If you’re flying into New York’s JFK airport, there are a few options on how you can get to Manhattan Island, both Downtown and Midtown. But there’s one way that’s super cheap and really doesn’t take any longer than a cab ride or airport shuttle.
JMZ Train, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
If your hotel offers a shuttle from JFK, then you should get on board that baby, but if you’re looking at getting into Manhattan on a budget the best way is by the AirTrain which runs directly out of JFK and then catch the subway to your destination. It takes just under an hour – which if you’re caught in traffic to or from the airport, which is more than likely, it could end up being a quicker option. Obviously, it won’t be as picturesque, but you’ll definitely get to people watch and save a lot of dollars.
A cab ride into midtown currently costs over $60 and once you ad tip you’re heading towards $70 – it’s not the cheap way to start off your trip. Or, you can hop on the airport shuttle bus, you’ll find them in the arrivals hall, which is $18 each – so if there’s two of you that’s $38 – plus tip if you’re feeling generous. Or you can spend under $8 and get the AirTrain, which takes around 50-60 minutes.
How to access the AirTrain at JFK.
Subway, New York City
Look for the signs for the AirTrain, you’ll need to get the one that’s heading towards Federal Circle (which is where you’ll find Airport Hotel shuttles and car rental companies and onto Howard Beach Station. This section of your travel is free, so you don’t need a ticket if you’re getting off at Federal Circle.
If you’re going downtown and Lower Manhattan you’ll need the train heading to Howard Beach. If you’re going to Midtown or Upper Manhattan you’ll the Jamaica Station.
Once you arrive at Howard Beach or Jamaica Station, you’ll need to buy your ticket to leave the station and to get your onward travel to Lower Manhatten. Go to the ticket machine and buy a travelcard.
How much does the AirTrain cost from JFK to Manhattan?
It will cost $5 for the AirTrain (which you’ve just travelled on) and $2.75 for the connecting subway. You’ll also be charged $1 for a Metrocard, which you can refill and reuse each time you use the subway, so don’t throw it away.
Once you’ve cleared the gates at Howard Beach or Jamaica, head to the platform which has trains heading towards Lower Manhattan or Midtown.
At Howard Beach, you need to get onboard the A Train – on the Subway map it’s a dark blue colour. At Jamaica, you need to get the E train, it’s also dark blue in colour.
If you’re heading to Upper Manhattan you’ll need to make a change when you’re in Manhattan. Use the MTA’s TripPlanner to find the best route. Trips up to the Upper island will take another 15 minutes or so.
Gran Canaria has long been a sort of gay mecca in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, off the coast of western Africa.
Over the years a number of gay / bisexual only hotels and resorts have cropped up on the tiny Island, making it one of the most gay-friendly destinations on the planet. Gran Canaria is one of the go-to gay travel destinations.
Most of these resorts are on the southern end of the Island, near Maspalomas and, no doubt; you will have heard of the Yumbo Centre, where most of the Island’s gay bars and drag shows are located.
Maspalomas is easy to get to from the Island’s only airport. You can either hire a car or get a cab to your hotel. Some hotels and resorts even offer an airport shuttle. Of course, Gran Canaria is served by numerous airlines from the UK, and you can get great deals on flights to Gran Canaria from the likes of Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2.com and Norwegian.
So what about the gay hotels? Are there any and should you stay at one?
Our editor and chief, Jake Hook recently made a case for staying gay when on holiday, but the short answer is yes. You should definitely try it.
There are many gay exclusive resorts on Gran Canaria, most of them located in the Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria.
Roma, 13, Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Spain,
A 15 room hotel in Playa Del Ingles, catering to gay men. Clothing is optional at this resort, and it is pet-friendly, although you will be required to pay an additional 19.00 EUR per night. Breakfast is available at a surcharge of 8.00 EUR per person. It does offer free WiFi.
The hotel has a pool and is located close to the beach. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: C/. Timple 5 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 765 877 Web: www.bungalowsartemisa.com
This property is located in the Playa del Ingles and is close to the Yumbo centre, the beach is a half a mile walk, while the dunes are a near 2-mile trip. Each one-bed bungalow offers a dining area and a kitchenette. Breakfast is available to purchase. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: Avda. Tour Operator Vingresor, 6 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 772 096 / (+34) 649 019 985 Web: www.beachboysresort.com
A highly rated gay only resort in Maspalomas. The dunes are an 11-minute walk away, and the Yumbo centre is under 30 minutes walk away. The location has just 12 apartments ensuring an intimate feel. There is free WiFi. Clothing is optional. Breakfast is available at a surcharge. Also available are lunch and dinner, if you don’t want to cater for yourself. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: C/. Egipto 10 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 764 722 Web: www.birdcage-resort.com
The Birdcage Resort is a four-star property in the Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria, which means its close to the Yumbo Centre and a 20-minute walk away from the beaches. There is free WiFi offered, and clothing is optional around the poolside. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: Avda. Touroperador Kuoni 46 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 760 051 Web: www.clubtorso.com
Club Torso is just a short walk to the beach and 10 minutes from the infamous dunes. The property is clothing optional, and each bungalow comes with free WiFi and a kitchenette. Breakfast is served (as an extra), and there is free parking close to the location.THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Los Almendros
Address: Avda. Francia 3 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 761 688 Web: www.losalmendros.es
Address: Avda. Touroperador Finnmatkat 6 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 161 718
Rainbow Golf is a clothing option, gay men’s resort in Maspalomas. It’s a twenty-minute walk from the famous dunes of Maspalomas beach, and the Yumbo centre is a 28-minute walk. There are 21 self-catering apartments, but food, including breakfast, is available for purchase. The location offers free WiFi, and there is free parking available. The hotel does offer an airport shuttle priced at 35.00 EUR. THEGAYUK.com has not reviewed this hotel yet.
Calle Touroperador Matkatala, 2, Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Spain
One of the only 4 star hotels on the Island that caters for gay men. There are free WiFi and parking at the location. There are 24 guest rooms, and it is located near the beach. Again the airport offers an airport shuttle (38 EUR), and there is a free shuttle to the beach. This is an optional clothing location. Breakfast is charged at an extra 10 EUR per day. Read THEGAYUK’s full review of Seven Hotel and Wellness.
Address: Avda. de Tirma 20 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 773 342 Web: www.tropicallazona.com
This 25 room property offers free WiFi and a fitness centre / work out room. There is also a bar. The Yumbo centre is a short walk away. The accommodation is self-catering and offers a fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave. The location is clothing optional. THEGAYUK.com has not reviewed this hotel yet.
Villas Blancas
Address: Avda. Tour Operator Tjaereborg s/n – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 770 122 Web: www.villasblancas.com
Address: C/. Carmen Laforet 1 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 140 032 Web: www.vistabonita.es
A popular gay-only resort in Sonneland, which is a drive away from the beach (30+ minute walk) and Yumbo centre (40-minute walk). There are 20 self-catering apartments. The hotel offers an airport shuttle as parking is extremely limited. You can reserve parking with a 5 EUR a day charge. Breakfast is available (surcharge). This is an optional clothing hotel, and there is free WiFi. Read THEGAYUK’s full review on Vista Bonita.
There’s a growing section of the LGBT+ community that is calling themselves Queer, but don’t assume that all people in the community want to be called that word.
THEGAYUK.com has polled readers numerous time on whether the term queer is an acceptable term to describe themselves and each time the majority has rejected the term.
In July 2017 we asked over 200 people whether they thought queer as an umbrella term for the LGBT+ community was acceptable and sixty percent did not. Some commented that the word was “triggering” and “deeply offensive”, particularly to men who identified as gay.
The word queer is still used as a slur against many people in the community, particularly gay and bisexual men, and although some may refer to themselves in this way, it’s probably best not to use language that causes offence to others.
Every year, Gran Canaria plays host to one of the biggest LGBT+ pride events in Europe.
adamkontor / Pixabay When is Gran Canaria Pride 2018?
In fact, it’s so proud there are two, Summer and Winter.
The summer pride on the incredibly gay-friendly Gran Canaria takes place in from the 3rd to the 13th May. Nearly 100,000 people turn up to celebrate gay pride on the tiny island of Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria is a four and a half hour’s flight from the UK and remains one of the most popular getaways for the British LGBT+ community.
Next year’s pride will take place from the 2nd to the 12th of May 2019.
Winter pride takes place on the 5th till the 11th November 2019. This winter pride will be the fifth annual event and is one of the largest winter prides in Europe.
Want to book a hotel at the gay exclusive location, check out our listings here.
With just one day to go until Lancaster Pride, this year’s pride promises to be the biggest ever.
The incredible artwork created by the late Amy Winehouse’s tattoo artist, Henry Hate.
Lancaster Pride is an LGBT festival organised by Out in the Bay, a local charity providing support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in the Lancaster area, as well as raising awareness for LGBT issues and campaigns.
Speaking about what Pride mean, Robert Mee, the CEO of Lancaster Pride said, “Pride is about everyone coming together to support each other to stand side by side to challenge hate and intolerance and to be able to build a better future of equality for all of us.”
What time does Lancaster Pride begin?
The Lancaster Pride parade officially begins at 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM.
Is there a parade?
Lancaster has a parade at this year’s event, and it will be the second in the pride’s history, with the parade taking place from Dalton Square.
The set off place for the parade is Dalton Square and will turn right on George Street and continue along Spring Garden Street. The procession will then turn right onto the A6 and proceed northwards in the right-hand lane.
The parade will then turn right into Church Street and once located inside the pedestrianised area will temporarily halt to allow the participants a breather and to allow the procession to reform.
The procession will turn right onto Gt John St and proceed up the left-hand lane. The procession will then turn left to finish in Dalton Sq.
Speaking at the parade will be Clive Grunshaw, the police and crime commissioner, Erica Lewis a Cat Smith representative, Kara from the multi-faith Church and Doctor Sweeney.
Where is Lancaster Pride?
Most of the day’s events will take place in front of Lancaster’s Town Hall. The postcode is: LA4 4AU.
What does Lancaster Pride cost?
Lancaster Pride is free for everyone to take part in.
What entertainment will there be at Lancaster Pride?
Performing at Lancaster Pride is the singer Whigfield, who you will remember had the massive, number 1 hit, “Saturday Night”. Also appearing is a slew of talent who will be appearing on stage from 11 AM until 6:30 PM in front of Lancaster’s Town Hall.
When a friend is in need, it can be hard to know how to react, here are some tips to help you listen and help a friend in need.
MabelAmber / Pixabay 11 ways you can help a friend struggling to cope
1) Ask if everything is okay
“How are you feeling?” Sometimes someone just needs to be asked if they are okay. Asking a simple, “how do you feel?” will let the other person know you are open to chat.
2) Just listen
If your friend starts to talk, let them speak. Don’t interrupt in the first few minutes. If you’re confused about the timeline or the people involved, circle back round to it in your repeat back.
3) Repeat back
Let your friend know that you’ve been listening by repeating back some of what they’ve said to you. In a way, it can help you summarise what you’ve heard. If you’re unclear on something here is where you can explore.
4) Ask open questions
Don’t shut the conversation down by asking a closed question. These are questions that can be answered with a “Yes” or a “No”. Instead look for open questions which will allow someone to open up and talk. They usually begin with “How”, “Why”, “What”. Closed questions begin with: “Is…”, “Can…”, “Did…” and “Are…”
5) Verbal nods
When someone is talking and sharing with you, you’ll want to show that you’re actively listening. You can do this with verbal nods, which are affirmative sounds, like “yes”, “okay” or “I hear you”.
6) Use their language
Sometimes people struggle with the right terminology or words to express themselves. Echo some of the words that stick out to you. It can act as a way of letting someone explain the way they feel more fully.
7) Don’t judge
It can be difficult not to judge someone and their actions based on what you think you’d do in the same situation. But you’re not in their situation so your judgement is pretty irrelevant here. Just listen. This is a really good moment to check how you’re sounding and talking. How is your tone of voice?
8) Don’t make it about you
Be there for your friend, so let them have this moment. Let them get everything they need to off their chest.
9) Don’t tell someone that you “get it” or “I know you feel”.
The likelihood is that you don’t or won’t. Unless you’ve been in exactly the same situation you won’t know what they’re going through. Even if you have been through something similar to your friend, you are both very different people and will deal with situations differently. It’s best to say something like, “I hear you”, “I understand what you’re saying”.
10) Don’t try and fix it
This can be really tough because you might feel like you’ve got the answer, but it’s always best to let people work out their own answers that will work with their circumstances. Also, how often do people really take advice – especially when it isn’t asked for… never. So ask your friend what they think the solution is and then repeat steps 3 to 9.
11) Speak to a stranger
Suggest that they call the Samaritans or Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline. Speaking to a stranger or someone on the end of a phone, who isn’t connected to them in any way can be a way in which your friend might feel more comfortable sharing their problems with. Samaritan’s phone number is: 116 123 or Switchboard is: 0330 330 0630.
There are still many countries in which being gay can attract the death penalty for engaging in same-sex sexual relations. Of these countries, all are located in Central Africa or in the Middle East.
CREDIT: TheGayUK
There are the countries places on earth that have specific laws which call for the death penalty of those who are found to have engaged in homosexual acts.
Afghanistan
Men could face execution but are more likely to receive long prison sentences. No executions are known to have been handed out since the end of the Taliban rule.
Brunei*
Gay men in Brunei could be stoned or given 10 years in prison if found guilty of homosexual acts.
Iran
In Iran, gay men can be lashed up to 74 times for “immature men” and the death penalty for mature men of sound mind – and where the acts were consenting. Women can be lashed 50 times and can face the death penalty after their fourth conviction.
Mauritania
Homosexuality is against the law in Mauritania and could attract the death penalty, however, there have been no public executions since 1987.
Qatar
In Qatar, gay men may face execution if they are Muslim otherwise men can face fines and a prison sentence which lasts 7 years.
Saudi Arabia
A second conviction of homosexuality in Saudi Arabia will land a death penalty. For the first offence, men can face fines, castration, flogging, prison and torture.
Sudan
Homosexuality has been illegal in Sudan since 1899. Death penalty occurs on the third offence for men and four offences for women.
Yemen
Married men can expect to be stoned to death if caught having same-sex relations. Unmarried men will receive 100 lashes or one-year imprisonment.
Libya
Gay men could face death in Libya.
Nigeria
Homosexuality is illegal in some states of Nigeria and could attract the death penalty. These states include: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara
Somalia
Homosexuality is illegal in Somalia and could attract a death penalty. Islamic courts have sentenced men to their deaths using Sharia law as their legal basis.
Syria
The actual penalty that gay men should face for homosexual acts is a prison for up to 3 years, however, due to the rise in ISIS a highly advertised death awaits those found guilty of engaging in same-sex sexual acts.
Iraq
Despite homosexuality not being illegal in Iraq, there have been reported executions of gay men in ISIS-controlled areas.
* Brunei is a Sovereign state and not a country.
There are some countries where although capital punishment might not be constitutionally ratified there are cases where gay people have been killed because of their sexuality.
With the resignation of Amber Rudd, the UK has a new Home Secretary – but how gay-friendly is Sajid Javid?
As a relatively new politician, Sajid Javid has got an overall positive voting record on LGBT+ rights. He voted positively for same-sex marriage, however as we noted previously, his absenteeism on certain votes could be a cause for concern.
Despite voting positively for same-sex marriage in 2013 he didn’t attend a vote to equalise marriage laws or extend the right to marry to our armed forces or to allow our court system to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.
Sajid entered the House of Parliament as an MP for Bromsgrove in 2010 when David Cameron led the Conservatives to a partial victory (after all they had to form a coalition with the Liberal Democrats in order to form a government).
Jenji is responsible for some of TV’s greatest shows, including Weeds and Orange Is The New Black, but what else is she know for?
Jeni Johan along with writer Lauren Morelli
Jenji Kohan is the creator and Executive Producer of Orange is the New Black. She also wrote the first and last episodes of the season.
What other shows has Jenji Kohan written or created?
Kohan began her writing career on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air after graduating from Columbia University. Her series writing credits include Mad About You, Tracy Takes On, Sex and the City and Gilmore Girls. In 1999, she was honoured with an Emmy® Award for ‘Outstanding Comedy Series’ for her work on Tracy Takes On.
She has developed and produced multiple pilots and series, including Showtime’s Weeds, which ran for eight seasons and garnered her the Writers Guild Award for ‘Best Episodic Comedy’ for the pilot entitled ‘You Can’t Miss The Bear.’
Jenji on the set of the second series of Orange Is The New Black.
Is Jenji Kohan married or have a family?
Kohan is the daughter of 13-time Emmy® Award-winning television writer Buz Kohan and accomplished novelist, Rhea Kohan.She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, journalist/author Christopher Noxon and three children Charlie, Eliza and Oscar.
Anal fissures are caused by trauma or injury to the anal canal. This can be through trying to pass large poops or particularly vigorous anal sex. The fissure can cause bleeds, especially when you poop. It’s very uncomfortable. Fissures can usually heal on their own, however, if a fissure lasts longer than six weeks, medicine or surgery may be needed. However, it’s been discovered that injecting botulinum toxin type A (Botox) directly into the sphincter will paralyse it temporarily, which will reduce pain and encourage healing.
Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.
It’s been over twenty years since the hit camp comedy The Birdcage was released but what has happened to the cast now?
Robin Williams – Armand Goldman
Sadly Robin Williams lost his life in 2014 when he took his own life. He was one of the world’s most loved actors and had a slew of box office-busting credits to his name, the majority of these were in the 90s. In total, his films have grossed over $3.2 billion in receipts, making him one of the top 20 highest grossing actors of all time. His two biggest films are Mrs Doubtfire and the Disney smash, Aladdin.
