GAYography

LGBTIQ World News, Travel
& Advocacy

All the Gay News That's Fit to Link

Made possible by Ashton, the GAYographer

Good morning, <<First Name>>, Next week's GAYography brief will be sent from Cairo - from the GAYographer's first venture into the forefront of the Arab Spring.

Forward

After the most-gay/most-LGBTIQ weekend of the year this time in Chicago for Creating Change (and one of the most politically heated) here are some great, nuanced lessons to consider after the divisive protests over a Jewish-LGBT event.

I couldn't have a GAYography brief without mentioning the announcement of Gaycation, a VICE Documentary by Ellen Page - enjoy previews for this exploration of culture all over the world - from Japan to Brazil and Jamaica to the US - going live on March 2.

Join in celebrating the creation of an equality stamp - the latest effort to promote equality by the United Nation's Free & Equal Campaign. Join the event Monday evening at the UN with an RSVP here. New York City's Gay Mens Chorus will also perform.

World News

Breaking: India's Supreme Court may revisit the country's ban on sex between same-sex couples next week.

The Rentboy.com CEO was indicted on charges of promoting prostitution and money laundering Wednesday in New York, while 6 remaining employees of the company have yet to be charged. His lawyer looked ahead for vindication at trial - noting the company operated for over 20 years and did not deserve to be singled out.

Hawaii may become the 5th state to ban gay "conversion" therapy for minors (joining California, Oregon, New Jersey & Illinois).

Madrid Metro will give out 38 free annual passes to transgender passengers after a string of recent anti-LGBTI attacks in Spain's capital city - but in Germany a right-wing party wants schools to teach children to accept "biological gender".

Belarus may also adopt a law similar to Russia's "anti-LGBT propaganda law" all in the name of protecting children.

Mexicans in the State of Jalisco will soon have marriage equality after a court struck down a ban on same-sex marriage. Mexico requires a legal challenge from each state before full equality can be achieved via the courts. In other gay marriage news, Taiwan's ancient city of Tainan became the 4th city with a same-sex marriage registry.

Gay Mayor of Lexington, Jim Gray will challenge Senator Rand Paul for his Kentucky seat - but faces an uphill battle in the state that brought you Kim Davis.

Travel

If you have yet to travel to Asia, the Nomadic Boys will convince you with these top 5 reasons gays should travel to this super-LGBTIQ region.

If you have yet to make it to Iceland, Globetrotter Girls' incredible photos will convince you!

Learn about being gay in Indonesia from Joko with Nomadic Boys' local boy series.

The Zika virus is spreading: Don't travel to South America if you're pregnant - or plan to become pregnant (sorry boys, not you) - some airlines are refunding tickets.

Events

Bonn. If you happen to be in Germany tonight, head over to a UN Employee happy hour at Das Nyx.

NYC. Join a discussion today on LGBT asylum with OutRight's Middle East expert at NYU, organized by OutLaw - NYU's LGBT Law School group at 5pm.

NYC. Today discover gay tours of museums around the world by Dr. Andrew Lear at the Bureau of General Services-Queer Division.

DC. Wear your best hair! This Saturday is the Point Foundation's annual Wig Night Out fundraiser at JR's.

Vienna. Attend Austria's premier winter event - the Rainbow Ball on Saturday night.

NYC. Attend the unveiling of the UN postage stamp for equality organized by the Free & Equal Campaign on Monday evening email unfe@ohchr.org.

Upcoming! Prepare for Mardi Gras or Carnival all over the world in the days leading up to Tuesday, February 9th.

Featured Trips

Get $200 off a gay tour of Athens! Greece, Homeland of Democracy, Philosophy and Same-Sex Love - May 20-29, 2016. Visit the glories of ancient Greek civilization, and learn about the homosexual relations at the heart of Greek culture, with Professor Andrew Lear, world-renowned scholar of same-sex love in Antiquity. Mention 'Gayography' to get $200 off!

Join me in Orlando for Gay Day's 2016 - stay tuned for more promotions around Gay Days and One Magical Weekend over the coming months and sign up for my proposed trip now by emailing in.