Still Traveling

By funnyBone

August 20, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

By Thomas Henning

August 20, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

It’s sad to think that there are travel destination anywhere in the world that are “unfriendly” to a group of people for no good reason. It’s maddening to think that many of those places are here in the United States of America, at least for same-sex couples. It’s upsetting how we can even have this conversation online so casually.

If you’re gay or lesbian, you have to choose carefully where to vacation. We risk not only scorn from innkeepers, but violence from other travelers, and even murder by locals. Holiday in Jamaica, anyone?

Consider that if you’re one of those heterosexuals who thinks that being gay is just an interesting bit of “diversity.”

By Kris

August 20, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Funnybone is a perfect example of why it is important for gay travelors to visit locations they know are safe for them. There is clearly a lot of hate in this world and we need to go where we know we are safe and will be treated just like anyone else.

I am gay and married to a wonderful man. My partner and I do chose vacation destinations with great consideration regarding where we will be treated fairly.

Although I think advertising a location to be “so gay” is a bit tacky, it would make me feel the destination is a safe place for gay people/couples to travel.

On a seperate note, I didn’t steel the word “gay” from anyone. I’m 29 years old and that word has been used to refer to homosexual people my entire life. Words, including “gay” and “marriage”, evolve as time goes on. If you had used the word “cool” in 1920, someone might think you were saying it’s chilly outside but in 2008, we know that word can also mean “good” or “nice”.

By Geeo

August 20, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

My partner and I vacation in gay-friendly places as well as other places. I’ve never had a problem, but I’ve never really gone anywhere real red neck. I would consider any major city a gay-friendly destination simply because there are a lot of gay people already living there and the general population is sophisticated enough and know other gay people. I’ve also been to Provincetown and Key West for the uber-gay experience.

By AD

August 20, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Villa Rica, GA

By gAyTL, GA

August 20, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Y’all have some pity for funnyBone. His post isn’t even remotely factual (just check out the history of marriage) so I’m sure he was really just trying to lighten things up and be funny. Heck, he seems pretty carefree and disillusioned himself so let’s be happy that funnyBone is gay in his own way :-)

Anyway, as a gay traveler I actually seek less of the “so gay” places, preferring instead to vacation where ALL visitors feel comfortable enough to experience a different slice of life. Resorts are nice and all but why go to, say, Mexico just so you can stay inside a gay-friendly resort (compound) for a week? That’s basically like going to China and eating nothing but McDonald’s.

So, I am less inclined to choose a “so gay” destination and instead choose one where the natives are civilized enough to be right alongside me and not feel compelled to stare, be rude, or worse.

And about travel spots in the South for gays/lesbians, Atlanta and New Orleans are just fine. But South Carolina??? Pity the poor Londoner who responds to the “South Carolina is so gay” ad and books a trip. Hopefully he/she quickly learns that Atlanta is an easy drive so that the vacation can be salvaged.

Other good gay-friendly places in the South to visit include cities in Florida like Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa/St. Petersburg. The Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area of North Caroline is nice, too, but I wouldn’t venture too far outside of it.

By Patrick ONeill

August 20, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Yes there are good vacation spots for gays, and very bad ones.

Provincetown = good, Jamaica = bad.

And the advertisement for South Carolina was deceptive - they should have never run it if they actually cared about gay travellers.

By David

August 20, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Even though it is not in the “South”, Many Gay Atlantans travel up north to Chicago. Boystown is one of the best gay districts in the world. The city and state are both gay friendly. Mix the wonderful nightlife, with great gay beaches, shopping and worldclass resturants, then throw in tours of the best architecture in the states, you can see why people flock to Chicago. It’s my number one city.

By Sean

August 20, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

I travel a lot for business and fun. Here’re my lists of some places:

My favorite Gay Friendly Places:

NOLA Portland, OR Austin, TX Key West Chicago NYC Philly Vancouver, BC London Paris Amsterdam Barcelona

Very Friendly but not a “fun” destination:

Houston Dallas Minneapolis Raleigh-Durham Charlotte Nashville Washington, DC Seattle,WA Las Vegas

Overated “fun” destinations:

San Francisco West Hollywood Palm Springs Provincetown Ft. Lauderdale Italy/Greece

Places to Avoid:

Richmond, VA Memphis, Anywhere in UTAH Anywhere in the Carribean…with Bahammas ans Jamaica as the most intolerant

Places I would like to go that have gay friendly reputations:

Vermont Buenas Aries Berlin Sydney

By STEVE LEONG

August 20, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

My boyfriend and I love traveling. That is one of the things that brought us together. We really love Japan, despite it not being listed as a Gay travel destination. The Japanese people are very friendly, and non-judgemental. The place is immaculately clean, and every scene is right out of a postcard.

It’s too bad that there are so many places in the southern, and mid western United States that are unfriendly to anyone who is not a Straight White Christian. That leaves out a good portion of the world… and forgive me if I’m wrong, but didn’t GOD…create (all) the people of the world, including GAYS? So much time, money, and hurtful results are put into stopping “Gay’s rights”, when we could all work together, and use this money to heal the poverty, pain, and suffering in the world! That certainly ain’t what Jesus would do!

Happy traveling to the friendly places in the world. Friendly people, makes even un-interesting places, wonderful!

Steve Leong

By Bob

August 20, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Guess I’ll be going to Memphis this fall.

By Straight without the Hate

August 20, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Fools and tools like FunnyBone, Mark and Bob truly give most straight people a bad name. Please go thump your bibles where someone cares, like in your trailer parks.

Enough about that. My girlfriend and I just spent a week in Provincetown and it was a blast. Great food, outstanding watering holes and much nicer and cleaner than many Cape Cod rentals.

By Traveler

August 20, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Hershey, PA.

By Ryan Watkins

August 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

As a straight male, I would most likely avoid gay-exclusive destinations when I traveled. Ideally, the GLBT community would be accepted for what they cannot change and openly welcomed into all destinations.

Oh, and as a former South Carolinian, I can tell you, if ‘SC is so Gay’ means openly degrading, ridiculing and persecuting homosexuals, SC is the gayest place on earth.

By TimP

August 20, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Please don’t place all people of faith in with a few ignorant fools who spew hate. Hate isn’t taught in the Bible - I don’t care what you have been told. If you would actualy crack one open and read it, you could see that for yourself. You don’t have to agree with someone’s lifestyle, choices, or preferences in order to be kind and respectful. I can disagree witout resorting to hate or violence.

By Jessie

August 20, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Ideally, the GLBT community would be accepted for what they cannot change and openly welcomed into all destinations.

A very good comment…Ryan. I wish all people had your perspective in life.

By TimP

August 20, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Several misspelled words in my previous post. Sorry!

By Joan

August 20, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Hey “Straight without the Hate”: you are right, all bible thumping Christians live in trailer parks. You are the obvious fool. I only hope you see the truth before its too late.

By Pierce Randall

August 20, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

“By Kris

August 20, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Funnybone is a perfect example of why it is important for gay travelors to visit locations they know are safe for them. There is clearly a lot of hate in this world and we need to go where we know we are safe and will be treated just like anyone else.”

Kris, I agree with you, except part of me would take pleasure thinking that, on some godforsaken, man-made, redneck resort lake in North Georgia, some day, there will be a gay camping trip rubbing social progress in the face of “Funnybone” and giving him (her?) the visceral reaction of their life.

One day….

By Rusty

August 20, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Someone please explain the definition of “gay pride” to me. Pride comes from accomplishment. Being gay is not an accomplishment. Same goes for “black/white pride”. “Say it loud,I’m black and I’m proud”. Proud of what? Being born a certain race or of differing sexual preferences is not an accomplishment of any kind, so enough with the “_ pride” crap. Ya’ll look attention starved.

By E

August 20, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

This is why Georgians built 285, to keep the unwanted imports inside. Please stay inside in your fairy land. You are not welcome out here in the real world.

By Pro

August 20, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

http://wwwb.dot.ga.gov/operations/maintenance/restareas/restarea.shtml

By Kristin

August 20, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/resources/stories/2008/03/13/TRgogays_0316.html

By Tired of it all

August 20, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Homosexual “community,” get over yourself. Heterosexual “community,” get over yourself too. I think about 99% of the population is sick and tired of hearing about all of your agendas, what is friendly to one group or another, and who has a “right” that someone else doesn’t have. And that goes to all my hetero brothers and sisters out there too! Stop defining yourself as a member of some “community.” Your sexual orientation probably makes up less than 5% of who you are, and isn’t that really the only difference we’re hung up on? It has nothing to do with what kind of employee, friend, neighbor, sister, or brother you are. I don’t care if you want to dress up like Batman and jump off the dresser. It has nothing to do with me. Stop dwelling on the 5% and focus on the 95%. And to all my fellow bible thumpers (although I don’t live in a trailer though), stop focusing on this one aspect of the human experience. We all fall short, and probably more than 5%. And to the rest, stop defining yourself as the 5%, drop the bumper stickers and parades, and I think we’ll all get along better.

By Rodney

August 20, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

I’ve done both, the “so-gay” spots and the “not-so-gay” spots.

I LOVE New Orleans, LA. It’s a high-gay place, too - maybe not like SanFran (not my kinda thing except to eat) but still.

I love Philly, too. Visit about twice a year - have friends who are big stays in the gayborhood (Center City).

I’ve been to Provincetown, MA a few times and really enjoy it BUT, we typically go when it isn’t “high-gay” time. The first year I went was during their Pride festival and THAT was crazy, but other times have been really relaxing and nice.

Atlanta used to be a great spot for GLBT folks to visit but lately, well, I don’t know. Seems as if the city has changed quite a bit in the last few years. I certainly wouldn’t say “hey y’all come here for some gay old times” but hey …

As for where in the South to go, again, NOLA is a favorite of mine. Plus there’s a number of gay-oriented sites that feature hotels, B&Bs and the like that cater to GLBTs, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing vacay.

If not, head to NYC. :)

By Jerry

August 20, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Well I know the vacation spots I will not be going to! The AJC should be ashamed of itself for running articles such as this. Does this “newspaper” (and I use the term loosely), ever run every day, normal, family oriented blogs or news stories any more? God forbid we have to read about some rapper on a daily basis getting arrested, now I guess it will be that and lots of articles creeping in about the homosexual community. How disgusting! No wonder this paper keeps losing readers.

By john

August 20, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

I would avoid taking my family to any homosexual friendly “spot”.

By Lily Toad

August 20, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

How sad that a travel column brings out the hateful nuts. I believe the question was “If you are gay would you…” Not what do you think of gay people.

That being said, I don’t think that much about going on a gay friendly vacation. I go where I’m interested in going, but I wouldn’t go to Jamaica because gay bashing is prevalent and not prosecuted. I’ve been to non-gay B&B’s with my girlfriend and was not bothered by anyone. I think society as a whole is more tolerant of same sex couples, so I don’t need to seek out a gay friendly place to stay. If I’m going somewhere with a lesbian-owned B&B I’ll stay there to support fellow lesbians.

By CommunistAJC

August 20, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Butts County, GA? Cumming, GA?

Yeah, I know, that was a bad joke.

By J Moore

August 20, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

The only place that comes to mind is HELL !!!

By GM31

August 20, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

BIg Bone Lick State Park, Kentucky

By meshewanna

August 20, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

I hear Jasper Georgia is so lovely along with Fitzgerald Georgia are so welcoming of free lifestyles..

By Biblicus

August 20, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Keep your perverted, deviant lifestyle within I-285. San Francisco and Key West can have your money !

By Mike Vick

August 20, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Eyes think Leavenworth, Kansas as a site for, you know, gay loving is O-Tay!

By middleagedwhiteguy

August 20, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Come to Athens GA. You can be on the Football team.

By Margo

August 21, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Look, it’s like restaurants and bars - I don’t want to go to a place that caters to small kids when I’ve left my own at home with a sitter and I’m not too keen on sports bars - people generally know restaurants in their home town, on vacation not so well. I personally prefer to avoid crowds of homosexuals and lesbians - an article like this with the info from the other readers is very helpful to me. It would decrease my enjoyment of my vacation if I was in the middle of a crowd of homosexuals, after planning and paying for the vacation I can afford I have a few expectations - I’m not going out looking for a hook-up and I’m not interested in having to see exhibitionist behavior from gays cutting loose on their vacation. Sorry to generalize, but I hope you can appreciate that I’d prefer to be around people who are like-minded - the same for you. Thanks.

By WTF

August 21, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

Please AJC. As a gay man I can see when you are baiting your far right, extremist audience. All this “article” is designed to do is stir up the anti-gay idiots who “read” this “paper.” What is the point of this? what are you trying to prove AJC? Just bring out the hatemongers? Well GREAT JOB idiots… it worked…

By Tom

August 21, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

Of course, I’d go to “so gay” travel destinations. And, I’d take the kids. Don’t know what’s wrong with you bigots that you’re afraid to go there. Think it might be catching? But I certainly wouldn’t go to South Carolina. It’s full of bigots, and I’d be afraid for our safety. We’re a straight couple, but I simply don’t trust the deep south.

By FTW

August 21, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

Oh WTF shut up!!

AJC Blogs Black bash every day of the week. I wonder if you come out here and whine as loudly about that??

By McTaggert

August 21, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

I try to be a good dad, but even so, I’ve been noticing this family drifting apart. We don’t talk as much at the dinner table. We don’t spend Sunday nights playing Clue as often as we used to. Our set of matching fishing poles is just collecting dust in the closet. I think this family needs to take a nice day trip. I know Bryan wants to go to the aviation museum, and Hilary loves the petting zoo in Greenwood, but I’ve got a better idea. I keep hearing about this “Glory Hole” up at the state park, and it sounds like just the thing. I was going to clean out the garage this weekend, but the chance to commune with nature, standing in front of a Glory Hole, sounds far more alluring. Before you know it, the kids will be going off to college. I want them to see some amazing sights while they’re still young. Some parents don’t care about providing their children with an education, but it’s important to me. A trip to see this Glory Hole might be even more enlightening than our recent trip to Ruby Ridge and the Porcupine Mountains. Before we leave, I’ll do some research on the Internet, to get some details. I’ll find out if we should bring any supplies, like flashlights or rope. I wonder if we need to pack a lunch. I’d hate to get all the way to the Glory Hole and find out that there’s nothing to munch on for miles. We can bring some protein bars either way. How did I hear about the Glory Hole? Well, when I took Skipper to get his nails clipped, I overheard one of the groomers talking about it to Don, who had his poodle in for a shampoo. The groomer said the Glory Hole was “mind-blowing,” and Don said he was definitely going to check it out. When I asked them about it, they clammed up. They always seem to be clued-in to the newest restaurants and art museums, so I’ll bet they wanted to keep the Glory Hole a secret. Well, for once, the McTaggerts are in the know! This Glory Hole must be really something, if people are so reluctant to talk about it. I remember being the same way when I found that great sub shop on Oberlin Avenue. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that this Glory Hole is something I won’t be able to keep to myself. Hold on to your seats for some great vacation photos! A few guys at the gym had great things to say about the Glory Hole, but as soon as I told them I was taking my wife and kids, they didn’t want to talk about it anymore. I had to wheedle the guy who works at the gas station to get him to draw me a map. He told me that there aren’t any highway signs leading to the Glory Hole, and said I should head straight to the park’s rest station. If I keep my ears open, he said, I’ll find the right spot. When I told the gas-station attendant that it would be my first time over on that side of the park, he warned me to be careful. He said things can get a little rough. Well, I told him that I love getting out there with the wild animals. I don’t know anything about the Glory Hole, but I think it’s thrilling to be out there in the dense underbrush, not knowing what’s around the next bend. I’m ready and willing to explore. Yep, I can’t wait to hit Highway 87 with a cooler full of ice-cold Capri Sun. It’s only a two-hour drive. The kids and I can have some fun in the car, singing songs and playing games, while my wife takes a nap to rest up for all the activity at the park. Then we can all pile out and blow off a little steam. When the kids get home from school, I’ll tell them to put on their old clothes, so they don’t have to worry about getting dirty. After all is said and done, I bet they’ll be talking about our trip to the Glory Hole for years to come.

By WTF

August 21, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Oh I see FTW…. and that makes it alright. You are the perfect example of idiocy.

By Edward

August 21, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Anyone who questions why people the world over consider the American “South” to be filled with bigots and ignorants have no farther to look that these sad examples responding to this blog entry. And before the typical “why don’t you leave” retort is spewed, I do plan to leave. After living here and enjoying Atlanta for over 20 years, sadly in the last few years an element of hate and bigotry hiding behind religion has produced an environment that is increasingly distasteful and incompatible with intelligent and harmonious existence. I would never recommend anywhere near here as a destination for visiting friends.

By Kimberly

August 21, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Ok, i spent my whole lunch hour reading this. My partner and i go wherever we want to go. granted we live in NY and it is safe, but even so, i will not seclude myself to a gay vacation. i am just like anyone else. we do the same things, we shop and own a house and will raise a family. no one should be bothered by seeing a secure happy family on vacation, gay or not. its no ones business