Photos in order: festival poster; Were the World Mine; Otto; Breakfast With Scot; Prada Handbag; Squeezebox; Transvestites Also Cry. Photos: Courtesy PIGLFF
Most film festivals, suffering from weak submissions -- and, therefore, weak programmes -- need a strong closing night film to leave a palatable taste in theatre-goers' mouths. As for a weak film, a solid ending can save the experience and leave audiences with that false impression of two hours or a week well-spent.
Approaching it's own finale on July 22nd -- the awaited Were the World Mine, a homoerotically-charged and naughty-looking riff on A Midsummer Night's Dream -- the annual Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival doesn't really need to use that trick.
Opening with Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!, the camp factor got covered early on, making room for more experimental works (like porn/art film director Bruce LaBruce'sOtto: Or, Up With Dead People, a gay meta-zombie flick) and tried festival-circuit favorites (like Breakfast with Scot, about a closeted ex-hockey pro and his lawyer partner building a family). Even a few of the shorts were good -- particularly the hilarious Australian Prada Handbag, about an eponymous female drag queen.
Documentaries also showed impressive range in this 14-day festival. Squeezebox, which had a decent run at the TriBeCa Film Festival earlier this year, romped through the last days of the eponymous queer glam-trash party with great footage of Blondie, John Waters and the like rocking out to Miss Guy DJ-ing NYC's queer underground's last hurrah.
Transvestites Also Cry, compiled from three years of footage of Ecuadorian transsexuals living and working illegally (usually as prostitutes) in Paris, is also strong for its characters, if formulaic.
Well-planned, the screenings and parties take place almost entirely within the boundaries of the local Philadelphia gayborhood, where incredibly helpful and attitude-free queer folks populate a surprising array of gay boutique hotels, bars and clubs. But beware! Even Woody's, made famous in Queer As Folk, closes by 2am and everyone packs into Pure, the local after-hours club, open until 3am.
Photographers, editors, models and their buzzing cast of assistants will usually get along to get the job done, but rarely do they have as much fun together as they did here, on our cover shoot at the Grand Canyon for The Out Traveler's Fall 2008 issue.
Whether it was the stunning scenery, the spirits of adventure, or something about this group of people, this shoot was a special one. Check out some of the shots scored by Anna Hankow, our Photo Editor, to see for yourself!
As our Facebook friend, you can also submit your own travel photos and stories for consideration to be included in our popular print and web readers' Snapshots section!
Having successfully launched it's low-cost bus service in Chicago a few years ago -- using the city as a hub to connect almost 20 other Midwestern cities -- MegaBus duplicated the strategy this summer in the Northeast with lost-cost, double-decker bus transport between New York, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, Boston, and Toronto.
The evils of bus travel are well-documented and, at some point, most of us have endured these 18-hour, airless cramps, but MegaBus is not tapping the traditional market of budget road warriors.
Originally a UK-based company, MegaBus guarentees seating for ticket-holders, isn't shy about using their A/C, sports nice movie monitors, and even tricks our its vehicles with free WiFi. Calling it a "bus" almost gives it a bad name.
But be wary, too -- the $1 price tag that MegaBus sells is not entirely true. The further in advance that you book you ticket, the closer you can get to paying $1 for it, but with shorter notice expect higher fares.
Here we are, day three of my week-long high seas adventure on the R Family Vacation summer cruise. This is my second R Family vacation. In my observation, the experience has evolved considerably.
Sold out this time, the ship hosts about 650 families on board totaling approximately 2,300 passengers. That's up from the total number of passengers three years ago. The passenger demographic has changed a bit, too. There seem to be many more gay and lesbian couples without children and even single travelers on board. May of these passengers say they are looking for something different than the all-male environment (with its typically elevated sexual temperature) or the all-female environment of, say, Olivia.
Last night my partner and I met a straight woman who had heard about "Rosie's cruise" on the View and booked passage for her and her newly out lesbian daughter. After witnessing her 19-year-old child's particularly unpleasant break-up from her girlfriend she wanted her to see successful relationships. (Pretty cool!)
The stellar entertainment -- if possible -- has gotten even better. Like last cruise, there are a number of established Broadway stars performing on board in venues big and small. But there seem to be more of them this time. Tonight's headline act is by Klea Blackhurst, performing her tribute to Ethel Merman.
Last night, pianist and author Seth Rudetsky hosted a magical evening of "Broadway Divas," which included a Broadway geek's wet dream line up: Daphne Rubin-Vega, the original Mimi in Rent, Andrea McArdle, a Broadway legend (and the original Annie!), her daughter, Alexis Kalehoff, with whom she performed a duet (and who starred in Les Miz at age 5!), Lilias White from the original Dreamgirls cast, and the Tony-winning Christine Ebersole. All of this was in one hour in just one venue on board.
The cruise includes five ports of call, starting with St. John, New Brunswick, followed by Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bar Harbor, Maine, Provincetown, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island. Today we explored the charming port city of Halifax with its Citadel renowned for the daily changing of the guards (many attractive young men with kilt and furry helmet).
Sweltering summer heat aside, the best mid-winter vacation places are booked earlier and earlier each year so, even though you may be melting into the keyboard as you read this, check out this winter holiday option as you dab your forehead.
Set to cruise from Maui to the Big Island from February 7th to 14th, American Safari Cruises' newly-refurbished Safari Explorer ship epitomizes the company's commitment to personalized luxury, holding an intimate 36 passengers and offering gourmet meals, private shore excursions and airport transport to/from the ship. There is also one crew member for every two guests.
As travelers have become savvier and vacation costs have skyrocketed, 'affordable luxury' has become the key phrase. A handful of Las Vegas resorts have tried one tactic -- essentially paying for guests' gas -- but a new luxury hotel brand has tried a more direct route: slashing room rates.
Recently launched with outposts in Montréal, California, Arizona and Massachussettes, aloft Hotels is a brainchild of the same team that gave life to the very gay-friendly W Hotels design-chic megabrand.
With the same attention to detail and decadence for guests -- W Hotels' Whatever/Whenever service has become aloft Hotels' anything/anytime -- aloft is aimed at a younger jet set.
This ideal, equally well-heeled and design-conscious customer, the new brand hopes, will be seduced by nifty tech perks (self-service check-in by touch-screen, including a room choice option not unlike that for choosing seats on an airplane; wireless everywhere; flatscreens and iPod docks; and E-room keys that can be downloaded to Blackberrys); luxury eco-friendliness; 9-foot ceilings and huge windows; and state-of-the-art spas and gyms for about $150 a night.
Illustration: Scott McPherson Photos: Getty Images 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 Seattle, check out our recommendations and you won’t be chasing your 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 Alexis Hotel (1007 First Ave., Downtown; 206-624-4844 or 800-426-7033; $249+) is an intimate, European-style hotel in a restored historic 1901 building. The pet-friendly property offers a "Doggie In-Room Dining Service Menu" and pet massages, while the hotel's Etherea Spa spoils human guests. All pets from hamsters to ostriches are welcome at no additional charge and receive a designer doggie bed, water bowl, bottled water, and treats. Pet-sitting services can be arranged. The art-filled hotel is within easy ambling distance of Pike Place Market and the waterfront.
Hotel Monaco (1101 Fourth Ave., Downtown; 206-621-1770 or 800-945-2240; $195+) offers a flotilla of treats for your four-legged traveling companion including, but not limited to, Cheese Hound Rounds, Slobber Gobbler Meat Loaf, and Boxer Brownies. If a quick scan of their appetizers and entrees doesn’t culminate in a booking, the deal is sure to be cemented by the prospect of a full wash and blow dry, pet massage, and a list of nearby dog parks. All pets are welcome at no additional charge. At check-in Very Important Pets receive complimentary food and water bowls and pick-up bags. Pet sitting and personalized pet itineraries can be arranged. There are monogrammed dog coats available to keep your pooch dry in the Seattle rain, with partial proceeds to the local Humane Society. Cat litter boxes are also provided. Lonesome travelers can borrow a goldfish for their room, or for more animated company, check out the nightly wine reception in the lobby featuring Northwestern wines.
Chow…dog-friendly spots to grab some kibble Pub lovers and their dogs will find a friendly welcome at Norm’s Eatery & Ale House (460 N. 36th St, Fremont; 206-547-1417; $10+). Dogs are even allowed inside to keep out of the Seattle rain. Four legged guests get fresh water bowls. Their human companions get excellent pub food, including impressive vegetarian selections.
Lombardi’s Cucina (2200 NW Market St, Ballard; 206-783-0055; $15-20), in hip Ballard, is a classic neighborhood Italian restaurant where dogs are allowed at outside tables.
It’s a bit further out of town, but The Dining Dog Café & Bakery (9635 Firdale Ave N, Edmonds; 425-314-4612 or 206-542-6249; $10+) is the perfect place to dine out with your dog! A full service menu includes Doggie Cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and a dessert tray including homemade doggie doughnuts. Show up at Yappy Hour for a Chowtini or call ahead if you need a doggie birthday cake or party. Owners get to snack on food from the Colonial Pantry upstairs.
Run Dog, Run San Point Magnuson Park (7400 Sand Point Way NE), seven miles from downtown, is the city’s only off-leash area with access to a beach. There’s running water to clean your pup after romps in the surf.
With over 500 acres and more than two miles of hiking trails, Discovery Park (3801 W. Government Way) is the largest public park in the city. There are no off-leash areas, but there are impressive views of the Olympic peaks and the Puget Sound.
For more on Seattle area dog parks, and local rules and regulations, check here and for more pet-friendly city guides, including New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and more, look here!
Photos in order: Aefa Mulholland (2); Stephanie Berger (1); Tristram Kenton (1) Story by Aefa Mulholland
Instead of doing my usual slew of summer trips, I’ve relocated to Toronto for the sunny months, captivated by…by, well, pretty much everything about this 5.8 million-strong megacity.
This vast, vibrant city shakes off its chilly winters and throws itself into summer with a fervor that has to be experienced to be believed. Sidewalks come alive with crammed patios, perfect for people watching. Walk through the city’s diverse neighborhoods and it seems there’s a festival going on round every corner, with flavors to match. It must be statistically impossible to throw a dart at the city’s summer calendar and not hit a festival.
My first weekend in Canada’s coolest city coincided with eclectic arts festival Luminato. With a staggering 138 events over 10 days, Luminato offered a dazzling introduction to Toronto’s festive character.
Friday night I scampered downtown to Yonge-Dundas Square to take in the Count Basie Orchestra, fronted by 14-year-old prodigy Nikki Yanofsky, belting out an upbeat set. Tearing myself away from this Ella-esque wunderkid, I sashayed up to upscale Yorkville and the Royal Ontario Museum to check out Luminato’s Armani Gala opening party. The city’s brightest young things were out swilling cocktails alongside dinosaurs, priceless Asian art exhibits, and a slew of TV cameras.
I spent Saturday ricocheting round the city, catching performers including quirky singer Mary Margaret O’Hara (actor Catherine O’Hara’s sister) and gay Nova Scotia rocker, Ashley MacIsaac belting out traditional numbers with a flotilla of fidders. On Saturday night The Royal Shakespeare Company’s incredible, fast-paced, multilingual production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream kept me captivated.
One weekend, so much to celebrate. Toronto is a city that doesn’t slow down.
For $265 a night, guests who book a room at the picturesque waterside hotel will receive a one-year GLAAD trial membership. Not going to San Diego anytime soon? No worries. GLAAD packages are available at Hyatt Hotels around North America. More on the offer here.
This one really speaks for itself. Dennis Hensley, a long-time contributor to the Out Traveler, spent some time recently in Brazil studying the Beach Barbies -- Brazil's version of the Chelsea gym bunny -- at their native habitat on the local beach. Impartial in his observations, as always, we can all learn something from Dennis.
A budding filmmaker, as it clear here, Dennis also has a few shorts that you might catch at an LGBT film festival near you soon!
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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Approaching it's own finale on July 22nd -- the awaited Were the World Mine, a homoerotically-charged and naughty-looking riff on A Midsummer Night's Dream -- the annual Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival doesn't really need to use that trick.
Opening with Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!, the camp factor got covered early on, making room for more experimental works (like porn/art film director Bruce LaBruce's Otto: Or, Up With Dead People, a gay meta-zombie flick) and tried festival-circuit favorites (like Breakfast with Scot, about a closeted ex-hockey pro and his lawyer partner building a family). Even a few of the shorts were good -- particularly the hilarious Australian Prada Handbag, about an eponymous female drag queen.
Transvestites Also Cry, compiled from three years of footage of Ecuadorian transsexuals living and working illegally (usually as prostitutes) in Paris, is also strong for its characters, if formulaic.
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