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. MORE
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.” MORE
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. MORE
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. MORE
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. MORE
LATE PRIDE PARADE CANCELLATION INVESTIGATED
Pride Montreal, the organization that runs the city's annual celebration of LGBTQ communities, is conducting an internal investigation after it abruptly cancelled the official Pride parade on Sunday just hours before it was to take place. MORE
LOUD AND PROUD
Amsterdam event returns after two years
Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined Amsterdam’s historic canals on the weekend to celebrate Canal Parade, a Pride flotilla of 80 brightly decorated boats packed with people partying, singing, and waving rainbow flags, balloons, and umbrellas. MORE
FCM will be hosting a live webinar on Wednesday (June 29) to culminate its “FCM Travels with Pride” campaign. Featuring industry experts and LGBTQ+ advocates, the free webinar will include insights about LGBTQ+ corporate traveller needs, resources for building an inclusive and intersectional travel program, as well as the opportunity for attendees to submit questions. MORE
TRAVEL PROUD
The reality of LGBTQ travel today
As Canadians celebrate Pride Month in June, new research from digital travel platform Booking.com reveals that 83% of Canadian LGBTQ travellers have experienced less than welcoming, or uncomfortable, experiences when travelling. At the same time, there are promising signs of change, with close to 90% also that the majority of their travel experiences are good. MORE
SAN FRANCISCO GOES ALL OUT FOR PRIDE
While diversity and inclusiveness are celebrated all year in San Francisco, the city goes all out in June for Pride Month with one of the largest Pride parades in North America and festivals, parties, and performances celebrating LGTBQ+ community and culture. MORE
WHERE TO CELEBRATE FLORIDA PRIDE
Despite some of its politicians, Florida takes pride in its status as a premiere LGBTQ-friendly travel destination, so it’s not surprising that the Sunshine state takes on a rainbow hue in June during Pride Month. As such, there are plenty of events planned across the state, from the Panhandle to the southern tip at Key West; here’s a look at some of them: MORE
STRATEGIES FOR LGBTQ TOURISM
Prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion
A new report from the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation (IGLTA) unpacks some of the key approaches to boosting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the tourism industry – and why it matters. And the report, “DEI Strategies for a Stronger Global Tourism Industry” is now available as a free resource for the travel trade. MORE
R FAMILY VACATIONS
Where Everyone Under the Rainbow Is Welcome
R Family Vacations was founded in 2003 by travel veterans Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli Carpenter as the first company to create vacations specifically for LGBTQ families and friends. The company has since expanded to offer many adult-only trips, including river cruise charters, tours, resort vacations and large group cruises. Demographics tend to be evenly split between genders, and everyone is openly welcomed. MORE
PRIDE IN NEW STATUS
VoX International is now Rainbow Registered
VoX International has announced its status as an officially Rainbow Registered organization. The destination marketing and PR firm says it is committed to inclusivity in all aspects of the travel industry and pledges to further adopt inclusive business practices moving forward. VoX recognizes the value of the LGBTQ+ traveller and believes there is a strong obligation to promote and encourage inclusivity. MORE
‘IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE PASSED’
Disney says it will help repeal Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
The Walt Disney Company issued a statement this week saying it will help repeal Florida’s controversial legislation, “Don’t Say Gay” bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. MORE
MUCH MORE THAN A PALACE AND A PIER
Brighton has lots to offer
At first glance Brighton may seem like a typical British seaside town - but even in a short visit to this quirky, appealing resort you’ll discover plenty to see and do. Brighton has no shortage of attractions: The iconic Brighton Pier of course, and the opulent, Indian-inspired Brighton Pavilion – a palace built in the 1700s by a young Prince (later King) George as a decadent retreat from his London lifestyle. There are interesting museums and art, a beautiful beach, excellent restaurants, and plenty of pubs to relax and quench your thirst after an afternoon of shopping in the boho boutiques of the Lanes. Brighton Pride is hugely popular and is just one of the attractions for LGBT visitors. MORE
SOUTHEAST SUMMIT SEEKS DIVERSITY, UNITY IN TRAVEL
Tourism leaders from across the Southeast are gathering in Atlanta this week to explore more ways of incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into their travel planning. State tourism officials and groups from Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Virginia are among those in attendance at the 2022 Travel Unity Summit Southeast Tuesday through Friday in Brookhaven, Georgia. MORE
PUTTING THEIR MONEY WHERE THEIR MOUTH IS
Disney takes on DeSantis over LGBTQ Bill
Proving that it doesn’t just pay lip service to issues it believes in, Walt Disney Co. is suspending its political donations in Florida after the company's CEO received huge blowback for not using Disney's vast influence in the state to try to quash a recently passed Republican bill that would prevent teachers from instructing early grades on LGBTQ issues. The bill has sparked a spat between Florida's tourism giant and Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who responded curiously by accusing Disney of being friendly with communist China. MORE
ZOOM VACATIONS
Feeding The Heart, Soul, and Mind of Gay Travellers
Zoom Vacations have been the experts in small luxury gay group travel since 2002. Whether it's cooking in the private home of a famous Brazilian chef, getting blessed by a real Inca shaman in a temple of Machu Picchu, or entering a private African Party on the banks of the Zambezi River by elephant back, Zoom Vacations brings unmatched experiences, showing travellers more than just a good time. They created global vacations that feed the heart, soul, and mind of each client. MORE
FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE
Major events set to return to Toronto
Toronto will resume hosting large in-person events and festivals after two years of limiting public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city's mayor said on Friday. John Tory said major events, including Pride, Taste of the Danforth, and the Toronto International Film Festival, will return in-person over the coming months. MORE