Any time there is an “ism”, there is conflict; “ism”s in action move people into opposing camps that are at odds: men/women = sexism,  white/non-white = racism, and tall/short = heightism.

“Ism”s are based on the idea that one group or idea is superior to another group or idea, and these “isms” are born and only exist in the minds of the group that decided to divide the world up in the first place – i.e. the ruling class. With the means to spread messages and influence the masses, their biased’ “ism”s are imposed upon and absorbed by the public, and eventually, we’ve got a cultural division and a learned prejudice that can deeply affect society.

Cultural Belittling

Early in the 19^th century, the tension between England and France exploded into war. King George III led British forces against Napoleon, leader of the French Empire and its allies. Those wars have left a lasting impression on Europe and western society but in ways that we may not expect; it is my belief that this conflict introduced a concept the world hadn’t seen before: heightism.

Napoleon was 5’6 – average height for European men at the time.  Across the English Channel, the ruler of England was an unusually tall man. Seizing upon this difference, George III played out his contempt for France and its leader through satirical political cartoons published in British papers that spread the idea of conflict of stature: these images portray tall, red-coated George peering through a spy-glass at pint-sized Napoleon who he holds in his hand. George says to Napoleon, “I cannot but conclude you be one of the most pernicious, little odious reptiles that nature every suffered to crawl upon the surface of the Earth”.

This visual metaphor was English propaganda, and the ridicule of Napoleon as a smaller and weaker leader created the height (i.e. power) conflict which suggests that taller men are somehow superior to short men. This baseless concept left a lasting impression on the collective consciousness of English culture and all it touched – the British Commonwealth, including Canada.

Psychology

Heightism, like any other “ism” that pits one group of people against another, can cause us to distrust and feel hostility towards the group the ruling class deems “less than” – in this case, short men.

Interestingly, psychological heightism seems to only apply to men. Though women of varying heights will have their own set of physical issues to deal with (our bane is weight), we don’t live under height discrimination like men do.

However, women’s perceptions have been influenced by heightism – some women won’t date short men. Why? I don’t think it’s because short men aren’t attractive (they are!), but it could be that learned cultural bias that makes us see short men as inferior to tall men.  For example, this Business Insider article explains a lot about the perks and privileges of being a tall man; it cites Malcolm Gladwell who notes that tall men have more opportunities – and gives the example of the majority of Fortune 500 CEOs are “taller than the average man”.

I’m a men’s image consultant and I’ve worked with and surveyed many men under 5’8. Many of them tell me that they can feel overlooked and disrespected by society because they are short. Shorter men may feel discrimination at the office, in romance, and – in their closets.

Besides working with shorter men,  I am petite and 5’2, so I feel the pain of ill-fitting clothes. Average small, medium, large, XL sizing just doesn’t work for us – we are not average.

Short men, like petite women, need their own sizing system.

Height Inclusion and Specialty Sizing

Women have traditionally spent much more money than men on clothing, but men have become more style-conscious in recent years – they want to look good and take pride in their appearance and this means better grooming and better clothing.

But when we don’t fit average size, it’s always best to have clothes made for us – this is where made-to-measure or bespoke clothing for the gents comes in handy, but it isn’t an option for everyone due to cost. More affordable clothing is mass-produced and uses clothing patterns designed to fit the “average” measurements for practical reasons (though noted – so few of us truly fit “average”). In recent years however, consumers – specifically female consumers – demanded affordable specialty sizing – i.e. women’s petite or plus-sized clothing – and the clothing industry delivered.

Men have not had this luxury. “Average”-sized garments are cut to fit the tallest “average” wearer, so this leaves the shorter people sloshing around in too-long shirts, pants, coats, jackets, etc., and this can have an impact on self-esteem. For men who may not think to take their clothes in for tailoring, they end up wearing sloppy, ill-fit clothes that will do nothing but diminish their stature, attractiveness, and their confidence.

But help could be on the way.

Last week, I sat on a panel to discuss height inclusion in menswear at Ryerson University’s Fashion Department in Toronto. With me was Henry Navarro, an Associate Professor at Ryerson’s School of Fashion and researcher at Sastro Circle, an organization that supports the  inclusiveness and diversity within the fashion industry by celebrating style for men who are 5’8 and shorter, and Marilyn McNeil-Morin, Director of the Fashion Exchange, and manufacturing and fit expert.

The discussion was fascinating – I learned from the audience as well as my fellow panelists, and I can say that for men 5’8 and under, the future looks bright! With a return to “clothing fit consciousness” + technology, shorter men will at last have the opportunity to dress in proportioned, well-fit clothes to to fit them, not the “average”.

This clothing revolution would change everything for the better for men 5’8 and under; maybe then we can leave the political motives of a dead king in the past.

By Leah Morrigan, men’s image consultant and GGN Editor

The post HEIGHTISM :: The Sartorial Rise of Short Men appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Follow Your Travel Dreams :: Travel! We all dream of it! Some people are lucky enough to travel several times a year and fulfill their travel dreams, others not so much. What holds us back? Time? Money? Fear?

Travelling can be an amazing trip of self-understanding, as foreign lands can be truly awesome to see and experience. People who visit places outside their normal orbit cannot help but broaden their horizons, and come back with enhanced self-awareness and confidence because they pushed themselves (a little or a lot) and got past their fears, hang-ups, pre-conceived notions, or whatever other negativity that held them back from stepping outside their comfort zone.

The well-travelled are some of the most open people on earth because they are accepting of other people, other places, and other possibilities.

We noticed something: Less than 50% of Americans have their passport (and we’re being generous – some stats are alarming low) while Canadians hover around 60%. That’s a lot of you who don’t travel even as far as next door! We know you’ve got travel dreams!

GGN Publisher Shaun Proulx had S.Travel editor, Sabrina Pirillo on his weekly SiriusXM chat fest to encourage you to travel more this year, which you can hear below. “In this day and age we’ve got so much strife in the world and so much misunderstanding of each other, with leaders… fanning the flames of hatred. I think the best thing we can all do is get out and travel and see how other people live,” noted Proulx. “And understand that other people have a reality and an existence and way of living that is as clear and valid as the one we do.”

Then, in an interview within an interview Pirillo, a travel dream person if ever there was one, discusses travel dreams with GGN contributor, Marcy Rogers, who recently fulfilled her travel dream: China. Together they talk about other travel dream destinations, experiences, changes; what they brought back home with them, and – of course – what they ate (think: live scorpion!).

Hear the full travel dreams conversation with Pirillo and Rogers:

RELATED :: Marcy Rogers: How I Became The Superhero Of My Own Life

The post S.TRAVEL :: Follow Your Travel Dreams appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

PODCAST :: LGBT Progress In the Canadian Armed Forces is vastly different that that of its American counterpart, where just last year President Donald Trump (gosh that’s still hard to type) tweeted he would not “accept” or “allow” transgender people from serving in the U.S. Army.

For Captain Andre P. Jean, who identifies as gay and has served in the Canadian Armed Forces since his late teens, the Canadian Army has come a long way.

In a candid conversation with GGN Publisher Shaun Proulx, Captain Jean shares the trajectory of his remarkable time In the Canadian Armed Forces. From mountainous challenges such as being soundly bullied once he came out to his army colleagues (with perhaps the worst of this coming from a female superior who sexually harassed him convinced she could “change” him) to the life-affirming experience of being responsible for D-Team, the LGBT diversity group within the army that was the driving force behind the Canadian Armed Forces’ first appearance ever in a Canadian pride parade, just last year, at Fierte/Montreal Pride – an idea suggested by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Captain Jean’s unique LGBT story of his time with the Canadian Armed Forces is a must-listen:

The post GGN Radio :: LGBT Progress In The Canadian Armed Forces appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

As I argue with yet another client, I ask myself: “Is $280.00 an hour worth all this aggravation?”

Hell yeah, it is: I have bills, a mortgage and a disgusting shoe shopping habit.

Oh. I forgot to introduce myself: I’m Mr. 9 and did I mention I’m a escort?

Now, you might  be wondering how I got myself into escorting.  It started as a joke.  I was coming of a romantic upset, it was the fall of 2016, and I was tired of having bullshit sex in the aftermath. I found the typical sex hookup sites guys in my city (Toronto) use were horrible, in that they were full of tweaking meth addicts.

For fun, I decided to post an ad on a well-known escort site and 15 minutes later my inbox was flooded with messages from men asking for me to top them for large amounts of money. I mean real money – I was being offered $1000.00 for one night.

Fast forward a year and a half later and I have about 20 customers who range in age from 40 to 60, but I get guys in their 20s and up wanting sex, too. About 40% of them are not “gay” per se, but are MSM (men who have sex with men; straight / married.) I’ve also made a lot of money: a regular fuck is $275 for an hour  ($250 if I don’t have to wear a condom; PrEP and Cialis are not cheap) and I guarantee that I’ll ejaculate twice.  $650 is the highest I made in the hour for a full dom leather experience. The highest I’ve ever been paid total was $1400 for an overnight job. A lot of my clients are on ODSP.

But along with money, I’ve also gained knowledge. Here’s what this escort knows for sure:

TRICKS ARE MOSTLY ATTRACTIVE: I’ve met a wide variety of people in the last 18 months and surprisingly close to 80%  of them are actually very good-looking.  I mean, ripped gym bodies, on tall attractive men.

One day I decided to ask one of my hottest clients why he hired escorts. He simply stated: “You’re hung and huge, you’re a nice guy and know how to f*ck.  I rather pay for it than play cat and mouse games with Toronto’s so-called tops.” He also informed me that because of the heavy crystal meth use here that it seemed like every man and their brother is now a bottom. (He is right. On a Saturday night, if I wanted to, I could easily make $3,000 because of the number of bottoms in Toronto who are high and looking for a hard top.)

CRYSTAL METH DOMINATES THE TORONTO SEX SCENE: Not all my clients are good-looking. (Remember there is still the other 20%.)  And this is where my job isn’t so glamorous. The dark side of escorting can have you having sex with some real ugly mofos, and if they aren’t ugly, they’re messed up bad on crystal meth (and/or whatever drug they decide to use that night.)  I’ve had to hold a bag of Tina or two over a couple toilets before to ensure I got paid my full amount when a sketch client decided to waffle on price. (The client I was arguing with at the top of this post? He wanted three hours for the price of one.)

I don’t use drugs, but  I’ve seen what these drugs, especially crystal meth, can do to some individuals.  I don’t judge. I’ve had really good pig sessions with bottoms high on T before. But there’s a ugly side, and it can turn good people into degenerates.  That’s where the cattiness, “c*ck-blocking,” and other manipulative behaviour I have been exposed to has come into play. And lack of awareness too: unaware they aren’t even erect; unaware they are wasting their whole hour with me sitting at their computer; unaware they are clenching their asses like crazy (because they are so high on Tina which makes you clench) when I am trying to top them; unaware they are putting on someone else’s clothes when getting ready to go. I’ve walked into places where the air is so thick with meth clouds you can’t see almost.

SOME GAY MEN LIKE TO TRY AND STEAL: I’ve had clients try and set me up to rob me – not really wanting sex at all – and  that’s why I’ve never walk in to anyone’s home with more than 60 bucks cash. I’m also a very big guy beyond endowment, so it doesn’t always go in their favour when they realize what  5’ 10” and 210 lbs with little body fat looks like in real life. So I have not had a real problem with that. But you always have to be prepared and “stay ready”, as the kids nowadays say. I also make a point of letting someone know where I am at all times when working, what with apparent serial killers and other freaks out there these days.

SOME GAY MEN LIE: Guys will lie while hiring me and say they are the only person at their place but when I arrive and they have friends there who have clearly been there a while and who expect to be shagged for free. That’s the tip of the lies-berg. Liars: you know who you are.

IGNORANCE AROUND HIV AND AIDS IS A PROBLEM: Many men who have sex with men (guys who identify as  “straight” especially, but plenty of “gay” men, too) don’t know what PrEP is and they don’t know  the difference between “HIV-positive,”” undetectable,” or “ AIDS.” I can’t put it more blunt than that.

PEOPLE PLAY THE BLAME GAME: Once I had a guy break into his child’s RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) to pay me. His wife found out from looking at his phone and then texted me asking, “How dare you take my child’s education money?” I have seen and heard many gay guys blame others for things like acquiring HIV, or being the person who was with them and had meth when they tried Tina for the first time. One straight customer blamed me for the disintegration of his marriage when I responded to a text (which his wife saw) asking me if I was free.

With any job there’s the good, the bad and the ugly. I have met a lot of really awesome men.  I’ve worked a way so that I only deal with them because they’re good.

What do I mean by good? In the words of the late great Ol’ Dirty Bastard from the Wu-Tang clan: “Bitch you better have my money.”  They pay on time, they buy extended sessions (meaning they pay for more then just 1 hour of service).  I still get the sketchy clients from time-to-time but it’s known in the escort community that I’m not one for the bullshit, so I attract nice guys like myself mostly.

I have to run folks – another day, another slew of bottoms are calling. Hope you have enjoyed this glimpse into my life; I’m out.

Signed,

Mr. 9.  Your friendly neighbourhood escort

Mr. 9 is, clearly, a pseudonym. We have it on good authority it’s an accurate one, however.

The post SOCIETY :: What the Escort Knows for Sure appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

As far as same-sex marriage is concerned, it has been a long ride and an uphill battle for the LGBT community to legally marry. In North America, Canada recognized gay marriage in 2005, but it took the U.S. ten years to catch up (we’re just happy they did). In between, many countries in Europe and North and South America have legalized same-sex unions, with more countries moving forward with gay marriage rights all the time. And you know things are getting better when far-away places like Greenland recognize same-sex unions! Read more about countries that recognize gay marriage here.

Many engaged couples fantasize about exchanging vows in an exotic land far, far away. As an LGBT couple, however, the challenge is finding a location that will legally marry you with minimal legal hassle. In this article, we focus on five international hot spots that recognize same-sex unions for foreigners with minimal stipulations, each with a unique travel experience.

1. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a dream destination for romantic types featuring breathtaking backdrops of endless tulips, charming horse-drawn carriages and authentic Dutch farms. As a progressive leader in same-sex marriage legalization, the Netherlands recognize three kinds of unions:

• civil marriage;
• registered;
  partnership;
• and cohabitation agreement.

However, there’s a catch. For the government to allow your union, at least one of the partners must be a Dutch or a foreigner who has a Dutch residency status; and they need to submit a notice of their intention to marry to the City of the Hague Registrar’s Office.

If that rules out the Netherlands, move onto destination #2…

2. Malta

(Full disclosure. The author of this post is based in and runs a wedding planning business in Malta. But come on! The Mediterranean!) The latest addition to the list of gay-friendly wedding destinations is Malta. Following their Civil Unions Act of 2014, LGBTIQ gender neutral marriages in Malta are officially legal and binding as of September 1, 2017. Malta is an excellent Mediterranean choice for hopeless romantics, beach lovers, history buffs, socialites and foodies; offering a little bit of everything for the well-rounded traveler.

Or if you’re looking for a bit more flair, try destination #3… Spain

3. Spain

If your idea of heaven is sipping a clara and dancing the flamenco against the backdrop of live acoustic music in the company of your loved ones, then Spain is calling! Same-sex marriages have been legal in Spain since 2005. Take your fiesta to Barcelona, Madrid, Sitges, or Ibiza – all welcome LGBT unions. You may choose to have a civil partnership or civil marriage ceremony. Just be forewarned that processing your application to get married in Spain can take a while, so file ensure an approval in advance of your trip.

If you long for scenery and serenity, discover destination #4… Iceland

4. Iceland

Iceland’s magical landscapes are simply serene for any wedding soiree. And since Iceland legalized same-sex marriages back in 2010, you can freely exchange your vows surrounded by its magnificent glaciers, cascading waterfalls or endless rolling hills. Whether you choose to wed inside a rustic wood or brick church or outdoors under the Northern Lights, the legal process leading up to it will be a breeze compared to other countries. The primary conditions of having your wedding in Iceland are to be of legal age and to prove your presence in their country with documentation of your arrival date, such as a visa, airline ticket or passport stamp.

Yearning for a more wild and luxurious wedding adventure? Check out destination #5…

5. Cape Town, Africa

Cape Town is a fabulous choice for nature lovers and thrill seekers who envision a wild getaway filled with white sandy beaches, island tours, luxury yacht excursions, classic estate vineyard wine tastings and nature. South Africa legalized same-sex marriages in 2006 with only a few requirements, such as birth certificates and visitor permits, to process your intent to be married. The time you save on the legal formalities can be spent planning an extended destination wedding trip filled with surfing, safaris, scenery, and spirited city spectacles that make it a one of a kind vacation.

Other Locations

What if your dream destination is not on this list? Don’t despair. Many same-sex couples simply choose to get legally married with a few witnesses in their home country, as a formality, and then jet off to the location of their choice for festivities. If your preferred destination country does not permit legal same-sex marriage to foreigners, you can coordinate a “symbolic” ceremony or forgo the formal ceremony altogether and make the entire day one big wedding reception.

Love is universal, and thanks to progressive laws, marriage is now universal too (or, at least, international)! So if your dream is to get married abroad in an exotic, fun or breathtaking location, you have at least five incredible options with minimal for making that happen.

Martina Selvagi, is the founder of Wed Our Way, a fun and cheerful destination wedding planning team serving Malta, Croatia and France.

Photo by Diego Duarte Cereceda on Unsplash

The post RELATIONSHIPS :: The 5 Hottest Same-Sex Marriage Destinations appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

This is the time of year when I say, “Out with the old and in with the new”. I say this because I am trying to live a life of purpose and meaning. The first thing I ask is not “why” or even “what” but “who” I need to change in order to live my life to its fullest potential.

The Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, calls this your “true self.” So many of us hide behind the false selves of achievement and status, because we are afraid for the world to truly see us for who we are.

Caring what people think of me has been a challenge for as long as I can remember. I was taught at a young age to care about how I appeared to others; it is ingrained in me. The other reason is because, let’s face it, like me, you care what people think… to a point. I care what people think of me during a job interview, at a party where I know no one, with my family, with my co-workers, and then there’s social media caring about all the likes and followers I get.

There is a gap between my true self and my false self; between my soul and my sole, and it’s up to me to fill it.  I feel this is true for all of us….we are all — hopefully — becoming truer versions of ourselves, those selves that step into the light and do not hide from who we really are, but to do this well, we need insight. We need a way to recognize our blind spots because as human beings, we are terrible at self-awareness. We need the voices of others to point out what we’re missing.

There came a point in my life where I really didn’t care what someone thought of me. This was great because it gave me the strength to end two connections I had. One, was with my ex-boyfriend and the other was with a long, lost friend of mine who became my roommate from hell.

The relationship with my ex was very toxic. I ended it in 2010, however, I kept a connection due to thinking I could maintain a healthy “friendship”  and because we shared custody of the dog, Dalton. By the time 2017 arrived, I started to pull back because I reached the point when I said to myself, “Enough is a enough”. With each passing month, I pulled further and further back until November which was when I decided to end the friendship (if you want to call it that) forever.

It wasn’t difficult to end my connection with him, but it was difficult because I had to give him custody of Dalton. We battled over him a lot because we had different views on training and care. My heart still breaks knowing I’ll never take Dalton on a walk again, have another sleep with him cuddled up by my side, or to have another playful moment with him. Moving forward, I know in my heart it was what I had to do. I had to step forward with my life because having a connection with my ex would mean having contact with him for as long as Dalton should live.

After living with my roommate for four months, I realized she didn’t serve me well due to her financial issues, alcoholism, lack of respect for my home, and her snoring!

2017 was a roller coaster ride for me. However, what it taught me was strength. It is a feeling I always have had but it grew to masterful proportions this past year right to the point where I felt empowered and I owned it.

New Year’s resolutions are society’s way of making us feel we have something to look forward to, something to share with those we don’t know at the holiday party. This year is different – don’t make a resolution. Make a promise with yourself that you will rid yourself of what, who, or isn’t working for you.

I promise you a weight will feel like it has been lifted. A door has been closed. A chapter has ended. Sure, it may cause a moment for reflection but what it will do is open you up to a whole new world of wonderful, and room for new people and experiences to enter your life.

Finding our “who” — that true self we were meant to be — begins with understanding who we are right now, good or bad, warts and all.

Fear sets us back. Don’t let fear be your guide. Allow your heart and intuition to lead you and believe in its strength, for it will give you the power to release what burdens you and open the path to what is waiting for you.

Cheers to 2018: no fear and gaining inner strength.

By Raquel Richards, publisher of Scenester magazine and the host of The Miss Raquel Show

The post 2018 :: No Fear, Much Strength appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Pick an adjective: magnificent, grand, awe-inspiring, breath-taking, spectacular, unbelievable, majestic. That’s Alaska. Where words cannot express its beauty and photographs will never do this magical place justice.

Alaska is all about taking your surroundings in (spoiler alert) like in the movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, when Ben Stiller finds Sean Penn on top of the Himalayan Mountains. He’s been waiting there to capture the perfect photograph of a snow leopard. When it appears, Penn just stares at it outside of the camera lens and Stiller asks him when he’s going to take it, and Penn replies, “Sometimes I don’t. If I like a moment, I mean me, personally, I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it”.

Sometimes we’re so busy trying to capture the moment in our camera that we forget to live in the moment. Your eyes can’t help but weep in awe of being in the presence of sheer beauty, impossible to hold back as you take in this once in a lifetime experience. To see this with your eyes instead of through a lens, which we are all guilty of doing. Trying to capture these moments to last us a lifetime instead of letting it etch into our souls in gratitude of being able to experience this moment.  Even of no one ever sees it, no one ever understands what we saw, it is the only one that matters. We saw it. That is the moment we remember, THAT is the one that lasts forever.

Summer time in Alaska is just about anyone’s dream, getting about 18 hours of daylight but the catch is in winter, when it’s reversed. There’s something about Alaska that allows you to let go and not stress and sweat the small stuff. One morning I couldn’t connect to WiFi to check my e-mails and I couldn’t find where the steward put my room service book (I didn’t want to eat at the buffet as I was feeling sea sick and resorted to eating green apples and crackers, and stayed away from alcohol which seemed to help). I was so frustrated at these stupid, mundane little things that I just went on my balcony to cool down and happened to look at the ocean to see a dolphin jump out! I gasped from the unexpectedness of it. Then two more popped up and swam in tandem. Suddenly, the WiFi and my queasy stomach didn’t matter anymore – I was staring at something beautiful, something nature delivered that not a lot of people get to experience.

In that moment, gratitude and joy melted away all the unnecessary crap I was focusing on. This is the gift that Alaska gave me. This is the gift that I will forever be grateful for and one that will bring a shine to my eyes whenever someone asks me about it. The gratitude also ties into not only my first cruise ever, but my first experience with Olivia Travel (read about my experiences with this travel company here).

Juneau

The Holland America Oosterdam embarked from sunny and warm Seattle, and I began my adventure at sea. We were on board for almost two days before we approached in Alaska’s capital of Juneau.

In the late 19^th century, a mining engineer by the name of George Pilz, offered a reward to anyone who could lead him to gold. His first chief’s attempt was unsuccessful but his second, which included Richard Harris and Joe Juneau, struck gold! That discovery not only changed the course of history but that of Alaska as well. On October 4, 1880, Harris and Juneau laid claim to the land which they named Gold Creek, and in 1881, gold miners voted to rename it Juneau.

The state capitol is nestled between Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts and filled with glaciers and mountains as far as the eye can see; the wildlife is endless – keep your eyes open for bald Eagles, mountain goats, beavers, and black bears (oh my!).

The only way into Juneau is by plane or boat, and Juneau’s only fast food restaurant is McDonalds which was built in 1982, sold 17,000 hamburgers on opening day, and then closed for three days until more supplies could be brought in.

Mendenhall Glacier, bordered between Mount McGinnis and Bullard Mountain, is Alaska’s most popular glacier that has been retreating since 1929. This breath-taking glacier is around Mendenhall Lake from Nugget Falls and its cascading waterfalls, discovered in 1974.

Red Dog Saloon, founded in the mid-20^th century with real sawdust on the floor. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in an old country and western bar, where you can order the Duck Fart (Bailey’s, Kahlua, and Crown Royal poured over a Mendocino cherry).

Other great landmarks and excursions in Juneau include a ride up Mount Roberts Tramway to get a scenic view of the area, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, and even go dog-sledding when you get to the top!

Hubbard Glacier: The amazing, rare blue ice of Hubbard Glacier is formed from the compression of pure snow which then develops into glacial ice. The magnitude of this magnificent beauty is awe-inspiring at 1,350 square miles. It rumbles with thunder when ice breaks off of the glacier (called “calving”) and splashes heavily into the cold Alaskan waters.

Sitka

Sitka, the original capital of Alaska, has a 14-mile-long highway and the McDonald’s is located directly across from the Emergency Room. Sitka is a quaint city, with more wildlife than you can shake a stick at.

This year marks a special anniversary for Sitka. As Canada celebrates our 150^th, Sitka celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. This anniversary year is also a time that Sitka celebrates the rich Native culture, in place long before the Russians arrived, which is still alive and well as part of the community.

Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest has been an award-winning cruise for several years and I can understand why. Sea otters frolic in the water and swim on their backs, paired together holding hands. A bald eagle* sits atop a tree guarding its nest, strong and powerful. Sea lions, harbor lions, otters, bald eagles, and with a little luck, a family of humpback whales will show up and say hello.

Humpback whales jump out of the air by pumping their tails.  During the cruise, an enormous whale pumped its tail three times and in all its glory, made an extraordinary leap into the air and then crashed back into the water. I was awe-struck; this was something that my eyes could never un-see.

A hundred yards from the boat, the whale pod approached and I looked directly into the mouth of a humpback as it opened his giant muscle for air.  The whales dove back into the water, backs arched, then waved their tails to us, leaving us with jaw-dropping memories.

*Fact: Eagles are monogamous and mate for life, and return year-after-year to the same nest.

Other major visitor sites in Sitka include Castle Hill with stunning views of Sitka, St. Michael’s Cathedral, Sitka National Historical Park and Fortress of the Bear.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan was established in 1887 when a salmon cannery was built at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek. Today, fisherman and loggers still contribute to the cafes and bars surrounding the waterfront. Ketchikan is filled with wildlife and has the largest national rainforest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, a spectacular wilderness area sculpted by glaciers.

While you’re there, be sure to take a stroll through Creek St Historic District, which once housed Alaska’s most notorious red-light district from 1902-1954; catch the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, find a local shop to purchase genuine stones crafted by authentic Alaskan jewellers, or grab some fresh fish tacos and Alaskan beers by the harbor. My best advice: just walk around and admire this beautiful city.

Victoria, BC

A special treat was being back on home soil when Canada celebrated its 150^th Birthday this past July, and the elegant and vibrant city of Victoria was just the place to do it! The celebrations were incredible with a free concert in front of the Parliament building and fireworks ending the special evening; The Fairmont Empress Hotel (famous for its traditional high tea) stood tall and overlooked the harbor that was covered in Canadian flags. It was good to be home.

This unique B.C. port offers visitors lots to explore including Chinatown (home to Canada’s smallest road, ‘Fan Tan Alley’), painter Emily Carr’s House, and the stunning Butchart Gardens that houses over 700 varieties of flowers, illuminated with thousands of lights at night!

Words can barely express why this unbelievable state should be at the top of your bucket list; photos and videos don’t do the incredible voyage justice but here is a video showing just the tip of this incredible iceberg.

~Sabrina Pirillo is the Editor of S.Travel

The post S. TRAVEL :: Majestic Alaska appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

It has recently become public knowledge that the 2020 U.S. census will not include questions about sexual orientation. While this might not immediately strike some as a high-profile decision, the gravity of the American government’s choice not to take an interest in quantifying LGBTI+ representation has caused a stir in the LGBTI+ community, and rightfully so.

While Trump’s administration has taken the stance that such questions are inappropriate and overly personal, LGBTI+ rights advocates see things differently. To those members of a community still fighting to be heard and respected, the government’s unwillingness to recognize their growing numbers and role in America is truly alarming.

A Shift in Regime

The news about 2020 census questions comes less than a year into President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, had his supporters and critics like any president, but among those who endorse Obama’s works, the advancement of progressive causes is held up as one of his greatest achievements.

The LGBTI+ community in particular made great strides under Obama, most notably earning the federal right to marriage. In 2016, at the end of Obama’s administration, more than 75 Congress members wrote to the Census Bureau to request that questions about sexual orientation be added to the American Community Survey. It is exactly that request that has been denied under Trump.

Has History Repeated Itself?

From a rhetorical perspective, the obvious issue with this decision is that it signifies the government’s withdrawal of support for the progressivist movement.

A first-class citizen doesn’t expect to entertain any more government involvement in their life than another first-class citizen, because they enjoy all the benefits that come along with that status. Hence, government involvement in the lives of these citizens is seen as a nuisance. However, the same cannot be said for minority populations like African-Americans and the LGBTI+ community.

For a minority citizen to advance beyond their oppressed status requires attention. Take, for example, the works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the advancement of African-American civil rights.

Many scenes from the civil rights movement are turbulent and even tinged with violence, but without drawing attention to itself and pushing the boundaries, the movement would never have made advances. Civil rights remain a pertinent topic of conversation today, thanks in part to the endorsement of the U.S. government, and there is still much work to be done.

In the famous 1954 court decision of Brown v. Board of Education, the government moved to strike down the “separate but equal” doctrine established a half century earlier in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson. Some LGBTI+ activists hold that this current census committee choice smacks of the old separate-but-equal doctrine.

Are LGBTQI+ People Getting Separate but Equal Treatment?

Much like Plessy v. Ferguson, a historic court case in 1996 seems to have set the tone of rights relations for LGBTI+ people. In Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court established that separate protection under the law was unconstitutional, but in the defining case in the gay rights conversation, Lawrence v. Texas, it seems justices left some wiggle room that is still being taken advantage of.

Lawrence v. Texas expanded on the outcome of the 1996 case of Romer v. Evans, in which the court upheld that certain types of discrimination against gays, for example in employment and housing matters, were unconstitutional. When John Lawrence and Tyrone Gardner challenged the charges of sodomy brought against them, the court provided protection under the statue of their right to privacy, not equal protection under the law.

Trump’s Empty Promise

In the years since Lawrence v. Texas, the LGBTI+ community has advanced its cause a great deal and earned acceptance in many places where it was once shunned. The Obama administration showed commitment to continuing this progress, but now with Trump’s people choosing to turn a blind eye, there is fear that government assistance is going away.

LGBTI+ Americans can’t fight for their rights, or even make use of the ones they have, if the government doesn’t infer that they exist. If the government keeps going in the direction it is, we could see confusion and lack of resources when it comes to the processes of same-sex marriage, consumerism rights and even divorce.

In choosing not to include information about gays, lesbians, transgender people and other members of this substantial community in the census survey, the message Trump’s administration sends is not one of respect for privacy. It is the message that you are no longer considered important.

In situations like this, if the government cannot uphold what is right from a moral perspective, enemies of the movement will seize the chance to spread hate and misunderstanding. That is the real loss here, that even while claiming to be a champion of “free speech,” Trump would rather turn a blind eye than risk insulting the bigots who got him elected.

By Kate Harveston, journalist and political blogger

The post A Response to Trump’s Refusal to Officially Count LGBT Americans appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

                                                                                                       

MYRTLE BEACH :: Sometimes being in the right place and the right time come together at the moment when you need it the most.

I had a voucher for a flight aboard Porter Airlines and could go anywhere I wanted to go. As I searched the website for destinations I had never visited, I stumbled upon Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as an interesting destination that caught my attention.

What I didn’t realize at the time is that I didn’t choose it, it chose me.

Talk about southern hospitality. From the cab drivers, to the restaurant staff, to the locals, smiles and how y’all doing’s flooded every inch of my adventure with TheGayGuideNetwork’s Shaun Proulx.

And the timing couldn’t be better! The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will be helping Canadians “make up” the difference in light of the Canadian exchange rate disparity by offering at least 30 percent discounts – and in some cases up to 65 percent discounts – at select hotels and attractions January 1st through until April 30^th, 2016 for travellers with a valid Canadian passport:

Although Myrtle Beach is known to house some of the best golfing courses in the world, it’s also home to 100 km of beach, sun, sand, surf, shopping (which is a treat when your dollar is being matched), fishing, and dining.

Here are some of S.Travel‘s Top Picks for the best of what Myrtle Beach has to offer:

SEE:: Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: Nothing like a late night stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade after a delicious meal. Situated as the centrepiece of the 1.2 mile long oceanfront & promenade is The SkyWheel.

S.Travel Tip: A night-time ride offers a stunning view from above. Boardwalk lights behind you, crashing ocean waves in front of you and beside you an uncertain rider riding high:

Brookgreen Gardens: Located 45 minutes outside of Myrtle Beach in Murrell’s Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is home to spectacular gardens, beautiful sculptures, zoo animals and loads of history. Admission is valid for 7 days as there is so much to explore and discover.

Over 5,000 acres of land once belonging to the Alston family and known as The Oaks Plantation, you can take a history boat tour and nature walk along the grounds, visiting the location of the plantation house, grounds of the slave village, and other archaeological sites.  You’ll stumble upon incredible garden beds that will have you gasping at every corner. I even found myself at Brookgreen Garden’s where I discovered a sculpture named Sabrina.

EAT:: Southern cooking goes hand in hand with South Carolina’s hospitality.

Thoroughbred Chophouse and Seafood Grille: Known as one of the local’s most-liked fine-dining restaurants in Myrtle Beach, Thoroughbred’s warm color pallet and staple fireplace offer a warm and cozy atmosphere. And there is no shortage of things to try on the menu. I think what impressed me the most was the recommended added touch for my filet mignon-getting it coffee encrusted, where the process includes dipping your selected meat in coffee grounds, sea salt and peppercorn resulting in a nutty flavour. Yum!

Croissants Bistro and Bakery: Croissants Bistro and Bakery blends culinary traditions of European cuisine and southern home cooking. Pastries and wedding cakes and cookies fill the entry way, while their extensive all day breakfast menu, sandwich specials and sampler dessert of 3 full sizes pieces of cake fill the dining room!

The best part? You can take Croissants home with you as owner Heidi Vukov’s cook book Bonjour Y’all, includes recipes you can find in her restaurant. I think I’ll try the recipe for coconut custard cake first.

The Chemist-Craft Cocktails & Modern Cuisine:  Located by the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, The Chemist is a hip new joint that opened in September 2015. It’s a chemist’s dream environment where waiters wear lab coats, drinks are served in beaker glasses, tables feature periodic elements as do the light up coasters. My personal favourite element had to be The Sixth Element, (strongest on the periodic table) which was served with Silver, Cointreau, fresh sour mix, orange juice, fresh jalapeno and cucumber slices, Validated with with a Grand Marnier floater. Their scampi (large prawn over capellini with citrus butter sauce foam) was heaven, and for the ultimate explosion, finish with the mango buttermilk panna cotta.

If only this was how they would have taught chemistry in high school.

 (The Absinthe Fountain. Photo provided by The Chemist.)

Art Burger ‘N Sushi: That’s exactly what you’ll find on the menu: art, burgers and sushi. Constant changing art instillations surround the restaurant as diners choose from delicious menu items such as appetizing firecracker shrimp with chilli thai sauce, the traditional Rockwell All-American burger, or for the more adventurous, the Monet (slow-roasted pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, fried onion, and kale slaw). Make sure to sit on the patio for the best view in the house while enjoying a refreshing cucumber martini.

(Photo Provided by Art Burger N’ Sushi)

Wicked Tuna: Located 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach on Murrells Inlet’s Marsh Walk, Wicked Tuna offers waterfront dining with the freshest fish, so fresh they call it a hook to plate concept. Their fish house lives right under the restaurant, and some days you can watch the boat pull into the inlet bringing in the week’s haul. My mouthwatering grouper was served to me less than 48 hours from the catch. Topped with lobster and crab on a bed of cauliflower puree, zucchini and peppers, it’s a seafood lovers paradise.

Wicked Tuna is also 1 of 500 places in the US that’s licensed for the catch of unlimited snapper and grouper. And fresh fish isn’t the only thing on the menu as there are 2 kitchens, one for fish and one for sushi.

The Dragon Egg (and no I’m not making a Game of Throne’s reference about Khaleesi, The Mother of Dragons) features a halved avocado stuffed with: cream cheese, smoke salmon, blue crab, king crab, spicy crab, served on a bed of stringy tempura sweet potato, served with spicy mayo, sweet glaze and so much goodness.

STAY: Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes:  Nestled within a 2,200-acre Grande Dunes residential community, Myrtle Beach Marriott offers superb service and amenities such as championship golf, tennis, a tropical beachfront pool, hammocks, a luxury spa, an indoor pool, and white sandy beaches.  Accommodations at this 4-star luxury and stylish hotel include deluxe bedding, The Body Shop amenities, high-speed Internet access, and my personal favourite, beautiful views of the resort, or of the Myrtle Beach oceanfront. Now that’s a view I can wake up to!

S.Travel Tip: For the ultimate in relaxation, plan to visit the Hibiscus Spa  located on the lower level of the Marriott hotel. Might I suggest the Tranquility package which begins with a light dry brush exfoliation of your skin followed by a mineral rich clay applied to you entire body to nourish and detoxify your skin. After a refreshing splash of the Vichy shower, the treatment leaves your skin deeply cleansed and detoxified while the benefits of all the ingredients nourish the skin, soothing away tension and stress. Your package ends with a full Sweetish Massage resulting in relaxation, rest and tranquility.

– Sabrina Pirillo is the Editor of S.Travel.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter, Facebook  and Instagram for the latest in travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free S.Travel Newsletter.

The post MYRTLE BEACH :: Southern Charm At Par appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

In recent years, Toronto has made huge strides in catching up with our cultured art loving neighbours to the East: Montreal.  You may have suspected as much what with Luminato and Nuit Blanche getting lots of press every year, but there’s so much more out there than that.  And with the help of The Ritz-Carlton‘s resident artist, Jacqueline Poirier, you too can enjoy art in the Tdot.

Here are some of Jacqueline’s suggestions:

–  Look up the independent galleries popping up around your neighbourhood and visit the Art Gallery of Ontario

– Our back alley’s are a veritable art gallery in their own right.  Enjoying them is free, and the selfies you’ll take will be the envy of all your friends!

– Fashion bible, Vogue, has dubbed West Queen West one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world!  Take a look and find out why.

– Art, culture and entertainment are thriving in the historic Distillery district.  The Victorian buildings provide the perfect backdrop to Toronto’s booming artistic expression.

For everything you need to know on Toronto’s art scene CLICK HERE and start exploring today!

After a day of feeding your creative minds, why not stop in to the Spa My Blend by Clarins at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto to take care of your weary body?

Shaun Proulx Media recently enjoyed the Floating On A Cloud experience where we were pampered in our own private suite, including our favourite relaxation tool – a huge tub!

Our feet were scrubbed and rubbed in all the right ways using essential oils of rosemary, rosewood and mint mixed with sugar and salt.  Then we enjoyed deep full body massages.  We loved the customized oil blends, the professional, experienced and attentive staff who listened to our needs and of course the bubbly!

Cheers, we can’t wait to go back for more!

The post Art & Relaxation:: The Ritz-Carlton appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Dreaming Bigger One Kilometre at a Time :: If you’ve never participated in – or heard of – The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation’s Friends For Life Bike Rally before, you’re missing out on knowing an incredible life-changing experience.

The Bike Rally is a 600-kilometre bike ride from Toronto to Montréal in support of the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA). Now in its 17^th year, the Bike Rally is the sustaining fundraiser for PWA and has become the largest AIDS fundraiser of its kind in Canada.

The nearly 400 Riders and Crew of all ages and levels of experience who participate in the Bike Rally share a common passion in supporting their friends, family and neighbours living with HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, the Bike Rally has raised over $13 million for PWA, with a goal this year to raise another $1.4 million.

While fundraising for a vitally important organization like PWA and riding a bike for 600 kilometres instills a sense of accomplishment in itself, experiencing the Bike Rally gives so much more back to Participants. It gives them a chance to celebrate friendships, strengthen a community and create memories – all the while allowing participants to dream bigger, one kilometre at a time.

Riders and Crew join the Bike Rally for many different reasons: to experience a journey with a lifetime friend or to make new friends for life, to support a loved one living with HIV/AIDS, to meet a new personal challenge, or simply to participate in an adventure to create memories for a lifetime. Whatever their reason, at the end of the journey is a great sense of belonging, accomplishment, and community that comes with supporting a local organization that personally and immediately impacts the lives of members of their own communities living with HIV/AIDS.

PWA provides critical programs and services for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  In addition to practical supports such as food and financial assistance, PWA provides opportunities to connect with others, learn new skills, and gain access to resources to achieving goals and dreams.  The Bike Rally is an amazing example of how PWA strives to engage Participants in its mission. All Participants are encouraged to dream bigger through their Bike Rally experience. By riding their bike or assisting on one of the many support crews, Participants know they’re helping an organization provide programs and services needed by so many today. Moreover, through their actions they help to fulfil the dream of eliminating the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS that continues to exist.

If you’re looking to get more involved and leave a tangible mark on your community, create life-lasting memories and great friendships, the Friends For Life Bike Rally is for you. Join us and together we can dream bigger…one kilometre at a time.

To find out more, or to make a donation to the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, go to Bikerally.org.

GGN Staff

The post HIV :: The Friends For Life Bike Rally Rides On – For A 17th Time appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.