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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No Pink Party in the Castro This Year

Castro Pink party San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener confirmed Thursday that there will be no Pink Party in the city’s gay Castro district the Saturday before the annual LGBT Pride parade. Following a March 17 meeting with key stakeholders, Wiener told the Bay Area Reporter that there will be no street closures this year. In previous years, the streets were closed for the unofficial party. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence had produced what was known as Pink Saturday for nearly two decades. Last year, however, the Sisters decided to end their oversight of the street party due to escalating violence. A sister and his husband were attacked in 2014, while Stephen Powell, 19, died after being shot toward the end of the party in 2010.

By Cynthia Laird – Full Story at the BAR

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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. ]]>

Juston McKinney

Juston McKinney! When NH magazine named Juston McKinney http://glynnhouse.com/events/ ‘Best exterior springof NH’ they wrote, “The Granite State may have more famous comedians than you can shake a stick at (Seth Meyers, Sarah Silverman and Adam Sandler to name a few) but no one really ‘gets’ New Hampshire humor like Juston McKinney.” He’s been using the state as his comic muse since he was humoring perps as a deputy sheriff on the NH/ME border in the 1990s. Juston has two Comedy Central Specials including his own one-hour special and multiple appearances on the Tonight Show and on Conan O’Brien, but there’s no place like home! Don’t miss a terrific evening of comedy at the Capitol Center for the Arts April 2. The romantic Glynn House Inn – situated in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Lakes Region – offers guests and exceptional experience. A full gluten free breakfast menu is always available. Bring your four-footed canine pal on holiday too. Reserve one of five pet friendly rooms. Venture away from the Inn and enjoy antiquing, art galleries, boating, fine dining, fishing, golf, hiking, historic sites, skiing, snowmobiling, ‘tax free’ shopping and scenic drives along tranquil country roads. Visit the Glynn House website http://www.glynnhouse.com for additional information about the Inn and local activities.]]>

Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwin

Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwin! http://glynnhouse.com/events/ Armed with nothing but their sharp wit, glynnhse wintercomedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood take to the live stage to create hilarious and original scenes in their two-man show. Known by TV audiences for their work on Whose Line is it Anyway?, Colin & Brad improvise new material every night from audience suggestions and participation. “Interactive” in every sense of the word, Colin & Brad will take the audience on a comedic high-wire act… just like a live version of Whose Line! Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter for all ages! Enjoy a dazzling evening of comedy at the Palace Theatre March 31. Book your Palace Theatre accommodation at the romantic Glynn House Inn. Guests enjoy gracious surroundings, delicious food, uncompromising service and genuine hospitality. A multi-course gourmet breakfast is served at separate tables in the Victorian dining room. A full gluten free breakfast menu is always available. Afternoon refreshments and early evening wine and cheese are offered daily. Bring your favorite four-footed canine pal. Reserve one of five pet friendly rooms. Pamper yourself and book an in-room massage – available in most guest rooms. Are you looking for other winter activities during your visit to New Hampshire’s spectacular White Mountains and Lakes Regions? Venture away from the Inn and enjoy art galleries, fine dining, hiking, historic sites, skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, tax free shopping or simply experience the delightful winter countryside. Inn guests enjoy savings on many winter activities. View the Glynn House website http://www.glynnhouse.com for additional information about the Inn, special offers  and local activities.]]>

Dancing in the Streets

Dancing in the Streets! http://glynnhouse.com/events/ Join the original and the best celebration of exterior springMotown’s Greatest Hits with the spectacular, critically acclaimed Dancing it the Streets. Experience the energy and electricity of the motor city in a stunning production packed with hit after hit, all killer, no filler! The talented cast and band will bring to life the infectious, melodic, foot-tapping songs with a touch of soul and style guaranteed to have you signing along and dancing in the aisles. Expect your favorite songs made famous by THE FOUR TOPS, THE TEMPTATIONS, STEVIE WONDER, MARVIN GAYE, LIONEL RICHIE, THE SUPREMES, SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES, MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS and many more. Don’t miss ‘Dancing in the Streets’ at the Capitol Center for the Arts Mach 29 – 30. The romantic Glynn House Inn – situated in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Lakes Region – offers guests and exceptional experience. A full gluten free breakfast menu is always available. Bring your four-footed canine pal on holiday too. Reserve one of five pet friendly rooms. Venture away from the Inn and enjoy antiquing, art galleries, boating, fine dining, fishing, golf, hiking, historic sites, skiing, snowmobiling, ‘tax free’ shopping and scenic drives along tranquil country roads. Visit the Glynn House website http://www.glynnhouse.com for additional information about the Inn and local activities.]]>

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages! http://glynnhouse.com/events/ Set in 1987 on L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip, ROCK OF AGES tells glynnhse winterthe story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, just a small-town girl, who want to know what love is and find it in the world of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. Rock of Ages is nothing but a good time as you travel back to the days of big bands, big guitar solos, and even bigger hair. Get ready to rock with the songs of Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and more. Experience a great show at the Palace Theatre March 24 – 26 Book your Palace Theatre accommodation at the romantic Glynn House Inn. Guests enjoy gracious surroundings, delicious food, uncompromising service and genuine hospitality. A multi-course gourmet breakfast is served at separate tables in the Victorian dining room. A full gluten free breakfast menu is always available. Afternoon refreshments and early evening wine and cheese are offered daily. Bring your favorite four-footed canine pal. Reserve one of five pet friendly rooms. Pamper yourself and book an in-room massage – available in most guest rooms. Are you looking for other winter activities during your visit to New Hampshire’s spectacular White Mountains and Lakes Regions? Venture away from the Inn and enjoy art galleries, fine dining, hiking, historic sites, skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, tax free shopping or simply experience the delightful winter countryside. Inn guests enjoy savings on many winter activities. View the Glynn House website http://www.glynnhouse.com for additional information about the Inn, special offers  and local activities.]]>

Sydney Mardi Gras: Celebrity, Activism and Glitter

Courtney Act - Sydney Mardi Gras Sydney Mardi Gras closed with a glitzy concert with the likes of Courtney Act and Conchita Wurst, the party continuing into the night. The parade had 178 floats and over 12,500 participants marching. Participants included representatives from indigenous Australians and other ethic communities, the police force, political floats and the 78ers – the people who marched for the very first time in 1978, and were brutally attacked by the police. Participants included representatives from indigenous Australians and other ethic communities, the police force, political floats and the 78ers – the people who marched for the very first time in 1978, and were brutally attacked by the police.

By Jack Flanagan – Full Story at Gay Star News

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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

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Enter the Haggis

Enter the Haggis http://glynnhouse.com/events/ Since 1995, Enter The Haggis have led the glynnhse wintercharge among Celtic Folk Rock bands, delighting fans with their memorable performances, inspired songwriting, musical proficiency and high quality recordings. The Toronto-based band has released eight acclaimed studio albums, the most recent debuting at #9 on the U.S. national Billboard Heatseekers charts.   The band’s new single, “Mrs. Elliott”, is a triumphant return to form, showcasing Enter The Haggis’ signature sound and instrumentation.  Enjoy a wonderful evening of Celtic Folk at the Flying Monkey March 18. Book your Flying Monkey accommodation at the romantic Glynn House Inn. Guests enjoy gracious surroundings, delicious food, uncompromising service and genuine hospitality. A multi-course gourmet breakfast is served at separate tables in the Victorian dining room. A full gluten free breakfast menu is always available. Afternoon refreshments and early evening wine and cheese are offered daily. Bring your favorite four-footed canine pal. Reserve one of five pet friendly rooms. Pamper yourself and book an in-room massage. Available in most guest rooms. Are you looking for other winter activities during your visit to New Hampshire’s spectacular White Mountains and Lakes Regions? Venture away from the Inn and enjoy art galleries, dog sled trips, fine dining, hiking, skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and tax free shopping. Or, simply experience the delightful New Hampshire countryside. Inn guests enjoy savings on many winter activities too. View the Glynn House website http://www.glynnhouse.com for additional information about the Inn, special offers  and local activities. Book Your ‘Enter the Haggis’ Accommodation Now http://ao4.availabilityonline.com/availability_search.php?un=glynnhse or call (603) 968 3775.  ]]>