Gay Hotels and Gay bars kick off their course of action with the serving of alcohol or wine, which is a customary sight for gay and lesbian bars across the world. Actually this serving leads to the foremost goal and that is of offering a place for conversation and relaxation to their gay clientele. Finding gay hotel or bars in any metropolitan city like London, New York, Paris etc won’t be a tough task for those interested, as you will come across eye-catching fliers everywhere in the city. Such advertisement boards can easily be observed right in the middle of street, shops and venues, having larger gay presence than the other clubs and events.

With provocative and stimulating images, these fliers end up generating enough interest among those exploring gay bars. Inside the bar, music rules the roost with either live or blended superbly by a DJ or DJs. The music fluctuates in style and lures one and all to gyrate to its striking and sensual tunes, mixing jazz and blues to disco, pop, drum and bass. Besides these, punk, house, trance, and techno produce an ambiance that defies any logic to being restless. This apart, gay and lesbian bar comprises enough space to come up with dance venue, draping highly structured and sophisticated lighting design all around, to support the raised dancing platforms.

Massachusetts is calling.

It has been legal for same-sex couples to marry in the Bay State since 2004. In July, Massachusetts repealed an arcane law that had prohibited out-of-state couples from getting married there. Unfortunately, Proposition 8, which passed November 4, states that only a marriage between a man and a woman will be recognized in California, so you shouldn’t expect any legal rights when you return home after marrying in Massachusetts or Connecticut, which legalized gay marriage in October. But the press secretary for California Attorney General Jerry Brown, Christine Gasparac, told the Bay Area Reporter that the question of whether California would have to recognize out-of-state marriages would ultimately be an issue that the courts would likely decide.

Tourism officials in Massachusetts are embracing the state’s long-standing gay-friendly political climate and you should be hearing more about that soon. The state plans a promotional campaign to attract more LGBT visitors.

As the state’s capital and largest city, Boston will take center stage next year when the city hosts the 10th International Conference on Gay and Lesbian Tourism. Tourism officials in Boston are hoping that its reputation for being one of the gay-friendliest cities in the world will translate into more tourism dollars.

Source: http://www.ebar.com/news

Thousands of gay rights supporters waved rainbow flags and homemade signs Saturday outside California’s Capitol to protest a voter-approved ban on gay marriage.

The protest was the latest of several demonstrations held around the country since Californians adopted Proposition 8, which amended the California Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

The initiative overruled a state Supreme Court ruling in May that briefly gave same-sex couples (gay & lesbian) the right to marry.

The California Highway Patrol estimated that about 5,000 gay people gathered for the protest.

Many in the crowd held signs calling for equality and separation of church from state. Several banners targeted the Mormon church, whose members helped defeat the measure.

“If the ban on marriage equality was unconstitutional in May, the ban will also be unconstitutional when the Supreme Court makes its decision in January,” said incoming Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento.

California’s highest court agreed last week to hear three legal challenges seeking to nullify the new ban on same-sex (gay OR lesbian) marriage. All three cases claim the ban abridges the civil rights of a vulnerable minority group. They argue that voters alone did not have authority to enact such a constitutional change.

Connecticut, which began same-sex weddings earlier this month, and Massachusetts are the only states that allow gay marriage.

Thirty states ban the practice, but California and a handful of others allow civil unions or domestic partnerships.

Many in the crowd carried signs describing marriage as a civil rights issue.

Don Barnett, 48, drove from Placerville to participate in his third rally since Proposition 8 was approved by voters Nov. 4. He carried a “Dear Santa” sign that read, “All I want for Christmas are my civil rights back.”

“The California Constitution says everyone has equal rights,” Barnett said. “It’s not just about marriage.”

Speakers at the rally included comedian Margaret Cho, couples who have sued to overturn gay marriage bans and local church leaders.

On a corner across the street from the capitol, Lou Anne Merriam, 52, held a “Celebrate Prop. 8” sign. She was joined by about a dozen others who chanted: “What about my vote to support Prop. 8?”

Yet another specialist operator has collapsed following the unexpected demise of XL Leisure and its subsidiary XL Airways, leaving 200 holidaymakers stranded.

Gay operator Lidana – which traded as Respect Holidays and Wildwind Holidays – was forced to declare bankruptcy over the weekend after Atol called in a bond of more then £108,000.

Its failure comes on the heels of XL’s unexpected collapse two weeks ago, which left some 80,000 travellers stuck abroad and has heightened concerns over the state of the industry.

Around 46,000 XL passengers have now been repatriated, and while the numbers abroad with Lidana are far lower, Travel Mole reports that only half had flown out on Atol-protected packages.

An additional 1,000 or so holidaymakers have now had their forward bookings cancelled, prompting Andrew Roberts of Amro Worldwide to advise all travellers to ensure they are covered.

“We would urge all travel consumers – whether lesbian, gay or mainstream – to always be sure that their travel agency is bonded with Atol before booking their travel,” he commented.

“Do not be fooled if your supplier says that they are ‘fully bonded’ – this is not enough. What consumers must be sure of is that the supplier and their websites state categorically that they are Atol-bonded.”
Source: http://news.cheapflights.co.uk

American gays and lesbians represent about 10 percent of the travel industry, and surveys have shown that the community travels more, stays longer and spends more while on vacation (in general) than their heterosexual counterparts. From a tourism standpoint alone, it makes sense to highlight locations that might appeal to such a lucrative group of travelers. If you Google “gay travel”, you’ll find numerous web sites direct you to travel agencies that do just that.

Miami Beach has designated gay beaches, and I see how cities like Atlanta, with its thriving gay and lesbian community, would be considered friendly to gay travelers. But what makes a place “so gay”? Is it activities targeted to the homosexual population, the number of gays and lesbians living there, or the general attitude toward homosexuals among the population?

If you are gay or lesbian, would you seek a “so gay” locale? Does that designation mean anything or would such a label impact your travel plans?
Source: http://www.ajc.com/blogs

Going for parenthood is the next natural step to tying nuptial knot with your beloved. World is no different for you of course. Wanting to have a baby between you and your homosexual partner to feel more complete and united in matrimony is no more a far-fetched dream. All you need to do is some research into the subject, as to what all are the provisions of law in your country and how to go about them to make things feasible and eventually real.

Indeed, many parts of this world are still bound by blind religious protocols and myths, controlling them into unreasonably denying a natural right to the natural beings of the Mother Nature. However, there are exceptions to the rule as well. And to your heart’s delight, these are more than one!

Universal Adoption policy in Republic of Ireland and Hungary ensure that being gay does not even matter until the couple provide for a stable home for the child. Few of the countries that allow Gay couples to adopt are, Andorra, Belgium, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Spain, the UK, some parts of Australia and USA; and Canada. In fact, most European countries allow adoption or some form of foster care to the community. Those residing in South Africa should not loose heart either. South Africa is one nation in Africa that allows gay adoption quite without hassles.

Gay adoptions are not a new concept. In the earlier days, gay adoptions were done under the garb of single parent adoptions, where the other parent acted as a room mate or something. However, the pretensions have fast faded with time with the community gotten stronger by mind and voice. It’s only a matter of time when the rest of the world will also realise the futility of denying the legal status of adoption to the LGBT families and the traditional fold of a family will give way to inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals families with equal aplomb and gusto.

There is no need to stretch your thoughts to understand why. People often describe New York as the hottest destination for fashion lovers. But the truth is that it is even a better place for gays and people who want to know about the gay society. New York is in fact described as “The Gay Capital” of this planet!

Knowing the fundamentals of Greenwich Village is a must if you want to comprehend the traditions related to gay culture in this part of the world. The village is better known as the home of gay and lesbian community of New York. The natives named it West Village. The finest gay tour to New York must include visits to West Village landmarks, like the residences of the great gay activist Bayard Rustin and the eminent lesbian writer Willa Cather. The visits will assist you in having a perfect notion of the gay history of New York.

West Village may be the most important destination for people in search of gay heritage, but the gay life is not just confined to this place. Some other dominant gay colonies have emerged in the East Village and the North Western part of New York. However, the North of West Village is known to host the most number of gay men.

You will have many other exquisite travel options like a visit to the Broadway musical, or a day out of watching melodramatic operas. But, the essence of traditional gay culture is predominantly found in the bars and clubs of New York.

If you are interested in having a closer look at the gay traditions, plan a New York vacation in the middle of June. This time is marked by a week of annual gay festival, which is scheduled from the 18th to 25th of the month. The festival includes a rally, pier-dance and a pride fest, all of which are organized by the gay communities. More than 650,000 people take part in this rally.

The march starts from the 5th Avenue and then moves to the right towards the Greenwich Avenue. The very next destination for the march is Christopher Street, from where it proceeds in the direction of Greenwich Village. Greenwich Village or West Village has observed many of the most determining events of cultural reorganization and growth of the gay communities of New York.

Another strong reason behind the occurrence of this festival in the month of June is the legendary riots of June 1969, better named as the Stonewall Riots. The riots occurred as a movement against the refusal of surrendering to bigotry and intolerance. This is considered as the most significant episode for gay civilrights community of United States of America. It has acted as a pillar to the growth of gay strength in this country.

United Kingdom is one such destination where gay men can witness spectacular campsites and enjoy adventurous outdoor activities. It offers best campaign treasures, stunning locations, and secret woodlands. All the natural attractions of the world converge here. Scotland has mystical landscapes replete with abundant greenery, and then Wales covers vast mountain chains and beaches; and Land’s End with its own dramatic coastline sceneries. Northern Ireland itself differs in geography, history and culture with all the other regions of England.

In a gist, it is a perfect retreat for all the gay couples seeking rejuvenation and relaxation.
An exciting and economical option for staying is caravanning and camping. It offers a base for exploration by giving you liberty to move according to your own choice. They are equipped with all the modern conveniences. The tough Gay men can have rugged experience in the outdoor tents and hookups.

FARM AND HOME STAY

Caravanning and camping mostly have a nearby farm shop from the camp site or caravan park because mostly camp sites are built on a working farm land .Here you have numerous options for fresh healthy diet like milk, oat meals and a chance to share home cooked meal with your gay partner or couple . So it’s an ideal way to experience rural life of U.K., as well as, cherish some a peaceful moments with your partner.

Some days of leisure in Amsterdam is a dream vacation for all gay men. ‘A perfect place for romantic gays’, these should be the words describing this exciting destination in Netherland. For centuries Amsterdam has been the place to hide for the homosexuals of Europe and its cultural tolerance is not a new buy for the inhabitants of Amsterdam. Here, the gay couples are allowed to enjoy a legal partnership since decades.

The year 2001 witnessed a major event in the history of gay society in this part of the world. The wedded gay couples here are now allowed to adopt children and bring them up like any man and woman tied in knots. Are you planning to escape to this part of the world with your partner? Then let us discuss some of the essentials of this dream gay destination.

The Gay Clubs, Gay Hotels and Gay Bars in Amsterdam

Being a place of utmost pleasure for the gays, Amsterdam hosts more than hundred gay bars scattered all over the central districts. A copy of the Bent Guide having a regional map will provide you with the perfect aid in locating the top gay destinations of Amsterdam. The revolving bar in April, the huge two storied bars Soho and Habibi and the bar for Arabic gays are some of the most spectacular spots of gay delights.

The gay dance clubs may not be as common as the bars, but you will surely get some scorching zones for partying hard. You can have late nights at these clubs with your friends and partner. The four floored Club Exit, the Club IT, and the Club Cockring are some of the most popular gay dance clubs of Amsterdam.

The Famous Gay Pride of Amsterdam

Amsterdam hosts one of the largest Gay Prides of Europe. If you want to feel the thrill of Amsterdam Pride, spend the last week of August in Amsterdam. This wonderful event is featured by exhilarating water parades on the gaudy boats adorned by unique decors. Hundreds of these magnificent boats with beautifully dressed participants navigate through the Amstel and Prinsengracht rivers. The experience is truly awesome. It is a must watch for all gays at least once in their lifetime!

If you are a gay and eyeing UK as your next travel destination, then you are indeed very wise. Bubbling with a range of gay bars and pubs, the United Kingdom is a great lure to the entire gay community around the world. Visit these places in your forthcoming holiday and be assured that your exoticism will remain uninterrupted. To begin with, these destinations may be categorised into

·        England
·        Northern Ireland
·        Scotland, and
·        Wales

Traveling in England for gay/lesbian community is simply delightful as there are a number of exotic destinations around. London, Manchester, Oxford, Blackpool, Brighton and Birmingham are some of the many such destinations, truly revealing resplendence for you. Many destinations in Northern Ireland are also very gay friendly. Heading towards Scotland, you will explore exhilarating gay excitements in Edinburgh and Glasgow areas, while Cardiff in Wales ripples you with fascinations and exoticism.

Various gay hotels, gay bars and gay clubs, sprawled across different parts of the United Kingdom, have listed amazing amusements in their program lists, especially for their gay and lesbian customers. Besides favourable modern and hep gay-friendly cafes, pubs, gay amusement shops in the area, the presence of big celebrities also keeps cheering you up quite often!

Many a pubs here also arrange one special program or the other on weekends, which is always a big enticement for the gay/ lesbian travellers.

To conclude, there are lots of excitements and exhilarations awaiting you at UK and now the ball is in your court! Enjoy!