Making a trip to Key West? Here are some of the must-see, free things to do while on the gay-friendly island.
Big gay road trip
Firstly getting to Key West can be one big gay affair with your very own big gay road trip. Key West is by far one of the most friendly areas for gay travellers in the United States outside San Francisco or New York.
Travelling by car to any of the keys is definitely the most impressive way to see all the keys and their different styles. Simply slap on some Shania Twain, Britney and Kylie and sing your heart out in a convertible for mile after mile.
Gay Key West Visitors Centre
Want to find out more about what’s gay in Key West the helpful Gay Key West Visitors’ Centre should be your first stop.
Hot tub it at a gay guest house
Bourbon has an all-male guest house called New Orleans House (724 Duval Street). You don’t need to be a guest to use their facilities, but drinks and foods are chargeable. So why not take a dip in one of their pools and feel free to shed some clothes as the resort is clothing optional.
Pan Am’s birthplace
Pan Am was an iconic airline which can trace its roots to Key West. Pan Am was seen as one of the world’s finest airlines. It introduced the world to the Jumbo Jet, was the first airline to space (in film anyway, thanks to 2001: A Space Odessey) and its camp but classic uniforms have been copied and revered countless times, including in the Britney Spears’ music video for ‘Toxic’. As far as we know, Pan Am is the only airline that has a drag queen named after it, Pam Ann.
Photograph yourself with an icon
Fancy getting up and close to a true icon. Outside the Tropic cinema, there’s a life-size model of Marilyn Monroe. Make sure you see the cinema at night when the neon lights shine brightly making the independent cinema complex a must-see on the island.
Gay bar crawl
It’s quite easy to do a gay bar crawl in Key West, after all, they are, for the most part, on one street, Duval Street. There’s the Bourbon Street Pub, 801, Bobby’s Monkey Bar, Aqua Key West, La Te Da, Saloon1, Garden of Eden. Duval Street is also famous for having the world’s biggest pride flag unravelled along its 1.25 miles.801 Bourbon Bar and Bobbies Monkey Bar provide free Karaoke most days of the week.
Key West Historical Memorial Sculpture Garden
Key people to Key West are memorialised at the Sculpture Garden, including writer Tennessee Williams who was key to assimilating the LGBT community into Key West. While you’re at you could pop into the Tennessee Williams’ exhibit. He lived in Key West until his death in 1983. It is open daily from 9:30 AM til 4:30 PM (there is an admission charge for the museum).
Kissing your partner at the southernmost sunset in the USA
Every night hundreds of people gather at Mallory Square to watch and applaud the setting of the sun. It’s one of the most beautiful sights you’ll see and well worth giving your partner a quick smooch as the sun goes down.
Holding hands at the southernmost point of the USA
Hold your partner’s hand at the southernmost point on continental USA.
Higgs Beach
Although technically not a “gay beach” Higgs has a poignant AIDS memorial, which informs visitors about gay history. The beach is at the southern end of White St. with Higgs Beach Dog Park on the Westside.
55 million people can’t be wrong, which is why Wicked is one of the world’s most successful musicals. Wicked is going into its 12th year in London and it’s still fresh, timely and defying expectations.
The story is believed, by many, to be the prequel to L Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, however, its creator has actually suggested that the story is more of an alternate universe, Gregory Maguire, who wrote the novel on which this musical is based, says it’s a “re-imagining” of the same world – and the action takes place before, during and after the original story.
Wicked takes you behind The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz story to find out about the two witches featured in the original story, “Wicked Witch”, Elphaba (you know the one – green and gets the bucket of water) – played by Alice Fearn and the “Good Witch”, Glinda (you know, the one that arrives by bubble) played by Sophie Evans.
After meeting and becoming roommates at Shiz University, (think Harry Potter meets Clueless) the two witches form a love/hate relationship. They decide to make their way to meet the great and powerful Oz, where they discover that something incredibly sinister is being pushed onto the citizens of Oz.
What follows is a moving story of overcoming discrimination, learning to trust and believe in yourself and two strong women changing the world for the better.
I have just two criticisms. Although the central relationship is about two women, which makes a wonderful change from the heteronormativity of most musicals – boy girls, girl sings to boy, boy and girl fall in love – the end – I couldn’t help but notice that when it came to the massive, impressive ensemble pieces, the dancing was still male on female, which is a shame. Watch any TV show, (a particular shoutout to Netflix) now and if there’s a school dance or a group scene you’ll always see a nod towards its LGBT+ audience, but not Wicked – which, based on musical theatre’s huge gay fan base, is a missed opportunity.
The second is the finale. It’s such a disappointment.
It’s not the way in which the story wraps up, it’s just there’s no finishing song, no reprise of any of the show’s standout hits of which there are four main songs, ‘Popular’, ‘I’m Not That Girl’, ‘For Good’ and of course, the hit ‘Defying Gravity’. To summaries two hours and 45 minutes of stratospheric vocals, incredible costumery and feel-good, sparkling story-telling, the audience is delivered a sub-2-minute song with a walk down.
A peaceful oasis where you and your game come first.
The Champion course at the PGA National
Gay golfers will rejoice in the sheer grandeur and scale of the PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens in Palm Beach Florida. There are five courses for you to enjoy, each offering their own challenges and joys, but if you’re a beginner, don’t worry, they’ll even help you on your way with a lesson or two with a professional golfer. I did. I can’t say I’m any better than when I started off, but I do know now, that you shouldn’t treat your hitting stick (i’m reliably informed they’re called clubs) like a tennis racket.
The Room
Step into your room and you’ll be amazed at the size. Americans are known to go large and they haven’t disappointed at the PGA National. We stayed in a deluxe junior suite, which can fit most people’s entire apartments in it. It comes with a comfy seating area and a giant king bed.
The room is decorated in brown and red tones, which is the perfect opposite to all the blue sky and greenery of your outdoor surrounding. It makes the space a sexy getaway after you’ve spent all day on the course.
There are over 360 rooms at the resort.
The People
Professionalism is the word du jour at the resort. As you’d expect, nothing is too troublesome from the valets to the receptionists. Early evening you’ll be greeted with a knock at your door with the next day’s weather forecast written – it’s like having your own real-life Siri, but much friendlier.
Of course, everyone who works here is passionate about two things. Golf and hospitality, which is why PGA National Resort and Spa is the number one name in Golfing resorts.
You must have a meal at the award-winning Ironwood Steak & Seafood restaurant. Fresh and wonderfully presented food awaits you at one of the most respected restaurants in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Location
Part of the reason why you’ll choose to stay at the PGA National Resort is for the golf and you might not even leave, however, if you get a moment, be sure to get lunch at Palm Beaches’ hippest eatery, Guanabanas (960 Northway Ala Jupiter) which is a short drive away. If you’re looking for some culture check out the Flagler Museum, the story of Henry Flagler is breathtaking and he and his vision is the only reason why southern Florida exists as a tourist destination.
If you’re looking for a pamper beyond your expectations we can wholly recommend the spa at Eau Palm Beach (100 South Ocean Blvd).
The Gay Scene
There are a few options in Palm Beach, for drag shows you should visit Fort Dix (6205 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach). There is also a leather meet once a month at the venue. Then there is Roosters (823 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach) which boasts drag shows, karaoke and latin nights. There is also Penny’s at the Duke(902 N. Dixie Hwy., Ste. B, Lantana). To find out more on the local gay scene check out Hot Spots Magazine.
Our Verdict
The PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens offers a generous package and we like that in a getaway. It is relaxed but not over familiar, friendly but not over the top, traditional but not stuffy. Refinement is key and the resort offers that in spades. There is an incredible view of the lake at the end of the pool area, take a moment to enjoy the view on a cloudless night as the moon bounces off the water’s gentle ripples and the crickets sing you a romantic serenade.
Having just returned from New York, I can reveal the best airport to fly into from the UK.
After an eight hour flight, the last thing you want to be doing is waiting 2 hours in an arrival queue. andychoinski / Pixabay
When you fly to New York there are two main choices of airport to fly into, the famous JFK which is actually in the State of New York or Newark Liberty International Airport which is actually in New Jersey, one State over. Despite this, getting into Manhattan from both airports is easy and takes around the same amount of time. So which are you best off flying into?
My last trip to New York, I opted to fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport – having previously only flown into Newark. It was a mistake. Despite the heritage of JFK and its incredible structures, like the old TWA terminal, the arrivals queues are long – very long.
As I already had an ESTA I opted for the re-entry queue, which on the face of it looked short, but in reality, there was just ONE officer, who was stressed, to say the least, checking everybody’s passports, including US citizens, reentry ESTA visitors, Armed Forces and diplomats. Except, the last two got priority over everyone already standing in line. It took me over two hours to get through to baggage claim from the door of the aircraft.
My partner who was travelling with me, who didn’t have a previously used ESTA had to use the main line. It took him 30 minutes longer. So in total, we had to wait two and half hours in queues before we even reached the arrivals’ hall.
You can check peak times and queue wait times at the AWT website. Skitterphoto / Pixabay
Perhaps this was a off day, however speaking to a representative from the airline at baggage claim, she confided that sometimes the lines were even longer – with an extra 45 minutes wait time.
Of course, it all depends on the time of your arrival. Many of the inbound flights from the UK arrive later in the day, which could account for the backlog. According to AWT, which calculates wait times at US airports, the busiest time in terms of passengers happens around 1 PM, 7 PM and 10.00 PM.
I have flown into Newark a few times and never experience this kind of queue. So in my opinion, I’d opt for Newark in New Jersey from now on.
So how do you get one? When’s the best time to ask? We asked two experts for their thoughts.
Sinead Bunting, VP of Marketing Europe of job search site,Monster told us, “Asking for a pay rise is similar to your initial salary negotiations; however, once you’re in the job and have been doing it successfully for a while, you’re going to be in a stronger position. Most companies will work hard to keep good employees, as the cost in time, recruitment fees and the handover process make losing a valued employee bad news, however with businesses under pressure to continuously manage costs and overheads, making a solid business case is essential.”
Okay, we’re with you Sinead… so how do we broach the subject?
According to Sinead certain moments are more naturally suited to asking for that all-important addition to your wardrobe fund, like during your performance review or the end of the calendar or financial year can work just as well. However she warns, “don’t ask more than once a year as you’ll come across as unrealistic, if not greedy in your boss’ eyes”.
Sinead suggests booking in time with your boss and prepare for the meeting thoroughly. “Compare your salary against similar jobs being advertised at the moment, or use an online salary calculator. The stronger the case you can present the better your chances of getting what you want. Use every possible advantage to help weight your case, including any recent achievements or additional training, qualifications or skills you have gained. Don’t forget to mention soft skills (attitude, teamwork, good time keeping etc.).
Sinead also suggests, ask for more than you expect to get. It’s a negotiation after all – but don’t go too high. “Let them know you’re willing to take on more responsibility in return for extra money. Don’t rush things, but do ask to be kept up-to-date with how your request is progressing. Expect some resistance and be prepared to fight your corner, but don’t overdo it. If the cash you want is not available, be prepared to ask for additional benefits such as a company car or an increased employer’s contribution to your pension scheme”.
Rob Moore best-selling author of the #1 book ‘Money, Know More, Make More, Give More’ and the man behind the current UK’s #1 business & lifestyle podcast ‘The Disruptive Entrepreneur’ hinted that you should play the victim, saying, don’t “tell your employer that you can’t cover your bills and you don’t have enough to live on, or to pay off your house and car. Employers don’t care about that and will only see that you can’t manage your money. They can also feel emotionally blackmailed, which has a high chance of backfiring on you”.
“I’ve another job waiting”
Also, even though it’s a bit of a negotiation Moore says that saying that you’ve got another job in the pipeline might also backfire on you. He revealed, “It goes very bad very quickly if a staff member plays off the new employer versus the existing one. As soon as I am used as a pawn to get a pay rise because the new employer is offering more, I’m out.”
Also don’t ask for a pay rise because you’ve heard on the office grapevine that someone else got a pay rise. Rob tells us, “This never works, at least not for me. It’s none of anyone else’s business what others are paid. Why would anyone increase someone’s salary just because they increased their colleagues’ salary? That’s not sound logic or financially smart. This also erodes the trust of discretion. An employer’s big fear is that when one person asks for a raise, everyone does. It can stop it from raising salaries of people who deserve it. So always be discreet and never use this as leverage to get a raise”.
Willies come in all shapes and sizes – and not just length and girth, some of them have curves.
CREDIT: Depositphotos
Let’s start this whole conversation off by saying, every penis is precious and beautiful. This is a safe space for dicks – no matter what you’re packing. What you have is normal and if you think about it, pretty darn incredible, what with the erections that happen all by themselves and morning glories, what are they all about? So, if your penis starts to curve or perhaps you’ve always had one – is there anything you can do about it?
We asked the experts at AXA PPP healthcare what a curving penis meant and whether it was normal, here’s what they told us,
“About 5 percent of men over the age of 50 will develop a condition of the penis called Peyronie’s disease. This is a benign but potentially emotionally upsetting condition in which scar tissue develops on the shaft of the penis sometimes resulting in a penile bend noticeable with erections.
“This can lead to sexual dysfunction with in some cases the affected man avoiding a sexual relationship altogether”.
So is it dangerous?
Apparently, some men will find erections and sex painful if Peyronie’s disease happens to them. Some those will simply notice a lump of their shaft.
Unfortunately, there’s no real cure for Peyronie. However, you should go and see your doctor for a full assessment.
The NHS’s website notes: “Various non-surgical treatments are available, including medicines and injections of steroids into the affected area. But there’s limited evidence of their effectiveness”.
Surgery could also be an option, the NHS suggests, “In severe cases, it may be possible to treat Peyronie’s disease with surgery. But doctors recommend waiting at least 12 months before considering surgery, as the condition can improve without treatment in some men”.
To see what Peyronie’s disease can look like, click here.
York in the North of England is a gorgeous, historic city with a number of things to do for LGBT+ travellers.
So what is in York for gay travellers and LGBT guests? There are a couple of gay-friendly pubs in York and generally speaking in terms of crime the city of York is safer than similar areas of its size.
In terms of politics, however, things are not so great. There are four MPs who represent the area three from the Conservatives and one from Labour. MP Greg Knight (CONS) has generally voted against gay rights, but did vote for same-sex marriage in 2013. MP Rishi Sunak (CONS) has consistently voted against laws to promote equality and human rights. MP Rachael Maskell (LAB/COOP) has consistently voted for laws that promote equality and human rights. MP Julian Sturdy, has almost always voted against gay rights including same-sex marriage in 2013.
Gay Bars
Are there any gay bars in York? There are a couple of places of note and although they’re not specifically “gay bars” they are very LGBT+ friendly. Firstly there’s the Nag’s Head, (100 Micklegate, York YO1 6LX) which is described as very LGBT friendly and managed.
There is karaoke (8:30 PM til 12:00 AM) with Kira every Monday at Thomas’s Bar of York (Museum Street, York, YO1 7DT)- and there’s a free shot for singers.
There’s the York Arms in High Petergate (26 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EH) attracts a mainly gay male customer.
There is a transgender/cross dresser and TV night at Corner Pin and Flares (17 Tanner Row, York, YO1 6JB) every Third Saturday.
Fibbers (3-5 Toft Green, York, YO1 6JT) runs a Lip-Sync night event on the last Sunday of the month, described as LGBT+ friendly.
There is a monthly “queer” night at Dusk on New Street called Hot Crush. Times vary so you should check their website.
There are no gay saunas in York, the closest is Basement Complex and Steam Complex both in Leeds (29 miles), Lindum in Bradford (43 miles), Plastic Ivy in Dewsbury (36 miles).
Any LGBT Hotels in York?
There aren’t any gay or LGBT+ hotels available in York. However, you can check for the best deals from Hotels.com, Booking.com and Travelodge
How to get to York
York is centrally located in the heart of the UK. There are direct rail links from London, Edinburgh, Manchester in around two hours. There are numerous airports close to York, including, Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds/Bradford. Seaports that are closest are, Hull and Newcastle, both around a two hours drive.
If you’re travelling by car here are the travel times and approx miles: London: 3h 50m / 210 miles | Edinburgh: 4h 12m / 210 miles | Manchester: 1h 34m / 73 miles | Sheffield: 1h 19m / 63 miles | Cardiff: 4h 23m / 250 miles | Glasgow: 3h 56m / 211 miles | Newcastle: 1h 47m / 87 miles | Nottingham: 1h 45m / 87 miles | Bristol: 3h 53m / 223 miles | Liverpool: 2h 01m / 102 miles | Derby: 1h 47m / 91 miles | Carlisle: 2h 23m / 116 miles | Birmingham: 2h 26m / 134 miles
Meeting gay guys in York?
If you’re looking for a connect to gay and bisexual guys in York why not join our free social network.
With many thanks to York LGBT Forum for the help in signposting for this article.
Research from Public Health England has revealed that there were nearly half a million (422,000) new sexually transmitted infections recorded in 2017. Although this number has been described as “stable” from the previous year, cases of syphilis have rocketed by 20 percent, from 5955 in 2016 to 7137 in 2017.
Worryingly, the highest rates of STIs are occurring in 16 to 24 year-olds, showing that the current sex ed situation in our schooling system is woefully inadequate.
There has been a fall in genital warts reported, which the report says reflects the widespread uptake of the HPV vaccine which is given to girls aged 12-13.
The HPV vaccine is not offered to boys of the same age.
Drops in chlamydia rise in gonorrhoea
The humble condom remains the best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. FILE PHOTO / depositphotos.com
The report also shows that there’s been an eight percent decline in chlamydia testing and a two percent drop in chlamydia diagnoses in 15-24-year-olds. However, there was a 22% rise in cases of gonorrhoea in 2017 compared to 2016 (from 36,577 in 2016 to 44,676 in 2017).
Dr Gwenda Hughes, Consultant Scientist and Head of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Section at PHE, said, “Sexually transmitted infections pose serious consequences to health – both your own and that of your current and future sexual partners.
“Consistent and correct condom use with new and casual partners is the best defence against STIs, and if you are at risk, regular check-ups are essential to enable early diagnosis and treatment.”
PHE has recommended, “Those at risk of STIs can access services through sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinics. PHE recommend regular HIV and STI testing for those with new or casual partners. Men who have sex with men who are having condomless sex with new or casual partners should seek testing every three months. Local STI services can be located online via NHS Choices.
*A previous version of this article stated that the research was from NHS England, when in fact it was Public Health England. It has been corrected to reflect this.
We all know the drill. Before your flight takes off, you’ll most probably be asked to remove your headphones by the flight attendants, and the same again will happen as your plane prepares to land. But they never explain why.
Most people onboard oblige, but some will just pop them earbuds straight back in once the cabin crew have passed by and taken their seats. But a stark warning from an airline pilot on Quora, has us thinking maybe we all need to start doing what we’re told!
Sebastian Lender, who is an airline pilot, advises that if your plane should hit a flock of birds – known as bird strike, and you’re wearing headphones that are banging out the latest Justin Bieber tune, that you won’t hear the warnings from the flight deck or from the cabin crew telling you to brace for impact, which could lead you to receive catastrophic injuries like shattered shins, fractured arms, but perhaps worst of all, that the impact from the “vertical compression broke your back”.
Although rare, bird strike is a real threat to aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landings. One of the most recent high-profile instances of a bird strike causing an aeroplane to crash land was the US Airways Flight 1594, which crash-landed in the Hudson River in New York in 2009.
Luckily no one was killed or severely injured in that particular crash due to the professional actions and instructions from the flight deck and from the cabin crew, but there have been instances were crash landings have caused fatalities and horrifying, life-changing injuries.
So remember when your cabin crew tell you to do something, it’s always for a reason and shouldn’t be ignored.
There are so many questions that people have, especially when their information comes through the grapevine. So rather than letting myth turn to fact, we’ll answer them for you.
Do gay men need to wear tampons or adult diapers? Where to begin. Do you mean receptive gay men? I.e. Bottoms? Because you know it’s not just gay men who bottom. Ever heard of pegging?
So the question is more likely to be: “Do people who have anal sex need to wear tampons?” And the answer is nope. Not if you’re doing it right. Yes, there is a right and a wrong way of having anal sex. Misinformation and myths like this can lead to the idea that you can tell if a guy is straight or gay by giving him an anal examination. This sometimes happens in countries where homosexuality is illegal.
We’ve all heard the story of the guy that had anal sex so much that he couldn’t control his bowels and so he needed to wear a tampon to stop the poop. Whether this guy actually existed we’ll never know, maybe he did. But guys who are having regular receptive sex shouldn’t have any issues in controlling their bodily functions.
What is regular anal sex?
So what is “regular anal sex”, well it’s important to know two things about up-the-butt sex. Time and Lube are your friends. In fact, they’re best buds.
One of the most important muscles is your external sphincter. It like the main ring. It’s a powerful muscle that stops stuff from getting out (and in) but like any muscle, it can be damaged (and even better strengthened).
This and the lining of the rectum are delicate and if you’re too rough or haven’t prepared yourself properly, well you can cause yourself damage, which is why it’s important to communicate how you’re feeling with your “top”.
Doctor Rick Viney, a consultant urological surgeon at BMI The Priory and BMI Edgbaston hospitals in Birmingham, told us that “Rapidly and forcefully overstretching the anus can tear the anal sphincter which can result in the need for surgical repair. The sphincter can be gently dilated over a short period of time using devices like a plug or a gradual increase in the number of fingers inserted.”
The butt, will after dilation return to its normal size shortly after sex. If you’ve done something more extreme, like fisting, it may take a longer time to go back to normal.
But what if you have lots and lots of anal sex.
Well, regularly having anal sex isn’t really enough for you to need you to wear a tampon. Naturally, if you’re having a lot of sex, you might find your hole does become looser, but you shouldn’t lose control altogether.
If you do find yourself or feel that you’ve become looser, there are exercises that can help you retain a tight ring. The NHS recommends a series of exercises. In one they suggest engaging your muscles like you are trying to stop a fart. They write,
“Try squeezing and lifting that muscle as tightly as you can, as if you are worried that you are about to leak. Your buttocks, tummy and legs should not move much at all. You should be aware of the skin around the back passage tightening and being pulled up and away from the chair. Really try to feel this. You are now exercising your anal sphincter”.
There’s a way of holding that feeling for as long as you can. Like imaging that your sphincter muscle is a lift and that you’re taking it to the fourth floor and holding it while the passengers get out and then back down again.
If you can’t go to the fourth, try the 2nd!
You get the idea.
The best thing about exercising these muscles is that you don’t need an expensive gym membership or even proper work out clothes. You can do them in your car at the traffic lights or on your way to work on the train. No one will know. Unless you turn to your fellow passenger and tell them. We suggest you don’t do this. It might freak them the F out.
The city that doesn’t sleep isn’t cheap. In fact, you’ll find it hard to find free things to do, but here are 10 of our favourites.
Empire State Building, Midtown, Manhattan, NYC
Planning on going to New York? Well, as a gay traveller there are certain things you have to do, like visiting the Stonewall Inn or even planning a night out at the infamous Cock bar. But, if you’re on a budget here are some of our favourite things to do for free, or just the price of a drink, in one of the greatest cities in the world.
Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry, View of Boat
This is one of the go-to free things to do while in the city of New York. The 5.2-mile trip takes you right past the Statue of Liberty giving you an outstanding opportunity to take a full-on frontal picture of the great lady. The cruise takes about 25 minutes and runs every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. Many people disembark once arriving at Staten Island and get straight back on the boat for the return journey.
The Central Park Reservoir
On a sunny day, the 1.5-mile walk around Central Park’s reservoir will enliven the senses and make you feel like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. It stretches from 86th to 96th Street (very close to the Guggenheim Museum).
The decommissioned reservoir holds over a billion US gallons of water and covers 106 acres. One of the best times of year to walk around the reservoir is when the cherry blossoms are blooming.
The High Line
Take a stroll along the disused and abandoned railway track set above the streets of Lower Manhattan. It’s a 1.45-mile walk which leads you through landscaped gardens over the roads. The High Line has been repurposed from a former railroad, which was created to ship goods from one part of the city to the other. It runs from 34th Street to Gansevoort Street, in the Meatpacking District. After “getting off” the high line, head for the Bus Stop Cafe on the corner of Bethune and Hudson for a spot of lunch.
Stonewall Inn
Where it all began. The birth of the modern gay rights movement in the USA. Located in the gay/gay-friendly neighbourhood on Christopher Street, a trip to the famous Stonewall Inn should be high on your list of gay things to do in New York. Entry is free, but please do buy a drink and support this historic, legendary venue.
Christoper Park
Situated outside the Stonewall Inn in the centre of Christopher Street is Christoper Park. Christopher Street is the oldest street in the West Village and in the 1970s became the “Main Street” of gay New York. Over the decades, numerous shops, bars and other businesses that cater for the LGBT community have populated the street. Make sure you get your photo at the Gay Street sign which coincidentally intersects with Christopher Street.
In Christopher Park, there’s a Gay Liberation Monument where numerous bonze statuses, covered in white lacquer sculptures commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which took place in 1969. It features four people. Two men and two women.
9/11 Memorial Park
A humbling experience awaits at the 9/11 memorial. Take time to reflect and remember.
A humbling experience awaits in the mass of skyscrapers at the lower end of Manhattan. This is where, in the footprints of the original World Trade Centre twin towers, you’ll find the names of nearly 3000 people, who died on September 11th, 2001, etched into bronze, on the outer rim of the two reflecting pools where the towers once stood. There is a museum as well. However, queue lines are long, and the entry ticket costs a whopping $44 each for admission and the tour. You can get significantly reduced entry by purchasing a New York CityPASS.
The Buildings
Empire State Building, Midtown, Manhattan, NYC
One of greatest attractions of New York is its buildings and where NYC is concerned, bigger is best. Across Manhattan, you’ll discover icon after icon. There’s the Empire State Building, The Rockefeller Center, Radio City, Carnegie Hall, New York Times, Times Square, The Chrysler Building, The United Nations building, One World Trade Center, the former PamAm building (now MetLife), The Guggenheim and Madison Square Gardens. The list goes on and on.
Pier Life
Pride Kickoff Rally 2013, Tribeca, Manhattan
If you’ve ever watched Paris Is Burning, you’ll know that the piers played a considerable part in LGBT+ life in New York especially during the 70s, 80s and 90s. The dilapidated piers reaching out into the Hudson River became a hang out for those on the fringes of society. Some of the piers have been redeveloped and given a new lease of life. Take a walk to the piers at the end of Christopher Street. It’s not uncommon to find all manner of activities taking place, like dance classes or music to listen to.
This year’s pride parade takes place on the 24th June. Check out the parade route here.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk the walk. 10,000 people every day cross the Brooklyn Bridge
This famous bridge is well worth the walk – despite the crowds (apparently 10,000 people use the footbridge part every day). The views of Lower Manhattan from the centre are breathtaking. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the USA. It was finished in 1883 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Look out for the 3500 bikers who use the bridge every day too. They aren’t particularly friendly towards pedestrians who walk on the cycle lane!
Once in Brooklyn make the short walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park for some impressive views of the waterway between Brooklyn and Manhattan and the famous NYC skyline.
Big Apple Greeter
Believe it or not, you can get a free walking tour with the Big Apple Greeter organisation, whose team of volunteers will show you New York in a totally personal light. You should request your greeter at least three to four weeks before your trip to New York. The Big Apple Greeter has a no tipping policy, but they do ask you to consider donating to help continue the non-profit service.
Marie’s Crisis Bar
Ask anyone where to go for a good night out that’s camp and gay and they’ll probably suggest this legendary piano bar, where show tunes and awesome singers are the promised offering. It’s a gay bar just off 7th Avenue behind Christopher Street on Grove Street. Be prepared for how busy it gets and bring cash for drinks and tips. We loved this Yelp review from Niall and it pretty much sums up this venue:
“While this is a gay bar it is also a musical bar. There are two types here; gays who love musicals and everyone else who loves musicals. If you are a member of either tribe you are family, if not, please keep it moving!”
How to get to NYC?
Wondering on the cheapest way to get to Manhattan after arriving from JFK – check out our guide here.
Our top tip is if you’re going to be a total tourist – which you totally should be in this magnificent city, then purchase yourself a CityPASS. It will give you access to numerous tourist destinations, like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty for 40 percent off. It costs around £96.27 and is well worth the price if you plan on visiting all of the destinations on offer.
