Gay & Lesbian
Information:
Inclusion of information for Gay/Lesbian travellers on
my webpage has generated the odd nasty E-Mail. It has also cost me some
links on some "family oriented" indexes & web pages. I don't think a persons sexual orientation matters squat to their value as a
tourist. We'll fleece you no matter what your orientation.
If you are from Britain, you should be aware that the term "fag" is used as a derogatory term in North America for Homosexual. If you offer a cigarette to someone who says that to you, you may end up in trouble. Mind you, a smoker in Canada is now looked down upon more than someone who is Gay, so it ain't all bad.
The fact of the matter is, a
significant number of tourists to this city are Gay, and
Vancouver in general, is considered a tolerant place for them to
visit. A lot of Gay individuals and couples are uncomfortable
staying in places that are not advertised as
"Gay-friendly", so I believe I am providing a service
to those visitors.
After my best friend & my brother in law both came out the
closet in the 70's, I realized that sexual orientation is not one of the
parameters to judge someone on.
Vancouver is generally a
gay-friendly city, however, there have been some
"incidents". In mid November 2001, a gay man was beaten
to death in Stanley Park. The more wooded, less visited areas off
the trails in the Park have been an area for Gays to seek sex.
Under the circumstances, I would strongly discourage any visitors
from engaging in this practice.
Those of you visiting my
website who are disapproving of the gay lifestyle, look upon it
as an opportunity to find out what hotels, clubs and areas to
avoid, so you won't be offended. (and why did you click the link to this page?)
Vancouver pride week is usually the end of July/beginning of
August. Check the Gay Pride BC link below for more info.
I have provided some links.
The "Gay-Vancouver" web site is probably the best all
round site for the gay scene in Vancouver. The
"Gay-Mart" link will give you listings of "gay
friendly" hotels, bars, restaurants, etc in Vancouver and
the rest of Canada in general. LesBiGay.com seems to be a new site. It currently
has a list of links & other info and looks like it is going to develop into good
site. Purple Roofs is site providing
world wide gay-friendly accommodation information, including
several listings (mainly B&B) for Vancouver.
Tying the Knot:
It is now legal for Gays to get married in Canada. The usual rules for
common-law has applied to gay relationships for some time now, and in BC, living
common-law for more than a year brings with it almost all the obligations of
legal marriage. Gays, however, have always had an out, by claiming they were
simply roommates, and who is going to argue. Legal marriage, however is another
matter. Splitting up requires a legal divorce & in order to obtain one you need
to reside in BC for a year. Since the marriage will not likely be recognized in
the US, neither will a divorce. It could mean a bit of a legal minefield, so
anyone planning on traveling to BC to get married, had better be confident the
relationship is permanent. Church marriages are harder to come by than civil
ones, but the policy of both the United Church of Canada , the Unitarian Church
of Canada & to a lesser extent, the Anglican Church of Canada, is that gay
unions are OK, so you should try approaching one of those .
How do Canadians feel about this turn of events? Well, you will probably find
them split down the middle, from those that encourage it, to those that think it
will lead to legalized brother-sister or man-family dog weddings. The issue is a
divisive as the abortion debate and I guess it will continue to be so for many
years to come.
Click http://www.gayvancouver.bc.ca/marriage.htm for more information & updates.
Gay Travel:
GayVan.com Is a Vancouver based Travel
Marketing Agency geared to the gay community & traveler. They will help
you arrange a gay marriage or find gay friendly accommodation, among other
services.
Immigration:
Border
Connections are a gay-friendly Immigration Consulting business.
Vancouver & BC Links:
The Greater Vancouver
Gay and Lesbian Ski and Snowboard Club
Gay
Lesbian and Bisexual Vancouver Online - Welcome!
GayCanada® - Canada's Largest
Online Gay & Lesbian Community™
Personal Finance Guide
for LGBT
Gay White North -Canadian
"Gay" Links
Gay Pride
BC
LesBiGay.com
Gay-MART - Gay & Lesbian Travel & Resource Guide
to Canada
Purple
Roofs - Gay friendly accommodation site.
Gay Vancouver Dinner
Party Club
Vancouver Gay & Lesbian
Business Association
InterPride
Shadow Falls Campground in BC, Canada (Near
Harrison Hot Springs), - Gay Campground
Nelson House Gay B&B,
located in Vancouver's West End, close to downtown.
Clothing Optional Gay Friendly B&B
Gay Ski Week in
Whistler- February
Gay Bed & Breakfast Guide
Canada
GSCA - Gay Social
Club Alliance
Pride Dating
C.D.C. - Crossdressing
Club
Gay Vancouver Dinner Party Club
GayVan.com Services for the gay traveler.
Queer Marriage Page
Gay Surrogacy
Mortgage loans for Gays &
Lesbians
Want a link to your gay oriented site? E-Mail
Out of Province Links:
