Trans Woman Asks for Refund for Transphobic Treatment on Cruise

Sherry Donegan Sherry Donegan of Fresno, Calif., had never taken a cruise before when she joined 17 others last month aboard the Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas for a six-day vacation. But a comment from an anti-LGBT employee aboard the ship and being relegated to the back of a ballroom certainly didn’t make a good first impression. Donegan is transgender, and her group consisted of trans women, men, and allies. On her second night, a bartender turned her away, telling her, “We don’t serve fags here,” she told the Bay Area Reporter. Donegan filed a complaint aboard ship and two days later was told that employee had been fired and put off the ship in Mexico. She told the Reporter she doesn’t believe Royal Caribbean, which recently scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the second year in a row.

By Dawn Ennis – Full Story at The Advocate

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Cruising Turkey

Bodrum from Castle - Alaturka This post comes to us courtesy of Ned at alaturkaturkey.com: alaturka boat cruise turkeySail the azure waters of the Aegean Sea on a blue cruise in Turkey. Explore the rich history, diverse culture and pristine environment along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of the Turkish Riviera Istanbul is the capital of the gay community in Turkey, however the seaside is amazing for vacations. For the ultimate holiday experience, whether for relaxation, partying, or exploration, a blue cruise with Alaturka Cruises will ensure you have a breathtaking adventure! Floating along the Turkish coast on your carefully selected gulet-Turkish sailboat- will make you feel like a Greek god and goddess. Let’s look at just a few of the destinations that are visited during a blue cruise. Although Alaturka Cruises has defined schedules, you are welcome to create your own itinerary. Alaturka

Bodrum

This vibrant city is the fashionable place to go for Istanbul socialites. Beautiful beaches, spirited nightclubs, and world class cuisine are all found in this former fishing village.

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If you enjoy history, go to the Underwater Archaeology Museum located within Bodrum Castle. The largest museum dedicated to marine archaeology in the world, items from local shipwrecks dating back to the late-Bronze age can be seen. Get insight into the colorful gay culture of Turkey with a visit to the Zeki Muren Arts Museum. Turkey’s version of Liberace, Zeki Muren, was a famous cross-dressing singer, composer and actor in the 1970s and 80s. This was his Bodrum home until his death in 1996 and houses his flamboyant costume and art collection.

STAY

The Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is is the ultimate modern and luxurious hotel above Paradise Bay. Relax by one of the 4 pools, or grab a lounge chair on one of the private beaches. You can also spend the day getting body treatments, facials or Thalassotherapy at the beautiful spa.

EAT

For a low key, easy going café try Frappe Bodrum. Pasha the dog welcomes all visitors at this gay-friendly establishment. Breakfast is plentiful in the mornings and the vegetarian burger is one of the best in town. There is live music on most evenings throughout the summer. Fethiye boat harbour 2 - Alaturka

Fethiye

Fethiye is the port where many blue cruises begin. Before or after your journey along the Turquoise Coast, spend a few days in the sublime nature of this area.

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Oludeniz Blue Lagoon Turkey 2The beaches in Fethiye, especially in Oludeniz (dead sea), are world-famous for their serenity. Pull up a lounge chair at Sea Horse Beach and sip chilled wine as you watch the day pass by. Gemiler beach is a bit secluded and less crowded than the super popular Calis beach. If you enjoy extreme sports, go paragliding from the top of Babadag Mountain. The view from the sky is unbelievable! The best way to convene with nature is camping. Lilith Camp in Kabak Cove is gay-owned and shows the true meaning of Turkish hospitality. Just a 5-minute walk to the beach, this colorful camp offers bungalows for those who don’t prefer to pitch a tent. The parties in Kabak are well-known by EDM lovers.

STAY

Yediburunlar Lighthouse is a lovely guest house surrounded by forested beauty, in case you need a break from the parties in the city. The homemade meals are prepared with local, seasonal ingredients, so enjoy the fruits of Mother earth. Another gay-owned establishment is the Gul Baba House in Kalkan. Located on a hill overlooking the city and harbour of Kalkan, this rustic home has a minimum stay of 1 week.

EAT

Arty’s Fish and Chips is the closest flavor to home, that is if you’re from the UK or Australia. Sit outside and enjoy a cold Efes beer while you wait, or have food delivered if you can’t manage to leave your comfortable hotel balcony. The city comes alive at night, so options for merry making are ample. The best cocktails in Fethiye are at 4 Corner Bar where the atmosphere is relaxed, but the music is lively.

Antalya

There are weekly and daily blue cruises from the famous party city of Antalya, so stay here as long as you wish.

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The historical sites in this region are vast. The amphitheater at Aspendos is the most unspoiled Greco-Roman theatre in the world. The International Opera and Ballet Festival has performances here throughout the summer. There are clubs galore in Antalya! Inferno is the most intense example of dancing bodies in the city. During foam party nights, bubbles encompass the dancefloor to ensure everyone is truly soaked. Ceyn Athena Club is a popular gay bar in Kaleici, the old town. As with every club you visit, be sure to ask the price of drinks when you order. Some places can be highly overpriced.

STAY

A trendy, sophisticated hotel near the beach is Hotel Su. Mood lighting is the specialty in this luxury resort in the city center. All rooms have balconies to gaze on the swimmers and sunbathers at the pool below. Dining on Turkish, Asian and Italian cuisine takes place inside or outdoors at the lounge, poolside, the beach, or the sushi restaurant. For the ultimate pleasurable experience stay at Royal Adam and Eve Hotel. The walls are covered with mirrors at every step and the modern, sleek design inspires sensations of all kinds. The hotel is ideal for couples and honeymooners.

EAT

In the old town, Vanilla is a nice contemporary restaurant set within Ottoman architecture. Dishes are prepared with (mostly) regionally selected items. ]]>

Hang Out With the Nomadic Boys on a Cruise

Gili Islands - Nomadic Boys After 18 months travelling in Asia, we are delighted to announce we are next heading over to discover and explore the very sexy Latin America…ARRIBAAA!! One of the places we’ve always wanted to visit are the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, one of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems on the planet. This is bound to be a very exciting adventure and we would love to share it with you… We’ve teamed up with LGBT specialists Ishpingo Tours to offer an exclusive gay cruise to these enchanted islands between 13-22 October 2016. Spaces are limited aboard the luxurious M/Y passion yacht, so make sure you book your tour with us ASAP and do not forget to use the promo code NOMADIC5 to receive a 5% discount.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Ecuaddor Gay Travel Resources

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