July 4th at The Pines, Fire Island

It's not a quiet little sandbar when it lights up for the July 4th holiday. And on the island, the celebration lasts for a full week. The Pavilion is open every night for your dancing desires. The top New York DJs are in town for the weekend, with Junior spinning Fever on Saturday night and the amazing Tony Moran spinning Sunday night. Tea dance DJs include Super Dave, Randy Bettis, Lina and Joe Gauthreaux.

Check it out: http://www.thepinesfireisland.com

Cook County supports Gay Games in Chicago

The Cook County Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to support Gay Games VII and to welcome athletes, artists and fans to the event scheduled for Chicago July 15-22, 2006. Included in the resolution was a specific “thank you” to the sponsors of the Gay Games, including Harris Bank and Kraft Foods who have both been recently targeted by right-wing extremists.

The resolution was proposed by Commissioner Mike Quigley (photo at right). A long-time supporter of issues important to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, Quigley represents Cook County’s 10th district, a diverse north lakefront district that includes many neighborhoods with high concentrations of LGBT citizens and businesses.
Cook County is home to 5.3 million people living in 133 cities and towns, including the City of Chicago.

“The Cook County Board of Commissioners is delighted to welcome the Gay Games to Chicago next year,” said Quigley. “We share the same goals as the Gay Games movement – the creation of a community that is free of bigotry in all of its forms. The County Board extends its congratulations and appreciation to the organizers and sponsors of the 2006 Gay Games. We look forward to welcoming athletes, artists and fans from throughout the world to a county that appreciates the cultural, social and economic contributions of the LGBT community.”

18th Annual Awesome August Party

This year's 17th annual Awesome August Party Weekend will be held in Palm Springs and Cathedral City, California August 11th to the 14th, 2005.

There will be many parties planned throughout the weekend at the participating hotels: C.C.B.C, The Villa, and Desert Palms Inn. Room rates for partygoers are starting at $49 a night with a 3rd night free if you mention this party at time of reservations. Host bars and other venues including: Toucans, Ground Zero, Streetbar, Sidewinders, Tool Shed, Heaven, The Leather Smith and are ready for a big party weekend. Entertainers will come from all over the country, but mostly from Las Vegas.

Nearly all participating bars or restaurants will be giving discounts all weekend with your weekend pass. Free passes can be obtained at: www.All2Gay.com on the Awesome August page or $2 at the door. Premium Passes are also available.

Free entry for those with weekend passes. And don't forget to stop off at the hospitality suite.

For all the info, check out www.All2Gay.com and for Palm Springs accommodations, bars, etc, visit: http://www.travelgayzette.com/palmsprings.htm

We were named "Best Gay News Blog"

We were named "Best Gay News Blog" today in Best Gay Blogs.

Thanks guys! We appreciate that. We work hard and it's nice to see that people appreciate what we do.

Pride Paris 2005

Gay Pride Paris 2005 was as wild as you would expect. Here are a couple of hotties in the parade. For more pics, click here.

July 4th Freedom Concert and Ball

With only days to go before the landmark HIV/AIDS awareness event and fundraiser, the Philadelphia Freedom Concert and Ball, headlined by Elton John on July 4 in Philadelphia, organizers announced the addition of Broadway star Bruce Vilanch and comedic actor Wayne Brady as co-hosts for the event, and sports legend Billie Jean King as a presenter. The three join a line up that includes Canadian rock n' roll icon Bryan Adams (the first artist to open the American side of Live Aid in Philadelphia), R&B diva Patti Labelle, broadcasting legend Walter Cronkite, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

With an expected audience of 1.5 million, the Sunoco Philadelphia Freedom Concert is slated to be the largest, free outdoor HIV/AIDS awareness event ever held. Scheduled to kick off at 8:25 p.m. in front of the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, capped by a fireworks display, the event will be preceded by the Philadelphia Freedom Ball fundraiser, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the main atrium of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, featuring appearances by the celebrity performers. Tickets to the Ball, as well as VIP tickets to the concert, are still available. Proceeds from the event will support the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which raises global awareness and resources for HIV/AIDS prevention and care services, and the Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund, which will allocate funds to Philadelphia region HIV/AIDS service provider organizations. Funds are being raised through sponsorship, tickets to the Ball and concessions at the event.

Tickets to the Philadelphia Freedom Ball range from $1,000 - $2,500 per person, and are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis as quantity is limited. VIP Concert tickets are available for $500. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-917-4389 or by visiting http://www.phillyfreedom.net. For travel information and special Philly Freedom Hotel packages, visit http://www.gophila.com .

Atlanta has its own gay travel book

Although many gay travel guides exist, none are dedicated exclusively to Atlanta – one of the the south's largest gay capitals. Finally, however, two friends who grew up in Atlanta together and who have lived in the city for over twenty years have written the city's very first gay travel book.

Jordan McAuley, the book's co-author (along with childhood friend Matt Burkhalter), says the two found new gay destinations to explore while writing "ATLANTAboy: An Insider's Guide to Gay Atlanta". "We decided to make them 'Insider Tips' in the book," he says. For example:

* The AIDS Memorial Quilt is housed and based in a warehouse near Midtown. Visitors can even call or stop by for a free tour.
* The cemetery where Margaret Mitchell (who wrote "Gone With the Wind") is buried.
* The location of the home in"Driving Miss Daisy".
* The two lead stars of "Queer As Folk" – Gale Harold (Brian Kinney) and Randy Harrison (Justin Taylor) – are both from Atlanta. No wonder they click so well.
* Alan Ball, who wrote "American Beauty" and created HBO’s "Six Feet Under," based both these hits on his experiences while growing up in Marietta (a suburb of Atlanta).
* The restaurant (that used to be a house) where Margaret Mitchell really wrote "Gone With the Wind".
* Fashion icon Kenneth Cole studied at Emory University.

"ATLANTAboy" has also garnered the attention of local gay celebrities. Drag diva Charlie Brown, who headlines her own cabaret at Underground Atlanta, wrote the introduction. And Bubba D. Licious, named Out magazine's "Hottest Drag Queen," wrote the foreword. The book has attracted the attention of local businesses as well.

"ATLANTAboy" will be available everywhere books are sold.

Ft. Lauderdale's Red Ball Weekend

Red Ball Events, Inc. has announced that two more superstars have signed on to perform and help out the kids during Ft. Lauderdale's Red Ball Weekend , August 18 - 21, 2005.

Disco Diva Sherese will perform her dance remake of the 1980's Air Supply song "All Out Of Love" at the Manhunt Pool Party on Saturday, August 20 at the host guesthouse, The Villa Venice Resort.

On Sunday, August 21 at the Main Event, the mega-hit singing group "Will To Power" will perform their #1 Billboard topping hits "Dreamin' " and "Say it's Gonna Rain".

Advance regular Red Ball tickets are $45 and Advance Manhunt Pool Party tickets are $20 and are available at the Pride Factory in Fort Lauderdale and at Gay Mart in Wilton Manors as well as online. These prices will increase at the door if tickets are available. VIP tickets which come with express entry at events, a gift bag, an invitation to the Private VIP/Sponsor reception at Circuit Bar, VIP areas and open Bar at certain events for $100 can only be purchased through the web site at Circuiticket.com . "Tickets are selling fast, especially the VIP passes, we only have a certain amount to sell, once they are gone that's it, we do not oversell our events" said the Red Ball staff, "Through the Circuiticket.com web site we have so far sold tickets as far away as London, Hawaii, and Maine, and from the looks of things, we are expecting Red Ball 2005 to be a sellout".

More information on the weekend can be found at http://www.redballftl.com/
For Ft. Lauderdale accommodations, bars, clubs, etc., please visit:
http://travelgayzette.com/ftlauderdale.htm

Gay Golf Association Launched

With their website, http://www.gaygolfassociation.com, as the focal point, the GGA has designed an easy-to-follow format for joining and playing within what amounts to an outdoor social club, whether the user is an expert, a novice, or merely "Golf-Curious."

Bartenders/owners, church leaders, innkeepers, even therapists have the opportunity through the GGA to network and promote their enterprises by joining as Members or becoming local League Captains. The GGA's ambitious, entertaining website offers simple, step-by-step resources for joining or organizing a League. All the tools are there to bring those thirsty players in and beef up a weekday happy hour, raise non-profit charity funds by galvanizing a group of golfers, or even to use a League as a platform to teach Zen and the art of golfcart maintanence!

"We've seen individual gay golf leagues here and there across the country," explains founder Richard Ray Harris, "but, mostly, they seem to cater to people who already know the game - people in the same social clique who happen to get together. And often, those we've seen are expensive to join. Golf can be a little intimidating - it's had an unfair reputation as being stodgy. So, we wanted to create something that's really accessible, fun and inviting to everyone."

To that end, the Gay Golf Association is free to join as a Member, and one can learn the game in the privacy of her or his own home through the GGA website and newsletters. Members also receive regular updates on new Leagues opening in their area, and national contests and events are in the works. League Captains are advised to include and help anyone who wants to be on a team.

Become a free member here: http://www.gaygolfassociation.com/Join_the_GGA_FREE.htm

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons; for women only

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Enjoy two of America's most stunning national parks with Olivia Backroads in the company of women.

Boasting some of the country's most awe-inspiring, spirit-lifting natural wonders, the landscape seems everywhere to proclaim its dominion. The relentless power of nature is displayed in the gash of a canyon, the serrated skyline of mountain peaks, and the ground that bubbles, boils and fumes. Softening these dramatic edges are cool forests, rivers and mountain lakes that harbor a variety of wildlife.

This six-day multisport adventure allows you to take in this grandeur from just about every perspective. Pedal past Yellowstone's steaming hot springs on your way to Old Faithful; then hike around the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Take to the water in an agile kayak and scan the lakeshore for signs of moose or beaver; then hike to some of Grand Tetons' glacier-carved lakes. A mountain bike ride through Bridger Teton National Forest brings us into the heart of the forest, and finally, we spin alongside the Teton Range to the southern end of the park.

From July 19 through 24, 2005, this is the place to cool your soul. For information, please click here.

NaviGAYtion in Belgium

Red & Blue, the leading gay club and Independent Concerts are proud to present the third edition of NaviGAYtion on August 13, 2005 in Antwerp, Belgium.

After last year’s success we are convinced that Antwerp has gained an excellent reputation with the gay public and is in no way inferior to cities such as London, Barcelona, Cologne or Milan. This reputation was confirmed by the 11,600 visitors who joined in last year for NaviGAYtion as well as by the success of Red & Blue, which has been attracting gays from all over the world for the last eight years to party through the night in Antwerp.

NaviGAYtion and its new party concept, which is recognized worldwide, will be back again this year. The city and its port are a dream setting to create an authentic gay party with allure, on and around the River Scheldt. NaviGAYtion wants to offer gays from all over Europe the chance to discover this port city in a fun and swinging manner, at the Steenplein (100 meters from the city market) or aboard one of the many party boats navigating the Scheldt, while dancing to the vibes of some of the best international DJs. It will be more than just a party; this is a mega event where music, dance, fun, show, cruising and sailing will inspire the biggest gay party by and on the water!

The river cruises will last 1,5 hours after which you have the option of staying on board and continuing the experience or going aboard another ship to discover other DJs. Or maybe you’d prefer to lounge around the Steenplein festival grounds and let your sea legs have a rest.
After midnight Red & Blue will adapt the evening’s programme to NaviGAYtion. Men only, as is always the case on Saturdays.

Tickets can be obtained from various channels, including Teleticketservice or through the website http://www.NaviGAYtion.be . If your coming from the U.S., it will be easy to purchase a ticket in advance.

Stonewall Pride in Wilton Manors

As usual, Wilton Manors, Florida, was the place to be yesterday. The annual Stonewall Parade and Street Fair was as wild as ever. Wilton Manors is a nice gay small town right in the center of Ft. Lauderdale. It's an amazing place and very down to earth and fun.

Lynn and Alex from "The Amazing Race" were part of the parade as well as all the fun and freaky people who know how to have a good time and throw a wild party.

For lots more pictures, click here.

Stonewall Street Fair

Today is the Stonewall Street Fair in Wilton Manors (Ft. Lauderdale), FL.

We'll be there taking pictures for the blog. If you'll be there, look for us. We'll post your picture this week.

Mass Gov. invited to Family Week

Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Pride Coalition, Friday, invited Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney to attend the group's annual Family Week event in Provincetown, Mass. Family Pride is the only national organization exclusively dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents and their families.

Gov. Romney recently announced his endorsement of a grassroots effort in Massachusetts to pass a ban on same-sex marriage in Massachusetts in 2008. He had previously stated his support for a compromise measure that would ban marriage, but provide civil unions for same-sex couples. According to an article in the Boston Globe, Romney has again aligned himself with bishops from the Roman Catholic Church, who issued a statement that said, in part, "To remain effective as society's primary institution for ensuring the well-being of children, marriage must be understood by government as a commitment involving one man and one woman."

"Using children to argue against providing legal protections for families has now become an old trick," Chrisler said. "All the leading child welfare organizations have supported LGBT parents, and know that children are best served when they have a safe, stable and predictable home life with loving and caring parents. Our families provide that."

In response, Chrisler has issued an invitation to Gov. Romney's office to attend Family Pride's 10th annual Family Week in Provincetown, Mass. July 30-Aug. 6, encouraging the Governor to spend time with the families this effort would attack.

New Orleans and Southern Decadence '05

Steam! Steam on the streets, Steam off the men! It's hot and sultry, just the way you like it! Southern Decadence the largest outdoor circuit event in the country returns to the streets of New Orleans' historic French Quarter in front of Oz nightclub Labor Day weekend (September 1 - 5, 2005).

Over 100,000 men will pile into the club and overflow onto the sidewalk this year. And it's hot, so sparse clothing is the dress code. Join the annual Southern Decadence parade Sunday afternoon as it crawls through the sizzling streets of the French Quarter, but make your party headquarters and parade stopping point New Orleans' World Famous Gay Dance Club - Oz.

In addition to the amazing team of resident DJs, Mary Pappas, Raymond Mattix, Sandro Rey, Chris Finland, Ellis Ranko and Tim Pflueger, superstar circuit DJs Barry Harris, Manny Lehman, Tracy Young and Alyson Calagna will take to the tables at Oz and keep you hotter than hot on the dance floor! Mystical lighting effects by Johnny Eubanks and Parker.

Become an Oz VIP for the weekend. Order your Oz Southern Decadence pass on-line for express entry --- no waiting in long lines --- each night of the weekend. Passes can be purchased at OzNewOrleans.com, if any are left, they'll be available for purchase at the club Labor Day weekend. These passes have sold out for the past 5 years, don't wait to order yours!

The latest information can be found at www.OzNewOrleans.com, or by calling 504-593-9491.

Great Deal at Gay Days Tampa Bay Host Hotel

Casting its dramatic reflection onto the waters of Tampa Bay stands the newest, largest and most striking hotel in the area. The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina stands tall as the Official Host Hotel of Gay Days Tampa Bay 2005. With breathtaking views of the Tampa skyline and Channelside Port, the hotel is strategically located within walking distance of the Florida Aquarium, site of the second annual "Gay Day At The Florida Aquarium".

In a grand gesture of support, The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina is offering a near 50% discount on standard room rates to celebrate the event. For a limited time, rooms can be booked for just $79.00 per night. Due to limited availability, reservations are recommended immediately via www.GayDaysTampaBay.com or by calling Marriott at 1-800-228-9290.

On Saturday September 3, 2005 in a sea of red shirts, Gay & Lesbian visitors will descend on the jungles of Busch Gardens and the wild waters of Adventure Island. Visitors will have something new in store this year as Busch Gardens unveils "Sheikra". Widely considered the most unique new rollercoaster in the world, Sheikra is 200 feet up and 90 degrees straight down! Sunday boasts the color blue as attendees cool their tans from the previous day at the Florida Aquarium. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida welcomes the GLBT community with open arms at the Second Annual "Gay Day At The Florida Aquarium" - conveniently located within walking distance of the host hotel. Special discounted tickets are available exclusively at www.GayDaysTampaBay.com

Volunteer with SLDN at Pride Festivals Across the Country

Volunteer to help Service members Legal Defense Network (SLDN) staff their Booth at Pride Festivals Across the Country. If you live in, or will be visiting any of the cities below during this year's Pride festivities, please consider volunteering to help staff SLDN's booth.

Staffing a booth is a great opportunity to help lift the ban, help service members impacted by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and to meet new and interesting people.

Volunteer duties typically include distributing information and materials and helping with booth set-up and tear down.

For more information, or to volunteer, email kaa@sldn.org , indicating in the subject line which city you'd like to help staff. SLDN is currently looking for volunteers in the following cities:

ATLANTA: June 24-26 - COLORADO SPINGS: July 17 - HONOLULU: June 25 - LANSING: June 25 - PROVIDENCE: June 18 - SAN DIEGO: July 30-31 - SEATTLE: June 25-26

Online Travel Agency Takes Twist on Gay Pride

eDIRP.com (that's pride spelled backwards), launched earlier this year to offer members of the GLBT community an online travel company solely dedicated to their needs. The company also pledges to raise awareness of the inequalities faced by the community and donate 10% of profits to organizations focused on GLBT equal rights issues.

The company's website features online booking systems for gay-friendly hotels, last minute deals, flights, cars and cruises, as well as a searchable database of travel options and destination information geared for the gay travel market. Agreements with major travel suppliers enable eDIRP.com to compete directly with other online travel agencies. In addition to its self-serve online booking options, the company offers traditional travel services by phone through its reservation center in Dallas, Texas. It is an authorized agent for the community's leading gay and lesbian cruise and tour operators and all other major travel suppliers.

"Our community spends approximately $54 billion on travel each year, much of which goes to corporations that do very little when it comes to standing up for our issues in Washington,?" CW Kemp, owner said. "The surge in anti-gay legislation is one of the factors that drove us into business, and we will continue to do everything we can to help counter those efforts."

eDIRP.com Travel Inc.may be accessed at: http://www.edirp.com . Custom leisure and business travel services are available by calling toll free 1-888-334-7739.

Bi Men Travel Network

Bi men usually feel left out. They want to travel to gay destinations, but they feel they don't fit in.

The Bi Men Network is the answer, a free worldwide social and support organization for bisexual men, bi-curious males, gay men, and bi couples. The network is free and there are currently over 250,000 members. Check it out here.

Montreal - Quebec Nature Stay

This weekly journey is so eclictic, we don't know where to start. But just the fact that you can spend a hot summer week in cool, quirky Canada, it is worth looking into.

From August-August 09, 2005 go shopping, discover Monreal's gourmet pleasures or go sky diving or river kayaking. There is so much to choose from on this 7 day adventure. You can take a bike tour or go sight seeing in a float plane. How about dinner in an elegant casino? You can even relax and enjoy a forest Lodge as you always imagined it.

Enjoy Quebec's old-style charm, too. Shop till you drop or just take in the beautiful city and nightlife.

For all the info, please click here.

Yosemite High Country Experience

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For those of you who like action and adventure, a Yosemite hike may just be the summer thing for you.

From August 9-13, 2005, his mostly high altitude trip traverses the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River and the breathtaking Ten Lakes Basin. It’s a difficult trek in and out of this deep river canyon past five gorgeous waterfalls, along intimidating granite cliffs and peaks and lakes aplenty. If you enjoy solitude, summer wildflowers, crashing cascades and numerous swimming holes then this trip is for you. If you don't like roughing it or exertion, then this won't be for you.

For all the info, please go to: http://www.backcountryfound.com/yosemite.html

Fire Island Beach Weekends

Urban Outings is offering two summer trips to Fire Island for those of you who will be in the New York area, or simply for those who whould like to just go from home.

Spend a weekend at the friendly Grove Hotel, located in the very heart of gay Cherry Grove, central to the best that Fire Island has to offer. Only steps away are the beach, restaurants, shops, dance clubs and bars, catering to your every whim so you can play an relax!

As you wander the boardwalks of The Grove, discover lush tunnels of entwined greenery and funky. If youre feeling adventurous, explore the mazes of the neighboring meat-rack on your way to the Pines, a mostly gay men's residential community that also offers exciting nightlife. For a more serene setting, follow one of the trails in the beautiful Sunken Forest, a natural marshy sanctuary of the National Seashore and home to a rich variety of animal and plant life.

The two outings are July 22-24, 2005 and August 19-21, 2005.

For more info: http://www.urbanoutings.com/mo_trips_fi.aspx

Gay-Friendly Hotel Chain on California's Coast

Moonstone Hotels, your gay-friendly hotel group on California's Central Coast, is proud to offer you a chance to win a romantic weekend for two in either Monterey or Cambria, CA. Their properties are in great locations like Cambria, San Simeon, Monterey, Carmel, Monterey and even Yosemite! Many of the hotels offer spectacular gardens, perfect for commitment ceremonies. Moonstone Hotels is committed to providing a warm and open environment of diversity for visitors and employees alike. The hotels are known for very friendly staff, fantastic gardens, and many are pet-friendly. Some are even right on the ocean! Sign up on our website for information about special gardening classes, gay-friendly special events and commitment ceremony packages.

Simply visit http://www.MoonstoneHotels.com/gay for complete information

Aquafest Alaska Adventure Cruise

Summer is just starting, but now is the time to plan for Aquafest's second annual Alaska fall cruise. Incredible rates, GLBT entertainment and many fun events on this exciting September cruise make it a popular vacation choice. The weather in Alaska is beautiful during September and there are more whale sightings during this period.

Depart Seattle, Washington and visit ports including Juneau, Sitla, Ketchikan and Victoria. From September 17 to 24, 2005, you'll have a wonderful, memorable cruise.

Comic Julie Goldman, will be performing on ship and you can't miss the Gay Game Show. There's a GLBT film festical, cocktail parties, gay sporting events and late night dance parties to name a few of the wet and wild activities.

For more information, please click here.

Gay and Lesbian Italian Rowing Clinic

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The Gay and Lesbian Rowing Federation (GLRF) is proud to announce the sponsorship of a 4-day rowing clinic in Tuscany, Italy. The addition of this clinic, Destinazione Italia, to the GLRF 2005 global training campaign, HitTheWater!2005, expands global gay and lesbian rowing clinics to 5 countries: Australia, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Destinazione Italia provides the opportunity for European rowers to enjoy the community and camaraderie of a gay and lesbian friendly rowing clinic in the heart of Tuscany, at the Terralba Rowing Camp. Preferred pricing is offered to GLRF members.

The purpose of the HitTheWater!2005 campaign is to assist crews and rowers with the intense training regimens necessary to prepare for the 2006 Montreal World Outgames and the 2006 Chicago Gay Games. The global campaign seeks to develop sweep and scull training camps in North America, Europe and Australia.

The Terralba Rowing Camp is located in San Miniato near Florence. The four- day clinic, offered Sept. 22-26, 2005, will focus on individualized sculling instruction at a picture perfect lake basin adjacent to the Arno River. Italy’s nationally known masters coach, Enzo Ademollo, will instruct clinic participants. Mr. Ademollo serves on the Italian National Rowing Council and is the national coordinator of masters rowers in Italy. The clinic package includes meals and lodging, and is open to all rowers, gay and straight.

For more information about the Terralba Rowing Camp, visit http://www.terralbatoscana.it/index.html For more information about the Gay and Lesbian Rowing Federation and Destinazione Italia, visit http://www.GLRF.info

Travel for the discerning gay traveler

EuroBound and its Tahiti division TahitiBound are proud to introduce vacation experiences designed specially for the discerning Gay traveler. Whether you choose to travel to a specific country in Europe or visit any of the beautiful islands of Tahiti, our commitment is to offer you a vacation free of any hassles and worries. We remain dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of products and services, all of which we have chosen to feature specifically because of their commitment to the Gay and Lesbian community. Here ,we present you with just a few sample itineraries from the endless variety of options we have to offer.

You may find the info at: http://eurobound.com/gay.asp

Dirtiest part of hotel room ?

The dirtiest part of a hotel room is the TV remote control.

Ft. Lauderdale Pride

Look for us next weekend in Ft. Lauderdale for the Pride events. We'll take your picture for the blog!

Lisbon's Beach 19

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Beach19 is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Located just south of Lisbon it's an ideal place to spend your holiday.

It started as one of the first nudist beaches in Portugal, soon to be crowded with gay people. The first part of the beach still is for nudism, used by a mixed crowd. If you walk south along the beach about 200 meters further from the entrance you'll find the gay beach. It stretches about 500 meters, with the younger crowd at the end.

There is a popular bar at Beach19. They serve lunch and dinner in a sandy and funky wooden beach bar. You will find many people there from different nationalities.The parking and the bushes behind the dunes are a popular cruising area. In daytime and when crowded it's farly safe, unless you go too deep into the bushes. Stay near the railroad and enjoy the view and the fun. Be safe. After dark stay away from the cruising area since there have been some reports of problems.

Lisbon has a sparkling nightlife. Great bars, clubs and typical fado-cafes are found in the oldest parts of Lisbon: Bairo Alto. Here you can find the most gay bars and restaurants. Lisbon downtown is the place to start your night out. Many restaurants are waiting for you with delicious food and the best wine. After midnight clubs start to live up and the night crowd find it's way to trendy bars and clubs like Portas Lagres and Lux.

For a complete guide to places to visit and places to stay in Lisbon,please go to: http://www.beach19.vze.com/

What is the dirtiest part of a hotel room?

What is the dirtiest thing in a hotel room? Think about it. We'll tell you tomorrow.

For those of you reading this in hotel rooms now, don't freak out. Just don't touch anything. It's like on the news promos where they tell you "Dangerous foods you should not eat. News at 11 pm" and it is only like 9 am.

Special Puerto Vallarta Deals

There are two great deals we would like to share with you:

The Boana Torrie Malibu in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has rooms available this summer $35.00 dollars a day so don’t miss out on this. It's a great price at a great condo hotel. Tell them TravelGayzette.com sent you. You may get more info at: http://www.donpato.com/boana.html

Mario at the Vallarta Hotel has summertime rooms available at a cash rate 45.00 dollars this is the party place and you will never have to leave the hotel For those of you looking for romance you will find lots of it here. Check out: http://www.donpato.com/cora.html

Air Canada New Sponsor of World Outgames

sportguy
Originally uploaded by flickrpix.

"A tripartite agreement has been reached between Tourisme Montréal, Air Canada and Montréal 2006,” Ms. Louise Roy, Chief Executive Officer for Montréal 2006 announced. “For Air Canada and its partners,” explained Ms. Roy, “this represents an overall contribution of nearly $500,000.”

Following the announcement of Labatt Breweries as a sponsor earlier this spring, Air Canada now becomes the second major sponsor to join the ranks of private support for the 1st World Outgames, which will be held from July 29 to August 5, 2006 in Montréal.

“Our partnership with Air Canada,” said Mr. Mark Tewksbury, Co-President of Montréal 2006, “reaffirms our vision of the Outgames as an event that will show how the gay community is actively participating in and contributing to sport and cultural life in Québec and in Canada.”

“As far as we are concerned, the importance of the 1st World Outgames is clear,” said the Honorable Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal. “From the beginning of this incredible adventure, Tourisme Montréal has been behind this project, as we will be right up to 2006. We already know that Montréal is one of the most popular destinations for gay and lesbian travelers from around the world.

At this time, online registrations for the Outgames and for the International Conference on Rights continue to roll in.

For more Outgames info: www.montreal2006.org

High Adventure / Simple Luxury

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Rafting, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding make any trip exciting, but when travelers share these adventures with people they care about, the experience becomes even more memorable. H2O Patagonia now offers its exhilarating eight-day multi-sport package as an exclusive alternative lifestyle vacation, providing a unique getaway for same-sex couples as well as gay and lesbian singles where they can enjoy a rare combination of adventure, luxury and peace of mind.

This all-inclusive offering features five different adventure activities to choose from during the week, spa accommodations at night, fine wines, full bar and comfortable bedding, as well as a chance to mix and mingle with other gay and lesbian adventurers.

"We are pleased to offer an exciting vacation for people to enjoy with their partners," says Beth Rypins, H2O Patagonia guide and marketing director. "We offer experiences that create lifetime memories, and our unique combination of simple luxury mixed with adventure is a great way to commemorate special occasions or simply spend time with the one you love."

A relatively new whitewater rafting company, H2O Patgonia offers a line-up of exciting whitewater rafting trips on the Futaleufu (pronounced FOO-ta-lay-oo- FOO), the world's premiere whitewater river, which winds through lush Chilean rain forest. Corralled only by sleek granite cliffs, the Futaleufu boasts one Class IV-V rapid after the other.

At Antucamay, a 175-acre riverside ranch, guests sleep in wood and canvas bungalows nestled in the lush terraces overlooking the Futaleufu River. Each bungalow features its own terrace, plush mattresses with down comforters, feather pillows and supple sheets.

To find out more about H2O Patagonia's alternative lifestyle vacation, or any of its other travel packages, call 1-888-426-7238 or 530-642-0839 or visit www.h2opatagonia.com

To find out more about H2O Patagonia's alternative lifestyle vacation, or any of its other travel packages, call 1-888-426-7238 or 530-642-0839 or visit www.h2opatagonia.com

Q Live TV Celebrates Pride

Q Televison Network, the TV network for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered community, makes its mark on history as the first ever live television network to present national coverage of Gay Pride Celebrations during the entire month of June.

QTN will provide extensive, multi-city coverage of June's Pride Celebrations, spanning the country from Orlando to San Francisco. QTN's On Q Live talent pool will be led by Jack E. Jett, Chrisanne Eastwood, Scott Withers as the National Pride News Anchor and Q On the Move's host Nick Oram.

In each city, QTN's on-air talent will explore the unique aspects of the LGBT community, interview celebrities, delve into the location's queer arts and celebrate the rich history of city.

Q Television Network is unique in that it was built by and for the gay community. The company offers a channel that will unite gay and lesbian audiences through a network that educates, entertains and informs.

Naked Amsterdam

Gay pride on the canals in the sexual capital of Europe

Long before San Francisco was even founded there was a place renowned for religious, political and sexual freedom, Amsterdam.

There is probably no more tolerant city in the world.

Want to get high? Marijuana isn’t exactly legal, but close to it. “Cafes” all over Amsterdam serve you your choice of cannibas. More

Nude Male Model Workshop

On July 9, 2005, a select group of photographers and other artists are coming to work with a handsome collection of nude male models in beautiful settings. You will have excellent access to the models during each session with no more than two artists per photo model.

Hosted on a private 52-acre estate, just one hour south of Washington, DC (55 mi.), in Fredericksburg, VA, this unique workshop will celebrate the male form.

Registration ensures you'll be able to take advantage of this unique setting, meet other professional photographers, and learn new techniques for capturing the natural male form outdoors and indoors. You will work with 5 models, or you may also reserve an exclusive model of your choice for the entire day.

Online registration is open to the public for your full day of creative expression (10am-6pm), whether you are an amateur or a pro. All registrations must be in by June 16th and are only $199, including lunch. Please go online to the workshop web site to find additional details, views of the indoor and outdoor locations, and a answers to the most frequent questions about the DONMA workshop. You do not have to be an expert to attend this workshop. This workshop encourages experimentation with your ideas and your techniques outside the traditional studio.

Non-photography artists are also welcome at $99 for figure drawing, painting, and sculpture in separate sessions.

Paid modeling opportunities are open for DONMA, and there are a limited number of slots to audit this workshop, for those who learn by watching instead of by experimenting.

The workshop web site is online at http://www.DONMA.org

TravelGayzette.com is now a Blog

Starting today, we are a blog. We are still a website at: TravelGayzette.com, but instead of us emailing the newsletter twice a month, we will post stories here. With spam filters and all other types of problems, half of the emails never reached their destination. Now whomever wishes to read us, can simply click onto this blog. Hopefully you'll read us daily.

Gay Rio

Rio de Janeiro, the Marvelous City, is a destination that has always excited the imagination of the gay and lesbian traveler. Falling in love with the city and the people is very easy. Cosmopolitan Cariocas are friendly with gays, lesbians and trans-people, making you feel welcome almost everywhere.

Language should not be a barrier. Most people you actually have to deal with understand basic English or Spanish. Others will try hard. And body language is universally understood, of course.

The beach is the perfect setting to make new friends, and find out what is going on. Go to Farme Gay in Ipanema, a little to the east of cross-street Farme de Amoedo. This spot attracts local TV stars, gays and lesbians, international celebrities but, most of all, this is Barbie land. Before you ask, Barbie is a term used by locals to describe muscular and well-off gay men who live on the South
Side. Don't miss the gay dodge-ball and volleyball matches on Sundays.

Night life is teeming with possibilities. Have dinner around 8 or 9 at world-class restaurants, and go for a round-up of gay bars and lounges in Ipanema or Copacabana. Around midnight move on to the dance clubs. In addition to the mandatory go-go boys, you will enjoy live shows, drag performances, and other specials.

Circuit parties are a perfect alternative for weekend nights. Those who prefer to take a, let's say, more direct approach to things, will love the gay baths, movie theaters, and sex hotels. Except for the gay baths, of course, lesbians are welcome at most gay clubs and parties. If you feel more comfortable in a girls-only environment, there's a lesbian dance club open every night of the week

For variety sample the special lesbian nights at other clubs and lounges. Carnival with the legendary Samba Parade, gay balls, and street festivities where hordes of drag queens literally take over the streets! New Year's is another major event. Two million people from all over the world celebrate at Copacabana Beach, with live music shows, and an incredible fireworks
festival at midnight.

So much to do and see... Wouldn't it be perfect to have a local willing to help with the basics, save some bucks on your hotel bill, and stay out of trouble, show you around, even let you in on some juicy gossip? That's exactly what The Rio Gay Guide has been doing since 1996! Click your way around for loads of insider's tips, facts, photos, maps, phones, addresses, travel services, and much more.

It's the Rio thing! Check out: http://www.riogayguide.com