Cruises are a popular vacation option across the board today; however, you may find some cruises are friendlier to gays and lesbians than others. Gay cruises are chartered cruises, with the ships and crew from standard cruise lines. There are a number of factors to consider when planning to take a gay or lesbian cruise vacation.

First, decide where you want to go. You can find cruises to Alaska, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean. You should also consider how much of a priority a gay cruise is. Would you be just as happy with any cruise? If so, better deals can be had from the standard cruise lines. Why do so many gays and lesbians opt for specialty cruises? Gay and lesbian cruises offer entertainment you won’t find elsewhere, a relaxed and uninhibited atmosphere and great camaraderie. If you are traveling alone, you’re sure to make friends quickly and have a fun and carefree holiday.

Atlantis Events is one of the primary gay and lesbian cruise choices on the market today. Working with cruise lines like Celebrity and Holland America, you can find cruises to popular destinations around the world on beautiful and luxurious cruise liners. RSVP Vacations is another option in the gay cruise industry offering luxurious and fun cruises well suited to both singles and couples. While women are welcome on both Atlantis and RSVP cruises, they typically make up only 10% of the customer base for these companies.

Lesbians looking for warmth, camaraderie, and a great cruise may want to consider an Olivia Cruise. With entertainment, singles activities and speakers geared to the lesbian community, an Olivia Cruise is guaranteed to be fun. Olivia Cruises charter high quality cruise liners from Holland America for all of their lesbian cruises. Olivia offers Caribbean and Alaska cruises.

If you have children or you and your partner are looking for a quieter and less party oriented gay cruise, R Families cruises may be well suited to your needs. Gay and lesbian families will find friendship on an R Families cruise as they share the experience of building and enjoying their families. Plan ahead if you want to attend one of these cruises as they happen infrequently. Children’s activities are available for kids from 2-17 and much of the evening entertainment is appropriate for the whole family.

We wish everyone a wonderful pride week across the nation as we are still struggling for equal rights for all.  Gays, Lesbians, Transgendered, Bisexual, and the big hearted straight people joining us for the big parades across the nation all contribute to fabulous celebrations across the U.S.

From San Francisco to Oklahoma City to New York City to Houston we celebrate pride 2009.  Everyone have a safe weekend and make sure you drink the liquors that advertise in our parades and support our community whether it be a beer or a vodka.  Remember the banks and other organizations and busineses that take part in the gay pride festivals and parades and support them!!  Support your drag queens and bartenders too haha!

I have a sick feeling that the reports from TMZ and other sources that Michael Jackson has died in LA.  The reports are that he had quit breathing.  The Perez Hilton site is down today probably due to a surge in traffic that the web host could not hold up.  Our thoughts today are with Michael Jackson and his family and we hope he recovers and is ok.  He has a Summer and Fall tour planned for London this year and he has been rehearsing for this tour.

Steve Ruda told the newspaper Thursday that Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m.

The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, told the paper.

If you were like me you were glued to the TV like it was an American Idol Finale every night when this sitcom came on LOGO.  This was to see what these Texas country gals do next whether they shoot out of their trailers, protest a bar being open with religious signs, or eat lots of valium.  This show reminded me of many people who I have known in my life from small town America it shows your religious nuts, loving mothers, prescription drug-addictive temptations, and affairs. Most of all it was beginning to close out the season on Jason Dottley known as Ty at his mothers door just after she had flushed some valiums down the toilet.

Sordid Lives the TV show had the hottest of guys being Jason and his singing men chorus auditions when it broke to the Hollywood scene he was engaged in but then went back to Texas life to show his family and friends there.  Oh, and there is Leslie Jordon who plays Loretta Lynn or Brother Boy as they called him… the guy from Will and Grace.

The other great characters were Noleta Nethercott, Peggy Ingram (Rue McClanahan, Golden Girls), and I think my favorite was Beth Grant or Sissy Hickey.  I just loved Sissy’s bee-hive-ish hair.  But there was also the singing delight Bitsy Mae who we all know as Olivia Newton-John.  And we cannot forgot LaVonda and then there is Dr. Eve the doc trying to change the Sexual Preferences of Brother Boy.

So this about shows you a sum of some of the big name stars in this show not including the terriffic Del Shores who put all of this together.  But what is the catch? LOGO is claiming they will not bring back the show because of its costs blamed on the bad economy.  It may be too late to save the show from LOGO  carrying it but we could try.  There is currently a petition going on over at the petition site and a facebook page setup to save the show.

Here are some other options:
Email LOGO directly at- www.logoonline.com/about/contact.jhtml

Oh and while you are at it let’s make a petition for someone to bring back Queer As Folk.  That is my all time favorite show and I think its high time to have a revamped QAF every sunday night.  Both shows need to come back but Sordid Lives can be easier to bring back since its on a roll right now as a popular show and just need some action from us all.

The whole thing with Perez Hilton and Will.I.Am is such a mess and makes us all look horrible.  A little drama here and there is expected when you have big egos getting together whether it be inside a Church, Nightclub, business meeting, or a power struggle.  At first I saw Perez Hilton’s twitter and was on his side but then I started looking more into and thought why did he call someone a “faggot”.  It is unacceptable to use the f-word no matter how drunk you are when you are in public (or even private these days with video around) when you are fighting for gay rights.  It is as bad as the N word to the gay community and should not be used.

Del Shores the writer of Sordid Lives wrote on his facebook demanding that GLAAD take action and they finally did.  It is a sad situation when the gay community has to face off against each other because we are supposed to be a fabulous loving family.  Perez Hilton should apoligize to the entire gay community for his actions even though he was assulted.  The assult and violence brought on from Will.I.Am and Fergie’s band manager should be punished as well.  Violence is never the answer but words such as F-words should not be used either.

The TMZ video of this made my stomach hurt and I was shaking in disapointment that someone in our community would embarass us like this.  It is hard to stand by him but I think he will in time apoligize and clean things up… we should give him a chance to do better and all quit hating each other.  Hate and violence are what the religoius extremists do to each other and we certainly do not want to be one of those losers.

Del Shores (whom is also married to actor Jason Dottley) has also been commenting about the Dustin Lance Black pictures that were posted on Perez Hilton’s site and how that hurt the gay community.  Keep in mind this was only a week or so ago so there is even more bitterness towards Perez.  Although I will have to give Hilton credit that he took down the nude pics of Dustin Lance Black of Milk.

On a better note, Lady Gaga was amazing and sexy as can be gyrating like a hot stripper at the Much Music Awards.  Whether she is a man or a woman she is the hottest thing on the planet.  Her flaming boobs made Britney and the MTV Awards look like a Disney reject movie.  We love you Gaga and can’t wait to see what you do next.

Breaking from Perez Hilton’s celebrity site today are some highly steamy photos of Dustin Lance Black who were sold to the media.  It is sad that you cannot make a home video with your partner without having to worry about the media getting a hold of it and everyone starring at your private parts online.  But move over the Portland Mayor and his teenage boytoy Beau Breedlove - we now have a new scandal (that shouldn’t be a scandal).   Not that the Mayor of Portland dating a 18yr old adult should have been either.

I see if this “explodes” into something big it will be because people are jealous that the Oscar winning Milk writer is so hot in this video.  Hotter than most of the stars that are really supposed to be doing these types of videos.  I admit i will be the first to buy this video!

Of course we all know Dustin lance is gay but did we know he had sex too?  OMG really? haha.  People goto the bathroom as well.  This whole thing could end up being as silly as Adam Lambert coming out as Gay.   I just wonder how these things get “leaked” out or does Dustin Lance want us to know how big his pee pee is… Photo courtesy of Perez Hilton.com.

While gay pride parades and similar events bring the entire GLBTQ community together, there are some events and activities particularly geared toward lesbian, bisexual or queer identified women. These range from socially active and politically motivated to opportunities for rest, play and relaxation. Your local Pride celebration probably offers activities and events planned specifically for women, but if you have the time and funds to travel or are located near one of these lesbian or lesbian inclusive events you may want to make it a “gay-cation” this year.

Dinah Shore Week in Palm Springs, California is the largest lesbian event in the country. Held in the spring (the 2010 dates are March 31 to April 4), Dinah Shore Week includes entertainment planned and organized by the well known L.A based GirlBar, pool parties, and plenty of time to socialize. Dinah Shore Week 2009 boasted an impressive line up of performers, including Macy Gray, Kat Deluna, Julie Goldman, and the Cliks. Reservations fill up quickly, so book by December if you want to stay in the Wyndham Hotel or Hotel Zoso.

Another major lesbian event each year is the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. While controversy has surrounded the festival, it remains a popular destination for any woman looking to share and experience  a space designed just for her. The festival features intensive workshops of all sorts, performances, and a time to share in a unique space and experience. Moms should note that families with male children 5 and over will need to camp in Brother Sun and use the childcare available there as boys over 4 are not welcome on the festival grounds. This year’s Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival will take place from August 4th to 9th. Visit michfest.com for more information.

Gay Days Orlando has become a popular destination for both single and partnered members of the LGBTQ community. During this week, a number of events designated for Girls at Gay Days occur as well, making it a popular lesbian event destination. You can also take advantage of Gay Day Disney during this event. Comedians, concerts and plenty of dancing await lesbians of all ages at Girls at Gay Days. See girlsatgaydays.com for schedules for this year’s June party.

While not specifically a lesbian oriented event, if you are more concerned with the arts than with a party, consider making Homo A Go Go your event destination. This gay and lesbian oriented arts festival includes music, art, film, performance art and activism from August 13 to August 16, 2009 in San Francisco, California.

Top 5 Lesbian Clubs in the U.S.

Life insurance is especially important for gay and lesbian families, couples and individuals. Without federal marriage rights, social security cannot be paid to your partner or any children you are not legally connected to either by blood or adoption. Making sure you have adequate life insurance protection can make loss easier and provide valuable financial support for those you have left behind. How much life insurance you require may vary depending upon your lifestyle. If you are single, enough to cover your debts and pay for your funeral may be adequate. Couples may want to allow enough to provide the partner with financial stability for a period of time to allow for grieving and cover debts including a mortgage. Families with children should consider much larger policies, possibly enough to allow a parent to stay at home and cover educational and day care expenses.


Life insurance is typically quite non-discriminatory, with a few exceptions. No life insurance company asks about sexual orientation as a part of the application process, but they may ask about potential HIV risk, STDs and other health issues that can relate to everyone. That said, marital status can impact your overall risk factors and some insurers will treat partnered gay individuals as single. Ask your insurance agent about the specifics of their policies and the impact on the benefits and cost in your personal situation, as each company has its own policies. In states with gay marriage or civil unions, this may be less of an issue. You can assign anyone you like as your insurance beneficiary. Keep in mind that employer provided coverage may default to next of kin, and you might need to specify your partner as the recipient. Life insurance, outside of small, employer benefit programs, does typically require a physical examination, including blood testing. Certain medical conditions can make it more costly or difficult to qualify, and HIV positive status will typically lead to an immediate denial of coverage.

There are two specific types of life insurance. The first is universal life. This combines both a death benefit and a savings and investment account. The cash value may be withdrawn if desired. Monthly premiums will be the same throughout life; however, a higher percentage of the premium will go into savings while young than when older.  Term life is more common today, and is what we typically refer to when we talk about life insurance.  Premiums are lower when young and higher as age and risk of death increases. Cash value plans do offer some tax advantages over term life; but term life plans are ideal for most people.

I could have just avoided the final moments of hearing who won American Idol this year.  The performance from Adam Lambert and Kris Allen to the Queen We are the Champions was just amazing.  I had to watch it over about 20 times it was so good.  They looked into each others eyes almost like they were in love.  It was like the Brokeback Mountain meets American Idol.  It was breathtaking.  Then in the end they got broke up with a sad ending where the gay did not win but maybe we did afterall…because WE are the Champions.  The lead singer of Queen who died of HIV/AIDS and the powerful song was symbolic of our struggle and I feel the show was more about how far Adam Lambert came.

I’m not a big Amerian Idol fan.  I only watched this season for Kris Allen and Adam Lambert and I liked the chick with the tattoos and Matt Giraud.  This season was by far the best season ever of Idol.  But it really was Adam Lambert who made American Idol exciting this year it would have been a boring show without him.  Danny Pokey Gokey was nothing more than a Karoke cruise ship singer who seemed like a nice guy but him and some of the others really had no business being in the top 10.

America eagerly awaited for Adam Lambert’s next creative showing each week which normally outdid the others and outdid himself.  It was the growing talent he had which we all desire on one of these reality shows and we all knew in our hearts he should have won but had that dark feeling that he probably will not win because most of America is still too set in their ways.  It came down to what Suze Orman predicted on twitter:  Suze Orman tweeted that Kris Allen would get Danny Gokeys votes and Adam will lose.  She was right.  Although what is a finance lady doing talking about American Idol– haha no wonder were in a recession lol.  OK, love you Suze.  And by the way Suze was for Adam.

Not only was the gay communities biggest hero Suze Orman for Adam but Katy Perry went out of her way to show her support.  Katy Perry came on Idol and flashed an Elvis outfit with Adam Lambert embrodered on the back.   Katy was performing her new Vegas song which will be a big hit in gay clubs this Summer I can assure you that!  Such good timing since Vegas pride is going on while she rolls out her Vegas song!

Simon was also behind Adam to win Idol.   He did not look too happy when the winner was announced.  Maybe it was the vote against gays or the momentum the religious right has built up from Miss California’s hate against us.  Maybe it was just the fact that Kris Allen is cute as a button and acted so gay friendly that gays even voted for him.  In the end, Adam had the better voice and could out sing Kris but they were really two different types of performers.  So the right thing to do should have been for Kris to say hey this is a tie. I am giving my award to both of us.

The gays already lost with Clay Aiken losing to Ruben Studdard.   There is no way in hell Ruben was better than Clay Aiken at that point anyway.  Clay Aiken was clean cut though and never had the creative energy we see with Adam Lambert.

It is no surprise that a gay got that far in any competition.  I mean if you really think Benji from So You Think You Can Dance is straight or Travis for that matter then think again. Look at most of Hollywood and you will see lots of gays in the closet.  The sad thing is that they want us to put on an act for them 100% of the time and live our lives for them.  If gay marriage does become legal I will not be living my life for the religious right people to live how they think I should live.  I will still be my creative, innovative, ambitious, fun, passionate self and I hope everyone else does too.  So don’t go closing down the nightclubs I will be out to dance!

As for the rest of the Idol show it was mostly great.  Rod Stewart scared me a few times I thought he was going to fall over with his drunken walk.  What was the deal with Fergie and the black eyed peas they seemed to cut away from that performance with the Idol logo and some type of time delay as if something was said after she sung the word “staggered”.  Was she predicting Rod Stewart staggering around?  The time delay part was strange or it was a major technical error.

It was great to see Cyndi lauper perform although I would have loved to her one of her newer songs that were big hits in our community last year.  My top moments of the night were Adam Lambert singing with KISS, Queen performance with Kris and Adam, and Kara DioGuardi singing to Mariah and bearing some skin for us.

Kara DioGuardi was the sexiest thing on the stage last night.  It was hot to see her show some skin and that black bikini thong.  You go girl!  I earned lots of respect for Kara with that performance.

Adam should have won but he will most likely sell more records than Kris Allen anyway.  Someone like Adam Lambert probably does not want the American Idol contract… he probably wants to do his own thing anyway which is why he was pleased from the results on his facial expressions.  He was probably thinking “thank God!”  Kelly Clarksen has been trying to change her image from the Idol winner for years.

They plan to go on tour this fall but I will just wait for Adam Lambert’s tour in a few years when its not the rest of them.  Until then it’s Green Day, No Doubt, and Beyonce on tour!  If you live in Europe you can even catch Madonna.

While nearly every city in the US is home to at least a few gay and lesbian bars, there are relatively few bars that cater primarily to a lesbian crowd, even in major cities. In fact, you can only find one in Washington DC and Baltimore and no lesbian specific bars at all in Boston. Look for lesbian nights in cities without lesbian bars to find the nightlife you’re looking for, but if you’re near or visiting an area with one of the best, stop in for drinks and dancing.

Girl Bar in Los Angeles has inspired the L-Word and remains one of the most happening lesbian hot spots on the West Coast. Girl Bar now runs lesbian nights in Chicago, Las Vegas and Phoenix as well as LA. The dance floor is active and energetic and drinks flow freely. While this bar has a reputation for a lipstick lesbian crowd, the actual mix is much more varied.

Henrietta Hudson Bar and Girl in New York City offers a variety of music, with live music twice a week. Drink specials, dancing and pool make Henrietta Hudson’s a good bet for both West Village locals and tourists. Henrietta’s is open 7 days and nights a week.

Chances in Houston, Texas offers something for nearly every lesbian, with four distinct bars and clubs under one roof. You can dance the night away at G-Spot, hang out with friends in the neighborhood bar Chances, lounge in the ChiChi Martini lounge or two step in The New Barn.

Phase 1 on Capitol Hill in Washington DC is the oldest lesbian bar in the country, opened in 1970. Music at Phase 1 ranges from hip hop to queer punk, with drag king nights, pool and drinks located near everything in the city.

Sue Ellen’s in Dallas, Texas is situated in the old Throckmorton Mining Company. Since the reopening in the spring of 2008, it is one of the largest lesbian bars in the country and one of the best gay or lesbian bars in the country.  Sue Ellen’s includes a lounge, dance floor and space for live music.

While these are some of the best lesbian nightclubs in the US, you may find lesbian nights at great gay clubs throughout the country or find that your local gay and lesbian club is the right fit for your community.  You might want to check out each bar or clubs website and see their calendar of events for live bands and Pride activities.