In this report we will list the countries to stay away from, countries that need special care when visiting, and countries that have special circumstances that might affect gay travelers.
To start off we would like to remind gay travelers that sex in public is not only illegal in most tourist destinations but in the United States, Canada, Europe and the vast majority of countries. We strongly recommend that while traveling to other countries refrain from having any sexual activity in public, including night clubs, vehicles, parks, public restrooms, businesses, dressing rooms, etc. Many countries have different laws regarding how private is private and what actually constitutes "public." To be on the safe side and to avoid any difficulty in a foreign country we advise that travelers only engage in sexual activity in the privacy of someone's home or hotel room away from public view (just because you are in a house or hotel room doesn't mean you are in private, make sure you close any curtains, blinders, and doors). Also make sure that anybody in the room with you is over 18 as there are laws against minors being in the same room where sexual activity is visible to the minor and/or is in the same room. We also strongly recommend against paying for sex, not only is this illegal in most countries but many male hustlers would spread the word to other male hustlers that you have money which then places you as a potential target for robbery. We advise not to mention that you are a tourist or visitor if having anonymous sex with a native/local if it is at all possible.
PDAs
Public displays of affection will have to be a decision that the traveler has to make himself depending what country he is visiting and local custom. We advise against PDAs when visiting any eastern bloc countries in Eastern Europe, African countries (with the exception of most of South Africa), Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, rural parts of Brazil, rural parts of Argentina, rural parts of Mexico, China, most of Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, India, Sri Lanka, Middle East countries (except some parts of Israel), Middle Asia, Russia, and of course the list of banned countries below.
Banned Countries
The following countries should not be visited by LGBT tourists as we find these countries to be seriously problematic for LGBT tourist and may result in being fined, deported, jailed or being killed by the state or the population.
- Jamaica
- Iran
- Iraq
- Qatar
- Sri Lanka
- Malaysia
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- Egypt
- Lybia
- Nigeria
- Morocco
- Gaza Strip
- Belize
- Somalia
- Zimbabwe
- Guyana
- Sudan
Western Gay Culture
Though it might be fun for some gay natives/locals to share with them some aspects of western gay culture we strongly suggest to instead embrace local gay culture, especially in developing countries or in the orient. To many natives, sharing of gay western culture (ie gay films, gay pride, magazines, pornography) is seen as "imposing" western values which they find offensive. We have seen people arrested for doing this under the guise of "imposing homosexuality" since some countries regard homosexuality as a "western" custom in its current state (ie sexual identity) even though such countries do not punish homosexuality itself they try often times to use other laws (usually corruption) as a response to the perceived "imposition."
Mexico
Mexico is the most popular destination for gay tourists for its luscious beauty, food, scenic beaches, hospitality, weather, and resorts. Some of our editors here at The Gay Report travel often to Mexico and even own some property there so most of our advice comes from experience.
Our chief editor Jose Soto who stays for the winter months in Puerto Vallarta and Durango recalls: "for me Mexico is only best experienced away from the touristic areas... I find that these places are more natural, relaxing, and yes even more gay friendly... You will be surprised to know that many gay tourist attractions are okay for the most part but are not as gay friendly as you might think, some gays get robbed, or beaten up, and the service? Well... I gotten better service at Jiffy Lube... But just heading down 20 miles south of Puerto there is a small beach town full of wonderful people and very attractive Mexican men, yet this place is not even on the 'gay approved map.' I had no problems whatsoever, the waiters were all over me... the club was filled with a very lively crowd of all sorts... it was a party I will never forget."
As far as safety is concerned: "Don't let down your guard," says Soto. "Whatever you do, do not get heavily drunk beyond your control, I seen bad things happened to good people in that state." Among other things Soto recommends that travelers trust their instincts and to never follow anybody home. "Don't go follow somebody you do not know, especially if you are not familiar with the town or area. Stay where you are familiar and if you want to bring someone "home" take them to your hotel room, you will have much more control of the situation there."
There is a drug war in Mexico that has cost thousands of lives. "More people have lost their lives in Mexico due to the drug war than all the current wars put together," informs Soto. "The last place I would want to be is near the drug battle grounds. These include Sonora, Chihuahua, Tamualipas, Durango, and yet I visit there often but I have extensive family there and protection, but I do not recommend it for tourist right now. It is a blood bath over there."
Soto also recommends not to divulge your financial situation to anyone, "Do not ever, ever, ever, ever, reveal your finances, and do not brag that you have this or that, how many houses you have, you own a business, you own a Mercedes, this information might end up in the wrong ears and soon you can find yourself bagged up and locked up in some room somewhere and your family or friends or partner receiving a ransom call." He also says not wear any jewelry, expensive clothes, drive luxury cars, or even carry cell phones. "I would side with caution especially for a white gay tourist, being that many thieves and kidnappers have gotten the impression that white gay men are filthy rich, so I would say no jewelry, no cell phones. No nothing. Kidnapping has grown to be a huge money making scheme and Mexico is the leading country with this problem. So I would just side with caution and make sure that one does not ever give the impression that one is loaded. These guys will do anything to get money, and yes they will end up killing you if they don't get what they want. They mean business. Heck even a few of them are gay or bi, and lure white gay men with sex, even end up having sex with them in order to kidnap them."
No comments :
Post a Comment