In the winter months thoughts often turn to summer holidays though these days holidays happen whenever you can take them. As the world becomes a smaller place and travel becomes relatively cheap to more exotic destinations many people think about going further a field for their vacations. In terms of gay destinations there are some old favorites of course, like the Sydney Mardi Gras, Mykonos in the Greek islands and one hundred and one other well know holiday spots. But not everywhere in the world is ‘gay friendly’ and, though you may be able to get to some of these places easily these days, the question to ask is ‘are they safe?’

I tried to find out a list of places best avoided for gay travelers:

In an interview with The Advocate, travel writer David Kirby mentioned the obvious places such as “a lot of the Islamic world” and you can imagine that Iraq and the surrounding area, though interesting, is probably best avoided at present. But he also mentions some not so obvious places. He states that Jamaica, for example, can be tricky. Some businesses there will not rent rooms to same sex couples if there is only one bed in the room and there have been reports of other anti-gay behavior too.

Deciding what new and interesting place to visit can be a tricky decision as some places we already know are very gay friendly, like Thailand and Myanmar, whereas others are not so obvious. If you travel to Brazil for example you can expect a warm welcome in some cities but not in others and the pro/anti gay feeling varies from place to place. Egypt is another paradox: you will encounter lots of attention from men (if you are a man or woman) and sex is readily available if you are discrete, you will even see policemen holding hands in the street but don’t read anything into this. The country has very harsh anti-homosexuality laws.

I did a bit of lateral thinking in my search for the top ten most dangerous places for gay travelers and found a list of the ten ‘worst’ countries to be in, if you are gay. (According to queerty.com and ‘the Southern Voice’.) These findings are based on anti-human rights reports that outline details about countries that discriminate against citizens based on their sexual orientation. Some are obvious when you think about the religions of those countries while one, at least, is very surprising, number 8, Poland. Here is the full list.

1. Uganda (Consensual gay sex punishable by life in prison)
2. Iran (Punishable by death)
3. Egypt (You can be arrested and tortured especially if you have HIV)
4. Saudi Arabia (Floggings and even death)
5. Nigeria (Up to 14 years in prison)
6. United Arab Emirates (You can be arrested)
7. Cameroon (You can be arrested)
8. Poland (President denied gay rights groups)
9. Nepal (Not illegal but much harassment)
10. India (Up to ten years in prison)

But it’s not all bad news. In the same The Advocate interview, Kirby pointed out that places like Great Britain and France are working hard to attract more gay visitors, as are places in the USA, Provincetown, Massachusetts, for example. The general rule when traveling is to trust your instincts. Don’t go anywhere where you don’t feel safe, don’t be provocative in your behavior and remember that if you are in a ‘danger zone’, the local police may not be on your side if you get in to trouble.

A good way to check what the gay local ‘scene’ and attitudes towards it are is to pick up a travel guide. The ‘Indie’ ones and more well known ones like Lonely Planet usually have a gay section by country so you can judge for yourself whether a place is safe or not. IN a nutshell: play it safe and have a great time.

You likely could not have missed recent news in the mainstream press and gay community about MRSA, specifically the new strain MRSA USA300. In the last couple of weeks, stories have splashed everything from the New York Times to Newsweek about the spread of MRSA among gay men. This new strain of Staphylococcus Aureus is antibiotic resistant, and gay men appear to be some 13 times more likely to be infected with this form of the bacteria in one community in San Francisco.  It is important to note that there are a number of risk factors for infection, including recent hospitalization, sharing towels or athletic equipment, a weakened immune system, or associating with health care workers. MRSA also thrives in close living conditions, and it should be noted that this is true of the community where the initial study occurred. Similar studies of groups in close physical contact, including football players, have shown a higher incidence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. Unfortunately, the early press release brought about not only panic in the gay community, but also a significant amount of anti-gay press.

The official study that caused all this uproar can be found at annals.org. While the study does not jump to any significant conclusions, the media did, ranging from calling MRSA the “new HIV” to linking it with anal intercourse.

What is MRSA? MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, further clarified as hospital acquired (HA-MRSA) and community acquired (CA-MRSA).  First and foremost, it should be clarified that antibiotic resistant bugs have been around, and are becoming more prevalent in all walks of life, and all communities regardless of sexual orientation. Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that normally lives on the skin and in the nasal passages. This infection can produce symptoms ranging from a simple skin abscess or lesions to cellulitis and even death. While many bacteria produce infections, the primary concern with MRSA is that very few antibiotics are effective, and in the case of new strains even fewer drugs may be available to treat these complex infections. For more information on the specifics about MRSA, see the mayoclinic.com site.

That said, what does this mean for you? What should you be doing to protect yourself? The simple fact is that MRSA can be spread through skin to skin contact of any sort.  Moreover, staph infections of the skin often occur in moist areas, including the buttocks and groin. This is entirely unrelated to actual sexual contact. Prevention is not so hard really. Use good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly. If you do have a skin infection, or a partner does, seek treatment quickly and request that skin lesions be cultured before beginning treatment so they can be treated appropriately.  Really, though, these are not tips relevant to gay men, but to everyone who uses a gym, might have children in daycare, or have lunch with a health care provider.

I received an email today about an all-natural new product that aims to curb methamphetamine use. You know the drug known as Ice, Tina, and Crystal Meth. I read through the process of this supplement and it looks promising but you have to keep in mind it is a supplement compared to an FDA approved prescription medication.

The system is called Crystal Clear which was featured in Newsweek and endorsed by some Naturopath’s. While I am always sketpical of any supplements or herbal remedies I think sometimes even as a placebo effect anything should be tried to stop such a horrible addiction.  This is a twelve week program so it seems like it would take a lot of self-control and personal rehab to complete.

The gay community has seen rising rates for years with the meth addiction and we should try anything we can to stop this evil substance.

I always thought Oxnard was a nice, quiet town just south of Santa Barbara and north of L.A.  I never dreamed there was such hate and predujudice in this part of California.  Today changes my mind.

A gay student that is only 15-years-old was shot in a California middle school (junior high) and some say he is “clinically dead” but other reports say he could make a recovery.  The boy was known for being femanine and wore women’s jewelry (these days some jewelry was unisex I would have thought) and makeup.

Teachers say he did not deserve this and who would.  It is beyond me that a kid cannot goto school without being worried of being beaten up, bullied, or shot to death or until you are handicapped the rest of your life.

Thank you for sharing…we as a lesbian couple have a 7yr old son who enjoys wearing his older sister clothes and lil clips in his hair he wanted to wear it to school but we had to explain that somethings other people just arent ready for and people can be really mean so when hes older he can make that choice for himself but now as his moms we let him dress up for lack of a better term at home and school time is just time to learn. Its hard and wrong that we have to shelter our youth in such a way. Thanks for caring and may peace be with you. -the Lesbo Mommies (taken from myspace bulletion)

Do you believe in life after love? Well you can this time. Cher is making a comeback after many farewell concerts to glitzy stage that once belonged to Celine Dion and still belongs to Elton John and now Bette Midler.

The Pop-Diva and Gay Icon, Cher, has signed a three year contract with AEG live to perform at Ceasar’s Palace Colosseum. The cast includes four aerialists and at least 14 dancers. She is known for having one of the best dancing, choreography, and entertaining shows so it will be a big hit in Vegas. She will also feature some new props and moveable scenes according to Luxe Life of Vegas. A USA Today article claims that it will be “visually unbelieveable.”

Cher is supposed to take stage on May 6th. Tickets will be available in a few weeks. There is also word she will be releasing a new album for 2008.

Update: Cher Tickets can be found on sale here.

Yes, we all know it’s a Hallmark holiday, but nonetheless you can reasonably assume you will be in trouble if you do not show up on Valentine’s Day with a meaningful and thoughtful gift. It might also be smart to remember that, by and large, thoughtful gifts are not bought at the grocery store on your way home or off to see your significant other. The right present for your partner is one that they will love, and one that will show your love for them. This might be as lavish as a vacation together or expensive watch or jewelry or as meaningful yet inexpensive as a love letter or poem. Know your budget and your girlfriend or boyfriend’s preferences to choose a gift that your lover will cherish, whether it is expensive or not.

Sometimes nothing other than an expensive gift will do. A meaningful piece of jewelry or an inscribed watch may be the right present for the special person in your life. If you were pondering popping the big question, perhaps you are engagement ring shopping this year. There is something to be said for a gift that your partner can wear each day as a tangible reminder of your love.

Time together is another option when you are planning your romantic holiday together. In today’s busy world, spending time together can be one of the best gifts you can give your partner. Whether you plan a vacation together or simply a night out, taking time out of your lives to devote to one another is both a great option for romance and relationship building. Planning a day together doing something your partner loves, whether it’s a ball game or an outing to the art museum is sure to be a much treasured memory of Valentine’s Day 2008.

Some of the best romantic gifts are the ones that cost next to nothing. Write your partner a love letter, make a mix CD or play list with songs that matter to the two of you, or if you are creatively inclined, write a song or poem for your partner. While gifts from the heart may seem a bit clichéd, they can be the most meaningful in any relationship. Even if you plan a day out or give an expensive gift, adding something handmade and from the heart can make this the best Valentine’s Day of your relationship.

Traditionally, flowers and Valentine Roses(possibly organic) present a sweet gift but then again there is always more room for something more romantic or something more creative.

What do you want your partner to get you on Valentines Day? A Romantic, Candle-Lit Date?

We here at Dailydoseofqueer.com are in support of Hillary Clinton. It seems she is the only person who can run and win against the Neo-conservative republican party of John McCain or Mitt Romney. Do you want four more years of the Bush Administration? I know I do not. I think its time to make history and get a woman in the whitehouse and really shake things up.

Obama is in the lead in many places and Hillary needs help now more than ever. I am just too scared that if Obama wins the nomination that he will not win in the general election. They are both great people but Hillary is the best candidate and has the most experience for President of the United States.

Madonna endorsed Hillary while she was in NYC this weekend. I am glad to know Madonna is on board for the Hillary camp.

https://contribute.hillaryclinton.com/form.html

Hillary Clinton, Barrack Obama, Ron Paul, and Mike Huckabee all came on live today to speak to students on a special MTV pre-Super Tuesday program. I enjoyed watching Ron Paul speak especially about the fact that Hemp can be used more effectively than Ethanol for energy. I also liked the fact that Hillary mentioned HIV, since it is rare of any of the candidates to say that word.

Here is the video from MTV if you would like to watch:

This all comes on the heals of the big Super Tuesday decision this week where things will come closer to the final decision in November. There has also been lots of HIV news this week including research that from Swiss AIDS experts saying that “some people with HIV who are on stable treatment can safely have unprotected sex with non-infected partners.”

The Swiss National AIDS Commission said patients who meet strict conditions, including successful antiretroviral treatment to suppress the virus and who do not have any other sexually transmitted diseases, do not pose a danger to others.

For some reason I could not find the Swiss National AIDS Commission website because all the newsstories came up in search instead of their site. I would like to see their full report on this subject instead of reading the blogs and various news gossip. Also in the news this week was the talk of HIV Funding and too much money being appropriated to abstinence instead of prevention or helping us battle the virus.

The folks over at the Oklahoma City Pride this year have done something I think is crazy they have moved the pride from a Sunday to a Friday. What on earth are these people thinking? The reasoning was so people who had to work on Monday could come on a Friday? But wait… Friday is also a work day. And last time I checked its a horrible day to get around in rush hour traffic.

I am in disbelief that the OKC Pride board would do such a thing and put the entire parade in jeopardy. I can understand them wanting to sell alcohol to make some extra money from the parade but why not on Sunday? This is during the summer time which helps out on it being Monday the next day for some. Am I just being too closed minded to change?

I thought these comments from Sarah Evans (I assume not the Country singer?) were a nice read on Hard News Online:

My apologies to Kelly Ogle, but lesbians have money too…..In my humble opinion, with input from several of my friends, here is what the board should look at doing……

Friday night, a nice fun Street Party down on 39th Street, local performers, not just drag queens, but musicians like IRIS, Peggy Johnson, Heath Fitzgerald, etc. We have so much real talent in this state, let’s show it off.. Block off 39th by the Bars and let’s have a great dance in the streets…… Have your vendors, have some charity type games for local organizations…. kissing booth, dunk the drag queen…. etc…..

Saturday, have the party in the park…. vendors, music… beer if you must… then kick off the parade that evening winding down on 39th Street for a Saturday night of fun, maybe another street party or just have all the bars have special promotions..Drag Shows, Drag King Shows, Live Music..Real Entertainment, how about bringing in a top notch performer or a DJ..

As for the parade, please let’s not have the new car/truck showcase again.. Parades are for floats with paper flowers and decorations, not a poster board announcing who is riding in the new car provided by the local car dealer…Plus, do we have any marching bands or cheerleaders??? I know there were gay and lesbian members of college bands and high school bands in Oklahoma..How about a marching band??? A kazoo band…. anything that would liven up the parade.

Sunday, let the Churches and other groups have their outreach. Local clubs can have a recovery dance and such. Trim it down to one day in the park, one night on the strip with the parade on Saturday……

I thought Sarah had some interesting comments that should generate some ideas about what to do with some pride festivities that they should use. I do not agree with what she is saying on doing away with the entire parade though. That is kind of like giving up on one of the backbones of pride itself. It tooks years of hard work to get where we are today and we should have a celebration in the streets and be proud of who we are. I just think doing it on Friday at 7pm is a horrible time. Also take into account that the highly popular Angles T-Dance will not be able to happen without the help of the Parade going on and that is sooo much fun.

The debate may cause quite some drama in Oklahoma City where many are against this time change. A poll on HNOKC.com recently showed more were against the change last week. The sites contributing writer Floyd Martin (myspace.com/itzfloyd) chimed in with some interesting points to take in to account …

I also think that Pride for many is the one chance all year that they get to be themselves, especially in repressed Oklahoma. If that means donning a wig, leather chaps, holding hands with your spouse, or dancing to The Pet Shop Boys, go for it. It’s Gay Pride, we’re Gay, why not celebrate who we are? We could go be boring straight people anytime. Some even live their life like that.

I, of course, think serving alcohol is fine at the park. It’s a celebration. Many people, the world over, imbibe when they celebrate. Ever heard of New Years Eve, or Mardi Gras? AA has conventions all year long, if you have that big of a problem with it.

It just amazes me the people that, rightfully so, feel that the government has no business on what they do with their bodies or whom they marry, are so judgmental of other people that believe in the same thing, basic human rights. It is not us against us, it is us against the world. Sometimes that’s easy to lose sight of when dealing with Gays and Lesbians, many of whom have strong personalities and opinions. Accomodating everyone shouldn’t be hard. When you go to a buffet, if you don’t eat meat, you skip it, and go to what you like. Why should pride be anything but a buffet of happiness, for all GLBT people and their supporters. Take what you like, avoid what you don’t. Of course, life should be that way as well.