Out in America Features» Travel

These Are the Gayest Cities in America?

OIA Staff — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:21:41 +0000

Gay magazine The Advocate used its own formula to assemble a list of the most homotastic cities in America and published the results today. You may be shocked by which city is the gayest, and which ones don’t even rank. Why are people so bad at making these lists? For starters, New York City isn’t [...]

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New Orleans offers fun for Southern Decadence fans

OIA Staff — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:27:51 +0000

The famous nickname of New Orleans—The Big Easy—is the only way to describe the historic city. From the modern skyscrapers to the historic French Quarter, you are sure to have a great time in New Orleans. New Orleans hosts some of the most well-known celebrations throughout America—most notably Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and Southern Decadence. [...]

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Lesbian Festival Flourishes on-Where Else?- Isle of Lesbos

OIA Staff — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:35:17 +0000

The Island of Lesbos has hosted the International Women’s Festival for ten years, growing from a tiny event that drew the ire of local politicians to a major celebration drawing women from around the world–and putting cash into the coffers of local businesses hard hit by Greece’s economic woes and the global recession. This year’s [...]

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Open for Everyone Denmark Debuts New LGBT Campaign

OIA Staff — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:01:19 +0000

VisitDenmark proudly announces the launch of its new LGBT campaign – “cOPENhagen – Open For Everyone” – which highlights and celebrates the welcoming and diverse atmosphere of Copenhagen, Denmark‘s capital city. To mark the occasion, VisitDenmark is debuting a new Gay Copenhagen Microsite, Facebook and Twitter page, as well as an LGBT Copenhagen Blog Feed. [...]

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Cleveland At Risk Of Losing Gay Games 2014

OIA Staff — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:30:47 +0000

Just weeks before Gay Games 2010 opens in Cologne, Germany, the next iteration of the quadrennial event in Cleveland appears to be on shaky ground. “There is discussion about a shift in management, being dictated by the Federation of Gay Games,” Samantha Fryberger, communications director for Positively Cleveland, a group that markets Cleveland as a [...]

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Argentina Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

OIA Staff — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:53:10 +0000

After a 14-hour debate that lasted well into the early morning hours, the senate of Argentina has voted 33-27 to pass a bill that gives same-sex couples equal marriage rights and will make Argentina the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage. [ via Lez Get Real ] Read the full article @ Argentina [...]

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Iowa’s same-sex marriages mostly from neighboring states nonresidents

OIA Staff — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:47:16 +0000

Same-sex couples from neighboring states make up 60 percent of gay marriages in Iowa. The statistic is a result of data compiled since April 2009 – when marriage equality became legal in the Tall Corn State. The new report from the Iowa Department of Public Health says 2,020 same-sex marriages were recorded in Iowa from [...]

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Apple Rejects Gay-Sightseeing App Over Gay Sights

OIA Staff — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:43:46 +0000

Apple believes it has a “moral responsibility” to patrol content on the iPhone. That apparently includes heavily watering down a guide to New York’s gay culture, as one author just learned. Apple has just rejected, for the second time, the app “Gay New York: 101 Can’t-Miss Places.” Apple objected to images that show too much [...]

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GetEQUAL plans White House rally on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

OIA Staff — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:01:42 +0000

There will be a rally in Washington DC on Sunday, May 2, 2010 to pressure the President with the demand he transmit IMMEDIATELY to the Senate Armed Service Committee the language for repeal into the Defense Authorization Bill. [ Read more at There will be a rally in Washington DC on Sunday, May 2, 2010 ] [...]

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Gay dogs not welcome, diner in South Australia

OIA Staff — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:43:24 +0000

The Thai Spice restaurant, in a northwest suburb of Adelaide, refused a blind man entry because it thought his guide dog was “gay” was ordered by the Equal Opportunity Tribunal to pay him $1500. [ via Herald Sun ] Read the full article @ Gay dogs not welcome, diner in South Australia Read more articles [...]

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Portuguese High Court Approve Same-Sex Marriage Law

OIA Staff — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:55:00 +0000

The Portuguese Constitutional Court has given its approval to a measure that will make same-sex marriage legal and would come into effect just ahead of a visit to the Portugal by Pope Benedict XVI. [ via Lez Get Real ] Read the full article @ Portuguese High Court Approve Same-Sex Marriage Law Read more articles [...]

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Iceland Likely to Permit Gay Marriage by June

OIA Staff — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:04:46 +0000

Iceland, the tiny island country of 320,000 people in the North Atlantlc, will likely be the next nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Openly lesbian prime minister Johanna Sigurdardóttir presented a revision to current marriage law to the Icelandic parliament on March 23. The revision is widely expected to become law, and if (or when) it [...]

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88 gay couples have married in Mexico City

OIA Staff — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:37:20 +0000

Mexico City’s officials say 88 same-sex couples have gotten married in Mexico’s capital since a law allowing such unions took effect last month. A statement from Mexico City’s government says 50 of the couples were men and 38 women. [ via WHDH-TV ] Read the full article @ 88 gay couples have married in Mexico [...]

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Iowa Celebrates First Anniversary Of Gay Marriage Ruling

OIA Staff — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:14:29 +0000

Gay rights advocates in Iowa are counting down the minutes to Saturday. Some will gather Friday in Ames at the Unitarian Universalist church for a potluck dinner. Others will celebrate Saturday at a wine tasting hosted at the Cedar Rapids Gay and Lesbian Resource Center. Everyone is excited. Excited that despite numerous attacks from opponents, [...]

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“Does God care if I’m gay?” ads voluntarily removed by Christian group on Toronto buses

OIA Staff — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:28:53 +0000

A large, electric-blue banner featuring an oddly tattooed youth and the question: “Does God care if I’m gay?” has been voluntarily removed by the Christian group behind the campaign after a flood of public complaints. Bus Stop Bible Studies, whose stated mission is to put “God on every bus” in Canada, unveiled the ad on [...]

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CONTEST: Win 2 Tickets to Lilith Fair July 27th in Cleveland Ohio

OIA Staff — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:43:33 +0000

Win 2 Tickets to Lilith Fair July 27th in Cleveland Ohio Featuring: Mary J. Blige Sarah McLachlan Kelly Clarkson Anjulie Court Yard Hounds Nikki Jean Sara Bareilles Lights Serena Ryder Zee Avi For more information to get tickets visit www.lilithfair.com. July 27th Blossom Music Center Cleveland, Ohio Read the full article @ CONTEST: Win 2 Tickets [...]

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Gay porn pays the bills in Czech Republic

OIA Staff — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:52:23 +0000

Amid a persisting economic crisis, men in the Czech Republic are increasingly turning to a booming underground industry for a shot at prosperity – gay porn. According to a report by GlobalPost.com, the Czech Republic has become one of the leading production centers for gay pornography. What makes the Czech Republic such a hub? High unemployment rates attracted ”models” [...]

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Gay couple turned away from B&B

OIA Staff — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:27:55 +0000

A gay couple have claimed they were turned away from a bed & breakfast because the owner said it was “against her convictions” to allow them to share a bed. Michael Black, 62, and John Morgan, 56, from Brampton, Cambridgeshire, have reported the owner of the Swiss B&B in Cookham to police for discriminating against [...]

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In Mexico, gay couples celebrate historic weddings

OIA Staff — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:58:19 +0000

Two glowing brides in matching white gowns and four other same-sex couples made history in Mexico City on Thursday as they wed under Latin America’s first law that explicitly approves gay marriage. [ via Seattle Times Newspaper ] Read the full article @ In Mexico, gay couples celebrate historic weddings Read more articles @ our [...]

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Mississippi School Cancels Prom Rather Then Let Lesbian Take Girlfriend

OIA Staff — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:55:20 +0000

The Mississippi school district that had refused to allow a lesbian student to escort her girlfriend to a high school senior prom has decided not to host the prom at all after its decision was challenged by the ACLU. In a statement issued late yesterday, Itawamba County school district officials said, “It is our hope [...]

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27 Drop Post Over Front-page Gay Kiss Photo

OIA Staff — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:06:21 +0000

A photograph of two men kissing that ran on the front page of The Washington Post has caused at least two dozen people to cancel their subscriptions. The photo was taken last Wednesday, the day same-sex couples could apply for marriage licenses in Washington, and ran in the paper the next day. The paper’s ombudsman, [...]

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Gay Movies Not Eligible For Florida Film Tax Credit

OIA Staff — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:10:03 +0000

A proposed incentive package for the film industry being considered by Florida lawmakers would likely exclude films with gay characters, the Palm Beach Post reported. Lawmakers hope the $75 million package of tax credits and incentives will entice filmmakers to set up shop in Florida. The bill’s so-called family-friendly tax credit, however, discourages the production [...]

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Gay Marriage and Adoption To Be Legal in Mexico City Tomorrow

OIA Staff — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:16:46 +0000

Gay rights activist Mariana Pérez Ocaña said she fears conservative provincial leaders will chip away at same-sex marriage. After abortion was legalized, she noted, states altered their constitutions to say life begins at conception. Governors affiliated with PAN have promised to challenge same-sex marriage. “Many activists in gay groups fear there will be a backlash,” [...]

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Immigration Minister pulled gay rights from citizenship guide, documents show

OIA Staff — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:56:12 +0000

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney blocked any reference to gay rights in a new study guide for immigrants applying for Canadian citizenship, The Canadian Press has learned. Internal documents show an early draft of the guide contained sections noting that homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969; that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms forbids discrimination [...]

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The Dinah Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary Milestone: Raising The DINAH’STY to a Historical Zenith!

OIA Staff — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:01:35 +0000

For all lesbians, springs means one thing: The Dinah! Ladies across the nation and around the world rush, as early as November, to get their bodies in shape, buy their bikinis, select their sexy soiree accoutrements, and book their MUST ATTEND annual trip to Club Skirts Presents The Dinah (www.TheDinah.com) Celebrating the milestone 20th Anniversary [...]

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Portugal’s Parliament Approves Same-Sex Marriage

OIA Staff — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:49:33 +0000

Portugal’s parliament has approved a same-sex marriage bill: “The Socialist government’s bill won the support of all left-of-center parties Friday. Right-of-center parties opposed the change and argued it should be put to a national referendum. The proposed law now goes to conservative President Anibal Cavaco Silva who can ratify or veto it, but a veto [...]

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Your Handy Color-Coded Atlas to Marriage Equality and Death on Planet Earth

OIA Staff — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:06:06 +0000

Who knows how long the below map will remain accurate, but for now, it’s a snapshot of the legalization and criminalization of The Gayness across the globe. You’ll notice the map’s authors colored Africa in oranges, yellows, and browns, because the entire place is a burning hell for homos. [ Queerty ] Read the full [...]

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After 22 Years, HIV Travel and Immigration Ban Lifted

OIA Staff — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:35:05 +0000

A regulation promulgated by the Obama administration last summer and finalized in November goes into effect today, removing HIV from the list of communicable diseases that bar foreign nationals from entering the United States. “The United States of America has moved one step closer to helping combat the stigma and ignorance that still too often [...]

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Lifting HIV travel ban will finally end ‘federally sanctioned stigma’

OIA Staff — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:40:27 +0000

President Barack Obama today announced that the long-standing ban on travel and immigration to the United States by HIV-positive individuals will end in just over 60 days. The lifting of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ban will remove HIV from the list of “communicable diseases of public health significance.” Previously, people living [...]

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Historical Marker for Lesbian Author Natalie Barney Denotes Sexual Orientation for First Time in Ohio

OIA Staff — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:28:48 +0000

A historical marker erected in Dayton, Ohio’s Cooper Park near the downtown library is the state’s first to indicate a person’s sexual orientation, the Dayton Daily News reports: She may be the most famous Daytonian unknown to Daytonians, but now Natalie Barney — literary patron and lesbian author who lived most of her life in [...]

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Toronto to host World Pride 2014

OIA Staff — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:54:47 +0000

The Canadian city of Toronto has been chosen to host World Pride in 2014. Toronto Pride announced the news on its website, which said: “Presented by InterPride, World Pride promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues on an international level through parades, festivals, and other cultural activities. “Announced in the first session of Sunday, [...]

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Cleveland Awarded 2014 Gay Games

OIA Staff — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:45:54 +0000

Cleveland has been awarded the 2014 International Gay Games. The Gay Games will have around 12,000 participants and an estimated 100,000. The 14 original contenders for host city were whittled down to three; Cleveland, Boston and Washington, DC. The winning city was announced from Cologne, Germany—the site of the 2010 games. [ The BIG One [...]

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2,000 Lesbians, the Caribbean Seas, and Zero Carbon: That’s Sweet

OIA Staff — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:22:23 +0000

Thanks to the Sweet Caribbean Cruise, setting sail from New Orleans this fall, philanthropy is now a leisure activity. Even if travelers don’t choose to volunteer during the Nov. 8-15 cruise, and opt to spend their time lounging by the pool, Sweet co-founder and CEO Shannon Wentworth says they can “feel good just knowing that [...]

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Maine’s Equality in Marriage Commercial

OIA Staff — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:19:58 +0000

Parents and children, gay and straight, talk about Maine’s values of fairness, respect, and strong families, and express their support for marriage equality. [ YouTube ] Read the full article @ Maine’s Equality in Marriage Commercial Read more articles @ our blogBecome a fan on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

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Manchester Hotels Boycott Going Global

OIA Staff — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:04:53 +0000

Manchester hotels has reportedly suffered a loss of at least 7 million dollars thanks to an LGBT boycott after the owner Doug Manchester donated $125,000 to the anti-gay proposition 8 referendum in California which eliminated the states marriage rights for same-sex couples. [ queersunited ] Read the full article @ Manchester Hotels Boycott Going Global [...]

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LGBT Cleveland

OIA Staff — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:04:58 +0000

The word is out… Already home to a strong LGBT population, gay and lesbian travelers are learning that Cleveland is a hidden gem. Our vibrant and diverse city is chock-full of world-renowned arts & culture, hot nightlife, chic dining options, upscale shopping, pro sports and scenic recreation waiting to be discovered. Plus you’ll find the [...]

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Administration Moves Forward on Regulation Ending HIV Travel and Immigration Ban

OIA Staff — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:25:17 +0000

“We are one important step closer to finally ending this discriminatory ban once and for all,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded today to the Office of Management and Budget indicating that they have completed review of [...]

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Your big fat gay wedding: The how, what and where of gay marriage

OIA Staff — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:49:19 +0000

Say you’re a gay or lesbian couple looking to get hitched — legally. No, you won’t have U.S. federal rights if you marry in any of the following six states. But you can and will share in state rights afforded heterosexual couples — for instance, the right to inherit and to file joint state tax [...]

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Countless Reasons to Visit Las Vegas This Summer

OIA Staff — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:35:36 +0000

With hundreds of concerts, events and pool parties – there are countless reasons to visit Las Vegas this summer. Start with some of the most glamorous poolside parties anywhere in the world. Sin City Q Socials, the premier social network for LGBT professionals and friends, is offering Super Soaked Sundays at the Pond Ultra Pool [...]

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Complete Wedding Basics – 1, 2, 3

OIA Staff — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:13:33 +0000

The engagement was perfect: romance, wonder, laughter, tears and one gorgeous little band of white gold. It had been everything you’d envisioned, and everything your partner had longed for it to be. And now the pressure’s really on – Can the moment be topped? Can the two of you pull together the seemingly endless details [...]

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Festivals, Food And Fun in Vegas

OIA Staff — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:34:52 +0000

The spring season is in full bloom, and there’s no better way to show your colors than to celebrate in Las Vegas! The season is filled with exciting festivals, food and fun that make Las Vegas the ideal getaway experience. It’s time to show your pride, and there’s no better place to strut your stuff [...]

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5 Hot Spots for Gay Spring Break

OIA Staff — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:54:53 +0000

Boys, babes, sun, surf and drinks that come by the foot. Spring Break recaptures all the passion of our ancestors’ vernal rites, but with a whole lot more skin. In the past, gays and lesbians had trouble finding their place in the sun, and as fun as it is seeing if the old joke about [...]

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Gay Britian is __________

OIA Staff — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:11:47 +0000

VisitBritain knows that LGBT travelers come in every color of the rainbow. Some visit new places to taste exotic local cuisines. Others go for the culture, and spend hours exploring museums and galleries. And some do their sightseeing at night, searching for the best dance club. Whatever their motivation, not all travelers are after the [...]

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Cézanne’s Only In Philly

OIA Staff — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:47:50 +0000

Plan A Parisian Adventure In Philly From Start To Finish Art lovers eager to visit Philadelphia for the Cézanne and Beyond exhibition-making its exclusive world appearance at the Philadelphia Museum of Art through May 17, 2009-need look no further than gophila.com/cezanne, a specially created section on the Philadelphia region’s official tourism Web site that allows [...]

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Elevation 2009

OIA Staff — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:03:19 +0000

Over 15″ of Fresh Powder and More Predicted to Hit the Mountain So End Your Ski Season With A Bang; Five Days of Spring Skiing and Snowboarding Will Include Over 2,000 Willing and Able Participants and Plenty of Après-Ski Events With a chill in the air and winter in full swing, LA Mega Promoter Tom [...]

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What kind of world do you want?

OIA Staff — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:53:05 +0000

Make your voice heard! Join the National Equality Rally at Independence Hall on Sunday, May 3, and tell our President, Congress, and people everywhere that the world you want cherishes diversity and supports Equality – for all! Join us and March for Equality on Independence Mall on Sunday, May 3. Realize the Dream! | Visit [...]

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iFlyz So I Can Relax

OIA Staff — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:27:41 +0000

Up to now, travelers were forced to hold their electronic devices or get creative with some crude, off-balance way to try to position it for viewing. Here is a unique item that offers a helping hand for those trying to juggle a mobile electronic device while trying to relax on a plane trip. The iFlyz [...]

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Southwest Airlines & Lesbian Travel Company Sweet Sign Agreement

OIA Staff — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:17:06 +0000

Sweet and Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today launched a new marketing partnership where Southwest will serve as the exclusive domestic airline of the Sweet Caribbean Cruise, (November 8-15, 2009), offering discount airfare to Sweet guests and participating in co-marketing opportunities online and at select gay and lesbian events throughout 2009. “Southwest is a perfect match [...]

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Men Of Color Heat Up Palm Springs

OIA Staff — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:05:28 +0000

The fact that Palm Springs is a gay vacation hot spot is no secret to many people in California .However, over the past few years, more and more gay and bisexual men of African and Latino descent are discovering this desert Oasis paradise, thanks in large part to the efforts of event promoter Joe Hawkins. Since [...]

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