LGBTQ+
A WORLDPRIDE PRIMER: DC event set to celebrate LGBTQ+ unity, diversity, and resilience
By Bryen Dunn/ Washington, D.C. is set to hold WorldPride this year, with events happening throughout the month of May, leading up to the final weekend of parties, parades, and politics taking place throughout the city from June 6 to 8. The event is expected to draw millions of attendees, both local, out of state, and out of country.
WHAT NOW?: Trans activist wants federal guidance on U.S. travel after Trump orders
A prominent trans activist wants Canada to update its travel safety guidelines for the United States following Donald Trump’s executive order limiting gender expression to male or female.
‘IT’S JUST DISGUSTING’: Outrage as Florida ‘erases’ LGBTQ travel section from website
Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and St. Petersburg are among a host of Florida cities that have long championed diversity and been top US destinations for LGBTQ+ tourists. So, it came as a surprise to many this week when it was discovered that Florida’s tourism marketing agency has quietly removed the “LGBTQ Travel” section from its website.
TAKING CONTROL: From planning to personas, LGBTQ+ travellers face increasing challenges
LGBTQ+ travellers continue to face significant challenges, according to new research from Booking.com. The online retailer reports that more than half (63%) of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers have experienced discrimination when travelling – a number that has increased by 10 percent since last year’s ‘Travel Proud’ survey.
ORLANDO TAKES PRIDE IN GAY DAYS
Known for diversity and inclusivity, Orlando has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ tourism dating back to the original Gay Days in 1991. A winning family travel destination in the 2022 “Gay Travel Awards,” the Florida city promotes inclusivity through events, nightlife, and activities that welcome all and embraces the ethos: “the place where dragons, coasters and Pride flags fly.”
GAY DAYS SENDS MESSAGE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people flocked to central Florida on the weekend to go on theme park rides, mingle with costumed performers, dance at all-night parties and lounge poolside at hotels during Gay Days, even though Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers have championed a slew of anti-LGBTQ laws that spurred the most prominent gay rights group in the US to issue a warning that the Sunshine State may no longer be safe.
FEELING THE PRIDE: Orlando kicks off June GayDays
Orlando kicks off Pride Month June 1 with the entire month devoted to showcasing “a diverse community that warmly embraces cultures from all backgrounds coming together (and) remaining a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ visitors.”
TRAVEL BAN MAY END: California adjusts strategy to support LGBTQ
When North Carolina in 2016 banned transgender people from using the bathroom of their gender identity in public buildings, California retaliated by banning state-funded travel to that state and any others with similar laws. But seven years later, following a surge of anti-LGBTQ legislation in mostly Republican-led states, California now bans state-funded travel to nearly half of the US.
DEEPLY TROUBLING’: UN rights chief on Uganda anti-gay bill
The United Nations rights chief on Wednesday urged Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to block an anti-LGBTQ bill that prescribes harsh penalties for some homosexual offenses, including death and life imprisonment.
GAY TRAVEL ‘OSCARS’ NAMES ANNUAL WINNERS
GayTravel.com has named the recipients of its annual Gay Travel Awards for the past year, with 39 inclusive LGBTQ+ winners selected from hundreds of finalists, in categories across the industry spectrum, including hotels, destinations and Pride events.