make this happen in his new bed and breakfast in Monson, MA.
Lord, a former long-time manager at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, recently opened the idyllic of Lord Manor B&B with his partner Edward Maia. A 5,000 square-foot country mansion set on five acres of manicured grounds, the bed and breakfast features four beautifully furnished bedrooms along with a library, sunroom, and dining room for guest use. The grounds include several gardens, a 60-foot swimming pool, and even some elements of a New England farm: working chicken coops and beehives ensure a freshly prepared country breakfast every morning. For an invigorating New England vacation without forgoing gay life altogether, Lord Manor allows you to be yourself without the bikini wax.
One main attraction of Monson is the nearby Brimfield Antiques Market, which takes place three times a year in May, July, and September. With over 5,000 antique dealers, Brimfield is considered one of the largest open-air antique markets in the country. Lord Manor is a 25-minute drive from Northhampton, and about 75 minutes to Boston.
According to Lord, Monson is “the quintessential essence of a small New England” while still being gay friendly: “Last year my partner Ed and I were the judges in the 4th of July Parade,” he points out.
Photos: Getty Images Story by Joseph Alexiou Editor's Note:This trip, unfortunately, has been postponed until Summer 2009, but Israel is still an up-and-coming international LGBT destination with a number of recent political and social changes encouraging this. The Pride in Israel trip remains a worthwhile example of these changes affecting youth and an impetus for future change.
When searching for a gay travel destination, citing the “promised land” normally invokes images of Provincetown, downtown New York City, or perhaps the beaches of Mykonos. But more now than ever Israel, holy land of the Abrahamic religions, is a destination of special LGBT tours. Jewish youth are flocking in droves to visit what is considered the diamond in the rough of gay destinations in the Middle East.
Pride in Israel, a recently-unveiled luxury tour for LGBT Jewish Americans in their 20s and 30s, is a unique 10-day trip to the Holy Land organized by YJ Impact, part of the Young Judea organization. The trip, which costs $1199 for double occupancy and includes transportation, lodging, group activities, and meals (but not airfare), was conceived with the intention of familiarizing the participants with gay life and history in Israel. The vast itinerary includes tours of the hip gay district of Tel Aviv, which includes several nights of dancing among Israel’s best gay nightlife, numerous panels and lectures about LGBT life in Israel, and visits to the traditional historic sites including the Old City of Jerusalem, Masada, and the Dead Sea (obviously with the chance to buy mineral-rich Dead Sea beauty products). The whole trip is presented from a Jewish and queer angle and encourages connections between queer Jewish youth.
Other LGBT-oriented Jewish trips include the Taglit-Birthright Rainbow Trip. Affiliated the Birthright program, this tour is one of the free trips to Israel available for Jewish youth who have never experienced the visit in a group setting. This trip is unique among the Birthright tours due to its LGBT angle; however participants in this tour must be 26 or younger.
The area, an LGBT hotspot for years, is an unusual combination of dramatic mountains, sweeping deserts, and the Joshua Tree National Park. "Oasis" is often used to describe the picturesque city, which is 2 hours or so from L.A. or San Diego. Read up with our freshly updated travel guide if heading down!
The California marriage revolution has generated a mountain of press, tourism specials, and celebrations already, but it's hard to get tired of them, even if they just keep coming! When was the last time an entire state celebrated LGBT rights?
Illustration by Scott McPherson; Photos: Getty Images (2) Story by Aefa Mulholland
There are an increasing number of pet-friendly hotel and motel chains. But we want them to be gay-friendly and pet-friendly. To save you barking up the wrong tree next time you’re in San Francisco, check out our recommendations and you won’t be chasing you tail next time you want to know where to stay, play, eat, and meet when traveling with four-legged friends.
Where to Hang Your Leash
The Prescott the crown jewel of the Kimpton Group, offers four-star quality, room service from Postrio, and a spectacular suite with baby grand piano. Pets are welcome at no additional charge and are provided with food/water bowls, bottled water, faux sheepskin pet bed, treats, leash, and pick-up bags.
Hotel Monaco is just two blocks from Union Square. All pets are welcome at no additional cost, but, as with all pet-friendly hotels, notify the hotel ahead of time. This 201-room property will stock your room with pet goodies including a copy of the book "A Dog Lover’s Guide to the Bay Area," a luxury pet bed, designer bowls, pick-up bags, and a souvenir dog/cat toy. The hotel even has a “Director of Pet Relations,” a chocolate lab called Monaco Maverick.
Chow… dog-friendly spots to grab some kibble Cole Valley’s French bistro Zazie Café (941 Cole St; 415-564-5332; $12-19) hosts Doggy Nights on Mondays on the heated outside patio, with a $10 discount on Ruff Red Zinfandel plus doggy treats.
Perched on the corner of Dolores Park, lesbian-owned Dolores Park Café draws a mixed crowd of locals. The park-side location and density of canines ensure a lively afternoon of people (and pet) watching.
Ti Couz (3108 16th St; 415-252-7373; $7-15) is an authentic Breton crèperie, serving savory and sweet crèpes. Try the powerful and tasty hard cider, served in shallow earthenware bowls. No reservations, so expect to wait on weekends for their inexpensive fare. Dogs are welcome at the outside patio.
Run Dog, Run Corona Heights (16th and Roosevelt; 415-831-2084) offers unique views of the city and is a favorite among local dog parents. Just be prepared for a steep climb.
Buena Vista Off Lead Dog Park (Buena Vista West at Central Avenue; 415-831-2084), the city's oldest park, offers breathtaking views. A popular destination because of its size, the off-leash area is located in a lower area, along the Western side of the park near Central Avenue.
Photos in order: Getty Images (1); Courtesy Companies (3) Story by Joseph Alexiou
This summer has been an exciting time for LGBT rights, specifically the right to same-sex marriage in California. Ever the hospitable and cheerful hosts, California’s hotels and spas are celebrating and encouraging gay matrimony with some very generous gay-oriented travel packages.
Our number one choice for best gay-owned spa, the Stevenswood Spa Resort in Mendocino, is hosting a dozen gay and straight couples in a unique "group nuptials" wedding ceremony in an exercise of everyone’s right to marry. The ceremony takes place on October 29, a week before California residents will vote on overturning the Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage, and one serendipitous couple will be awarded a complimentary wedding package worth $990.
The resort offers as well a special summer rate for its full-service wedding package (complete with planner, DJ, buffet, and more), at $10,000 for up to 50 guests.
San Francisco-based boutique hotel chain Personality Hotels is also celebrating the good news, offering a "Pride and Personality Package" for a special gay honeymoon. The package including deluxe rooms at any Personality hotel location, his/his or hers/hers pillowcases, champagne, and rose petals, all starting at $169 a day.
Joie de Vivre is also encouraging the gays to get married, not just by opening their rooms to gay weddings but also by giving the option for 10% of the revenue from any group stay from a gay wedding to the Human Rights Campaign, Equality Marriage USA, or other similar charities.
See our San Diego posting for another California hotel stay package at the Hyatt Regency with some very useful rewards. And finally, other hotels not necessarily in Cali that offer pride and marriage-related packages are the Kimpton Hotels chain (including their 70 Park Avenue Hotel location) and the W Hotel. Read about the offers here.
Out Traveler G.P.S offers dispatches from the ever-expanding field of gay and lesbian travel -- as soon as we know, you know. Check back frequently for updates, insider information, advice, and offers brought to you by our ever-roving band of gay travel experts and by readers just like you.
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Gay Tourists Cross the Finnish Line: Photos (top and bottom) courtesy Q Life; photo of Pride courtesy Visit Helsinki; photo of bartenders courtesy A21; story by Nif Leder and Ed Salvato You might not think of Finland as a gay hot spot, but its atmosphere is...
Girls do Toronto proud: Story by Aefa Mulholland. Photos by Aefa Mulholland (1, 2, 3) and Sian Davies (4). There are some places girls really come out on top during Pride. After last weekend, I can happily report that Toronto is up there with...
Doing Toronto Proud: Story and photos by Aefa Mulholland (Above: Ahmed and Evan on Church Street, Toronto's Gay Village) Without any doubt one of the world’s absolute top Pride celebrations, Pride Toronto celebrated its 29th thrilling year at the weekend with an astounding...
Air New Zealand's Naked Flight Attendants: Air New Zealand really wants you to pay attention to their air safety video. So they're shedding more than their shoes in their new onboard video. The flight crew drops trou’ to reveal their new “Bare Essentials” in-flight safety video....
New York Gay Pride 2009: Story and Photos by Joseph Alexiou The New York City Pride Parade this past Sunday was a spectacular flurry of bright colors, leather studs, drag queens, dykes on bikes, and muscular men in minuscule swimwear, to be brief. Just about...
On Wednesday July 30th, HIV positive travelers worldwide celebrated
President Bush’s signing of an important piece of legislation, PEPFAR,
or the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. PEPFAR will
authorize $50 billion dollars over the next five years to various
domestic and international HIV and AIDS causes.
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