Why There Are No Closets To Come Out Of In New Orleans

They say homes in Old Louisiana were built without closets because you were taxed according to how many rooms were in the house, and closets counted. In New Orleans, we have another theory: Closets just aren’t necessary down here. We’re all about letting the real you out. The only thing you’ll want to hide behind here is a Mardi Gras mask.

Decadent and flamboyant, New Orleans is a city that has always embraced those most passionate about living. When you combine our inventive cuisine, exciting club scene and funky art with our appreciation for both the outrageous and the finer things in life, you know exactly what GLBT travelers find so attractive about this city.

Cuisine

In the culinary capital of the world, we express our love for life with food and drink and more food and drink. Experience the trendy establishments of celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse, John Besh and Susan Spicer, or try one of our 100-year-old restaurants like Antone’s, Commander’s Palace or Galatoire’s. If after all the Creole and Cajun cuisine you find yourself jonesing for a cheeseburger, drop by the Clover Grill on Bourbon Street. You’ll enjoy the wait staff’s banter as much as your burger.

Music and Nightlife

The Vampire Lestat isn’t the only thing that comes out at night in New Orleans. There is no mandatory closing time for bars and clubs here. The Society of American Travel Writers voted New Orleans as the #1 Destination for Live Music. It’s not hard to see why.

On Bourbon Street, it’s Fat Tuesday every day of the week. With its living room atmosphere, Café Lafitte in Exile, the oldest gay bar in North America, is the center of gay action in the French Quarter. For go-go boys and gay bingo, don’t miss Oz. Across the street, you’ll find the Bourbon Pub/Parade Disco, with a high-tech dance floor complete with lasers and smoke. Gay neighborhood bars also abound in the Marigny and Bywater.

Gay Heritage Tour

In New Orleans, chances are you’re going to eat too much, dance too much and stay out too late, but we encourage you to brave the sunlight for Robert Batson’s Gay Heritage Tour. For two and a half hours, you’ll hear stories both fun and fascinating about the people and events that make up New Orleans’ colorful gay history. Follow in the footsteps of former residents Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, Clay Shaw, Ellen DeGeneres and others. Hear their secrets. Discover what inspired them.

Shopping

Some of America’s best shopping can be found in the Royal Street Arts and Antique District, seven blocks of shops crammed with art, antiques and trinkets of every description. On the edge of the French Quarter, you’ll find The Shops at Canal Place, home to Saks Fifth Avenue.

In the New Orleans Art District, 19th-century row houses and warehouses have been transformed into 21st-century art galleries and chic boutiques. Go see the exhibits at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Contemporary Arts Center, and then go shopping for something you can take home.

Continuing Uptown, you’re sure to find lots you cant live without on Magazine Street, six miles of unique shops, galleries and hip cafes. Pick up a bed lovingly made from Louisiana cypress. Or buy someone you love a pot, thrown and hand-glazed by a New Orleans artist.

Festivals

If you haven’t been to the gay costume contest in the French Quarter on Mardi Gras Day, you haven’t been to Mardi Gras. Celebrate the end of Lent with the Gay Easter Parade. Talk about Easter bonnets! On Labor Day, Southern Decadence, the city’s largest gay street fair, attracts as many as 100,000 participants from all over the world. And finally, if you like “guys in disguise,” Halloween in New Orleans is one of the most celebrated gay circuit parties of the year.

For more information about planning your trip to New Orleans or to request information, visit NewOrleansCVB.com

Welcome to Las Vegas

When it comes to being fabulous, where you are is just as important as who you are. And there’s no better place to be your fabulous self than Las Vegas – ranked as one of the top destinations for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers.

Entertainment
The Entertainment Capital of the World has plenty to keep you entertained. Catch Elton John at Caesars Palace or Holly Madison at Peepshow at Planet Hollywood. Visit Jubilee! at Bally’s to witness a traditional Vegas production show with glitz, glamour and beautiful showgirls. For a stunning display of acrobatics don’t miss one of the seven Cirque du Soleil shows: ZUMANITY at New York-New York, “O” at Bellagio, KÀ at MGM Grand, Believe at Luxor, Love at The Mirage, Mystère at Treasure Island and Viva ELVIS at ARIA Resort & Casino. Need your Broadway fix? Vegas delivers with Disney’s The Lion King at Mandalay Bay, Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian and Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas.

Accommodations
Las Vegas’ premier resorts aren’t just a place to crash and store your stuff. With all of the amenities that the city’s amazing hotels have to offer, you’re sure to enjoy a wonderful getaway. From the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas to the canals of Venice at The Venetian, to the beautiful lakeside Bellagio, Las Vegas welcomes visitors to some of the most unique casino resorts in the world. Several Las Vegas hotels offer LGBT packages. Planet Hollywood, Wynn Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, New York-New York and Luxor offer packages geared specifically with the LGBT traveler in mind. Or, check in to the Blue Moon Resort, the only all-male, Las Vegas gay-owned hotel.

Dining
Once known for its all-you-can-eat buffets and bargain shrimp cocktails, Las Vegas has transformed itself into a top culinary destination. Today, Las Vegas has the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs and world-class restaurants, more Master Sommeliers than any other city in the world and more wine sold per capita than in any other destination. From Mobil Travel Guide awarded restaurant Joël Robuchon at The Mansion at MGM Grand to Simon Restaurant and Lounge at Palms Place and Payard Patisserie and Bistro at Caesars Palace you’re sure to find something perfect for your taste buds

Shopping
Las Vegas has evolved into a shopping Mecca, with everything from souvenir shops to haute couture boutiques. Crystals at CityCenter is the newest shop on the block, joining favorites such as The Shoppes at The Palazzo, featuring Barneys New York, Michael Kors, Van Cleef & Arpels and Piaget; The Forum Shops at Caesars featuring 160 boutiques from Abercrombie and Fitch to John Varvatos to Michael Kors; and The Fashion Show Mall with nearly 2 million square feet of shopping heaven including Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s, Macys, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. And for great deals, visit the Las Vegas Outlet Center or Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Great buys are in store, no matter where you shop in Vegas!

Nightlife
Bars and clubs abound in this city with many hot spots to choose from. Try Krave, the largest LGBT dance club on the Strip, or head to nearby favorites Tao, PURE or LAX for a mixed crowd and great music. Revolution at The Mirage is also a popular weekly party on Sunday nights. Make sure to visit The Loop, a cluster of LGBT venues including Gipsy, 8½, Piranha, Freezone and others. Check out events by Eduardo Cordova Presents (www.eduardopresents.com) and Sin City Q Socials for a variety of great parties throughout the city.

Attractions
Take advantage of the great local attractions that you’ll only find here in Vegas. Don’t miss the famous Bellagio fountains, SkyJump Las Vegas at the Stratosphere, the Flightlinez at Fremont Street Experience, Red Rock and the Grand Canyon. Try something new with Pink Jeep Tours or Betty’s Outrageous Adventures, which cater directly to the LGBT traveler.

Spas
Prefer getting pampered indoors? No problem – Las Vegas is home to the more than 45 unique and relaxing luxury spas, making it easy to find your favorite retreat. Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Palazzo offers gracious, tranquil gathering places and a European-style thermal treatment suite. Or refresh yourself at the Paris Spa by Mandara with its Eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna and full-service salon. For some style, try the sleek and modern BATHHOUSE at THEhotel, or the stunning Spa at Encore.

Meetings/Conventions
For decades Las Vegas has been known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” but today the city is also recognized as the world’s leading convention and meeting destination.  Our award-winning hotel accommodations, meeting and exhibit facilities, and hospitality are among the best in the world and our resort and convention professionals are respected globally.  We have hosted some of the country’s premier LGBT organizations including HRC, International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Victory Fund to name just a few.

Resources/Travel
Las Vegas offers incredibly helpful and updated resources to facilitate your traveling needs. The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, as well as QVegas are two great places to start.

To book your trip, visit us at VisitLasVegas.com/gaytravel

“The Queen City” is one of the oldest, most popular nicknames for Buffalo. Like any proper queen, Buffalo has a big heart, a terrific sense of humor and a great gift for transforming the everyday into something utterly unique.

Buffalo is – to borrow a term in every lip-synching diva’s repertoire – a survivor. Its strong spirit was bred in the kind of working-class environment chronicled in native-born author and activist Leslie Feinberg’s acclaimed novel Stone Butch Blues and in Elizabeth Kennedy and Madeline Davis’s award-winning history of the local lesbian community, Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold.

Regardless of the main purpose of your trip – business, pleasure, marriage (New York State passed the Marriage Equality Act June 24, 2011)– be sure to allot some time to see the town and prepare to be pleasantly surprised by how much the area has to offer the LGBT visitor.

Shuffling Off to Buffalo

Getting in and around Buffalo is easy. The region is home to two airports: The Buffalo Niagara International and the Niagara Falls International Airports, with plenty of low cost airlines, including Jet Blue and Southwest, that make visiting as easy as it is affordable. Buffalo is within a day’s drive of major North American cities – New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington and Cleveland as well as Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  There are two Amtrak stations here – one situated in the heart of downtown.

Gay Buffalo

This is a town that knows how to party, as evidenced by the fact that the bars stay open till 4 a.m.  Warm-weather weekends (as well as plenty of chillier ones) are packed with all manner of street festivals, concerts, and ways to have fun. To find out what’s going on while you’re here, do some advance work online. Outcome, the area’s preeminent gay web portal, contains entertainment listings, while the site BuffaloGayBars is a handy guide to local nightlife. Artvoice has a weekly schedule of LGBT action along with extensive reports on everything else you need to see, do, and know.

For your first meal in a town rich with quality restaurants at every point on the economic scale, we recommend you spend Friday the way generations of Buffalonians have spent it: at one of the city’s seemingly infinite fish fries. A legacy of Buffalo’s Catholic roots, this tradition extends year-round. We recommend Hamlin House and for several reasons: the food is good, the building dates back to 1865, and odds are excellent your gaydar is going to go off over and over as you look around the room. It’s friendly, unpretentious and classic Buffalo. If you’re into the bar scene, get a head start at Club Marcella, or order a cold Labatt Blue (Buffalo is the USA headquarters) at Fugazi.

The arts are huge here; it’s hard to imagine any other American city of Buffalo’s size with so much to offer: professional theater companies (many of whom regularly produce works by and about gays and lesbians), world-class museums and art galleries like the Albright-Knox and Hallwalls (the latter home to a semi-annual Ways in Being Gay/Ways in Between Gender festival), stellar architecture, and renowned musical ensembles from the Buffalo Philharmonic and Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus to a never-ending stream of up-and-coming indie bands.

Speaking of indies, Buffalo’s best-known cultural export of the last ten years is singer-songwriter-guitarist Ani DiFranco. Not only is her self-run label Righteous Babe Records based here, but she’s also the mastermind behind the city’s newest and hottest venue, Babeville, which boasts two of the city’s best venues for live music.

We celebrate four seasons

Buffalo loves a good party. From late May through October, the streets come to life with every conceivable celebration—ethnic heritage festivals, free concerts, food fests, tours of local homes and gardens, and more—and when the weather gets a little cooler, the action simply moves indoors! For the LGBT community, the high point of the summer is Pride Week, capped off with a Dyke March, and ending with a giant gathering at Canalside, featuring both national and local performers.

The Allentown Art Festival, held the second weekend in June, is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in North America, right in the heart of the gayest neighborhood in the city. Buffalo Niagara is also home of the National Garden Festival – a five-week long garden party (including America’s largest Garden Walk Buffalo) – a festival of 1,000 gardens that has something for everyone, with or without a green thumb!   

Taste of Buffalo, held the second weekend of July, is one of the nation’s largest food festivals, attracting more than 450,000 people annually.   The National Buffalo Wing Festival, held Labor Day weekend, is Buffalo’s homage to the beloved chicken wing. . .serving up some 2.4 million wings to hungry diners since 2002.

Not everyone hunkers down for the winter. There’s ice skating at Rotary Rink; the Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament; tubing, tobogganing and snowshoeing through one of the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks.  Nearby, you’ll find some of the best skiing in the East at Kissing Bridge and Holiday Valley, located in the charming village of Ellicottville.  Oh, did we mention that Buffalo is only 20 minutes from one of the Wonders of the World – Niagara Falls?  It’s an awe-inspiring site in every season!

Don’t forget the architecture

You can experience multiple works by Frank Lloyd Wright (including the Darwin D. Martin House Complex, the finest example of his Prairie Style), Louis Sullivan’s ornate Guaranty Building, H.H. Richardson’s massive Buffalo State Hospital, now known as the Richardson Olmsted Complex), the graceful lines of Eliel and Eero Saarinen’s Kleinhans Music Hall, and the birthplace of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, the Roycroft Inn and Campus.

And that’s just the beginning. You’ll also take in buildings by Richard Upjohn, Stanford White, Lord & Burnham, Charles Atwood, and America’s first female professional architect, Louise Blanchard Bethune.

You can see these works in textbooks. Or you can see them in Buffalo.

Buffalo loves sports … and we have great places to play them

Buffalo is home to Buffalo Bills football, Buffalo Sabres hockey, Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse, and Buffalo Bisons baseball, who will host the 2012 Triple-A All Star Game in July.

If you’re a competitor or if you represent competitors, our facilities are rated among the nation’s best, hosting everything from high school invitational to the World University Games to NCAA basketball and hockey.

We have great meeting facilities

Choose from a variety of meeting-friendly hotels with extensive conference space when booking your Buffalo Conventions. For larger meetings, the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center is located in the heart of downtown Buffalo. Featuring 21 individual rooms complete with audio-visual and multi-media capabilities, the Convention Center offers a 64,000 square foot exhibition hall that can accommodate up to 7,000 people.

Fall in love with Buffalo . . . and marry the one you love here, too

New York State has long enjoyed a reputation as a cosmopolitan, multicultural destination.  The passage of the Marriage Equality Act is the latest proof that we proudly embrace our LGBT residents and visitors. Buffalo Niagara is an ideal choice for a wedding. Not only will same-sex couples find an enthusiastic and supportive community here, tourism officials are working in partnership with members of the LGBT community to ensure that marriage-minded couples have every resource at their disposal to plan and hold a wedding in the area. The region is more affordable than many locations elsewhere in New York State and is easily accessible by plane, train or automobile.

Learn More

Visitbuffaloniagara.com

Buffaloconvention.com

Situated in the heart of Europe Germany not only has an ideal geographic location, it might also be considered the center of gay Europe. The LGBT community in Germany is an important part of society and enjoys some of Europe’s most advanced rights of gays and lesbians. Examples such as the German Foreign Minister and the Mayor of Berlin show that being out of the closet does not pose any obstacles to a political or public career.

Well-organized and lively LGBT communities have sprung up in all major and many small-sized cities and account for Germany’s legendary LGBT culture that influences the overall cultural life to a great extent. Numerous gay events take place throughout the year, peaking with the annual pride parades, in Germany known as Christopher Street Day Parades, which are organized in every major city, commemorating the gay and lesbian movement.

In Germany the gay traveler gets to experience a wide variety of cultural attractions, vibrant cities, natural beauty and a well-integrated LGBT community. With more than 6,000 event venues, outstanding infrastructure, reliable and professional partners as well as high-quality service, Germany is also an ideal business travel destination. Come to Germany and see for yourself why it is considered one of Europe’s most LGBT-friendly vacation and convention destinations. Please visit www.germany.travel for more information.

Berlin
The German Capital is one of the largest gay metropolises in Europe. The dynamic and diverse LGBT-scene has contributed to the city’s culture and vitality for many years. The gay-friendly neighborhoods Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain have become trendy and hip not only with gays and lesbians but with artists, young and creative people.

Berlin has become a creative capital and a mecca for artists. While the architecture clearly indicates a change to modernity, the creative and inventive climate is what characterizes Berlin best. Numerous museums, of which many can be found in the Eastern part of the city and around the Unter den Linden Boulevard, are proof of the various art and cultural eras of Berlin. Additionally today the art can be felt publicly, on walls, in galleries and in alternative art centers, especially in Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg.

Berlin offers a wide array of activities, services and institutions specifically designed by and for the LGBT scene. There are more than 150 gay bars, free city magazines, bookstores, pharmacies, sports clubs, boutiques, same sex dancing classes and studios, language courses, radio broadcasts and even a gay French fries kiosk. This is only in addition to various organizations, meeting places, counseling services and associations.Aside from the gay-friendly attractions, don’t forget to check out Berlin’s main attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, The TV tower on Alexanderplatz Square, the Memorial Church, Gendarmenmarkt Square, Potsdamer Platz Square, the dome of the Reichstag and Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cologne
The historic city on the river Rhine, known for its Cathedral, has its very own joie de vivre. The city is made up of cosy cafes and bars, where Kölsch, the local Cologne beer, flows constantly, Rhenish specialties are served and the atmosphere is warm and happy. Especially on weekends you can find locals, tourists, youths and students enjoying themselves at clubs, bars, restaurants and lounges in the quarters of Kwartier Latäng, Friesenviertel, Belgisches Viertel, Südstadt und Ehrenfeld. Surprisingly the prices are moderate for a city of this size and Happy Hour can sometimes be all day long – typically Cologne. Locals are communicative, optimistic and tolerant and most of all: they love their city. You can sense this especially during the carnival season when the whole city celebrates and has fun!

But Cologne has much more to offer than party-culture. Enjoy its many museums, the Art Cologne exhibition, a lively art and music scene and one of Germany’s biggest gay pride parades. Every tenth inhabitant of the city claims to be attracted to members of their own gender – at least occasionally – which contributes to a vivid and active LGBT-scene. Same sex couples are just as much part of the cityscape in Cologne as the Cologne Cathedral.

Frankfurt
Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt, often called “Mainhattan” referring to the adjacent river Main and the skyscrapers that remind vaguely of Manhattan offers fine dining, shopping and impressive galleries. This is the city where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born and you can still visit his birthplace, the Goethe Haus. Another historically important site is St Paul’s Church, where the first freely elected parliament of Germany met in 1848. The Römerberg Square and the old town hall are the center of historic Frankfurt. Get up the Main Tower to get the best panorama of the city.

The LGBT scene in Frankfurt, is rather small, but multi-cultural and international due to the high density of international businesses. Frankfurt’s gay scene concentrates around the so-called “Bermuda Dreieck” (Bermuda Triangle). The pride parade (Christopher Street Day) in Frankfurt takes place each year in July and attracts around 200,000 visitors.

Hamburg
“Live and let live” is the motto in Hamburg, the “Gateway to the World”. With its 800 year-old harbor, which is perfect for strolls and sightseeing by boat, Hamburg offers a mix of old and new, modern and traditional. The natives love Hamburg for its abundance of water and the freedom that this implies.

Hamburg is a very open-minded and tolerant city which is why the gay scene feels very welcome here. Another city with a gay former mayor, it was no coincidence that Germany’s first gay marriage was officiated here. The quarter of St Georg with its many cafes and bars is the gay hotspot in Hamburg and the city is also famous for its Christopher Street Day and leather convention. A highlight for nightlife in Hamburg is the “Reeperbahn” with numerous clubs and shows. Germany’s most famous drag queen Olivia Jones owns a bar on Reeperbahn and also offers guided tours for tourists.

Munich
The LGBT scene in Munich is very active and the event calendar stretches from a Rose Monday gay ball until the Gay Sunday during Oktoberfest, before all gays and lesbians get together for Pink Christmas in the Glockenbachviertel – the quarter is the heart of LGBT Munich. The first gay city councilor to represent a gay party, the “Rosa Liste”, the pink party, can be found in Munich.

Munich is an international art and culture metropolis situated close to the Alps in the South of Germany. Conveniently located close to many historic castles, Munich is an excellent gateway for sightseeing in Bavaria.

Contact information:
For travel: www.germany.travel

For conventions:
German Convention Bureau
www.germany-meetings.com
gcb@germany-meetings.com
+1 212 661 4582

Tag Approved Hotels in Germany

Photo Credits

Cologne Panorama © KölnTourismus
Cologne © KölnTourismus
Munich Schwuplattler © Josef Sattler GmbH
Christopher Street Day Berlin © visitBerlin.de/ Tanja Koc

It’s said “the American Spirit” was born in Valley Forge, where the fledgling Continental Army, under the leadership of General George Washington, was transformed from rag-tag to ready-to-fight for freedom from oppression. When you visit, you’ll learn the challenges of a long, cold winter without food and proper clothes, but you’ll also appreciate the sacrifices and devotion to freedom of a truly multicultural army of new “Americans.”

More than two centuries later, Valley Forge and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are in the midst of another revolution insuring the rights of all Americans as the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes you to experience the wide diversity of its people, places and things to do. We’re members of the Gay and Lesbian Convention and Visitors Bureau, International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association and the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, so we know our audience and we know what you’re looking for when you travel. If you live in the mid-Atlantic area, you won’t even have to travel very far to reach us…our close proximity to New York, Washington, Baltimore and neighboring Philadelphia make planning a gay vacation getaway or meeting a breeze.

In fact, Valley Forge is just 30 minutes from Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, where the GLBT community is indulged with exceptional restaurants, night spots, boutique shops, and gay events. Book your stay in one of the Valley Forge area’s gay-welcoming, TAG®-approved hotels and you can enjoy all the hot and trendy digs in our laid-back suburbs and the City of Brotherly Love.

Our wide range of member hotels for every wallet, and their hospitality professionals, understand what it means to be truly “welcoming,” and they go the extra mile to deliver. So let us help you plan your visit. Between first class hotel accommodations and worldly cuisine, to up-market and outlet shopping destinations or quaint rural villages and Main Streets, to inspiring historical and cultural attractions, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do and enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Portland’s inclusive attitude makes it a great LGBT getaway

Portland has long had a reputation for being individualistic, quirky and … dare we say it, queer. Never keen to conform, Portland has a laid-back style and a reverence for all things local — an irresistible combination for chefs, environmentalists, artists and just about anyone else who enjoys coloring outside the lines.

Fabulous dining, flourishing culture and the gorgeous outdoors are all easy to come by in Portland.

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Our video love letter to Portland offers a taste of what makes this our favorite city in the world. Check out the video and then come experience it for yourself!

TRANSPORTATION

• Portland International Airport (PDX) has been voted business travelers’ favorite U.S. airport four of the last five years.
• The award-winning MAX light rail system connects downtown to the convention center, the airport, and points beyond.
• There’s no cost to ride MAX light rail trains and streetcars in the “Free Rail Zone,” a 330-block area including downtown, as well as the Oregon Convention Center and Lloyd Center shopping mall.

ATTRACTIONS

Portland has a wide range of fun and inviting attractions — these are a few of our favorites:

• International Rose Test Garden
  Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world enjoy the sights and scents of the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. The garden’s spectacular views and more than 8,000 roses make it one of the city’s most notable signature landmarks.

• Lan Su Chinese Garden
  A year-round wonder, Lan Su is an authentically built Ming Dynasty style garden. Covered walkways, bridges, pavilions and a richly planted landscape frame a picturesque lake in this urban oasis built by artisans from Portland’s sister city of Suzhou.
• Portland Art Museum
  Located in the heart of downtown’s cultural district, the oldest museum in the Northwest includes an outdoor sculpture court and historical interiors. Six stories of modern art and special exhibitions compliment magnificent permanent collection galleries, which feature an extensive collection of Native American art.
• Portland Japanese Garden
  This haven of tranquil beauty in the scenic hills above downtown has been proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Encompassing 5.5 acres and five separate garden styles, the garden includes meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.
• Portland Saturday Market
  At the nation’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market, you can browse row upon row of unique creations made by the people who sell them, and enjoy live music and international snacks. Located in Waterfront Park; open rain or shine, Saturday and Sunday, March through December 24.
• Powell’s City of Books
  Covering an entire city block, Powell’s City of Books contains more than 1.5 million books in 3,500 different sections. Get a cup of joe at the in-store coffee shop, grab a map to the nine color-coded rooms, and lose yourself in the largest used and new bookstore on Earth.

FOOD AND DRINK

Portland has a favorite flavor: fresh. A passion for seasonal ingredients — from salmon to Dungeness crab, pears to Marionberries — pervades kitchens throughout the city, from James Beard Award-winning fine-dining establishments to casual spots like downtown’s beloved food carts.

To accompany your meal, may we suggest an Oregon Pinot noir? Or, perhaps, one of the riot of handcrafted beers that have earned Portland the nickname “Beervana”? The fact that we have no food and beverage sales tax just adds to your dining pleasure.

TAX-FREE SHOPPING

With no sales tax, Portland is a haven for shoppers regardless of budget, transportation or personal style. Within steps of downtown hotels, you’ll find major national retailers, plus independent boutiques with designs you won’t see anywhere else. More shopping abounds in the trendy Pearl District, sophisticated Nob Hill and other unique neighborhoods around town.

NEIGHBORHOODS

So, where do gays and lesbians hang out in Portland? It’s hard to choose one area — there are popular LGBT spots all over the city, from the urbane Pearl District to free-spirited Hawthorne. Here are a few of Portland’s most gay-welcoming neighborhoods.

Downtown: In the city’s urban core, the Cultural District is home to many arts institutions, from the museums along the tree-shaded South Park Blocks to the opulent Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The “West End” (adjacent to the Pearl District) has a handful of gay bars and cafés, and the verdant campus of Portland State University hosts a farmers’ market on Saturdays.

Pearl District: In this formerly industrial area, sturdy warehouses have become sleek restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and lounges. One of the neighborhood’s oldest businesses is Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world.

Old Town/Chinatown: This historic district contains numerous galleries and gay nightlife favorites and is home to the Portland Saturday Market. Stroll through the tranquil Lan Su  Chinese Garden or go underground with Portland Walking Tours to explore the city’s “Shanghai Tunnels.”

Mississippi Avenue: Ethnically diverse Mississippi Avenue is one of several eastside neighborhoods where independent businesses and creative spirits thrive. On this street, you’ll find down-home taquerías, boutiques, a huge emporium of reclaimed building materials (the ReBuilding Center) and Q Center (www.pdxqcenter.org), which serves the LGBTQ community.

Hawthorne & Belmont: These two southeast outposts of hippie and hipster culture have long been popular with lesbians and gays. Diverting, affordable and funky coffeehouses, bars, secondhand clothiers and boutiques line the main streets.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

No matter which part of town you visit (we humbly recommend them all), you’ll be welcomed with genuine warmth. And you needn’t take our word for it — Portland has been ranked among the best places to live in America by such wide-ranging authorities as Girlfriends magazine, Men’s Journal and Money Magazine.

So, plan your trip soon and find out for yourself why Portland is such a draw for visitors of every persuasion.

To learn more, and to book your trip, visit

www.travelportland.com/communities/lgbt-portland

Welcome to Gay & Lesbian Raleigh

Dynamic, Unexpected, Smart and Celebratory— just a few of the words you may be surprised to hear when talking about the Raleigh area. North Carolina’s Capital City has shed its “Mayberry neighbor” image and is sharing with visitors the fun, lively, welcoming vibe of a one-of-a-kind capital and cultural center. No matter what culture you come from, you’ll want to come out to Greater Raleigh, N.C.

In North Carolina, there’s no greater gay and lesbian nightlife than in Greater Raleigh. Endless hot spots, gay and lesbian nightspots and a warm, welcoming community make the Raleigh area an exciting place to visit. And no matter your reason for visiting the Raleigh area, we have something unique in almost every category—which is just one of the reasons we’re constantly named everything from America’s Best City to Live, Work and Play In, Best American City for Singles and Best Place to Do Business, just to name a few.

We’ve also been called the “City of Oaks” based on our penchant for green space, the “Smithsonian of the South” for our caliber of free museums and the “Silicon Valley of the East” paying homage to our cutting-edge tech scene (The Research Triangle Park is in our backyard, and eight colleges and universities call the Raleigh area home). With big-city energy and small-town charm, Greater Raleigh offers the best of both worlds.

At least three times a year, the Raleigh area especially shows its LGBT pride. In May, downtown Raleigh is host to OutRaleigh, a free street festival organized by the LGBT Center of Raleigh; in October, the center also puts on a series of Raleigh Is Coming Out events, including dances, meals and socials open to everyone. Every September, Raleigh also plays host to the night festival of North Carolina Pride (its day parade held in nearby Durham).

You don’t have to look far to find eye-catching, world-class entertainment. Greater Raleigh offers a variety of cultural and theatrical arts, claiming the best in performing arts as home to the nationally acclaimed Carolina Ballet, America’s next great orchestra (North Carolina Symphony), the region’s top professional theatre (North Carolina Theatre) and the region’s only opera company (North Carolina Opera).

Visitors also can indulge in the area’s creative visual arts at the North Carolina Museum of Art, one of the premier visual arts museums in the Southeast (with a world-class collection including more than 30 Rodin sculptures), and a new Contemporary Art Museum, CAM Raleigh.

Or if you’re looking for something on the more intimate or grassroots side of the arts, these major art organizations are bolstered by a thriving community of smaller galleries, artsy events, public art collections and independent performances.

See the newest trends in fashion from one of Raleigh’s local designers. For instance, from a corner store in downtown Raleigh, Stitch constructs and sells coveted Holly Aiken totes, wallets, bags (and yes, man-bags or murses), all designed, cut and constructed on the premises. Several blocks away, Victor and Sarah Lytvinenko produce their hand-crafted Raleigh Denim jeans (sold at Barneys and other exclusive shops coast-to-coast but best selected here on site).

Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing canoeing or sailing excursion, for taking a scenic nature hike through a state park/forest or playing a round of golf in the summer sun, the Raleigh area is the place to spend time outdoors with more than 43,000 acres of parks and 120 miles of greenway trails. Raleigh is also home to award-winning gardens like N.C. State University’s J.C. Raulston Arboretum, an internationally recognized collection of more than 5,000 plants.

Just outside the city of Raleigh, you’ll find 11 neighboring cities and towns that make up Greater Raleigh. Each has its own personality; charming visitors with historic downtown’s, tree-lined main streets or some of the best golf in the state, these outlying areas are perfect for a day-trip. And if you are looking for a scuba park, traditional soda fountain, unique winery or craft brewery, we’ve got those sweet spots covered, too.

Where you stay is just as important as what you do while you’re here. It’s got to fit your style, your location and of course, your budget. That’s why you’ll find 150-plus options in Greater Raleigh. From luxurious, full-service hotels to romantic bed-and-breakfast inns, you can relax in the certainty that your expectations will be met.

From our buzzing nightlife, Broadway entertainment, world-class shopping destinations, exciting outdoor recreation and professional sports and abundance of upscale hotels and quaint little inns, Greater Raleigh offers a lot to see and do and welcomes you!

Come out, and take the time to explore our area of North Carolina; you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of that ways that Raleigh can be a welcome (and welcoming) stop on any journey.

Gay and Lesbian Tourism

Celebrating diversity and tolerance for 50 years

It seems only natural that Provincetown would be a draw for diverse visitors as the town itself boasts a long and diverse history, beginning with the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620. The town began promoting itself as a tourist destination to boost the economy after the Great Portland Gale of 1898 wiped out the town’s fishing fleet and wharfs. Artists and bohemians were among Provincetown’s early visitors.  They were attracted to the incredible natural beauty, eclectic population, and sense of acceptance found in the town at the outer most tip of Cape Cod.

The 1920’s and 1930’s saw the gay & lesbian presence flourish as contingents of artists, writers, playwrights, poets, novelists, journalists, socialists, radicals and dilettantes began to summer in Provincetown.  These newcomers found inspiration in this avant-garde town’s beauty and freedom of exploration.  They were instrumental in developing Provincetown’s famous art colony and participated in the beginnings of modern American theater.

It wasn’t long before Provincetown became the place to spend the summer months for gay men and women.  Soon thereafter, many summer regulars became permanent residents as they purchased guesthouses and other local businesses, further enmeshing themselves in the local fabric.  The 1970’s marked Provincetown’s rise as the gay and lesbian mecca and destination that it is widely considered today.  Perhaps gay author Reed Woodhouse summed up Provincetown’s allure best when he wrote in 1991:  “To such an extent that Provincetown is, for anything, known for us, known for being one of the two or three places on the continent where gay people can be seen in something like their native habitat.  It is one of our hometowns.”

Since gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts in 2004, Provincetown has become “the place to get married” with over 1,400 marriage licenses issued to date.  Couples chose Provincetown for its gay symbolism and the breath-taking backdrop of the town’s beaches.

MUST -SEES

• Tea Dance – afternoon dance party that originated in Provincetown
• Carnival Parade – Mardi Gras parade during the week-long Gay Pride celebration in August
• Commercial Street “After Dark”
• Herring Cove Beach – popular beach among the Gay/Lesbian community
• Spiritus Pizza at 1am – www.spirituspizza.com

EVENTS OF INTEREST:

• Single Women’s Weekend –  www.womeninnkeepers.com
• Women of Color and Allies Weekend – www.provincetownforwomen.com
• Provincetown International Film Festival – www.ptownfilmfest.org
• Holly Folly – www.ptown.org
• Fantasia Fair – www.fantasiafair.org
• Provincetown Round Up – www.provincetownroundup.org
• Mates Leather Weekend – www.matesleatherweeeknd.com
• Swim for Life – www.swim4life.org
• Carnival Week – www.ptown.org
• Gay and Lesbian Family Week – www.familyequality.org
• Girl Splash – www.provincetownforwomen.com
• Bear Week – www.ptownbears.org
• Halloween –  www.ptown.org
• Fourth of July Circuit Parties
• Drag Bingo – held during the week of Carnival at the Unitarian-Universalist Meeting House

ACCOLADES

• Named Best Beach Resort Town by GayCities.com – 2010
• Named Best Gay Resort Town by PlanetOut – May 2006 and May 2007
• Named Top Five Gay-Friendly Destinations by Travel Industry Association of America – December 2006
• Named Best Summer Vacation Destination by Lavendar Magazine – 2006
• Named Best Gay Resort Town by Out Traveler – November/December 2005
• Named Top Five Gay Resort Towns by Out and About Travel Awards – 2005

About Provincetown

Located 120 miles from Boston along the National Seashore on the outer most tip of Cape Cod; Provincetown is a year-round destination with a fascinating history and extraordinary offerings.  From incredible beaches and boundless natural beauty to an eclectic arts and culture scene and world-class dining and shopping, Provincetown offers something for each of the diverse visitors it hosts throughout the year.

###

For more information, please contact Amelia Sutton (asutton@marlomc.com)

 marlo marketing/communications, 617.375.9700.

Visit West Hollywood

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian West Hollywood

West Hollywood – Living Forward. You are about to experience a city truly like no other: Progressive, Creative, Open and Diverse; from the elegant to the outrageous and refined to the radical. The number one word used to describe a guests experience in West Hollywood? Fun! Whether you visit the legendary Sunset Strip, the Avenues of Art & Design business district, or our Main Street and heart of the LGBT community, Santa Monica Boulevard, you will leave with the feeling most have when in West Hollywood – Living Forward.

Just the Facts

West Hollywood’s population is approximately 39,000, 1/3 of which is LGBT, making West Hollywood the number one location for gays and lesbians in Southern California. Proud to be the hip and happening center of gay life in Los Angeles since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has continued to be recognized as a leading community in gay and lesbian rights, as well as a prime destination for gay couples getting married or enjoying a honeymoon.

West Hollywood offers visitors an enticing selection of renovated hotels, trend-setting dining, tantalizing spas, boutique shopping and bustling nightlife hotspots that continue to re-invent the city. The fun and fabulous will always remain in West Hollywood, home to such events as the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval (dubbed the Largest Halloween Street Party in the World) in October and the annual Christopher Street West LA Pride Festival in June, the largest gay pride festival on the West Coast.

Stay: Hotel Hopping

All of “WeHo” (as the locals say) hotels are open and inviting to gay and lesbian travelers. San Vicente Inn is an exclusive all-gay-male property with private, clothing optional, tropical surroundings. Ramada Plaza West Hollywood is located in the middle of the action on historic Route 66, Santa Monica Boulevard. Luxurious all-suite properties like the Palihouse, Le Montrose Suites Hotel, Chamberlain Hotel and Le Parc Suites Hotel are within walking distance of “The Boulevard” where you will find bustling nightlife. The Sunset Strip, home to LA’s best live music scene, offers a world-class selection of stylish hotels, including the Andaz West Hollywood, The London, Mondrian, the Standard and the Grafton.

Play: Route 66/The Boulevard

Santa Monica Boulevard, part of the famed Route 66, is the pulsating heart of Southern California’s most happening gay & lesbian community. By day, don’t miss numerous gay-friendly coffee shops and restaurants like Eat Well, Hamburger Mary’s, or the French Marketplace. Grab a frozen yogurt at the very first Pinkberry outlet or discover unique stores like Lemon Tree Bungalow for gifts or LASC for L.A.’s hottest men’s styles. At night, the city comes alive as West Hollywood’s legendary clubs like the Abbey, Here, Eleven, East/West, Micky’s, Rage & Fiesta Cantina entice party-goers. Find different theme nights at many of West Hollywood’s clubs, some offering go-go boys or drag shows.

See: Art & Design Diversions

West Hollywood is ground zero for those with an appreciation for art, design and architecture. On the Avenues of Art & Design, a section of West Hollywood that consists of Beverly and Robertson Boulevards and Melrose Avenue, visitors and locals alike browse world-class boutique shops for the finest names in design, home décor, fashion and beauty in a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Located on the Avenues are such businesses as Armani Casa, Fendi Casa, Alpha, Alberta Ferretti, 3.1 Philip Lim, Chrome Hearts, Balenciaga, James Perse, John Varvatos, and many more. If you’re hungry, visit Urth Caffe or Le Pain Quotidien for some of LA’s best people watching. Not to be missed is the 1.2 million square-foot Pacific Design Center (PDC), also known as the “Blue Whale” and home of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s (MOCA) Gallery at the PDC.

Spa: Robertson Boulevard

One of LA’s trendiest sections of road in West Hollywood is Robertson Boulevard, located along the Avenues of Art & Design. Here you will discover exclusive and hidden-away spas like Kinara, l.a. vie l’orange and Lulur. Sunstyle tanning offers the latest in spray tan innovations. Just south of Santa Monica Boulevard, also known as “Boystown,” you will find popular gay nightclubs Here and the Abbey. The Abbey is open all day long, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy restaurants like Sur and Bossa Nova, perfect for an intimate dinner or dining with friends. Parking is easy to find nearby, at valet lots or the Pacific Design Center.

Lesbian Scene in West Hollywood

Think “The L Word” meets “Coyote Ugly” and top it off with girls looking for a great time, even better music, and a touch of Hollywood glamour. From the 1920’s when the Gardens of Allah flourished, a famous West Hollywood hotel founded by an open lesbian and radical bohemian who threw parties with guests like Jean Harlow and Lana Turner, to the 1940’s when Marilyn Monroe hung out on the Sunset Strip, WeHo upholds its reputation as the hub of the entertainment industry. A-Listers enjoy the edginess and subtle exclusivity the city offers, so you never know which famous face you may see in a night out on the town, a fun added perk to any evening.

Insider Tips for your West Hollywood Visit

• The attire worn at most of West Hollywood’s gay clubs and restaurants is “casual chic” – jeans and a t-shirt will usually do, but note that it’s warmer during the day and cool in the evening.
• Gay & Lesbian Publications providing news, information and club listings can be found in many of the bars, coffee shops and restaurants in West Hollywood.
• The LA Gay & Lesbian Center offers a comprehensive array of services to the community and is located just outside of West Hollywood off Santa Monica Boulevard. Contact them at 323-993-7400 or visit www.laglc.org.
• Restaurants and clubs like Hamburger Mary’s, Micky’s, and Rage host entertaining, weekly drag shows. Check individual web sites for specific dates and times.

Planning a Meeting in West Hollywood

Why choose West Hollywood over neighboring areas? Location, location, location! No matter what Los Angeles area your clients or attendees are coming from, West Hollywood is within 30 minutes of everywhere, even the airport! Once your meeting is over, you will be situated within walking distance of the best restaurants, infinite nightlife, fine galleries and chic, trendy boutiques. And for multiple day meetings, West Hollywood is brimming with the hottest hotels and hippest hideaways on the left coast.

WeHo 101 for Groups

What’s West Hollywood got to offer my meeting group that I can’t find anywhere else?

Hotel Specs

When you’re looking for a unique Los Angeles meeting facility and hotel, West Hollywood is the place to go.

Group Activities

So what’s there to do in West Hollywood after the meeting is over? What about spouses? Or team building activities? Better known as “The Creative City”, West Hollywood invites you to step in and let your imagination and the city’s energy do the rest.

If you are interested in having your meeting in West Hollywood, please contact:
Bill Hynes
Executive VP, Marketing & Sales
Phone: 310-289-2525
Fax: 310-289-2529
Email: hynes@visitwesthollywood.com

Submit/Attach an RFP Here

Click here to fill out a form, so we can find the meeting facility that meets your needs.

Contact Information

For more information on visiting West Hollywood, contact the Visit West Hollywood, 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069; call 800-368-6020 (U.S. and Canada) or log onto www.visitwesthollywood.com.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in West Hollywood

Gay Hotels in West Hollywood and Gay Friendly Hotels in West Hollywood

SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Sonoma County

Sonoma County has long been the year-round destination of choice for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender crowd looking to enjoy the rural benefits of this premier wine country and natural recreation haven.

The rivers and redwoods, coasts and sea villages, and valleys and vineyards of Sonoma County are just a 30-minute scenic drive from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Planning a visit? Book rooms, attractions and activities at www.sonomacounty.com. While visiting the website, sign up for a free visitors guide and map, and find out more about hotels, wineries, events, spas, and attractions. Call (800) 576-6662 for more information.

The cool, clear water of the Russian River boasts sandy beaches that indulge laid-back sunbathers as well as the more energetic sports of kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Hiking, picnicking, nature walks, biking and horseback riding are some of the ways that visitors enjoy the stately giants at Armstrong Redwoods State Preserve.

The River’s Major LGBT Resorts and Bars

The private balconies of Creekside Inn & Resort’s eco-friendly cottages are high up among the redwoods. The resort comes complete with barbecue areas and a sunny swimming pool.

Redwoods surround the mountain-perched cabins at the Highlands Resort. The resort offers the choice of private cabins or the more communal camping option.

The historic Sonoma Orchid Inn offers luxurious accommodations. This fully restored and elegantly furnished 1906 farmhouse has all the modern amenities: private baths, wireless high-speed Internet, TiVo-equipped rooms, state-of-the-art hot tub, fireplaces and a “guest kitchen” available to guests 24 hours a day.

Located right on the Russian River, the Village Inn & Restaurant’s Summer Sundays on their terraced lawn is a popular hangout to enjoy music, lawn games and summer barbecue menu from May through September. Year-round the charming rooms, with river and garden views, and Classic-American cuisine attract local residents and guests alike.

The Woods Resort caters to a gay clientele with cottages, guest cabins and multi-room suites with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, private balconies and views of verdant redwood forests. The swimming pool is not only one of the largest in the area but one of the sunniest, and clothing is optional.

The Rainbow Cattle Company – which serves food on weekends and event days – has a jam-packed entertainment and nightlife calendar year round. Since 1979, this legendary daddy of bars has been an institution and Northern California party destination. Known for their Long Island, Long Beach and Tokyo Iced Teas, and Mad Cows served in quart-size Mason jars there is always a celebration at this “queer steer.” Steer Tag Parties take the guessing out of who’s single and who isn’t.

To hot DJ dance music, cool drinks and $1 burgers and hot dogs everyone wears their availability proudly on their chest “No, I’m Taken,” “Maybe (buy me a drink first),” “Yes, I’m Easy,” are just half the choices.

Just across the street is Club Yamagata where the party starts around 10 p.m. with DJs and an electrical musical dance mix every night. Performers at Open Microphone Night are rewarded with a free shot. Live music events, Sister Flicks – Bad Movie Nights and sushi dinner served six nights a week make this a fun place to cavort.

The adults-only Russian River Resort, aka the Triple R, is the area’s most energetic of the gay nightlife options. During the day, the pool area is the place to be with bronzed bodies sunning themselves and enjoying the disco music and drinks. It’s a popular gal’s spot too. One of the women recently called it the perfect gay resort, “a fantastic conglomeration of wraparound bar/pool/restaurant/hotel where every drink you order comes back a double and there is always a party.” Leather disco, “Felt-up” women’s nights, DJs from the hottest clubs in San Francisco, L.A. and New York, karaoke and comedy nights pack the house year-round.

We’re Host to Gay & Lesbian Events, Festivals and Parties All Year Long

There is a party for every one of the major and minor holidays from New Year’s to Groundhog’s Day. A monthly not-to-be-missed event is the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Bingo Game. The games are infamous, uproarious, colorful, and raise money for many area causes. Be careful, if you’re caught calling bingo and you don’t have it there are punishments!

In May, it’s a riotous weekend in the redwoods with the pool parties, speed dating, Truth or Dare games, motorcycle runs, crafts fairs, art shows, drag king contests, bombshell parties, drum circles and dance parties as Women’s Weekend brings the ladies to town for their annual event. Grrr!

In early August, the big and furry, and their beau’s converge on Sonoma County for the extremely popular Lazy Bear Weekend. Every year Guerneville prepares in style for the annual migration bear-run–from cubs to grizzlies. Daddy bears, otters, pandas and assorted admirers will enjoy a weekend of fun and frolic with parties every night into the wee hours.

October means the Annual Russian River Progressive Halloween Costume Contest. The party and the costumes progress to all the party hot spots in town.

In November is the annual Mr. Russian River Leather Contest and Weekend. Contestants and visitors come from all over California to partake in this fun and fetish packed event.

Although the Russian River is the center of county’s gay life, Sonoma County is welcoming to gay visitors and offers a diverse menu of attractions for every itinerary from couples’ romance to family recreation.

Before heading out to explore 50 miles of Sonoma County’s state park beaches, pick up cheese and wine for a picnic lunch at gay-owned Sophie’s Cellars in Monte Rio or build your own gourmet food basket from among the many artisan food purveyors.

The coast and redwoods are not the only locales for gay events. In May, it’s A Night of Elegance: The Prom You Never Had at St. Rose Hall in the Historic St. Rose District of Santa Rosa. This annual prom is for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and intersexed (GLBTQI) adults. The special night includes prom wear, corsages, boutonnieres, dancing, official prom photos and raffle prizes.

Showing Our Pride

Every June, Sonoma County celebrates pride with two events at Santa Rosa’s Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. First is the Annual Pride Comedy Night: A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Celebration followed by dancing and DJ music. The following day is the annual Sonoma County Pride festival. The festival includes a commitment ceremony, live musical entertainment, political representatives, community information, merchandise and delicious food and drinks.

For a Night on the Town

Sweet Mondays are Sonoma County’s weekly party for the LGBT community at SeVen Ultralounge in Santa Rosa. Billed as Sonoma County’s longest running weekly dance event for the LGBT community, it’s a warm and friendly dance with top 40 Club Hits and Retro Classics.

The gayest place in Penngrove is The Black Cat Bar & Cafe. This lesbian-owned fun and funky bar in Penngrove is housed in a building more than 100 years old decorated with bras hanging from the ceiling and black cats. Wednesday night is Open Microphone, Thursday night is Boy’s Night Out, Friday night the place pulsates to the music of live bands and Saturday night is DJ dancing. Several nights a month are Tipping the Velvet Girls Night, Jack and Chills Boys Night and Club Queer when the music is mellow trip-hop and electronica, the lights are low, candles burn and the atmosphere says romance.

Want to improve your dance style before hitting the clubs? The John Ross Ballroom Dance Studio in Rohnert Park offers swing, salsa and rumba classes for same sex couples. As “do-si-do,” “promenade, “and “swing” orders are called out the Sebastopol Redwood Rainbows square dance around the room. This lesbian and gay square dance club offers a warm and friendly environment for square dancing and socialization. Dance dress code is casual, and no partner is needed to attend the dances.

When its Time to Call it a Night

From the largest hotels to the smallest three room inns, from trendy shops to wine hospitality centers and restaurants, every place to stay or visit in Sonoma County welcomes gay visitors. Several Sonoma County hotels have been TAG (Travel Alternatives Group) Approved. That means the accommodations have met the qualifications that include enforcing non-discriminatory policies, treating heterosexual and domestic partners equally in personnel policies and providing diversity training. TAG Approved properties include:

Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa
103 Coast Highway One
Bodega Bay, CA
(888) 875-3525
www.WoodsideHotels.com/Bodega

Creekside Inn & Resort
16180 Neeley Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
(800) 776-6586
www.creeksideinn.com

Doubletree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country
One Doubletree Drive
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 584-5466
www.dtsonoma.com

Fern Grove Cottages
16650 Highway 116
Guerneville, CA 95446
(888) 243-2674
www.ferngrove.com

Fountaingrove Inn Hotel & Conference Center
101 Foutaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(800) 222-6101
www.fountaingroveinn.com

Gaige House Inn
13540 Arnold Drive
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 935-0237
www.gaige.com

Highlands Resort
14000 Woodland Drive
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 869-0333
www.highlandsresort.com

Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
3555 Round Barn Blvd.
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 523-7555
www.winecountryhilton.com

Hotel La Rose
308 Wilson Street
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 579-3200
www.hotellarose.com

Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa
170 Railroad Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 284-1234
www.vineyardcreek.hyatt.com

Sheraton Sonoma County
745 Baywood Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954
(707) 283-2888
www.sheraton.com/petaluma

Sonoma Orchid Inn
12850 River Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 887-1033
www.ridenhourinn.com

Village Inn & Restaurant
20822 River Blvd
Monte Rio, CA 95462
(707) 865-2304
www.villageinn-ca.com

Woods Resort
16484 4th Street
Guerneville, CA 95446
(877) 887-9218
www.rrwoods.com

Contact Information

For Conventions, Conferences, Meeting and Incentives go to:
SonomaCounty.com.
Ph: (707) 522-5800, E-mail: Robin McKee-Cant

For general information: visit www.SonomaCounty.com Email: Robin McKee-Cant

Press Inquiries: please contact Tina Luster at (707) 522-5800. E-mail Tina Luster.

Photo Credits:
Peter Griffith (grapes), Robert Janover (men in vineyard), Lisa Kimmell (women), Sonoma Co. Tourism Board.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Sonoma County

Gay Hotels in Bodega Bay and Gay Friendly Hotels in Bodega Bay

Gay Hotels in Glen Ellen and Gay Friendly Hotels in Glen Ellen

Gay Hotels in Guerneville and Gay Friendly Hotels in Guerneville

Gay Hotels in Healdsburg and Gay Friendly Hotels in Healdsburg

Gay Hotels in Monte Rio and Gay Friendly Hotels in Monte Rio

Gay Hotels in Petaluma and Gay Friendly Hotels in Petaluma

Gay Hotels in Rohnert Park and Gay Friendly Hotels in Rohnert Park

Gay Hotels in Santa Rosa and Gay Friendly Hotels in Santa Rosa

Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau

We invite lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender travelers to be a part of Seattle’s sophisticated, thriving urban core to experience the pristine wilderness and abundant outdoor recreation that surrounds.

Located between snowy mountain ranges and overlooking Puget Sound, Seattle is a fast-paced metropolitan city with the perfect mix of natural beauty. Where else can you kayak up to your favorite restaurant, then set out strolling and shopping through downtown?
 
See a play at a local theatre – before it’s seen on Broadway. Record your own song at the EMP Museum. Sample an array of cutting-edge cuisine from some of the country’s top chefs- 13 James Beard award winners in all. From world-class wineries, music venues for every genre and natural beauty to explore, Seattle has something for everyone.

Explore a colorful mix of neighborhoods that mingle among the city’s hills and waterways, from hip and gritty Georgetown to beautiful Ballard. While Seattle’s LGBT community is integrated throughout the city, its highest concentration of businesses is on Capitol Hill. Broadway Avenue boasts bookstores and boutiques and to the south along the Pike and Pine Street corridor, many of Seattle’s top bars, nightclubs and trendiest restaurants can be found.

Take an excursion. Seattle is the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by salt water Puget Sound and fresh water lakes, two mountain ranges and three national parks. Day and night skiing are just an hour east, high in the Cascade Mountains. Take a guided sea kayaking tour in the heart of the city or consider flightseeing by floatplane. Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. are nearby and offer a two-nation vacation.

It’s all here, waiting to be experienced. Discover what’s over the rainbow in the great Pacific Northwest. We’re proud and excited to welcome you to Seattle.

For more information, visit:

http://visitseattle.org/Visitors/Discover/LGBT-Travel.aspx
http://2daysinseattle.com/
http://www.thegsba.org/

Book your trip at:

http://bookings.visitseattle.org/

Contact info:

Kristen Star, Marketing Manager, kstar@visitseattle.org

David Blandford, VP Communications and Public Relations, DBlandford@visitseattle.org

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in the Area

Gay Hotels in Seattle and Gay Friendly Hotels in Seattle

Gay Hotels in Bellevue and Gay Friendly Hotels in Bellevue

Gay Hotels in Tulalip and Gay Friendly Hotels in Tulalip

Gay Hotels in Tukwila and Gay Friendly Hotels in Tukwila

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian San Francisco

Only in San Francisco. Equality for all. Pride and freedom. Respect and tolerance. Those words say a lot about a place called San Francisco.

Historically and culturally, San Francisco has been waving the flag (albeit not the rainbow version created here in 1978) for more than 150 years. Historians note the emergence of a gay population during the Gold Rush and the days of the Barbary Coast. Today San Francisco has one of the highest per capita gay populations in the world.

Notable Landmarks

Notable LGBT landmarks include the Pink Triangle Park, Castro and Market; the National AIDS Memorial Grove, Golden Gate Park; LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market St.; the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center at the Main Library, 100 Larkin St.; and Harvey Milk Plaza, where a 20- by 30-foot-long rainbow flag flies at the corner of Market and Castro. Walking tours of famous landmarks in the Castro are available.

The GLBT Historical Society (glbthistory.org) marked its 25^th anniversary by expanding to a second location in the heart of the Castro at 4127 18^th St. The inaugural exhibition, “Our Vast Queer Past: Celebrating Queer History,” is divided into 25 sections, highlighting key themes in GLBT history by focusing on objects ac­quired in every one of the 25 years since the founding of the organization.

San Francisco is the home of the first lesbian organization in the U.S., The Daughters of Bilitis founded in 1955; in 1961 the first openly gay political candidate, Jose Sarria; the first Gay Games; the first openly gay men’s chorus, mixed gay chorus, marching band and community theater; the Golden Gate Business Association, the first LGBT chamber of commerce. In 2004 San Francisco was the first U.S. city to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

San Francisco was named the top gay-friendly destination in the U.S. and Canada in a national survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association in 2006. In May of 2009 San Francisco was named Favorite Domestic Destination in the 2009 Gay.com Travel Awards poll. More than 25,000 votes were cast.

Out and About

There are hundreds of events that add to the LGBT experience in San Francisco. Pride Month is June. The annual parade and celebration on the final weekend draws 500,000 or more, making it one of the largest events in California and the largest pride parade in the world. The renowned International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is also held in June.

Other annual events include Up Your Alley (August), the Folsom Street Fair, held the last Sunday in September; the Castro Street Fair always the first Sunday in October; and Sundance Stompede (October), a Country Western weekend for the LGBT community. San Francisco is also home to the “wackiest Nutcracker on earth,” the annual Dance-Along Nutcracker performed by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band.

Out with the Locals

Looking for some “insider tips” from Bay Area residents? Check out the online feature, “Out with the Locals”. Dozens of San Francisco cognoscenti share their top picks on what to see and do, including their most memorable “Only in San Francisco” experience.

Meet the Neighbors

While visitors to San Francisco continue to stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge, take the ferry to Alcatraz, board the cable cars and flock to Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and Union Square, they are widening their search for the essence of San Francisco to the neighborhoods. Just as seasoned San Franciscans do, they become conversant on the distinctions, changes in tone and topography, between the “lower and upper,” the “north of and west of” and “outer and inner” areas of well-known streets and districts.

Among the neighborhoods popping up more frequently on itineraries are the Mission District, the Haight-Ashbury (especially an area north of Golden Gate Park’s “panhandle” called NoPa), and the Fillmore/Japantown area. The Tenderloin is also home to a new crop of bars and clubs.

Bring a capacious appetite to this culinary capital as well. To experience each of San Francisco’s 3,000-plus restaurants, one would have to dine in a different restaurant every day for more than eight consecutive years, and still miss a few on the ever-changing list.

Planning a Meeting

It may be our amazing views of the Pacific Ocean at sunset or our unique city skyline; either way, San Francisco has been host to many professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and events. Here is a list of meetings and events we’ve had the privilege of working with:

• National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
• National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
• National Lesbian & Gay Law Association
• International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism
• The PRIDE Business Expo

If you are interested in having your meeting in San Francisco, please contact:
Lysa Lewin
Director of Convention Sales
Phone: 415.227.2616
Fax: 415.227.2646
Email: llewin@sanfrancisco.travel

You may also submit your request directly through our lead database to book a meeting, please complete the information located on this page of our web site.

Trying to find a venue for your meeting? Complete our venue form.

For more information about hosting a meeting in San Francisco, our services, and who to contact, visit our Meeting and Event Planners web site.

What’s Going On

Thousands of stories are written about San Francisco each year. Our dedicated Public Relations division works with travel writers and journalists to make each article unique. View our recent LGBT press releases.

For a more comprehensive list of what’s going on in San Francisco within the gay and lesbian community, visit our Gay and Lesbian travel web site. You’ll find a calendar of events, history & information, gay icons, and tools to help you plan your next trip.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in San Francisco

Gay Hotels in San Francisco and Gay Friendly Hotels in San Francisco

With more than 1,600 members, the San Francisco Travel Association (SFTA) is one of the largest membership-based tourism promotion agencies in the country. The SFTA business offices are located at 201 Third St., Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, 415-974-6900, www.sanfrancisco.travel.

At the SFTA a team of destination experts familiar with the tourism industry and the needs of the profession is available to assist with lead services, destination information, promotional materials and itinerary planning.

The association also operates the Visitor Information Center at Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market St. For information call 415-391-2000.

The SFTA continues its LGBT tourism efforts in concert with official sponsor American Express and community partner the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), the country’s first LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Philadelphia

Philadelphia continues to come out as one of the nation’s top gay-friendly travel destinations. The region has become the place to learn about America’s past by day and to experience a little of the party life by night. Here, visitors will find all the ingredients for a fabulous visit: a hot restaurant scene, great shopping and rich cultural attractions and historic sites, as well as lively bars, clubs in a nine-block “Gayborhood,” where the street signs are marked with rainbow flags.

Planning a Meeting

The City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection) welcomes the GLBT community for conventions & meetings.

Also, Philadelphia features state-of-the-art meeting facilities, an expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center opening in 2011, and award-winning customer service from the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

If you are interested in having your meeting in Philadelphia, contact:
James Delmar
National Accounts Manager
Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau
E-mail: jamesd@pcvb.org
Phone: 215/636-3323
Fax: 267/479-6323

Our world-class sales team is ready to help! From finding the perfect facility for your event to sending out leads to hotels to help designate your room block – we are here for you.

Submit an RFP Here

Click here for a visitor map of Philadelphia

Click here for a hotel map of Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Convention Center

Easy Access

• The Pennsylvania Convention Center is easily accessible to I-676 that links to I-95, I-76, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike
• 2 subway lines located underneath the Center
• 7 Regional Rail Lines that connect directly to the Center
• 8 SEPTA bus routes providing direct service to the Center
• 15 SEPTA bus routes within walking distance
• Plus, direct train service to Philadelphia International Airport and Amtrak’s 30th Street Station

Arts, Culture and History:

History buffs, art aficionados and culture mavens, be warned: The Philadelphia region is a cultural paradise. Famous for its preeminent role in the founding of the country, the city is the ultimate history classroom. Within the recently redeveloped Independence National Historical Park stands Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution was ratified. Independence Hall was also the site of some of the nation’s first gay rights demonstrations, held here for four years beginning in 1965. An official state historic marker––the first in the nation to mark a GLBT historical event––commemorates the landmark protests.

Just across the street is the Liberty Bell Center, which provides a more contemplative experience than ever before for this venerable symbol of freedom. Anchoring the northern end of Independence Mall is the National Constitution Center, a major museum celebrating the U.S. Constitution, including its impact on the rights of gays and lesbians.

For art lovers, there’s no better place to begin than the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where an impressive array of Renaissance, American, Impressionist and modern art lives. The museum’s recently unveiled Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building offers a stunning, new home for its costume, textile, contemporary design and photography collections. Nearby is the Rodin Museum, home to the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of France. The Philadelphia Art Alliance on Rittenhouse Square frequently showcases gay and contemporary artists, while the Rosenbach Museum and Library houses the original manuscripts of James Joyce’s Ulysses and Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, as well as letters between lesbian writer Mercedes de Acosta and Hollywood legend Greta Garbo.

Cultural experiences can extend well into the evening along the Avenue of the Arts, where exciting performances range from opera to world music and from Broadway to local theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Academy of Music, Wilma Theater, Prince Music Theater, Suzanne Roberts Theatre and other venues. There is also a new American Jewish History Museum.

Restaurants:

While in town, a soft pretzel with mustard and a famous Philly cheesesteak are musts, but visitors should realize that there is a vast world of culinary options beyond Philly’s favorite comfort foods. In Washington Square West, affectionately known as Wash West, Knock features an American menu with global touches and a lively bar scene; Mixto serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner Latino-style; More Than Just Ice Cream lives up to its name with yummy burgers, salads and sandwiches; lesbian-owned, bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) establishment Lolita wows crowds with its nuevo Mexican focus; Bindhi spices the palate with a new twist on Indian; Raw presents sushi in an uber stylish setting; Valanni tempts the taste buds with creative Mediterranean fare; and its sister restaurant Mercato provides a market-driven take on Italian cuisine. For lighter fare, two wine bars, Tria and Vintage pair unusual wines by the bottle or glass with artisanal cheese plates, salads, pressed sandwiches and other snacks. The star of the city’s dining scene is restaurateur Stephen Starr, owner of 12 trendy eateries. Options among his empire include the Mexican El Vez; the comfort food of Jones; the pan Asian Buddakan; French bistro Parc; and the dramatic, Havana-inspired Alma de Cuba.

Nightlife:

Most of the city’s gay and lesbian bars and clubs are conveniently located in the “Gayborhood,” which runs from 10th to Broad Streets and from Chestnut to Pine Streets. Best known are the always-packed Woody’s, which has several bars and a pulsating dance floor; Tavern on Camac, which offers a fine-dining restaurant, piano bar and disco lounge; Q, an after-hours club where the dancing continues well after 2:00 a.m.; Voyeur, a luxe-lounge and restaurant; and Sisters, a bar-restaurant-dance club mostly for women. New to the scene is Stir, which attracts an eclectic mix of gay men and women.

Shops:

Wash West fittingly offers a shopper’s paradise known as Midtown Village, featuring boutiques for men and women, handmade soaps and bath products at Open House, housewares, furniture, and mouthwatering gelato. There is plenty more shopping abound, with traditional outlets on Antique Row to a new generation of stores selling more contemporary items along the same stretch. Also in the neighborhood is the 30-year-old Giovanni’s Room, one of the nation’s oldest gay and lesbian bookstores. Best of all, there’s no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus

The Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus possesses a desire to position Philadelphia and the Countryside into a top destination by gay and lesbian travelers. Open to anyone, both gay and straight, the primary purpose of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus is to bring together a group of people who are willing to share resources to collaborate on promoting Philadelphia as a gay-friendly destination. Learn more about the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus by clicking here.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in the Area

Gay Hotels in Philadelphia and Gay Friendly Hotels in Philadelphia

Gay Hotels in Chadds Ford and Gay Friendly Hotels in Chadds Ford

Gay Hotels in Collegeville and Gay Friendly Hotels in Collegeville

Gay Hotels in Glen Mills and Gay Friendly Hotels in Glen Mills

Gay Hotels in Lansdale and Gay Friendly Hotels in Lansdale

Gay Hotels in Malvern and Gay Friendly Hotels in Malvern

Gay Hotels in New Hope and Gay Friendly Hotels in New Hope

Gay Hotels in Plymouth Meeting and Gay Friendly Hotels in Plymouth Meeeting

RICHMOND METROPOLITAN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Richmond

History. Open for all.

In Virginia’s Historic Richmond Region, four centuries of history and vibrant modern-day culture come together, making for an unforgettable getaway.

Passport magazine says this about Richmond: “If what you’re looking for is a city rich in history and alive with the arts, where culture, fine dining, and gracious living are supplemented by a gay-friendly sensibility that extends from its major institutions to gay-dedicated cultural pursuits … if what you are looking for is, in a word, a surprise … then think about Richmond.”

LGBT visitors will find the Richmond Region’s neighborhoods, corner restaurants and shops very welcoming. Carytown offers up nine blocks of locally owned, gay-friendly shops and restaurants, several of which are gay owned, featuring a great LGBT nightlife scene.

Mild weather makes a visit to the Richmond Region fantastic anytime of year. In the fall, the community partners together for Rainbow Over Richmond, a series of events running September through November that explore and celebrate LGBT and LGBT-friendly culture and community. Highlights include PrideFest, happening September 24, and Gay Days at Kings Dominion, Richmond’s fun-filled amusement park. Complete details are available online at RainbowOverRichmond.com

No matter when you visit, you can immerse yourself in thought-provoking art and culture, historical sites, stylish cuisine and shopping, and impressive architecture. Savor lunch or dinner at a hip restaurant in the Museum District, the Fan or the River District. Attend a musical or theater performance. Enjoy the great outdoors along the James River or at a lush garden. Party until the wee hours enjoying our LGBT nightlife.

From luxury hotels to quaint B&Bs, Richmond offers a vast selection of accommodations, including several TAG certified properties. Getting here is easy, thanks to the Richmond International Airport’s nearly 200 daily flights and our central setting on the East Coast.

Embark upon your own unforgettable journey to the Richmond Region.

Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
888/RICHMOND
VisitRichmondVa.com/rainbow

History. Open for All.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Richmond

Gay Hotels in Richmond and Gay Friendly Hotels in Richmond

Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Phoenix

Greater Phoenix offers a wealth of leisure activities and opportunities celebrating its diversity. With an active and flourishing GLBT community, the fifth largest city in the US affords great experiences to visitors and residents alike. GLBT business and entertainment can be found throughout the Greater Phoenix metro area.

Nationally-recognized GLBT events include Phoenix Pride, Rainbows Festival, the Roadrunner Regional Rodeo and the Cactus Cities Softball League annual tournament.

According to the largest tourism survey ever conducted in the gay and lesbian market, Greater Phoenix can expect a 79 percent increase in gay and lesbian visitors in the coming year. Greater Phoenix’s surge was the second highest among U.S. cities, and it indicates that recent marketing outreach to the gay and lesbian community by Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale is working.

The Greater Phoenix CVB began actively courting the gay and lesbian market four years ago. Working closely with the city’s Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the CVB created advertisement campaigns for Passport magazine (America’s leading gay and lesbian travel magazine) and sent representatives to both the National Lesbian Gay Journalist Association Conference in San Francisco, the Community Marketing International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism, and the International GLBT Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.

The leisure dollars of gay and lesbian travelers can buy a lot in Greater Phoenix. The region is home to three resorts that have earned the American Automobile Association’s highest rating of Five Diamonds (plus nine more worthy of Four Diamonds), and it boasts more than 200 golf courses and more than 400,000 sq. feet of spas. Chefs in Phoenix are consistently cited among America’s best by magazines such as Wine Spectator and Food and Wine, and the city is one of only 13 in the country that fields teams in all four major pro sports leagues.

There are scores of places where you can meet and mingle with locals and fellow rainbow travelers-Country/Western bars, Latino bars, and, yes, even sports bars vie with trendy luxe places that can hold their own with any of the world’s chicest lounges. And perhaps the most enjoyable facet of your Phoenix visit will be the nice and friendly people you will meet along the way. When Phoenicians say “have a nice day” they really mean it.

And, what may be a surprise to some, Phoenix is a year-round destination – each season bringing its own set of alluring charms. When the desert blooms in the spring, countless artists and photographers from around the world flock to Phoenix to try to capture this incredible beauty.

Summer also has its advantages. After all it IS a dry heat. So slather on some moisturizer and enjoy Phoenix at a fraction of what you’d expect to pay during the pricier winter months. And cooler air is just a quick drive away, up into the mountains to the north.

A fall driving trip up through Sedona and Flagstaff to visit the Grand Canyon is unequaled by just about anything you can imagine. And, of course, the holidays in Phoenix and the winter months are THE time to get away from it all and enjoy the warm weather and the warm hospitality unique to this corner of the world.

Hotels and Resorts

The Arizona Biltmore Resort is a classic Frank Lloyd Wright inspired property with more pools than you can imagine. The hip new W Hotel is pulsating and eclectic. More mainstream accommodations are found in the swank suburb of Scottsdale. The Hilton Garden Inn (7324 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, 480/481-0400, $89+) offers business-friendly amenities in the event you can’t escape your life back in the city and their Golf Amenity #18 promotion makes them a must for gay golfers: A Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday night stay at any Hilton Garden Inn gets you two free greens fees at over 325 golf courses across the U.S. and Canada. Vouchers are valid through October and you can use them wherever you travel, but with over 200 links in the area and a consistent rating among the top golfing destinations in the country, packing your plaid pants before you jet off to Phoenix isn’t a bad idea.

Nightlife

A steady influx of traveling Californians keeps Phoenix’s gay nightlife vibrant in the city’s 30 gay and lesbian bars as well as the numerous mixed venues catering to a collegiate crowd. There’s always a diverse crowd of laid-back men spilling onto the sidewalk in front of at B.S. West (7125 E Fifth Ave, Scottsdale, 480/945-9025, while jocks jostle for pool tables at gay sports bar and grill Roscoe’s on 7th (4531 N Seventh St, 602-295-0833, and the trendy set lines up for up-market Martinis at Amsterdam (718 N Central Ave, 602-258-6122. For an authentic night out with the locals, check out Charlie’s (727 W Camelback Rd, 602/265-0224, which offers weekend crowds country western dancing and an 18-plus afterhours that keeps the party going long after the legal last call at 2am. There’s no central gayborhood in Phoenix, however, so be ready to rent a car or budget for taxi travel.

For munching, openly gay state senator Ken Cheuvront’s restaurant Cheuvront (1326 N Central Ave, 602/307-0022, pairs top wines with artisanal cheeses, small plates and rich deserts in a modern ethereal décor. Friday nights at AZ88 (7353 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, 480/994-5576, draw hip gay cocktailers for inexpensive sandwiches and flirty fun.

Attractions

As for cultural attractions, the Heard Museum (2301 N Central Ave, 602/252-8848, holds an internationally acclaimed collection of Native American art, while Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter studio, school and laboratory Taliesin West (12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, 480/860-2700, is a must see for architectural aficionados. If you’re looking for gorgeous vistas-especially at sunset-Camelback Mountain and Echo Canyon are local hiking favorites as well as the Desert Botanical Garden (1201 N Galvin Pkwy, 480/941-1225, and its large collection prickly cacti. Just remember to slather on the sunscreen, bring plenty of water and-not matter what the thermometer says-keep repeating the mantra: “It’s only a dry heat!”

Spa Treatments

It’s easy to find yourself a little more relaxed in Greater Phoenix. Start your day at the spa by soaking up a little Arizona sunshine. Speaking of…did you know that we have more than 325 days of annual sunshine which means you can count on exceptional weather during your visit. Continue pampering yourself as you refresh in a crystal-clear pool. The spa therapists, estheticians and other personal-care professionals who staff our spas will look after the rest.

Golf

Greater Phoenix is home to more than 200 golf courses. Target golf and lush oasis courses as well as those that provide a mix of both, are readily accessible. With so many exceptional courses to choose from, you’ll always find a tee time that matches your style and budget here. Find out yourself why golf in the Sonoran Desert is so spectacular.

It has been said many many times before: Phoenix is Rising. And so will your spirits during and after your visit to this welcoming world-class travel destination where rainbows begin. The Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau is a proud member of the IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association).

For more information about visiting Greater Phoenix, please contact the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitphoenix.com.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in the Area

Gay Hotels in Phoenix and Gay Friendly Hotels in Phoenix

Gay Hotels in Tempe and Gay Friendly Hotels in Tempe

Gay Hotels in Scottsdale and Gay Friendly Hotels in Scottsdale

Gay Hotels in Carefree and Gay Friendly Hotels in Carefree

Gay Hotels in Glendale and Gay Friendly Hotels in Glendale

Gay Hotels in Mesa and Gay Friendly Hotels in Mesa

Gay Hotels in Paradise Valley and Gay Friendly Hotels in Paradise Valley

PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Palm Springs

Palm Springs – Sunshine Guaranteed. Few places on earth can compete with sunny Palm Springs, California when it comes to perennially warm weather, nearly constant sunshine (over 330 days a year!), spectacular natural beauty, and world-class dining, shopping, golf, and tennis. Likewise, the city has few peers when it comes to embracing diversity. To say Palm Springs is gay-friendly is the epitome of an understatement. In fact, it’s safe to say there are few places in the world where gay travelers will feel as much at home as in Palm Springs. The graciousness and hospitality of the community is apparent from the moment you arrive. Here, more than anywhere else, gay men and women of all ages, cultures and backgrounds can gather for meetings, conventions, celebrations, or just to relax and play in the warm California sun!.

It is estimated that somewhere between 40 and 45 percent of the permanent population of Palm Springs is gay and/or lesbian. The LGBT community is represented at practically every level of city government (including the mayor and two City City Council members), is both active and visible in the local business community, and is actively supported by the entire community. Palm Springs was one of the first California communities to approve and implement a domestic partnership registry for its residents, and is home to America’s first and only Gay Veterans’ Memorial. The town is also home to the PRIDE Nation Network – one of the nation’s first gay radio, television, and webcasting companies, and nearly 40 gay and lesbian specific resorts/guesthouses, plus a plethora of gay-owned businesses, bars, restaurants and shops.

Palm Springs has also become a favorite destination for LGBT meetings, conventions and special events. And why not? What better way to encourage attendance than to hold an event in Palm Springs – America’s Great Gay Oasis. And speaking of Oases. The Palm Springs Convention Center is also known as the city’s Meeting Oasis. Recently expanded, the Palm Springs Convention Center is a spectacularly beautiful facility set just two blocks from the heart of downtown Palm Springs. It is also home to Jeffrey Sanker’s WHITE Party, the annual Dinah Shore Weekend, annual benefits for the Desert AIDS Project, EQUALITY California, the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala, and a wide variety of other LGBT meetings, functions and events throughout the year.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who first settled the area that is now Palm Springs, named the area “la palma de la mano de Dios,” which means the palm of God’s Hand. After a visit to America’s Great Gay Oasis you will likely agree that Palm Springs is indeed blessed … with great weather, stunning mountain views, and a community that is about as welcoming as they come.

Links

www.palm-springs.org
www.palmspringscc.com
www.palmspringsgayinfo.com
www.gaytravelpalmsprings.com
www.gogaysocal.com
www.jeffreysanker.com
www.thedinah.com
www.dinahshoreweekend.com
www.desertpridecenter.org
www.dbaps.com

Groups Hosted

Hot and Dry (Gay AA), Baseball, National Gay Pilots Ass’n, International Gay Rodeo Association, Gay Bridge Tournament, Gay Tennis Tournament, International Royal Court System, Dinah Shore Weekend and Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party.

Convention Center Contact

Rick Leson, CMP
Director of Sales
P: 760-322-8402
F: 760-322-6921
email: rleson@palmspringscc.com
To submit an RFP, go to: http://www.palmspringscc.com/site_rfp_form.php

LGBT Organizations

Desert Gay Tourism Guild
Desert Business Association
IGLTA

Community Involvement (Donations and Local Support Links)

Greater Palm Springs PRIDE
Desert Gay Tourism Guild
Desert Business Association
Desert AIDS Project (Steve Chase Awards)
AIDS Assistance Program

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in the Area

Gay Hotels in Palm Springs and Gay Friendly Hotels in Palm Springs

Gay Hotels in Cathedral City and Gay Friendly Hotels in Cathedral City

Gay Hotels in Indian Wells and Gay Friendly Hotels in Indian Wells

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, who believed in tolerance, liberty and free will. That spirit is still alive today. Home to seven colleges and universities, the city boasts an eclectic arts scene, critically acclaimed restaurants and a youthful energy. There is no “gay-borhood” in Providence. Members of the gay and lesbian community can be found throughout the city’s many neighborhoods. From Federal Hill – Providence’s famed Little Italy – to the funky cool of the East Side, the city offers plenty to see and do.

An arts hot spot with a thriving arts district, a commitment to historical preservation, and a sophisticated nightlife, Providence offers a variety of entertainment options. One of the city’s most popular cultural events is WaterFire, a multi-sensory art installation, highlighted by a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. The fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from across the world all engage the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths and bridges of Waterplace Park. Held mostly in the warm weather months, WaterFire has drawn tens of thousands of people in a single evening.

The city’s Arts and Entertainment District has bloomed, thanks largely to tax incentives offered to artists who chose to live and/or work in the area. The district, which includes several art galleries and performance spaces, is anchored by AS220, an alternative arts performance, studio and living space with regular performances, readings and gallery exhibits. The performing arts are also a big part of Providence culture, led by Tony Award-winning Trinity Repertory Company. Music lovers will enjoy the Rhode Island Philharmonic and Opera Providence. Much of the visual arts influence in Providence can be attributed to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), one of the nation’s top art universities. RISD’s Museum of Art houses more than 80,000 works of art, ranging from Greek sculpture to French Impressionist paintings, Chinese terracotta to contemporary multimedia art.

A top culinary destination, Providence is one of the hottest culinary spots in the country, ranking #3 in the U.S. for food in Travel + Leisure’s recent “America’s Favorite Cities” poll. Home to the world’s largest culinary educator, Johnson & Wales University, many students stay in the city after graduation. Providence has more degreed chefs per capita than any other city in the US. From authentic ethnic dishes to seafood fresh from Narragansett Bay, the city offers a dazzling array of restaurants that will delight even the most discerning palate. Providence’s history and geography have also helped to cement its reputation as a culinary capital. After all, the city is the birthplace of the diner, dating back to 1872. It remains at the forefront of other recent nationwide culinary movements such as farm-to-table cuisine and the prevalence of city-dwelling food trucks.

A shoppers paradise for serious bargain hunters, Providence Place offers visitors a mall with more than 170 shopping, dining and entertainment options. Funky urban chic can be found at one of the many boutiques on Thayer and Wickenden streets, both on the city’s tony East Side. For those seeking one-of-a-kind items, risd/works is an innovative hybrid of retail store, gallery and design showroom featuring works from RISD alumni and faculty.

The Providence area is home to several “TAG Approved” hotels, including:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown
• The Hotel Providence
• Providence Biltmore Hotel
• Renaissance Providence Hotel
• Holiday Inn Express Attleboro (located in Attleboro, Mass., which is 15 minutes from Providence by car)
• Johnson & Wales Inn (located in Seekonk, Mass., which is 10 minutes from Providence by car).

Here’s What They’re Saying About Providence:

• “(L)et’s say you had to move somewhere–anywhere–else. Where aside from NYC could you exist in America and be just as comfy and complacent? I could only perhaps haul my gay ass to Philadelphia or Providence because they have some culture and besides, you can get around those places on a bike.” – Michael Musto, The Village Voice
• “So many cute restaurants and gay bars (thanks to the kids from Brown and RISD) to say nothing of the blocks of amazing Georgian architecture.”
• “This city is a jewel. Johnson & Wales Culinary University is there which helps explain the cavalcade of scrumptious cuisine.” – Mickey Boardman, Paper
• “Providence’s relatively small size might lead you to think it doesn’t have much gay life, but the city has over two dozen gay bars, clubs, and other venues and a sizable lesbian scene; its pride festival in June dominates the entire downtown.”
• “Many gays in New England choose to reside in Providence because of its inexpensive prices, friendliness, and gay tolerance.” – Matthew Link, Out Traveler

For more information on booking a getaway in lively, lovely Providence, Rhode Island, visit www.GoProvidence.com

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Providence

Gay Hotels in Providence and Gay Friendly Hotels in Providence

Cleveland’s LGBT Community Center is nearly 35 years old; our Pride celebration has been around for more than two decades. What’s the point? We left the secrecy of the closet a long time ago. But if you’re not a Cleveland Plus native, you may be unaware of many of the hidden gems that local folks who are in the know call their favorite hotspots. Read on as we yank the best of the region out of the closet.

Unexpected Eats:  Visitors new to Northeast Ohio will be surprised to learn this fact: Cleveland Plus is a foodie’s dream. Innovative chefs will wow your taste buds and owners have created sophisticated, chic environments in which the local LGBT community feels welcomed. Visit any of these places and you’re bound to stumble across fellow members of “the tribe.”  And don’t miss a visit to the West Side Market, home to a smorgasboard of fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat treats from more than 180 vendors.

Eclectic Shopping:  The coolest retail venues in Cleveland Plus also happen to be the most LGBT-friendly. We’re talking art galleries galore, funky home décor, nostalgic toys and the best in retro vinyl music.

Theater + Cinema:  Located almost directly between the performance capitals of New York City and Chicago is a theater scene that rivals those cities for diversity – at much more affordable prices. If big-budget musicals are your thing, PlayhouseSquare offers its Broadway series with professional touring shows. It’s also a fantastic destination for one-off concerts, from music to comedy. Just steps away in its new, spectacular Hanna Theater home is Great Lakes Theater Festival, which produces Shakespeare and other classic works with top-notch casts and production values. Its unique seating options include the opportunity to catch a show while relaxing at the bar or on a couch with friends.

Other options include Cleveland Public Theatre, the town’s progressive dramatic organization that produces new works, along with shows that challenge societal perceptions. Cleveland Play House is the oldest repertory theater in the nation and Beck Center for the Arts stages a mix of musicals and plays with casts that include professionals and local amateurs.

Cleveland International Film Festival attracts more than 65,000 cinephiles to downtown each March for some 250 independent films from around the world. It’s a big hit with LGBT people, who value the 10% queer film series, as well as its fantastic cinema in general.

Culture:  “Culture” in Cleveland Plus doesn’t meet snooty. In fact, arts organizations in the region make an effort to open their doors to as much of the public as possible. Take the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of its endowment, the permanent collection is always free (you might pay a nominal fee for some special exhibits). The Museum is undergoing a $350 million expansion but there’s still plenty to see. Just steps across Wade Oval in University Circle, you’ll find Cleveland Botanical Gardens, which offers lush landscapes and flowers year-round. Severance Hall offers an acoustically magnificent place to hear the Cleveland Orchestra, rated among the top orchestras in the world, perform. In summer, the orchestra moves to Blossom Music Center for a residency under the stars. There, it loosens up – so pack a picnic, spread your blanket on the lawn and cuddle up next to your sweetie for a magical evening.

Cleveland Rocks:  While the gorgeous I.M. Pei-designed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum building is all glass, white walls and perfectly proportioned black lines on the outside (which any design-loving LGBT person can appreciate), inside it is a shrine to America’s most popular music of the past few generations. Exhibits rotate, but you can always expect artifacts from fabulous costumes to awesome album art.

Discover more about the unexpected fabulousness of Cleveland Plus at www.positivelycleveland.com.

KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Kimpton

We’re Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, over 50 distinctively-themed hotels and restaurants that are perfectly located in 22 cities across the United States. Our hotels are gay-friendly, full of personality, and offer amenities that go well beyond the ordinary. Gay and lesbian guests as well as our employees have always been very important to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. Starting in San Francisco in the 1980′s, Kimpton has always recognized the important role the gay and lesbian community has played in the company. Right from the start, the hotels were known for their unique environments and the gay and lesbian community responded very favorably. In addition, we are very proud that Kimpton has always had a large number of gay and lesbian employees. To learn more visit www.kimptonhotels.com/lgbt.

Kimpton Supports the LGBT Community

Kimpton and its employees are very involved in the LGBT Community. Both the national brand and local hotels make cash contributions and room night donations to dozens of LGBT charities across the country. We also host events for national and local community groups. For example, we are sponsors of organizations like the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association, GALA Choruses, the Mautner Project, and the National Gay & Lesbian Business Association, just to name a few. In addition we support the fundraising efforts of hundreds of local nonprofits by giving silent auction gift certificates. From regional HRC events to your local HIV charity, Kimpton’s staff is involved in the local LGBT community. If your group is interested in learning more, contact lgbtsupport@kimptonhotels.com.

Kimpton Hotels are located in…

• ARIZONA – Scottsdale
• CALIFORNIA – Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Silicon Valley
• COLORADO – Aspen and Denver
• FLORIDA – Miami and Vero Beach
• GEORGIA – Atlanta
• ILLINOIS – Chicago
• MARYLAND – Baltimore
• MASSACHUSETTS – Boston and Cambridge
• NEW YORK – New York City
• OREGON – Portland
• PENNSYLVANIA – Philadelphia
• TEXAS – Dallas
• UTAH – Salt Lake City
• VIRGINIA – Alexandria and Arlington
• WASHINGTON – Seattle
• WASHINGTON DC

For more information about Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants visit, www.kimptonhotels.com/lgbt.

For more information about meetings and conventions visit, www.kimptonhotels.com/lgbt_meetings.aspx.

For assistance in scheduling a Kimpton Hotel or Restaurant for a meeting, fundraiser or group, contact lgbtmeetings@kimptonhotels.com.

SWITZERLAND

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Switzerland

Switzerland, located in the heart of Europe, especially appeals due to the wealth of experiences offered in a small geographic area. A rich cultural heritage, combined with a unique natural scenery and diversity ensure that your visit will be out of the ordinary. This cosmopolitan nation embraces not only many different facets, but is simply a place for every taste. Whether you look for quaint Alpine villages or bustling cities, Switzerland offers it.

Well Connected: Did you know that Switzerland has a unique transportation system? Not only is Zürich one of the most modern airports in the world, but also Switzerland has the best transportation system. Public transportation runs on a regular schedule and needs no prior reservation. To access the system, simply get one of the different Swiss Passes and board all trains, boats and buses, enter most museums, and get a 50% discount on mountain-top trains.

Cultural Basel: In line with a year old tradition, Basel has always had an open door for art and culture. Not surprising is the fact that Basel was the first city to establish a public art collection more than 300 years ago. This city, located on the shores of the Rhine, not only hosts Art Basel every year, but also has excellent art exhibitions throughout the year. Furthermore, it increasingly adds new architectural landmarks, underlining its status as the cultural city of Switzerland.

Cozy Bern: The Swiss capital city is a very cozy place with an old town being part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage. Switzerland’s most beautiful shopping center features miles of arcaded arbors abutting old Baroque sandstone houses. Protected against rain or snow, visitors can stroll through these arcades and enjoy a truly singular pleasure. It’s a compact city uniting restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, theater and galleries.

Festive Lucerne: Located in the heart of Switzerland in beautiful scenery with an excellent view of the Alps, Lucerne is host to the Lucerne Festival with three different programs around Easter, during the summer and in November. The festival is famous for its marriage of high-class music with outstanding architecture. In fact, the new concert center designed by Jean Nouvel features not only a perfect music hall but has also an astonishing outside appearance. The nearby lake invites you to take a boat trip, and the surrounding mountains are a perfect destination for a day-trip in every season.

French Lausanne and Geneva: Within short reach of Bern are the French-speaking towns of Lausanne and Geneva, both located on the shores of Lake Geneva, a region with a unique combination of water, countryside and mountains. The city of Geneva is an international, charming and romantic place, whereas Lausanne is a typical Swiss city with plenty of restaurants, excellent museums and an active gay scene. Briefly, Lausanne is an ideal place to party but also to experience local culture: for example, by strolling through the twice-weekly market in the city center. Lausanne further hosts the world-famous Bejart Ballet and the Olympic Museum. Sociable and intimate, diverse and exciting, Lausanne is one of the hidden treasures of Switzerland to discover.

Vibrant Zürich: Zürich is fun loving, young and trendy. The city has the world’s highest quality of life and not surprisingly attracts visitors from all over the world. With the river Limmat, the nearby lake and the mountains not far away either, Zürich is nestled in a very attractive surrounding. The cultural offerings have world-class standard and shopping on Bahnhofstrasse is an unforgettable experience. Outdoor restaurants of all kinds are reaching record proportions and sports opportunities galore. Furthermore it has a vibrant gay and lesbian culture with something for everyone. By the way: did you know that Europe’s longest running gay bar – Barfüsser – is in the heart of old town Zürich?

Natural Arosa: Not only famous for its Gay Ski Week in early January, this mountain resort is a perfect getaway throughout the year for all nature lovers. Nestled at the end of a valley and surrounded by unforgettable natural scenery, it has also some of the best clubbing in the Alps and a further highlight is the brand new spa at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel, designed by the architect Mario Botta.

Inspired? Nowhere can you experience so much exceptional art, architecture, culture and spectacular nature in such close proximity as in Switzerland. To enhance your stay, Switzerland Tourism published a gay and lesbian guide entitled It’s only Natural. To order the brochure or for more information on Switzerland, go to www.MySwitzerland.com and click on “Gay & Lesbian Travel”, or call Switzerland Tourism at (877) 794-8037.

More than just meetings

Imagine: in the morning your colleagues are skiing high up on deep snow; at lunchtime they are in short sleeves, eating beneath palm trees in warm sunshine; in the afternoon, they choose between a shopping expedition and relaxing by a flower-lined lakeshore; and in the evening, they tuck into a wholesome fondue high on the mountain slopes.

Sounds exaggerated? Far from it! In Switzerland, a program like this is perfectly possible in a day. The trip from snowy peaks to Riviera-style lakeshores can be little more than a few minutes in a cable car.

Click here for more ideas on conventions, meetings, team building and much more.

Please contact Erika E. Loser at Switzerland Tourism with your meeting and event plans.

Gay & Lesbian Podcasts

No more dragging around books, magazines and papers. Download your personal gay & lesbian guide onto your iPod, MP3 player, mobile phone or computer and listen to it when and where it suits you.

Throughout our new podcasts, Derrick will personally take you on a tour of each major gay and lesbian event throughout Switzerland. You will go to Bern for the Queersicht Festival, Zürich for Christopher Street Day Parade, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel and Lucerne for some great parties. Also, get your faux furs out, because you are going to Arosa Gay Ski Week for some skiing, partying, and how should we say, dressing up.

In each city, Derrick will tell you where to stay, where to have the perfect dinner and where to dance the night away. You’ll also hear from locals who actually make up the gay and lesbian scene in Switzerland and partygoers who are in full-swing party mode.

To make your trip a stress free experience, we’ll give you tips on the Swiss Travel System and the airline SWISS.

We hope you enjoy listening to these informative, but also fabulous and adventurous My Gay and Lesbian Podcasts for Switzerland.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Switzerland

Gay Hotels in Zurich and Gay Friendly Hotels in Zurich

Gay Hotels in Arosa and Gay Friendly Hotels in Arosa

Gay Hotels in Bern and Gay Friendly Hotels in Bern

Gay Hotels in Interlaken and Gay Friendly Hotels in Interlaken

Gay Hotels in Lausanne and Gay Friendly Hotels in Lausanne

Gay Hotels in Luzern and Gay Friendly Hotels in Luzern

Spain

Spain Welcomes You With Open Arms

Spain’s popularity with gay and lesbian travelers keeps growing.

What draws gays and lesbians to Spain? They are attracted to its world-renowned art and stunning architecture, its inventive cuisine, the high quality of its accommodations and its sizzling nightlife.

Madrid is a true art lover’s paradise with the Museo Nacional del Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza having double their size a few years ago and ten minutes of each other.

However, Spain’s capital is not just about serious artistic pursuits. Lately, the city has seen a boom in trendy new boutique hotels offering cutting-edge design along with all the latest technological amenities. And with some of the world’s hottest nightlife, Madrid rocks until dawn.

Barcelona, the country’s most popular destination for gay and lesbians, was home to Dalí, Gaudí and Picasso. A cosmopolitan Mediterranean city, it offers Roman ruins, medieval districts and arguably the world’s most beautiful Modernist architecture. The vibrant Catalonian capital has fabulous dining and exciting nightlife.

Since hosting the America’s Cup and redesigning its waterfront, Valencia has always been known for its gastronomy and as the birthplace of paella. Calatrava’s futuristic City of Arts & Sciences and its new Bioparc are also welcoming visitors.

Andalusia, the cradle of flamenco, tapas and sherry, is home to monumental Moorish cities and charming pueblos blancos. Everybody is talking about Córdoba, Sevilla, Málaga and Granada.

For beach lovers, Spain has long stretches of white sand lining its Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. One of Europe’s most popular gay resort destinations is the charming town of Sitges. And across the Mediterranean waters, the Balearic Islands, especially Ibiza, have been attracting club goers and trendy fashionistas for years.

Spanish wines have been receiving accolades from both experts and visitors. Wine tourism has come to Spain in a big way as well as the country’s fabulous food. Tapas are everywhere – and have become the world’s new way of eating. While the country’s celebrated chefs experiment and gather Michelin stars, regional restaurateurs continue to prepare superb traditional fare.

So this year come to Spain and be ready for a warm welcome. Just follow your hosts’ relaxed approach to life and feel free to be yourself wherever you go.

Visit www.spain.info for more information.

Festivals till you drop

There are many music festivals for young people in the summer. Some are international in scope. Make a note of them, because this summer you will feel that there are not enough days for dancing.

- Rock city, Rock in Rio, is moving this year to Arganda del Rey, only 25 kilometres from the city of Madrid and perfectly connected by metro and bus lines from the Spanish capital. In all more than 200,000 square metres are available to demonstrate the power of music to transmit values. The area has three large stages which will be the setting for artists from around the world.

-Monegros Desert Festival: a desert, good music and thousands of enthusiastic lovers of the most up-to-date, non-stop dance rhythms in Fraga, Huesca province, in the region of Aragon. Would you like to join them? They’ll be waiting for you in July.

-FIB Heineken, the Benicàssim International Festival in the Region of Valencia, has a particular appeal because of the atmosphere among the thousands of people attending who dance to the best music in a paradise with a great climate and pleasant beaches. This year the event is held in July.

Other festivals such as Sónar and Primavera Sound in Barcelona; Festimad Sur in Madrid; and the Bilbao BBK Live in Bilbao, and Viña Rock in Albacete, also take place between May and July. So Spain has everything you need to guarantee a great time this summer: the best music, ideal weather and the perfect atmosphere. Check the complete line-up for each festival on the official websites and don’t wait to organise your trip. The music’s already playing.

Visit www.spain.info for more information.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Spain

Gay Hotels in Spain and Gay Friendly Hotels in Spain

Denmark

Did you know that the Denmark isn’t just home to Vikings and great design – it’s also among the most gay-friendly regions in the world? Cities throughout the country are open and welcoming. In Denmark’s Capital, Copenhagen you find a city renowned for an unpretentious hip and cool atmosphere with a long-standing tradition of respect and embrace of all lifestyles featuring an abundance of gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and hotels and plays host to numerous LGBT events. Denmark was the forefront of making history founding the National Association for Gay and Lesbians in 1948 and in 1989 was the first country to recognize same sex marriages.

Dazzling & Danish

Copenhagen is an image of cool and laid-back mentality, and is historically renowned for its vibrant pulse and tolerant lifestyle. The first gay bar, Centralhjørnet, opened more than 80 years ago, and the city boasts it’s very own gay radio station, Radio Rosa. The gay scene flourish in Copenhagen, and nearly every gay entertainment is within a square mile in the city’s “SoHo” like area in the Old Town. Check out Oscar Bar Café, quite laid-back during the day and a hot-spot of fun at night, or venture to Vela Gay Club for some cocktails and pussytails.

Culture & Cutting Edge

Marvel at the fairytale land of the old world where Queens and Kings of all kinds live in castles and every cobblestoned street is your path to new adventures. Visit Frederiksborg Castle and take a stroll in its fairytale-like baroque garden. The castle dates back to 1560 and is named after its builder, King Frederik II.

Copenhagen flourishes in exciting new art venues, chic design cafes, bars and exclusive nightclubs such as underground and electronic hot spot Dunkel or the legendary and very cozy Cosy Bar. Explore the Danish Design Centre and check out the architecture of the new waterfront buildings: The Royal Danish Playhouse and the Copenhagen Opera House among others. Copenhagen is a maze of surprises just waiting to be explored.

Fashion & Fabulous

Copenhagen is a popular destination for trendsetters world-wide. You will find everything from high-end fashion and trendy world-renowned designs to small unconventional collections and vintage stores in both cities. Shop till you drop on “Strøget”, the longest pedestrian street in the world, while taking in the exciting street life at one of the many cafes. Pick your favorite fabulous designs or fashion-forward outfits, either way you inevitably want to bring along extra suitcases!

Gastronomy & Green

Explore and enjoy the “New Danish Cuisine” with innovative twists and fresh local ingredients. Copenhagen boasts 13 Michelin-starred restaurants and a total of 12 stars, more than Rome, Madrid and Berlin. The 2-star Restaurant Noma is truly a gastronomic marvel and has recently been awarded the world’s best restaurant. Head to Nyhavn’s waterfront to enjoy the organic wonders at the quaint Cap Horn restaurant, or sample the multitude of other local restaurants in Copenhagen.

Pampering & Pleasure

Besides exciting architecture, lovely beach promenades and green spaces Copenhagen and the surrounding area offers pampering and pleasure for the soul. Enjoy a perfect luxury getaway at the unique Skodsborg Health Centre and Spa hotel. Or indulge yourself at the luxurious Helle Thorup Spa at the Kong Arthur Hotel.

And what-ever you do don’t miss the sparkling canal boat tour around Copenhagen’s many canals – view the best that Copenhagen has to offer from the waterside from the Little Mermaid to the Black Diamond (extension of the Royal Library) to Christiansborg Castle – and you can always head back and check out the site up close and personal.

Gay-Friendly Copenhagen

• Copenhagen Pride Parade is celebrated each year during the summer.
• In 1989, Denmark was the first country in the world to recognize marriage between two persons of the same sex.
• The National Association for Gays and Lesbians (LBL) was founded in Copenhagen in 1948, as the first of its kind.
• The first gay bar in Copenhagen, Centralhjørnet, opened over 80 years ago and is still going strong.
• The city boasts its own gay radio station, Radio Rosa

Fly over with Scandinavian Airlines

The official carrier of the World OutGames, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offers more non-stop flights from the U.S. to Scandinavia than any other airline. The oldest and largest Scandinavian airline, SAS offers a choice of Business, Economy Extra and Economy on their flights. From U.S. gateways New York (Newark), Chicago and Washington, D.C SAS flies direct to Copenhagen. In partnership with United Airlines, SAS provides smooth connections to Copenhagen from over 60 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Make sure to check SAS’s new LGBT guide.

Stay over in Copenhagen in TAG Approved Hotels

Looking for the world’s first design hotel? Look no further than the unique Radisson SAS Royal Hotel: The hotel from the exterior façade to the Swan and Egg chairs gracing the lobby has been designed by famed Danish architect, Arne Jacobsen. As the first design hotel in the world, it is a landmark of the Jet Age, and true design buffs would want to stay at the Arne Jacobsen suite 606, which features original furniture by Arne Jacobsen, and hasn’t been refurbished since the hotel was built in 1960.

The Clarion Collection Hotel Twentyseven provides a hip Scandinavian design right in the heart of Copenhagen. Take a moment to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in a unique contemporary hotel with lots of personality, and make sure to take advantage of the complimentary light dinner buffet. Visit the coolest (literally) place in town; ICEBAR CPH, or if the ICEBAR is too “chill” opt for drinks at the hotel’s Honey Ryder Lounge.

Experience Danish quality and 200 years’ history when you stay at the Copenhagen Admiral Hotel. This uniquely designed hotel is housed in a converted 18th century warehouse, located near Copenhagen’s best shopping and cultural attractions, and neighboring the Royal Palace and the recently opened Royal Playhouse. This prizewinning hotel features a waterside location facing the new Opera House, and a Conran-designed restaurant; SALT Bar & Restaurant, serving Nordic cuisine, where the best products and a great atmosphere are key ingredients in every course.

Take a rejuvenating spa break at the Hotel Kong Arthur, an idyllic lakeside retreat just five minutes from the city center and 15 minutes from Copenhagen Airport. This family-owned hotel is both sophisticated and soothing, from its sleek guestrooms to its new Helle Thorup Spa. The Luxury Spa Break Package includes double room accommodation in the hotel’s new wing with direct access to the spa; a 75-minute Ole Henriksen five-step treatment; complimentary access to the spa and fitness facilities; a three-course spa dinner at the La Rocca restaurant; full organic breakfast buffet; complimentary high-speed Internet access; and more.

Want to get a feel of modern Copenhagen? The Square is the most exclusive design hotel on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes the exquisitely designed hotel a natural choice. Unique location in the pulsating center of town with all major sights close at hand. 267 design rooms and breakfast room with magnificent view of the city.

Contact Information:

For groups/travel agents, contact:

Britt H. Sorensen
Marketing Manager, Leisure
VisitDenmark
bhs@visitdenmark.com
T: 212.885. 9700, ext. 727

Meetings and Incentives

Considering Denmark for your next meeting/convention/incentive, visit our dedicated website for more information or contact:

Christina Andersen
Manager Meeting and Incentive Sales
VisitDenmark
can@visitdenmark.com
T: 212.885.9700, ext. 772>
http://www.visitdenmark.com/usa/en-us/menu/mice/miceforside.htm

For general information:

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Denmark

Gay Hotels in Copenhagen and Gay Friendly Hotels in Copenhagen

Photo Credits:
Wonderful Copenhagen, Fritz Hansen, Michelle Korte,
VisitDenmark, Bent Næsby

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada – The City that Touches Your Soul.Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a vibrant, eclectic city; rich in culture and history. An ideal destination for meetings, conventions, special events and incentive travel. Situated on the second largest natural harbour in the world, Halifax, is a modern port city where life revolves around the sea. Follow in the footsteps of princes, privateers, press gangs and Rosie O’Donnell as you stroll through our safe, walkable downtown experiencing over 250 years of Halifax history. Pier into our past at Pier 21 – Canada’s Ellis Island where incidentally a number of gay couples took advantage of the opportunity to legally marry in Canada when their cruise ship visited the Port.

Halifax a Proven Destination of Choice – Meeting conveners concur that Halifax events consistently attract high delegate attendance. With convenient connections by air, sea, and land to major travel hubs worldwide, it’s easy for groups to meet in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Plus with US customs pre-clearance, at the award winning Robert L. Stanfield International Airport, air travel from Halifax to US destinations is a snap. The heart of Halifax boasts over 3500 hotel rooms ranging from top hotels to quaint inns providing a range of accommodation choices for delegates. Almost 1/3 of those rooms are conveniently connected by an enclosed pedway system to the World Trade and Convention Centre.

Unique Venues – With its ideal harbourside location and abundance of history Halifax offers a host of fantastic options to make your convention, meeting or event stand out. Imagine your clients being escorted by bagpipers into an authentic waterfront warehouse overlooking Halifax Harbour where piping hot lobsters await. Picture your clients sipping cocktails while they mingle amongst traditional Nova Scotian wooden vessels in the Small Craft Gallery at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Or perhaps they would enjoy canapés while experiencing the skirl of bagpipes, the boom of a cannon, and the finery of the kilted animators at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Atlantic Canada’s Entertainment and Cultural Capital – A year-round meeting and convention destination Halifax offers an abundance of gay-friendly entertainment options for delegates before, after or during your conference- they can dine on the freshest seafood prepared by world renowned chefs, shop for local hand crafted pewter and mouth blown Crystal, tap their toes to the Celtic beat of live musicians in one of our many pubs, play the slots at Casino Nova Scotia, cruise the harbour on a tall ship or just relax by the sea and watch the sailboats drift idly by.

World Renowned Hospitality – “Haligonians” (people who hail from Halifax) are friendly and welcoming to all visitors. There are a number of local establishments who pride themselves in being especially gay-friendly. These places include TAG approved accommodations, bars, restaurants, spa & fitness facilities, cafes, shops and bookstores. An active gay community in the region celebrates with Pride events in July and a number of smaller occasions throughout the year. With such a wide variety of things to see and do Halifax offers an abundance of activities for gay families, couples and singles too. Why not plan your meeting in Halifax today!

Meet Here – If you are interested in having your meeting in Halifax, please contact Catherine Porter – Director of Business Sales. Phone 902-422-2161; or Fax 492-3175.

You may also submit your request directly through our online RFP process.

Meet our Meeting and Conventions Sales Team.

Click here for a list of pre-conference services offered by Destination Halifax.

Planning to meet in Halifax already? Click here for our Convention Services Menu to order your free promotional materials.

For a link to what’s going on within the Halifax lesbian and gay community visit the

Rainbow Community Encyclopedia.

See what Planet Out is saying about Halifax.

Destination Halifax is proud of its partnerships and/or memberships with:

Community Marketing Inc’s GLCVB

Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CLGCC

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Halifax

Gay Hotels in Halifax and Gay Friendly Hotels in Halifax

TOURISME MONTREAL

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Montreal

Montréal is inspiring, charming, exciting – and ideal for your next meeting. There’s a ton of great reasons why travellers love Montréal: for its cool Euro chic, gourmet food and five-star restaurants, legendary nightlife and impeccable sense of style. Then, of course, there are the people. Montrealers are a passionate bunch, renowned for their friendliness, creativity and charm. They like to live, laugh, talk, learn, explore and, ultimately, to share. So while Montréal serves up all the excitement of a major urban centre, it’s the vibe here—created from the constant bumping together of ideas, languages, attitudes, outlooks, tastes and styles—that makes it truly different. And that is what makes this charming island such an exciting discovery, time and time again.

A history of pride

Gay and lesbian travellers also love Montréal for its support of gay and lesbian rights, which is backed at both provincial and national levels. As far back as 1999, the province of Québec recognized same-sex unions, and in 2004, Canada became the third country in the world and the first in North America to recognize same-sex marriages. Over the years, Montréal’s history of pride has made it a one of the world’s most vibrant and popular LGBT destinations.

A city that has hosted many international-calibre LGBT events:

• Montréal has been host city of the prestigious IGLTA Annual Convention, in 1998 and in 2007.
• In 2006, guests from around the globe came here for the ground-breaking 1st World Outgames and International Conference on LGBT Human Rights.
• The “Out for Business” Conference, held during the Outgames, resulted in the creation of the International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (IGLCC) in Montréal, which held its 1st Annual Conference in the city in April 2008.
• Thousands of singers from around the world met here in 2004 for the GALA Choruses Festival VII.
• In 2003, the city welcomed the 22nd World Interpride Conference and the 10th Annual Convention of IAGLCWDC.

A major player on the LGBT travel scene:

• In 2007, during the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) Annual Convention, the city received the Best International Destination Award from PlanetOut Inc. in recognition of its commitment to promoting gay and lesbian tourism.
• In 2006, Montréal was voted the number one gay destination in Canada for American gay and lesbian travellers by the Travel Industry Association.
• Since 1995, Tourisme Montréal, the destination’s CVB, has been actively pursuing the gay and lesbian market.
• In 1998, Tourisme Montréal won the Editor’s Choice Award from Out & About in the category of Marketing and Tourism Development.

A Village that offers something fun for every traveller

Montréal’s gay community has played a major role in putting its vibrant Village at the top of LGBT destination lists. By day, this lively district buzzes with the business crowd; by night, it welcomes the party set, who come here for its great restaurants, multi-tiered bars and clubs and celebrated discotheques. In fact, the Village has been a major contributor to Montréal’s appeal, marking a first when it received the go-ahead from the municipal government to close its section of Sainte-Catherine Street to automobile traffic for the summer. It’s a bold move which has transformed this section of the city’s celebrated street into a huge open-air mall, great for strolling or relaxing on the brand-new terraces over dinner or a cocktail.

Serious fun matched by serious meetings savvy

Montréal’s flair for fun is matched by serious business acumen, not to mention infrastructures, original venues and wide range of accommodations to suit any taste and budget. A city-wide entertainment offering, event organization know-how and comprehensive meeting planning services contribute to the city’s enormous drawing power. Montréal offers an inspiring combination of Old World charm and New World energy, while Montrealers are relaxed, friendly and open. This city has all the ingredients you need to make your event a smashing success.

Let Tourisme Montréal help you with your event

To find out how Tourisme Montréal can help you organize your best meeting ever, click here to download our business brochure. You can submit your RFP to Gail Howell at gail@tourisme-montreal.org or call Gail at (800) 230-0001.

To discover more of Montréal, visit our new website: www.tourisme-montreal.org.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in the Area

Gay Hotels in Montreal and Gay Friendly Hotels in Montreal

Gay Hotels in Ville Saint-Laurent and Gay Friendly Hotels in Ville Saint-Laurent

TOURISM TORONTO

Toronto is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, a place where international ideas intersect with Canadian culture. An international city of warmth, openness, energy and style, Toronto is enriched by the fusion of traditions, passions and perspectives on life of the more than 100 cultures that are found in this city. Ever-evolving and ever-surprising, inspiring ideas converge here; original thought is celebrated, and magic happens as a result.

Toronto is a gay-friendly urban playground that welcomes everyone, with a vibrant gay village in the city’s core and unlimited options beyond. It is a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates, and business travelers whether your priority is location, extravagance or value, Toronto offers it all and does so with a long list of Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) and/or Travel Gay Canada (TGC) accredited accommodations. Toronto is the city that celebrated the first legal same sex marriage in North America. It is a city full of dynamic residents and business leaders, all of whom celebrate and support the history of their local LGBT community. It is a city whose Pride Festival turns the streets into one enormous parade and every parking lot into a dance floor for pridegoers over one million strong. Truly anything and everything goes in Toronto.  The possibilities are endless.

Tourism Toronto is the official destination marketing organization for Toronto’s tourism industry. Tourism Toronto (a.k.a. Toronto Convention and Visitors Association) focuses on promoting and selling the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travellers. Officially operating as a not-for-profit agency, Tourism Toronto has over 1,200 members and is a partnership of public and private sectors.

Tourism Toronto is proud of it’s dynamic partnerships with:
• Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
• Ontario Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (OGLCC)
• Travel Gay Canada (TGC)
• International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA)
• Community Marketing Inc.’s GLCVB
• Pride Toronto
• Church and Wellesley (Gay Village) BIA

As a partnership of public and private sectors, Tourism Toronto’s other partners include: City of Toronto, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Canadian Tourism Commission, City of Mississauga, York Region, City of Brampton, Air Canada, Porter Airlines and VIA Rail.

Tourism Toronto, in partnership with Pride Toronto, is excited and anxiously awaiting the honour of hosting World Pride in 2014.  As part of a bid team that included Toronto Police Service and sponsor TD Bank, Toronto was successful in becoming the first North American destination to host World Pride in 2014. World Pride 2014 aims to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues on an international level through parades, festivals and other cultural activities. With World Pride 2014,  Toronto has been proud to host the following LGBTQ conferences and meetings:
• International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGLTA) Annual Convention (2009),
• International Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Assoc. Conference (2005),
• Gay and Lesbian Medical Assoc. Annual Conference (2002),
• International Assoc. of Gay Square Dance Club Cloverleaf and Maple Leaf Square Dance (2002),
• International Gay and Lesbian Aquatic Championships (2001)

For more information on how Tourism Toronto can help assist you with bringing your next signature event to Toronto, visit www.seetorontonow.com.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in the Area

Gay Hotels in Toronto and Gay Friendly Hotels in Toronto

Gay Hotels in Mississauga and Gay Friendly Hotels in Mississauga

It started with a march.  On August 1, 1981, 1,500 people filed down Vancouver’s Pacific Avenue as part of the city’s first official Pride parade.  Fast-forward more than three decades and Vancouver is a vibrant capital of LGBT culture, home to one of North America’s biggest Pride celebrations and the largest gay and lesbian community in Western Canada.

Can’t-miss events
The Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival (July 30-Aug. 5, 2012) now draws an estimated half-million people to city streets every summer.  Festivities last an entire week, with options ranging from gala street parties to beer gardens, large-scale dance parties, cultural symposiums, movie nights and theme nights at downtown dance clubs, culminating with the Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Pride Festival.

The largest queer arts event in Canada, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival (Aug. 16-Aug. 26, 2012) is enjoyed by more than 13,000 movie-lovers to the city every August for cutting-edge queer cinema from around the world.  Screenings are accompanied by live performances, workshops and talks from queer stars and directors.

Every February, nearby Whistler hosts the weeklong WinterPRIDE event (Feb. 5-Feb. 12, 2012).  More than 2,000 skiers and boarders converge on North America’s top-rated ski resort for world-class slopes, lavish themed celebrations and the best après-ski parties anywhere.

Inside the communities
But there’s more to Vancouver than just Pride and parties.  The heart of the city’s dynamic gay community is downtown’s West End, a mix of quaint residential rows and newer high-rise towers, all bordered by the beaches of English Bay and a string of waterfront parks.  At the neighborhood’s core is Davie Village Davie Street Village – three straight blocks of boutique shopping and bookstores, intimate bistros and ethnic restaurants, and – after dark – some of the hottest gay and straight nightlife in the city (more on that below).

Across town, the funky Commercial Drive neighborhood has long been a center of the lesbian community.  Located in progressive East Vancouver, the Drive is a place where record stores selling the latest vinyl sit side by side with Italian bakeries run by third-generation immigrants and tiny cafes packed with people who know their coffee.  It’s welcoming, unabashedly authentic and a great place to meet locals who love their city.

Stepping out on the town
Got your bearings?  Time for some retail therapy.  Head to historic Gastown for one-of-a-kind interior design; take the ferry to Granville Island for original artworks from local artisans; or flash some serious plastic along Alberni Street, downtown’s “mini Rodeo Drive.”

Culture buffs can choose from Western Canada’s largest art museum, the symphony, the opera or live Shakespeare on the beach, not to mention a downtown theater district showcasing everything from Broadway hits to experimental local works.  Day-of and deeply discounted tickets are available at Tickets Tonight.

Hungry? Ethnic flair, progressive menus and fresh and locally-sourced ingredients are the cornerstones of a culinary scene in Vancouver that the New York Times called “truly outstanding.”

And after dark: The only place to be is Davie Street.  The party rages deep into the night at chic lounges and leather bars, thumping nightclubs and casual pubs.  Offerings range from drag shows to slam poetry readings and attract a mixed gay and straight crowd.

Wedding bells
Vancouver is also a hub for couples tying the knot.  British Columbia legalized same-sex marriage in 2003, and Canada followed suit two years later.  Today, the city is home to a comprehensive network of hotels, venues, wedding planners and marriage commissioners who specialize in creating the perfect day for same-sex partners.

Spending the night in style
When it’s time to finally put your feet up, glamor and gorgeous views combine at the city’s hotels.  Vancouver is home to 30 TAG-approved hotels, which range from brand new luxury high-rises like the oceanfront Fairmont Pacific Rim to upscale boutique options like the art-infused OPUS in trendy Yaletown.

For more information on all the LGBT-friendly options in Vancouver, check out the Tourism Vancouver website.

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Los Angeles

LA is so gay.

And that’s a very good thing.

The LGBT community’s influence is legendary in industries that made LA famous: film and television, music, fashion, art and design. A heritage of tolerance has made LA gay-friendly to the core and some of the city’s most high profile citizens are out and proud. Visitors see lesbian and gay people woven into the fabric of LA society in a way that few other cities can match, making every day in LA a little bit gay.

Welcoming Neighborhoods

With a multitude of neighborhoods to choose from, Los Angeles, the second largest city in the US, offers a measure of diversity to be reckoned with, truly. While West Hollywood is nationally known as a great, gay Mecca, LA has a rich, deep LGBT history that extends to every corner of town.

• Silver Lake is LA’s original gay enclave, northwest of Downtown LA. Artists and trendsetters have long mixed with a substantial Latino population, and today the rolling hills are lined with pillbox-sized homes, vintage and eclectic shopping, hip clubs and eateries, and trendy, friendly bars. Known for the spectacular Sunset Junction Street fair every August, this area has much to offer the LGBT community from historic LGBT bars to legendary music venues like Spaceland and The Echo. Day or night, Silver Lake is never a bore.
• West Hollywood is the thumping heart of Southern California’s gay community. LA’s Gay Pride Parade and Festival take place here each June, and half a million people gather for the annual, much bedazzled, Carneval street parade at Halloween. The rest of the year, it’s busy day and night with cafés, gyms, restaurants, bars and dance clubs. It is a national phenomenon that so many gay establishments fill the streets of Weho and have flourished here for so long.
• Hollywood has the hand and footprints of Judy Garland and Rock Hudson, among others, in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre (home of the Academy Awards® and part of the landmark Hollywood & Highland Center) and the Egyptian Theater (home to Outfest’s Wednesday night screenings of LGBT films and their annual LGBT Film Festival). Distinct among Hollywood’s Klieg lights is The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, featuring an extensive roster of community services and events. Melrose’s fleet of trendy shops will entice even the most disciplined shopper and then there’s Universal Studios Hollywood where so much movie magic happens. The entertainment in Hollywood is literally endless, as it is created and re-imagined every day.
• The Beaches are a mere stone’s throw away from all the action and that’s just one more thing that makes LA a dream come true. Whether soaking up sun with Venice’s quirky crowd or gulping fresh air at gay fave sand strip Will Roger’s State Beach, oft called “Ginger Rogers,” visitors can gaze at the ocean and glimpse bottlenose dolphins dipping through the waves. When darkness falls, a bottle of beer will suffice at Venice’s gay bar the Roosterfish while one decides where to dine, from a reliable slice at Abbot’s Pizza to fine dining at Hal’s or Axe.
• The Valley offers a little bit of everything. It plays home to more television and film sets than perhaps anywhere else in the world. Many visitors return to Universal Studios theme park again and again where Universal CityWalk provides a fantastic outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment experience, while the Warner Bros. Studio VIP Tour gives a behind-the-scenes perspective on the movie industry. A visit to foot- tapping set of The Ellen DeGeneres show is also not to be missed. And while the Sherman Oaks Galleria has been a favorite for generations, the super stylish new Americana at Brand, sister center to The Grove, offers a theater, live outdoor music, trolley rides and shopping for any wallet size from H&M to Tiffany and Co.

Activities and Attractions

Los Angeles presents the best of a big city and the great outdoors. From premier art museums, music, opera and nightlife to hiking, horseback riding and beaches, LA’s many promises glimmer all around. Behind the doors of some of LA’s most remarkable landmarks are the works, histories and contributions of gays and lesbians from every generation. From the urban streets of Downtown to the red carpets of Hollywood, every day in LA is cause for celebration.

Dining and Nightlife

Los Angeles helps define dining and nightlife for the world with audiences and contributors bearing more stripes than a zebra. From authentic ethnic cuisines to thoughtful, contemporary and often eco-friendly restaurants and from historic LGBT establishments to the hippest of nightclubs, LA has myriad options from which to choose.

Arts & Culture

Everything about LA is iconic, from Walt Disney Concert Hall to the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts. Behind the doors of LA’s most remarkable landmarks are the works, histories and contributions of generations of gays and lesbians.

• The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, founded in 1971, was originally denied nonprofit status by the IRS, who argued its mission was “neither benevolent nor charitable,” since it served homosexuals. The center appealed and in 1974 became the first organization in the United States with the word “gay” in its title. A dream for many years, these buildings provide a place for the cultural and social contributions of LGBT people.

Outdoor Recreation and Active Pursuits

Los Angeles offers a multitude of outdoor activities to LGBT visitors. Land lovers can hike, bike, horseback ride in Griffith Park, play beach volleyball or hit Venice’s mini-tennis courts, skate park or outdoor roller-skating circle. The aqua inclined can explore all kinds of board sports, boating, and sport fishing, among other things.

• Will Roger’s State Beach aka “Ginger Rogers” is LA’s unofficial gay beach and it has plenty of sizzling sand to go with the gorgeous gym primed bodies of its visitors. Though quiet during weekdays, weekends at the seaside LGBT hot spot are packed with shirtless beach volleyball players, swimmers and voyeurs of all of the above. It’s been a go-to destination for LGBT beach lovers since the 1950’s, hence its nickname, “Ginger Rogers.”

Family Activities

Los Angeles is a spectacular spot for the whole family. Visitors traveling with children of all ages find plenty of fun to fill their days.

• Universal Studios, it simply can’t be missed. With rides and activities of all kinds, including the new 360 3D King Kong experience, it could take days to explore all the movie magic in that one place.

Shopping

Where better to shop than where the trends are set? Los Angeles. Hollywood, Melrose, Rodeo Drive, Venice boutiques, Silver Lake vintage, The Grove, The American at Brand, simply put, visitors can shop for anything in LA. Vintage and funky, hip and contemporary can be found in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Venice and Eagle Rock. It’s where costumers for period piece films find hidden gems and hipsters revitalize their wardrobes.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Los Angeles

Los Angeles loves visitors of all kinds and TAG Approved® hotels and resorts can help point travelers in the right direction. TAG Approved® establishments make it their mission to offer an LGBT friendly experience for their guests as well as their staff.

Gay Hotels in Los Angeles and Gay Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles

KEY WEST. ALWAYS OPEN.

Aside from its natural beauty and eclectic charm, Key West’s warm, come as you are attitude is one of the main reasons for the island’s popularity with gay and lesbian visitors. Key West is safe, seductive and real, a genuinely gay-friendly sanctuary where you can be open, relaxed, make new friends, and savor this small town’s live-and-let-live philosophy. So go ahead. Hold hands. Embrace. Hang out. No wonder LGBT visitors feel more themselves in Key West than anyplace else in the world.

COME OUT, COME OUT, WHEREVER YOU ARE.

There’s plenty to do and see on this two-by-four mile island, including hidden charms that might escape the untrained eye. Streets lined with bougainvillea, royal poinciana and hibiscus blossoms showcase lovingly restored Victorian homes, many once owned by illustrious gay and lesbian figures. Here, secluded courtyards and lazy porch swings are permanent fixtures. And bicycles rule the road. With countless dive and snorkel sites just off shore, Key West’s turquoise water beckons. Try your hand at deep-sea fishing. And don’t miss our gay and lesbian sunset cruises that offer front-row seats to pastel skies.

KEY WEST. HAVE A GAY OLD TIME.

When it comes to naughtiness, Key West pulls no punches. From pulsating gay dance clubs to testosterone-free women’s bars, the nightlife here is uninhibited and unashamed. Try a cabaret for a bawdy performance by stiletto and lipstick-clad drag queens. Liberate your libido at one of Key West’s nude entertainment or dance clubs. Bear it all at annual events such as Womenfest Key West, Tropical Heat and Bone Island Weekends.F or something more subdued, kick back in a cocktail lounge or piano bar. During the day, visit the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory or climb aboard the fascinating Gay & Lesbian trolley tour.

HISTORY & CULTURE

For a small town, Key West is big on gay history and culture. With more than 2,500 historic buildings, Key West is also an architectural wonder. Its famous “Carpenter Gothic” gingerbread houses have hosted gay novelists, playwrights, painters and poets. Today, many of these homes are fabulous showplaces, open to the public. Other highlights include the Little White House Museum, Audubon House, the Ernest Hemingway House, the Key West Lighthouse Museum and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Besides live theater, a pops orchestra, opera theatre and a film society, Key West boasts a local yet world-class symphony.

WHERE TO STAY. THE NAKED TRUTH.

In gay Key West, the only thing hidden in closets are clothes. Then again, with so many clothing-optional activities and hotels, your wardrobe may never see the light of day. Key West’s accommodations range from elegant resorts to cozy tropical guest houses, many of whom cater primarily to gay men, lesbians, or a combination of the two. They’re often private hideaways tucked underneath swaying palms, dressed up with island wicker or rattan and museum-quality antiques. It’s not uncommon to find private pools, private beaches and clothing-optional sunning decks.

EAT, DRINK & BE MARY.

A festival for your taste buds and feast for the senses, Key West is home to a dizzying array of dining options. Many restaurants artfully prepare authentic island delicacies – succulent Key West pink shrimp, conch, fresh-off-the-dock fish and luscious Key Lime Pie – with their own unique flair. From romantic hidden courtyards to chic sidewalk cafes where dining and people-watching intertwine, you’ll soon discover why Key West is meant to be savored.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Key West

Gay Hotels in Key West and Gay Friendly Hotels in Key West

Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Greater Fort Lauderdale

Greater Fort Lauderdale, one of the top gay travel destinations, will unveil its new 2010-2011 Rainbow Calendar, an 18-month calendar with full-page images dedicated to gay and lesbian travel in Greater Fort Lauderdale. The 36-page large format calendar will feature Greater Fort Lauderdale’s edgy images as well as listings of the diverse gay-friendly accommodations from Superior Small Lodgings to the new W Fort Lauderdale Beach and interesting tidbits about shopping, dining and activities around town. The Rainbow Calendar will be available free in November 2009 by calling 800-22-SUNNY or by visiting the GLBT travel section of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Web site at www.sunny.org/rainbow.

Embrace the beach chic ambiance in Greater Fort Lauderdale and it’ll embrace you right back. Come OUT and experience paradise in this tropical getaway offering a rainbow of activities for every colorful side of you. Whether it’s kicking back in flip flops, slipping on your dancing shoes or relaxing with a pedicure, you’ll find Fort Lauderdale knows how to make you feel right at home.

The 2009 Rainbow Vacation Planner includes a detailed list of over 85 hotels and resorts that cater to the gay and lesbian market, more than 30 gay-owned properties, plus information on restaurants, shopping, nature and adventure attractions, arts and entertainment. From Blue Wave beaches to boating, the Rainbow Vacation Planner is a SUNsational start to planning a “gay” vacation in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

The multitude of gay-owned establishments in Greater Fort Lauderdale includes 150 gay-owned businesses including hotels and guesthouses, bars, clubs, shops and restaurants. Wilton Manors, a bustling hotspot for residents and visitors, offers dining, nightlife and shopping options including gay-owned Hi-Life Café with Chef Carlos of “Top Chef,” Georgie’s Alibi, Rosie’s Bar & Grill, Galanga Thai Kitchen & Sushi Bar and New Moon. Other trendy places to “see and be seen” include Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

“Our overall marketing strategy includes a strong focus on the gay and lesbian traveler,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We rolled out the rainbow carpet in 1996 and continue to attract GLBT visitors to our sunkissed shores. A large part of that success is due to our diverse local community and welcoming tourism product.”

“It has been extremely satisfying to see Greater Fort Lauderdale surge in popularity as a favorite gay resort destination in North America, due in part to our savvy rainbow marketing campaign,” says Richard Gray, gay liaison to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and former proprietor of the award-winning Royal Palms Resort. “Nearly one million gay travelers visited Fort Lauderdale in 2008 and contributed more than $1.2 billion to the local economy,” said Gray.

“The Greater Fort Lauderdale Rainbow Vacation Planner is an impressive resource for gay travelers and is a welcome step ‘out’ for a CVB to offer such a comprehensive gay guide,” said Ed Salvato, travel editor of Out Magazine and travel expert commentator on Sirius Satellite Radio’s OutQ station.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Rainbow Vacation Planner is also an excellent resource for meeting planners that specialize in the gay and lesbian market.  This year’s planner will be distributed to national and local gay and lesbian businesses, organizations and meeting planners to provide a valuable resource on the diverse offerings available throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Best of the Best for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Greater Fort Lauderdale has won numerous awards from the GLBT community. In 2008 alone, OutTraveler honored Greater Fort Lauderdale with a Silver Readers Choice Award for “Best Gay Resort Town” and the Royal Palms was chosen by the PlanetOut Travel Awards as 2008 “Best Gay Resort.”

Greater Fort Lauderdale recently announced a joint partnership with the newly launched TripOutGayTravel.com, a new site dedicated to all things travel for the GLBT community. As well as maintaining its partnership of many years with American Airlines.

In 2008, nearly one million gay and lesbian travelers visited Greater Fort Lauderdale. As a pioneer in the gay travel industry, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has expanded and increased its GLBT advertising and marketing budgets each year since the “Rainbow Carpet” initiative began in 1996. In the upcoming year, GLBT ads will be featured in Instinct, Advocate, Logo and TripOutGayTravel.

“Fort Lauderdale continues to reign supreme as one of the most popular gay destinations in North America. With a pioneer Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fort Lauderdale is a leader in the GLBT market,” says Gina Gatta, President, The Damron Company.

“We welcome GLBT travelers to Greater Fort Lauderdale, for business, leisure or with a meetings group,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We hope to grow our GLBT visitors as we get ready to host the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association annual conference meeting here in 2011.”

Planning a Meeting

Relax. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau knows how to make a meeting planner shine. You’ll appreciate the unparalleled attention from our award-winning Sunsational Service team. With the 600,000 sq. ft. Broward County Convention Center, you’ll enjoy state-of-the-art meeting and exhibit space as well as five-star food service, an Internet café and elegant banquet rooms.

If you are interested in having your meeting in Greater Fort Lauderdale, please contact:

John Webb

Sr. Vice President

Phone: 954-765-4466

Fax: 954-765-4467

Email: jowebb@broward.org

Submit/Attach an RFP Here

Click here to fill out a form, so we can find the perfect meeting facility that meets your needs. Or simply attach an existing RFP you may already have.

Hotels by the Numbers (click for pdf)

Charts of hotels listed by number of rooms meeting space, and largest meeting rooms.

Top Ten Reasons to meet in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Contact Us Now

Call or email our convention sales managers. We’re happy to help you through the RFP process.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information on Greater Fort Lauderdale, contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, 100 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; call 800-22-SUNNY (U.S. and Canada) or log onto www.sunny.org.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in the Area

Gay Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Gay Friendly Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

Gay Hotels in Hollywood and Gay Friendly Hotels in Hollywood

Gay Hotels in Weston and Gay Friendly Hotels in Weston

Dallas

Try Dallas on for Size!

Dallas is a big city with big ideas, and our LGBT community and culture are no exception. Whether your style is stilettos, boots or sandals, Dallas has much to see and do. From two thriving LGBT neighborhoods to the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States, options are a plenty in “Big D”.

Community

There are two thriving LGBT business and entertainment areas just minutes from downtown Dallas. For more than 25 years, Cedar Springs Road and Throckmorton Street, also known as the “Crossroads,” have been the epicenter of Dallas’ LGBT community. Part of the Oak Lawn neighborhood, the Cedar Springs Strip is filled with a variety of restaurants, cafés, unique clothing and specialty stores, and a blend of LGBT bars and night clubs. The Bishop Arts District is another popular neighborhood where arts and dining seamlessly blend, creating a one-of-a-kind destination. Here you will find an array of art galleries, restaurants and shops situated along one historic city block.

Arts & Culture

Home to exclusive art collections, museums and theaters, Dallas is highly ranked as a destination for art lovers. Indulge yourself in the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, spanning 19 city blocks and showcasing the Dallas Museum of Art, The Crow Collection of Asian Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the new AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Accommodations

Whatever brings you to Dallas; know that there are ample gay-friendly accommodations waiting for you! Several hotels are just a short cab ride (or even a short walk) to the heart of our LGBT community. Whether you are looking for a luxurious suite or an economy room, travelers can find the perfect place to recharge while visiting. Many accommodations in Dallas are TAG Approved® which means you can rest assured that you are welcomed.

Dining

There truly is no better place in America to eat than Dallas. With a diverse culture comes a diverse selection of fine cuisines. Here you will find a range of meals, from rich traditions of classic French and Asian fusion to modern Southern cuisine and everything in between. Dallas is the place to fancy your taste buds.

Shopping

Providing the best shopping in the Southwest, Dallas is a gathering spot for shoppers from both near and far. Breaking ground with new store openings and setting trends with many modern shopping destinations, you can find what you need and more, from luxury goods to unique antiques at area malls, specialty stores, shops and boutiques.

Home to the flagship Neiman Marcus, Dallas boasts upscale stores and boutiques throughout the city. Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and hundreds of designer and mainstream stores can be found in numerous shopping malls and centers. And, if you’re looking for a fabulous gay-centric outfit for a night out on the town, check out the gay-owned shops on the Cedar Springs strip.

Nightlife

No matter what type of nightlife you enjoy, Dallas’ eclectic night scene is just as large as anything else you would expect in a city that thinks big. With nearly 30 LGBT bars and clubs across the city, there is a destination awaiting you. One of the unique aspects of Dallas’ LGBT nightlife is the ability to visit nine different bars and clubs all within a two-block walking distance from each other along the Cedar Springs Strip in Oak Lawn. From Country and Western, Latin and hip-hop, to everything in between, the Cedar Springs Strip is the ultimate nightlife destination for LGBT travelers.

LGBT Meetings and Conventions

From the 22nd National Conference on LGBT Equality to the 2011 Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Dallas is the perfect destination to host your meetings and conventions. With a Texas-sized convention center to grand hotels and meeting spaces across the city, your group will feel like home in Dallas.

Fabulously Affordable

Dallas is one of the top affordable travel destinations in the United States. With a central location and much to see and do, we invite you to try Dallas on for size!

Booking a trip to Dallas is quick and easy! Take advantage of multiple travel packages and offers made available only by the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. Simply visit www.glbtdallas.com.

Find Gay Welcoming, TAG Approved® Hotels in Dallas

Gay Hotels in Dallas and Gay Friendly Hotels in Dallas

Austin, long-known as the Live Music Capital of the World®,  is a hub of progressive culture and home to a strong LGBT community. Texas’ capital city boasts a state-of-the-art convention center; entertainment districts with shopping, music and award-winning dining; a walkable downtown; and a host of annual events such as Austin PRIDE, Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF), Gay Rodeo and Splash Day celebrations.

Get Here

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, named one of the world’s best by Airports Council International, serves nearly 40 nonstop destinations and is located just 20 minutes from downtown. There are 6,000 hotel rooms within a short walk of the Austin Convention Center and unique restaurants, lively bars and upscale, trendy retail shops.

Plan Your Meeting

The 900,000-square-foot, downtown Austin Convention Center is recognized as one of the most technically-advanced convention facilities in the country, and recently achieved LEED EB certification. The four-story Center is equipped with a 246,000-square foot, column-free exhibit hall, seven ballrooms and 54 meeting rooms.

Playing host to smaller events is the award-winning Palmer Events Center. The two-story facility offers two exhibit halls and five meeting rooms, for a total of 131,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space.

Austin continues to grow as well. A 1,003-room Marriott Marquis facing Congress Avenue is slated to break ground in 2012 and open in 2015. Southeast of the city, Circuit of the Americas, the nation’s first purposed Grand Prix track, is under construction. The Formula 1™ United States Grand Prix takes place here in 2012, and MotoGP and V8 SuperCars arrive in 2013.

The Westin Austin at The Domain joins the Renaissance Austin Hotel to anchor meetings in north Austin. Downtown, the new Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater venue shares space with the just-opened W Austin Hotel. And the renovated Arthouse at the Jones Center offers a great rooftop patio with unmatched skyline views. To book your next meeting in Austin, visit www.austintexas.org/meeting_professionals.

Experience Area Attractions

Austin is home to the State Capitol, standing at 302 feet tall – 14 feet higher than the nation’s capitol in Washington, D.C. Check out the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and experience interactive exhibits, an IMAX® Theatre and the multi-sensory Texas Spirit Theatre.

After brushing up on Texas history, head over to the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge where some 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight at dusk from April to October. Or make your way to Lady Bird Lake where you can jog along the 10-mile hike and bike trail or rent a kayak and paddle out onto the water. Visit the beloved Zilker Park, which is also home to Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming hole that is 68 degrees year-round.

Austin is recognized as one of the top golf destinations in the country. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy world-class resorts and daily-fee courses such as Barton Creek Resort, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa and Grey Rock Golf Club. Book your rounds of golf, hotel accommodations and activities through Austin Golf Trail, www.austingolftrail.com, an online golf travel package “concierge.”

For the shopaholic, South Congress Avenue offers eclectic boutiques, antique stores and an assortment of restaurants. High-end shops can be found in the 2nd Street District, a six-block stretch of stylish clothing and jewelry boutiques, trendy furniture stores and casual dining surrounding Austin City Hall. For a complete list of Austin attractions, visit www.austintexas.org/visitors.

Tune In to Live Music

Austin is known for its thriving music scene, with nearly 200 live music venues. The Warehouse District invites visitors to discover the best in gay nightlife. Hip and chic, Rain on 4th is where you can dance to the latest rhythms and club music spun by popular DJs. Oilcan Harry’s has been revered as one of the top gay bars in Austin, and in America, for more than 15 years. The upscale club is home to cutting-edge music, karaoke nights and a friendly staff.

Popular festivals add to Austin’s music landscape each year. Check out two of the city’s biggest music events, Austin City Limits Music Festival (September/October) and South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences & Festivals in March. Additional festivals include Urban Music Festival, Pachanga Latino Music Festival and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Get more information on Austin music at www.austintexas.org/musicians.

Partake In Cultural Arts

Don’t miss the Capital City Men’s Chorus, Austin’s premier gay ensemble. Hear ethereal musical renditions throughout the year as these men entertain around town. Find out about upcoming events and purchase tickets online at www.ccmcaustin.org.

Catch performances by Ballet Austin, Austin Lyric Opera and the Austin Symphony at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, the city’s first true community performing arts venue. Or visit the ZACH Theatre for locally-curated national hits and regional favorites; the new Topfer Theatre at ZACH is slated to open in 2012. For a taste of ethnic music and multicultural shows, check out One World Theatre, Austin’s premier world-arts venue. Visit www.austintexas.org/now_playing/events for a complete list of area events and performances.

The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF) is the Southwest’s oldest and largest GLBTQI film event. This widely popular festival features more than 150 films spanning topics that include culture, race, immigration status, class, gender identity and expression, age and region. Check the aGLIFF calendar of events at www.agliff.org for the latest volunteer opportunities, monthly film screenings and independent filmmaker labs.

Stay Connected

The Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) provides extensive information on GLBT-friendly businesses and events in the Austin area. An online directory points people in the best direction to find places to eat and shop, and offers tips on where to find Austin’s best events. In addition, a large number of local nonprofit organizations are active in the GLBT community and provide resources for visitors. For more information, visit www.aglcc.org.

Learn More

To see what else is playing in Austin, check out www.austintexas.org/welcome or call 866-GO-AUSTIN. To book your next meeting in Austin, visit www.austintexas.org/meetaustin or call 800-926-2282, ext. 7269.