Tens of thousands took part in today's Belgium Pride in historic Brussels. This year, Belgium is celebrating two symbolic anniversaries: 10 years since the introduction of same-sex marriage, and seven years since the legalization of adoption for same-sex couples, at a time when this debate is still dividing its French neighbor. Learn more about Brussels at VisitBrussels.be.]]>
It's time to pack the bug spray, hiking boots, swim trunks and Torah.
The Washington, D.C., Jewish Community Center's Kurlander Program for GLBT Outreach & Engagement, aka GLOE, is holding its annual Jewish LGBT Summer Camp, May 31 to June 2.
Described by GLOE as "all the camp fun you remember (or wish you did), but now, stay in your own deluxe private room with air-conditioning," the weekend camping trip is being held at the Capital Retreat Center in Waynesboro, Pa.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities including zip-lining, crafts, high-ropes challenge course, campfires and a talent show. The Capital Retreat Center also offers an aquatics center, featuring a 5,500-square-foot heated pool and two 40-feet waterslides.
Early registration starts at $295 for a shared room and $395 for a single room. Prices increase after May 20. The registration fee is inclusive of all meals and snacks, activities and accommodations.
Complete details for the Jewish LGBT Summer Camp weekend are available online or by calling 202-777-3253.
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The governor’s announcement came at the conclusion of the New York State Tourism Summit last week in Albany, where hundreds of tourism experts discussed new ways to bring tourists to every corner of the state.
As the fifth-largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 714,000 jobs and generated more than $29 billion in wages in 2012. One out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism related. The more than 202 million international and domestic visitors to the state last year resulted in $57 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $7 billion in state and local taxes.
“New York State has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the beaches of Long Island, no matter what you’re looking for you can find it here,” Cuomo said. “I want the world to know about these assets, too, and am committed to making the state a ‘must see’ global destination and creating new jobs and investments in New York.”
The governor announced the state would invest nearly $60 million in tourism funding, making New York state third in the country in tourism funding. Last year, the state invested $19 million.
Included in the multimillion dollar effort is an I Love NY LGBT niche tourism initiative to market New York to the LGBT community, which accounts for approximately $70 billion in tourism spending in the U.S. every year.
More information on visiting New York is available at ILoveNY.com.
San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hotels continues its expansion outside of California with the official grand opening yesterday of its second hotel in Hawaii. Located on the island of Oahu in Honolulu's Waikiki neighborhood, the new Shoreline Hotel Waikiki joins Coconut Waikiki Hotel as part of Joie de Vivre’s Hawaiian portfolio.
Formerly known as the Seaside Hotel Waikiki, the Shoreline is the product of a complete multi-million dollar renovation. Nearly every item, from the bedding to the wall coverings, in the 14-story, 135-room hotel is new.
“Shoreline brings a truly boutique and fresh hotel product to the Hawaiian market,” says Niki Leondakis, CEO of Commune Hotels & Resorts, Joie de Vivre’s parent company. “The carefree spirit and warmth of the Joie de Vivre brand is reflected in the property, which marries daring design, individualized services and amenities in one of the world’s most coveted beach destinations.”
Shoreline's interior designer Anthony Laurino said that the five words that best describe the hotel are "crisp, alluring, calm, spirited and modern."
Drawn to the building's 1970s architecture and location just two blocks from the ocean, Laurino used an Art Deco-inspired palette of seafoam green, warm tangerine and sandy cream for the interiors and exterior facade. His goal was to create an environment that appeals to the senses and sensibilities of both singles and couples seeking a peaceful retreat with a subtle romantic edge.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a warm "aloha" and presented with a lush lei. As they step into the three-story lobby, they are treated to designs, textures, finishes and fabrics that nurture a rapport between Hawaiian culture and modernity. From the collection of custom furnishings by Eric Brand to evocative nature photography in every room by local artist Michele McCarthy to whimsical illustrations by Laurino, Shoreline embodies a subtle sophistication and character unique to the local hospitality landscape.
Each guestroom – ranging in size from 220 to 465 square feet – features free WiFi, a flat-screen television, mini fridge, microwave and private balcony. The hotel’s top floors include four suites with sweeping views of sea and city, and skyline views are nearly standard for every room. Guestrooms also employ an environmentally friendly key-card system that automatically switches off electricity when guestrooms are not in use.
The standard rates at Shoreline start at $195. There is, however, a special introductory rate of $159 on offer through November. More information is available by visiting ShorelineWaikiki.com or calling 855-931-2444.
Joie de Vivre Hotels is a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.
Travel Note: Hawaiian Airlines, in partnership with Virgin America, offers flights from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) via Los Angeles or San Francisco.
]]>"It amazes me that not only has it been ten years since inception but that it took several hundred years prior to begin such a tradition in an area which lauds a rich and colorful LGBTA past and present," commented Daniel Brooks, founder and president of New Hope Celebrates.
Highlights of the week of festivities include the unfurling of a large section of the famous mile-and-a-quarter-long rainbow flag that stretched across Key West in 2003, "drag bingo," fireworks, a parade and block party, and a poolside tea dance.
A full schedule and links to specific events are available at NewHopeCelebrates.com, and a guide listing all of New Hope Celebrates's funders and supporters can be found at NHCPrideGuide.com. New Hope Celebrates also has an app, which is available free through any iPhone or Droid retailer.
An artistic village set along the picturesque banks of the Delaware River (yes, the same Delaware River that Washington crossed during the American Revolution), New Hope is filled with art galleries, unique shops, great dining, bars, lounges and quaint lodging.
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Turkish Airlines is sponsoring Passport DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour this Saturday, May 4, 2013. Presented by Cultural Tourism DC, Passport DC is a month-long celebration highlighting more than 100 international programs and events throughout our nation’s capital.
As part of this Saturday's event, more than 40 embassies, representing six continents, will open their doors to the public to experience food, art, dance and music from around the world.
A Turkish coffee truck piloted by uniformed Turkish Airlines staff will be stationed outside of the Turkish embassy at 2525 Massachusetts Avenue throughout the day serving free Turkish Coffee. As part of the sponsorship, Turkish Airlines is also donating two round-trip, economy tickets to Istanbul as well as two round-trip tickets to any of the more than 222 destinations that they service around the world.
"The annual Passport DC event celebrates cultural tourism and educates people in the district about different cultures from around the world," says Turkish Airlines’ Washington, D.C. General Manager, Handan Corekci. "At Turkish Airlines, we are physically connecting these people to hundreds of destinations so that they can experience these cultures firsthand. On top of that, we are serving up some Turkish hospitality to those attending Passport DC in the form of rich Turkish coffee."
In the United States, Turkish Airlines flies out of Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and its newest gateway in Houston, Texas. Travelers flying to Istanbul out of Dulles International Airport can take advantage of a special deal starting at $525 for a round-trip ticket purchased before May 26, 2013. More information on this deal can be found here.
And babe, don't you know it's a pity
That the days can't be like the nights
In the summer, in the city
In the summer, in the city
Los Angeles is giving '60s rock band The Lovin' Spoonful exactly what they wanted -- a summer of fun days and nights.
One City One Pride
The City of West Hollywood will once again celebrate Pride and the artistic contributions of the LGBT community with the One City One Pride LGBT arts festival. Held throughout late May and June, but centered on the dates of May 31 to June 16, this festival comprises both free and ticketed events including theater, film, music, spoken word and visual art.
This year, for the first time, the festival has a theme: "The Sacred and The Profane," which explores the dichotomies of the LGBT experience: how the community views itself in contrast to how it is seen from the outside, a blending of the spiritual and the carnal, of things holy and wicked, and of things granted and taken away. Learn more here.
LA Pride
The 2013 LA Pride Celebration, held in beautiful West Hollywood Park, is the largest gathering of the LGBT community in Southern California. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages, headline performances, all new dance venues, numerous exhibitors, food and drink vendors and thousands of members of a vibrant and active community.
Details for this year's LA Pride are still pending, but the event has a tradition of drawing celebrity participation. Last year, for example, Lil' Kim performed and Molly Ringwald served as grand marshal. Learn more here.
Outfest
There are LGBT film festivals and then there is Outfest Los Angeles. Ten days of world-class films, discussions and parties, Outfest ranks among the world's leading events for LGBT cinema. Presenting nearly 150 new and classic short and feature films from around the world, panels featuring notable figures from all facets of the film industry and other special programs, Outfest shares LGBT stories, pays tribute to legendary screen careers, unites the community and inspires new generations of filmmakers and filmgoers.
Directors, producers, actors and writers from every corner of the globe converge upon the Directors Guild of America, the John Anson Ford Amphiteatre, the historic Orpheum Theatre and other Los Angeles screening locations to share their work and their knowledge with an audience of more than 40,000. This year's festival is scheduled July 11 to 21. Learn more here.
Detailed information on visiting Los Angeles is available at DiscoverLosAngeles.com.
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One of the most popular destinations in Mexico for LGBT travelers, Puerto Vallarta has announced that the 2013 Vallarta Pride will be held May 24 to 26.
The celebration will start with a cocktail kick-off at Puerto Vallarta's Casa Cupula Hotel Boutique and continue for three days, celebrating LGBT culture and Puerto Vallarta's welcoming community with music festivals, beach parties, fashion shows, a mass commitment ceremony and activities in participating bars and clubs.
Confirmed events for Vallarta Pride 2013:
Opening Reception
Friday, May 24, at 9 p.m.
Taste Restaurant at Casa Cupula
Commitment Ceremony
Saturday, May 25, at 11 a.m.
Lido - Beach Club
Fashion Show
Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m.
Blue Chairs Beach Club
"HEAT" - Tea Dance
Saturday, May 25, at 4 p.m.
Lido / Blue Chairs
Vallarta Pride 2013 @ Night
Themed nights at participating bars/lounges/clubs
Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m.
Vallarta Pride Parade 2013
Sunday May 26, 2013, at 4 p.m.
Romantic Zone
Vallarta Pride Festival 2013
Sunday, May 26, at 5 p.m.
Lazaro Cardenas Park / Romantic Zone
More details on Vallarta Pride and information on traveling to Puerto Vallarta can be found at visitpuertovallarta.com.
While Mexico is struggling with pockets of violence throughout the country, the U.S. Department of State has no recommendation against travel to Puerto Vallarta. However, LGBT travelers are encouraged to consult the LGBT section of the State Department's travel website and register for its Smart Traveler program.
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No, little viruses are not booking tickets on Orbitz, but they do hitch rides. Influenza is a perfect example: Each year new strains of the virus spread around the globe via the movement of infected individuals.
The Los Angeles Times today reports that Brett Shaad, a 33-year-old gay man from West Hollywood, Calif., was sickened with bacterial meningitis:
Officials said that over Easter weekend [Shaad] had attended the White Party in Palm Springs, an annual gathering that draws 8,000 to 10,000 gay men from across the country. After returning, [Shaad] was hospitalized, his health rapidly declined and he was found to have meningitis.
The Times also reports that Shaad has been declared brain dead.
This news follows recent news of meningitis infections and deaths among gay men in New York. On March 6, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene stated that "four new cases of meningitis among men who have sex with men have been reported since the beginning of January, bringing the total to 17 cases since 2012. There have been 22 reported cases – including seven fatal cases – since 2010."
There is no direct evidence that the cases in New York and the case in West Hollywood are linked; however, officials are saying there are "apparently some similarities."
Bacterial meningitis infections are not uncommon and certainly not limited to men who have sex with men. In the United States, about 4,100 cases of the illness, 500 fatal, occurred each year between 2003 and 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While contagious, the transmission of meningitis requires close contact, such as kissing. The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure. Common symptoms of meningitis are fever, headache and stiff neck. It will often have other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and an altered mental state with an infected person seeming confused.
Meningitis can be fatal. Anyone experiencing meningitis symptoms or has had close contact with someone infected should seek medical assistance.
In New York and West Hollywood, health professionals and LGBT-community leaders are encouraging gay men who are sexually active to be vaccinated.
Meningitis vaccines are available in most travel clinic and many pharmacies.
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Camping might not be your first thought when visiting Los Angeles, but The Hotel At The Los Angeles Athletic Club is putting a unique twist on pitching a tent. The hip hotel has transformed one of its nine luxury suites into an urban campsite. Guests get to experience a tented bed, along with kitschy camp decor including old leather saddles, animal throws, cowpoke art and a teepee. Campers will also be treated to gourmet s'mores, an L.A. hiking map, and a luxury survival kit (sparkling wine and trail mix). The Urban Camping package is available through Aug. 31 at a rate of $429 per night.
The Saguaro in Palm Springs has caught the Coachella bug. In honor of the annual music and arts festival, the hip and colorful hotel is sponsoring two weekends of musical performances from international DJs, artists and influencers like Sky Ferreira, Peanut Butter Wolf, Classixx and Henry Holland. Admisssion to The Saguaro Desert Weekenders is limited, but guests staying at the hotel will have guaranteed entry. Limited room reservations are still available for both Coachella weekends (April 12 to 14 and April 19 to 21). Rates start at $399.
It is easy to be green with W San Francisco's Bloom package. Guests will be treated to two glasses of sustainable wine at the Living Room Bar; a welcome amenity including a California wildflower-seed bomb, W San Francisco’s housemade granola, and a large bottle of Fiji water; and automatic enrollment in Starwood’s Make a Green Choice program, which rewards guests for each day housekeeping service is declined with 500 Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints, redeemable for future stays at any Starwood hotel. Reservations can be made online or by calling 877-822-0000. Information on the Bloom package and additional offers is available online.
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Being held May 3 to 5, Tybee Gay Days will included evening parties, a brunch and an afternoon tea dance. In addition, there will be scheduled times for participants to meet-up and enjoy the island's beautiful beaches.
The weekend's activities are being organzied by GaySavannah.com, an online magazine and business directory for the LGBT community in and around Savannah.
Additional information about Tybee Gay Days is available at gaysavannah.com/tybee-gay-days, and general informaiton on Tybee Island is available at visittybee.com.
Many eyebrows raised in 2009 when it was announced that Cleveland beat out the bigger competing cities of Boston and Washington as the host city for the 2014 Gay Games. However, yesterday's announcement that the Cleveland Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to support the games should help remove any remaining doubts about Cleveland's ability to serve as a world-class host.
As a result of the grant, the event has been named the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation. It is the first time in the event's 31-year history it has had a presenting sponsor.
"The Cleveland Foundation is proud to be the presenting sponsor. It provides us the opportunity to express our strong support for social justice and equality for the LGBT community," said Ronald B. Richard, president and chief executive officer of the Cleveland Foundation.
The Gay Games is the largest international sports and culture festival in the world open to all adult participants. The Aug. 9 to 16, 2014, event will be held in venues in and around Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, and is expected to attract 30,000 visitors, including 11,000 participants in more than 35 sports and cultural events. It’s anticipated that the event will bring in $58 million to northeast Ohio.
As a result of the partnership between the Cleveland Foundation and local organizers, an LGBT field-of-interest fund is being established at the foundation. The fund will launch at the conclusion of the games in August 2014.
"We are pleased that this fund will serve as a legacy to the Gay Games," said Kaye Ridolfi, senior vice president of advancement at the Cleveland Foundation. "We will be reaching out to the community in the upcoming months to get ideas on shaping the fund so it can best serve our region."
Organizers of the Gay Games also announced that financial services company Ernst & Young made a $100,000 donation, making it a platinum-level sponsor.
In addition, the Cleveland Pain Dealer is reporting that Gay Games organizers also announced venues for the 2014 events, including the opening ceremonies at the Quicken Loans Arena (pictured), which is home to NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, the AHL Lake Erie Monsters and the AFL Cleveland Gladiators. Other venues include the new Cleveland Convention Center, Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Akron, Firestone Stadium and Akron Marathon Course.
Registration for the Gay Games is open, and additional information is available online at gg9cle.com.
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When you are one of the earliest LGBT pride events on the calendar, it's important to make a big splash. As such, organizers of Miami Beach Gay Pride have announced that Adam Lambert will be the headline performer and that the honor of Grand Marshal has been bestowed upon Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower.
American Idol finalist Lambert, who is gay, will provide the closing entertainment during the Fifth Annual Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade and Festival, Sunday, April 14. He will perform on the main festival stage in Lummus Park just off Ocean Drive between 11th and 12th Streets. His performance is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
Other scheduled entertainers include chart-topping songstress Crystal Waters and the incomparable Lady Bunny.
Mayor Brower is being honored for strong public support of the LGBT community and for being "the woman who was instrumental in establishing a Pride celebration in the city," said Babak Movahedi, chair of the Miami Beach Gay Pride board of directors, in a statement.
First elected in 2007, Bower is serving her third two-year term as mayor of Miami Beach.
It was announced in March that Miami Beach and Miami have been chosen to host the World Outgames in 2017.
Information on visiting gay-friendly Miami Beach is available online at miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/lgbt-miami.
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To help celebrate spring in style, gay-owned-and-operated travel agency and tour operator Concierge Travel is giving one lucky winner and his guest a stay at Fort Lauderdale's Pineapple Point, a clothing-optional, all-gay men’s guesthouse resort.
Sweepstakes entries will be accepted through April 30, and the winner will receive a two-night, three-day stay in a deluxe room at Pineapple Point.
Highly recommended by LGBT travel-review service PinkChoice.com, the resort features a host of luxurious amenities including two onsite massage-therapy studios, sun decks, clothing-optional pool areas, two Jacuzzis, a lap pool and shaded hammocks. Comprised of six unique buildings and set on more than two acres, Pineapple Point provides visitors a private escape from the everyday grind.
"With spring finally upon us, we thought this would be a great opportunity to give something back to our loyal fans," said Kim Gustavsson, Concierge Travel’s vice president of sales and marketing. "Concierge Travel has come a long way since our founding more than 15 years ago, and it’s important to us that our customers know that we appreciate their support and continued business."
To enter, participants must visit facebook.com/conciergetravel and select the sweepstakes tab where they can then complete the giveaway entry form. All participants must first become fans of Concierge Travel’s Facebook page in order to enter the sweepstakes.
Participants are encouraged to share the sweepstakes with friends or on their Facebook timeline to increase their chances of winning. No purchase is necessary to win. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Information about Concierge Travel and its upcoming trips can be found on the agency’s website at conciergetravel.cc or by calling (877) 775-9616.
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After country singer Chely Wright had to cancel her appearance due to her pregancy, CAMP Rehoboth announced today that comedian Kate Clinton has agreed to provide entertainment as part of Women's FEST 2013, April 11 to 14.
Clinton will perform Friday, April 12 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Tickets to 8:45 p.m. show are $25 and a limited number of $100 front table seats are also available.
Women's FEST helps raise money to support CAMP Rehoboth, a LGBT community center and service provider for residents and visitors of Rehoboth Beach, Del.
A complete schedule of all the Women's FEST events including a welcome dance with singer songwriter Viki Dee on Thursday, April 11 and a gold outing on Friday, April 12, is available online: camprehoboth.com/news-events/womens-fest-2013.htm.
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