So you’re thinking of getting engaged?

After years of first dates, torrid affairs, one-night stands, false romantic starts and broken hearts, you’ve finally found the guy who makes you want sing at the top of your lungs, drop down on one knee and beg the question, ‘Will you marry me?’. Great. But now the question becomes where to make the big proposal and how.  Few places in the contiguous United States, or, dare I say, the world, deliver romance on as grand a scale as Sonoma County, and even fewer do so with the velvet touch of a luxurious BeautifulPlaces villa in Wine Country.

What could set a more romantic scene for the proposal of a lifetime better than a cozy villa tucked into an 80-acre vineyard estate possessed of a private lake, a gravel beach and its own windmill? Or what about a poolside white pergola set among towering Redwoods in the shadows of a classic Neocolonial home plunked down in a sea of green lawns and more than 250 rosebushes? Better yet, how does a secluded tree house with unobstructed views of densely forested hills and its own private pool strike you as the ideal backdrop to declare your undying devotion to your beloved? All of these experiences and more are on tap at Sonoma’s BeautifulPlaces, an award-winning luxury villa resource based in Sonoma, CA.

Not only can BeautifulPlaces provide the perfect engagement setting, they can also sprinkle it with fairy dust. Through flourishes ranging from gestures as dramatic as arranging private chefs to prepare romantic candlelit dinners, organizing musicians for intimate serenades or scheduling private in-villa massages to more practical items as simple as stocking your rented villa with all the fixings you’ll need to prepare your guy’s favorite meal, having your favorite Champagne chilling upon arrival or making a reservation pour deux at one of Sonoma’s many charming and notable restaurants, BeautifulPlaces is more than well-versed in the art of turning the already extraordinary into the spectacular. That said, while BeautifulPlaces offers an array of almost turnkey options for making the perfect proposition, Sonoma County itself offers even more.

“There are almost as many romantic spots in Sonoma County as there are couples who visit,” explains Suzy Montes, sales and services manager at Sonoma County Tourism, who handles wedding requests. “Some areas, though, are undeniably perfect for a proposal.”

Among those “perfect” places, locals like concierge Ramon Meraz most highly recommend settings that highlight the natural splendor of Sonoma as the ideal backdrop for a dream proposal. “For about a decade I have found several special spots in Sonoma County that are beautiful…but none has had the response that Rivers End has had,” says Meraz of the popular local restaurant perched on a bluff overlooking the Russian River. “The spot there is like no other on earth when it comes to witnessing a glorious Northern California sunset (www.Ilovesunsets.com).”

Likewise, Charles Kimball, the founder/owner of GayCaliforniaWeddings.net, also suggests turning to nature for a hand in popping the question in Sonoma. “Take the windy three mile drive up to the top of Armstrong Woods State to Bull Frog Pond,” he recommends. “[At] 1,200 feet above the towering redwoods…the views to the great Pacific are amazing.” Alternatively Kimball also suggests making the big ask on the banks of the Russian River with a bottle of Champagne following a leisurely kayaking expedition or stealing away to Goat Rock Beach on the coast for a romantic stroll.

Nature aside, there is no denying the aphrodisiacal qualities of wine of which Sonoma is obviously not in short supply. But it’s not just the wine that can set the right tone for your proposal, its source can also go a long way toward creating a picture-perfect mood.

“The Kunde’s Mountain Top Tasting is one of the best vineyard tours in Sonoma,” offers Mark Vogler, co-founder/owner of Out in the Vineyard, a Sonoma-based experiential Wine Country event and travel company promoting positive LGBT lifestyles. “Visitors are taken out in the vineyard, up to the top of the estate, located at 1,400 feet, for winetasting and spectacular views of Sonoma Valley and beyond. On a clear day, the views extend all the way to the San Francisco Bay to the south and past Santa Rosa, to the Western Hills of Sonoma County to the north. The views are stunning by themselves, but put a glass of wine in hand: Sublime.”

Out in the Vineyard co-founder/owner, Gary Saperstein, concurs with his business partner about the romance of wineries but offers some additional ideas. “Two of my favorite wineries in which to share that most romantic moment are Hanzell Vineyards and Paradise Ridge,” says Saperstein.  “Hanzell Vineyards is located in the Mayacamas Mountain Range and has one of the most spectacular settings in Wine Country…[while]… Paradise Ridge Winery located on a 150-acre estate in the hills of Santa Rosa offers some spectacular views to enjoy while sipping some delectable wines.”

In short, no matter what your romantic fantasy, Sonoma delivers the perfect romantic storm. With its world-class wines, natural assets, memorable sunsets, stunning vistas, jaw-dropping accommodations, and cozy restaurants – what’s not to love? Say ‘yes’ to Sonoma and I’m pretty sure he’ll say ‘yes’ to you.

For a chance to win a  3-day/night stay in Sonoma in your very own luxury villa—complete with wine tastings, romantic meals, hot air balloon ride and more – enter the Instinct Magazine and Beautiful Places ‘Pop The Question” Contest. For more details, click here.

http://instinctmagazine.com/post/romance-sonoma-perfect-proposition

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In the days before LA Gay Pride, there’s excitement and anxiety in the air as those final pounds are shed, barely-there ensembles are chosen, parade floats are completed and WeHo gears up for one of its biggest, most colorful annual celebrations. During the LA Gay Pride Parade on Sunday, a strip of West Hollywood explodes in a rainbow of colors, costumes and characters, and it draws more than 500,000 people each year. No matter how you play it, that can make your plans a little complicated. Here’s our guide to the LA Gay Pride Parade—how to survive with your dignity intact while still wringing every ounce of fun out of the rainbow of fest activities—and the best restaurants in West Hollywoodand best gay bars and clubs to boot.

1

Take a cab

Let’s begin with the practical, shall we? On Parade day, parking in West Hollywood is a particularly unwieldy affair. Streets are blocked off, traffic is murderous and frustration levels are high. Rather than risk starting your Pride Sunday on a sour note (or even worse, being towed for parking in the wrong place), just take a cab, order Uber, hop on a bus, or—now that we have it—take the subway to Hollywood and Highland and make your way from there. Prevent aggravation on the front end, eliminate the risk of drinking and driving on the back end. It’s not novel, but it is a win-win. (If you do insist on driving, however, check the Pride site for recommended places to park.)

2

Arrive early

It’s generally true in life and it’s certainly true on Parade Sunday that the early bird gets the best seat in the house. Though there is some dispute about the best place for viewing the parade, there is little disagreement that the most popular vantage point is right in the heart of WeHo, within a few blocks of the intersection of San Vicente and Santa Monica Boulevards. A swarm of go-to bars in this three-block radius open early on Pride Sunday, so unless you want to stand and be jostled for hours, grab a seat at one of them when the doors open, order a cocktail and settle in to watch the Parade go by.

3

Let Sunday trump Saturday

If you’re purchasing a ticket to the festival, Sunday is always the more popular of the two nights, as it’s the culmination of the weekend. That is not to say that both nights aren’t worth the $20 price of admission—we only suggest that for the budget-conscious, Sunday definitely offers the most bang for your buck. Unless, of course, you’re a huge Ciara fan—in which case you should by all means purchase a ticket for Saturday when she will be headlining on the main stage.

4

Plan an escape and rendezvous points

Plan ahead, stay ahead. Parade day can quickly turn into an overwhelming mass of humanity in which friends are often lost, found and then lost again. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to set up a rendezvous spot with your posse in one of the quieter corners of the ‘hood. East of La Cienaga on Santa Monica Blvd, popular watering holes likeHamburger Mary’s tend to still be packed, but they’re also just far enough away from the fray that they make great meeting spots. And if you want to avoid the crowd altogether and watch the parade in a more relaxed setting, Café La Boheme is once again hosting its annual Pride Block Party on the quieter side of WeHo—complete with an upscale brunch buffet, live DJ and the inimitable, wickedly talented Jimmy James as its host.

5

Spend Saturday night at Wonderland

Mega event promoters Tom Whitman and Masterbeat join forces for Saturday’s hottest ticket at Universal Studios. After 9pm, the park is closed to the general public and rides are open exclusively to Wonderland ticket holders until 1am. Meanwhile, from 10pm until 4am, one of Universal’s giant soundstages becomes a mega club presided over by some of the top international DJs on the planet. There will be parties at bars all over WeHo on Saturday night as well, but none is bigger or more over the top than this one.

6

Take a dip at SpLAsh

Better to end with a crescendo than start with a thud. Ease into Pride weekend with an afternoon of frolicking, flirting and fun at yet another Tom Whitman/Masterbeat co-production—an all-new edition of SpLAsh. Billed as “LA’s biggest pool party and T Dance” SpLAsh 2013 will be held at a private, $65 million estate in Bel Air, and will offer the perfect opportunity to show your pride while mixing and mingling in an idyllic setting away from hubbub of boystown.

7

Go east

Spread your pride around. West Hollywood may be the nucleus of all of the action during Pride weekend, but the celebration’s tentacles stretch well beyond the borders of West Hollywood. The Eastside will be particularly abuzz during Pride and you would do yourself a disservice not to avail yourself of all it has to offer. Venture over to MixTape at Akbar on Friday night or get your party on with Mario Diaz at a special Pride edition of BRUTUS atFaultline.

8

Drink! (water)

It is such a simple tip, but one that is seemingly forgotten every year as ambulances drag away one poor sod after another, long before the party has kicked into high gear. If you hydrate before and during the weekend, you won’t have to worry about being one of them this year. It’s hot, people! A little sunscreen wouldn’t hurt either.

9

Connect and reflect

Make some time to do at least one thing that doesn’t have to do with a party, a cocktail or scantily-clad go-go boys. Whether it’s attending one of the weekend’s many fundraisers or spending time at the festival itself, do something that connects you with the reason that Pride came into being in the first place. It will only inspire you to celebrate that much harder.

10

Take Monday off

It’s the only logical thing to do. No one will believe you when you call in hungover—er, sick—so why even bother with the charade? Cash in a vacation day and dive headlong into Pride Sunday with the full knowledge that you’ve got an entire day to recuperate and relive the magic of the weekend.

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If you want to mingle with the movers and shakers of gay LA, you have to know where to find them. A good start are these gay power parties, which are teeming with out insiders. Whether it’s a celebration of the arts, equality or each other, these soirées know how to fête what’s important—and always include who’s important.

GLAAD Media Awards

 

The GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles are like the gay Golden Globes. It’s a high-spirited celebration where everyone from the best in LGBT talent to outstanding creators of gay media is honored before a ballroom packed with out Hollywood power players. All the glad-handing, air kisses, back slaps and introductions at the cocktail reception preceding the big event would alone be worth the price of admission, but the main event—which has honored LGBT icons such as Wanda Sykes and Chaz Bono alongside gay community allies including the late Elizabeth Taylor, Drew Barrymore and Josh Hutcherson—is where the real magic happens. This is the event at which to see and be seen.

2013 date: April 20

Tickets: $500+

 

HRC annual Los Angeles Dinner

 

Scarlett Johansson, Kathy Griffin and Charlize Theron are three of the A-list names (yes, Kathy, when it comes to your gays, you’re A-list all the way) who have received the Ally for Equality Award at the Human Rights Campaign Gala Dinner in Los Angeles. A powerful cocktail of celebrity, politics and social activism, the Tinseltown edition of the HRC Gala hits town around early spring, bringing with it a bit more gravitas than most LA fundraisers, if only because it draws both openly gay and LGBT-friendly politicians, activists and journalists into the normal swirl of celebrities that tend to be familiar faces on the red carpet at these affairs.

2013 date: March 23

Tickets: $275 – $400

 

An Evening with Women

 

An Evening with Women is the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center’s premier annual female-centric event honoring lesbians, bisexual women and their allies, with proceeds benefiting the Center’s vital services for women and girls. There is perhaps no bigger, better attended event for LA’s lesbian community than this one as evidenced by the list of past attendees and performers which includes Courtney Love, Ashlee Simpson, Gina Gershon, Kat Von D, Samantha Ronson and Wanda Sykes. To call it a Sapphic extravaganza might even be an understatement.

2013 date: May 18

Tickets: $300 – $3,000

 

Outfest opening and closing night galas

 

For ten days each summer, Outfest, the world’s largest gay & lesbian film festival, takes over the gay social calendar in Los Angeles with a slew of parties, screenings and galas that attract a veritable who’s who of out filmmakers, actors and bold-faced below-the-line names. Each year, the centerpiece events of the festival are the opening and closing night galas, which tend to be Absolut-fueled schmoozefests where introductions are easy-going and the opportunities for networking with celebrigays of all stripes are plentiful.

2013 dates: July 11–21

Tickets: $40 – $175

 

Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party

 

It’s been two decades since Elton John began hosting his annual Academy Awards viewing party as a benefit for his eponymous AIDS foundation. But what started as a humble fund-raising party, with entertainment provided by Sir Elton himself, has grown into an Oscar-night bash second only in popularity to Vanity Fair’s signature Academy Award fête. If you want to rub elbows with event co-chairs like Ellen Degeneres & Portia de Rossi, Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka or Elton himself, this is your golden ticket on Oscar night(just be warned that it ain’t cheap or easy to get).

2013 date: February 24

Tickets: $3,500+

 

Fashion’s Night Out Los Angeles

 

When it comes to fashion, Los Angeles and New York are rarely in sync, but Fashion’s Night Out is one of those rare occasions when the two cities are in sartorial step. In perfect time with their NYC counterparts, LA’s fashionistas mix, mingle and, most importantly, shop at FNOLA while dishing about fashion and sipping sassy cocktails in the city’s chicest boutiques. Opening ceremonies traditionally kick off at the Beverly Center and then fan out to tony addresses along Melrose and Robertson Avenues and beyond. This is the night when all the creative kids in their pumped up kicks take to the streets to show the world what they’ve got. A percentage of the proceeds from this parade of posh outfits benefits the New York City AIDS Fund as well as various other local and national charities.

2013 date: First week of September

Free

 

Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center Anniversary Gala and Auction

 

Forty plus years in the game and a stellar record of achievement have earned the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center’s Anniversary Gala & Auction a place of reverence on the annual social calendars of powerful gay and lesbian Angelenos. Celebrating notable figures in the local LGBT community, this soirée has a more homegrown feel than events of similar scale. That said, it’s also the type of community-oriented event that could only happen in a town like Los Angeles—where the “community” includes the likes of Jane Lynch, Gus Van Sant, Lynda Perry, Zachary Quinto and the ubiquitous Neil Patrick Harris.

2013 date: Early November

Tickets: $300 – $400

 

“The Envelope Please”—APLA’s annual Oscar-viewing party

 

The weeks surrounding the Academy Awards are a particularly magical time in the City of Angels, but it’s the night that the Oscars are handed out for which we all live. Where you spend that night (and with whom) is a major decision. For the last 11 years, AIDS Project Los Angeles has hosted its “The Envelope Please” Oscar viewing party at the Abbey, considered by many to be among the world’s best gay bars. APLA’s annual benefit is one of the hottest tickets in town, attracting celebrity hosts, A-list gays and those who love them, as well as an overflow crowd from the neighboring Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Party, which is a must-stop for celebs on Hollywood’s big night. And yes…more than a few Oscar winners have been known to stumble into the APLA after-party, where DJs spin well after the final golden statuette has been claimed and the last tears associated with winning it have dried.

2013 date: February 24

Tickets: $500

 

Macy’s Glamorama

 

Supermodel…Work! Each fall, Macy’s Glamorama gives LA’s fashionable set a double dose of entertainment with a concert and runway show benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food. One of the major fashion happenings of the season in Los Angeles, Glamorama is well attended by gay-lebs, fashionistas and Hollywood types. The after-party is the perfect opportunity to casually mix with the crowd as a DJ spins while model-pretty bartenders pour intoxicating libations until the wee hours of the morning.

2013 date: Mid-September

Tickets: $75 – $1,000

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I am honored to have been chosen to serve on the nominating committee for the NewNowNext Traveler’s Choice Awards for the third straight year and I am equally excited to note that for 2012 a slew of fun new categories have been added. This year your votes will determine everything from the Bossest Beach and Ultimate Resort to the destinations with the sexiest and most stylish locals.

Who will the winners be? It’s all in your hands now. This year you can vote right here at www.theduanewells.com.  See below on the right hand side to start voting. Vote today and vote often for your favorite hotspots around the globe.

Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Voting closes on 11/27  so don’t sleep on this contest or run the risk that your favorite nominees might not make it into this year’s the winners’ circle.

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However, in all the years I had been visiting London, it was not until after it was announced that London would host the 2012 Olympic Games that East London ever showed up in earnest on my radar (that is, of course, beyond my knowledge of British television shows like The East Enders and accounts from friends about the scrappy, scruffy nature of the then-rough-and-tumble section of London). Prior to that time, my London stomping grounds had been limited to the likes of Knightsbridge, Soho, Hampstead Heath, Notting Hill, Mayfair and Trafalgar Square, among other well-tread haunts.

But then something happened around 2007. There was suddenly an energy that drew me out of my London comfort zone. Around that time I discovered glimmers of fabulousness that made the voyage to Canary Wharf, Bethnal Green and Shoreditch worth the trip. Subsequently I ventured to Brick Lane, which became a regular stop on my visits, and later to Greenwich.

Finally, I came full circle when I set upon the new and improved East London just a few weeks ago and felt the full weight of the renaissance the area had witnessed. What was once something of a ‘no man’s land’ had been transformed into one of London’s trendiest, coolest neighborhoods in large part thanks to the Olympic Village that was now its centerpiece. The streets, crowded with hipsters, were lined with edgy new shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. I wouldn’t exactly call East London shiny and new, but I would say it is without question gritty, urban, young and possessed of a definitive and magnetic personality all its own. And, after all, is that not the very essence of cool?

One of the favorite new spots I unearthed during my discovery of East London 2012 included the swank bistroLes Trois Garcons, a converted Victorian Pub in Shoreditch that is now awash in a whimsical, eye-popping medley of crystal chandeliers and taxidermy. From the decidedly French menu, I sampled the Escargot de Dorset, Homard Ecossais (Scottish Lobster served with Lobster Butter Sauce), Côte de Veau et Ris de Veau aux Asperge (Veal Cutlet served with Sweetbread Wontons and Asparagus) and Tarte Tatin aux Pêches (Peach Tart Tartin). Classically French and utterly elegant, the combination of the service, the ambiance and the food at Les Trois Garcons only reconfirmed what I already knew—East London had entered the big leagues, more than able to compete with the London’s heretofore most-buzzed-about neighborhoods.

Steps away from the restaurant, I ventured into a cult gay pub, The George and Dragon, where the party was in full swing on a Friday night. Packed to the gills with sweaty, sexy alternative types grooving to one dance classic after another, it was immediately clear that I was no longer in Soho but in a parallel community that thumbed its nose ever so slightly at the established gay centers in London.

Jacket off, hands raised, I think I actually might have danced liked nobody was watching until the sheer heat in the place forced me on to my next and final stop, the cult gay pub The Joiners Arms. In this larger yet similarly intimate space, resident DJs spin the crowded dancefloor into a frenzy each week while more low-key patrons mingle on the packed smoke-filled back patio. Another winner, the mazelike bar/club delivered the fun with a uniquely funky East London spin.

Riding home at just around 2 a.m. (admittedly early), I contemplated just how much not only East London but London in general had changed since my first trip all those years ago and I felt reminded of why my love affair with the city has remained so passionate despite the passage of time. Like a great lover, London has evolved as I have evolved, and after more than a decade and a half, it just keeps giving me more reasons to love it. Now that’s my kind of romance.

Until next time, cheers!

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Contrary to what you may have read or seen in the news about Israel generally, Tel Aviv specifically is an oasis of beauty and decadent delights with chutzpah that rivals and indeed surpasses many of the most popular gay destinations in the world. Hence the reason that life in Israel’s capital city is sometimes referred to by those in the know as ‘the Bubble.’

A liberal and progressive city, Tel Aviv is endowed with picture-perfect weather year-round—reminiscent of Southern California—a staggeringly beautiful citizenry whose penchant for partying is legendary, culture to spare and some of the most stunning beaches the Mediterranean has to offer. Make no mistake, Tel Aviv is in many ways the ultimate gay playground, and not just because Michael Lucas and his Men of Israel say so.

Here’s a look at how to play, what to do and where to stay if you’re planning on visiting fabulous Tel Aviv any time soon.

Play 

To the uninitiated, Tel Aviv’s vibrant gay nightlife scene may come as something of a surprise. Recognized as one of the world’s leading gay nightlife destinations, Tel Aviv is constantly abuzz with massive gay events lorded over by some of the biggest DJs on the planet, many of whom have taken up regular residence at the most popular clubs in the capital city.

The theme of nightlife in Tel Aviv appears to be ‘Come late, play late, stay late.’ In fact, many clubs don’t even start jumping until around 2 a.m., so disco naps are well advised for those who hope to hang out until sunrise and beyond with the city’s voracious club kids.

Evita (31 Yavne St., +972 (03) 566 9559), one of the city’s oldest and best known bars, is a great place to meet up for a drink or get an early start to the evening almost any night of the week. Another popular spot for the truly au courant is Radio EPGB (7 Shaddal St., +972 (03) 560 3636), a fashionable bar with a fashionable crowd that opens its doors at 9 and doesn’t close them until the last customer takes his or her leave. Seriously.

Other chic, gay-friendly watering holes and restaurants can be found along the popular Rothschild, Nachalat Binyamin and Lilienblum streets, which are usually littered with party types on the weekends.

Clubs aside, Tel Aviv hosts a series of regular parties in venues around the city that will suit just about any taste. There’s Big Boys every other Friday night at the Teatron Club for men 29 and over, Notorious G.A.Y. on Mondays at Lima Lima, Beef on Thursdays for Tel Aviv’s bears and those who love them and Friday Funday at Ashmoret, which not surprisingly takes place on Fridays and appeals to pop and disco lovers. The mother of all Tel Aviv parties is FFF, the biggest club in town, where house music blares as throngs of beautiful people dance into the wee hours of the morning every other Friday.

No matter what your flavor, if you like to party, Tel Aviv’s got something on the menu for you.

Do

Apart from nightlife, Tel Aviv is a city of many enviable charms. While those who worship the sun and enjoy staring unashamedly at ripped, god-like Israeli boys will gravitate to frolicking around the very gay Hilton Beach, which is located just below the Hilton hotel at Independence Park near the ultra cruisy Gan Ha’atzmaut park, true shopaholics will probably be more drawn to trendy Dizengoff Street, which is populated with a collection of trendy boutiques and some of the biggest designers on offer in the entire city.

For true youthful appeal, however, Shenkin Street is where you’ll find the action. Crowded with swank stores and funky little cafés, Shenkin Street is a major artery for Tel Aviv’s most fashionable folks. Think yuppie central.

Similarly, Neve Tzedek is another popular shopping area with a bevy of local designers and genuinely unique wares for those always in the market for something a little bit more authentic and different.

The big new player on the Tel Aviv retail scene is the much ballyhooed HaTachana (hatachana.co.il). A former Tel Aviv/Jaffa train station turned mega shopping, restaurant and entertainment complex, the Tachana recently reopened after a 10-year, multimillion dollar restoration. Needless to say, it is currently all the rage.

Elsewhere on your Tel Aviv to-do list, do make sure to take a stroll along Rothschild Boulevard, without question the city’s most famed thoroughfare, and take in the Bauhaus architecture, stop in at a café for an espresso or lunch at one of the many restaurants that throng the street and watch the pretty parade go by.

For a little adventure, pop down to the Tel Aviv Port and tuck into a seaside breakfast on the terrace at Comme il Faut Café (Tel Aviv Port, +972 (03) 544 9211, comme-il-faut.com/café). Tool around the novelty shops and then book a Segway tour around the Tel Aviv Promenade along the beach and through the city. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon being a little silly.

Meanwhile, a tour of historical Jaffa, the famed port of Tel Aviv over which wars too numerous to recount were fought, will appeal to culturati. As will the stunning new, ultra-modern Design Museum Holon(dmh.org.il/default.aspx) located just outside of Tel Aviv.

Stay

As Tel Aviv is relatively small and gay life in the city is for the most part somewhat decentralized, where you choose to stay when visiting the city has everything to do with your own personal tastes. Most accommodations in the heart of the city are just a short and inexpensive cab ride away from whatever your heart desires in Tel Aviv. However, on the subject of cab cost, be aware that the sidewalks pretty much roll up in the city from Friday evening to Saturday night in observance of Shabbat, which is the Jewish day of prayer—so expect to pay a premium for cabs if you plan on going out in the city on a Friday evening. That said, here are few places to consider looking into on your next trip to Tel Aviv:

Hotel Montefiore (36 Montefiore St., +972 (03) 564 6100, hotelmontefiore.co.il) is a three-story building that was once a private residence, Hotel Montefiore is an elegant boutique hotel that maintains the feeling of a private home while offering all the accoutrements one might expect of a luxury property. It is the kind of hotel that will appeal to those who appreciate accommodations that are anything but cookie cutter.

From the shape and size of the rooms to the books on the bookshelves, each of the hotel’s twelve rooms are uniquely appointed. Even the olive oil-based bath products stocked in guest suites have been exclusively created for Hotel Montefiore. Meanwhile, the restaurant at the Montefiore is a must-see treat populated by local hipsters and some of the most attractive, well-coiffed staff the city has to offer. The decidedly eclectic and international menu is filled with all sorts of palate-pleasing delights, and the restaurant bar is open for late-night drinks should you be in the mood for, shall we say, a more upscale night cap.

Crowne Plaza City Center, Tel Aviv (136 Menachem Rd., +972 (03) 777 4000, ichotelsgroup.com)—a behemoth of a hotel—is minutes away from the heartbeat of Tel Aviv, a testament to modernity. The hotel’s spacious rooms feature a clean, contemporary design punctuated with splashes of color, and most have some pretty spectacular views of Tel Aviv. The breakfast buffet each morning is pretty spectacular as well. Rumor has it some people book into Crowne Plaza for the breakfast alone. After experiencing it, I wouldn’t doubt it.

Dan Tel Aviv (99 Hayarkon St., +972 (03) 520 2525, danhotels.com) is recently renovated, stylish and located on the coastline of Tel Aviv, peering over the Mediterranean Sea. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy seaside pursuits or just lolling around the beaches which tend to be filled with pretty people seemingly year round. And best of all, the rainbow façade that made the hotel so recognizable over the years remains in tact post the renovation. Now how welcoming is that?

Neve Tzedek Hotel (Dgania St no. 4, +972 54 2070706, nevetzedekhotel.com) is a boutique hotel in the heart of one of Tel Aviv’s hippest neighborhoods. It may be one of the newest additions to the city’s hotel scene, but it also is one of the most sparkling. Smartly designed and complete with a happening bar and restaurant, this is a hotel for the sophisticated traveler. Even if you don’t stay at this hotel, be sure to pop by the neighboring Nina Café for a quick coffee to get a feel for how the fashionable locals live in Tel Aviv.

For more on gay Tel Aviv, visit gayisrael.org.il.

Gay News – FrontiersLA – Breaking Gay News | Tel Aviv Calling.

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Duane Wells
7/12/2012

All photos by Jeffrey James Keyes

It is no secret that World Pride 2012 was plagued by a series of widely reported calamities along the way, but in the final analysis, out of what might be called chaos arose a global celebration worthy of the title World Pride. The annual parade might have been turned into a ‘procession’ held far away from the traditional gay hub of Soho, and there might not have been a series of colorful floats or a barrage of corporate sponsors as one might have expected, but what was left was the very heart of what Pride celebrations should be all about—plainly and simply, celebrating who we really are as a community and all of our wonderful diversity.

The day begin with a march toward Trafalgar Square, which included parade participants from around the world who gathered to deliver unique messages in their own unique ways to the world about who they are, what their gay communities look like and what their challenges are. To be sure, there was also a fair amount of leather as well as the expected hordes of shirtless men whose torsos had been emblazoned with the logos of various adult entertainment websites, but there were also gay choruses, marching bands and soldiers marching alongside LGBT groups advocating on behalf of LGBT civil rights in destinations as diverse as the Philippines, New York, Lithuania, Sri Lanka, Bermuda, Mexico and Turkey.

Given the looseness of the parade, some might have called the affair amateurish—but, again, in the end, it all just felt like a giant street party, a day when the community came together to commune and give a shout-out to the world to remind them that despite all the strides forward in the realm of LGBT rights around the world, we’re all still here, we’re all still fighting and we all still love a party (and a good reason to dress up—or not, as the case may be). To my thinking, it was a gathering that truly represented the many proverbial colors of the rainbow for the estimated 25,000 participants in attendance.

For those of us able to let go of our strictures about what Pride celebrations should be, even the infrequent rain showers couldn’t dampen our pride or enthusiasm. At one point towards the end, my group even jumped into the parade and marched with various groups, which just gives an indication of how lighthearted and participatory World Pride 2012 felt.

The culmination of the day took place in Trafalgar Square, where a capacity crowd gathered to take in a performance by gay icon Boy George, who was preceded on the main stage by a bevy of local talent before headliner Deborah Cox delivered a rousing set, cut all too short by time constraints. By 6 p.m. the event was done, and the crowd quietly dispersing to fill the bars along Old Compton Street or dress for the evening’s big parties—like Hustlaball in Brixton, which delivered its usual mélange of pornstars, rentboys, scantily clad muscle boys and sexual intrigues that went on well into the wee hours of the morning.

World Pride now moves on to Toronto in 2014, but looking back on 2012, London gave the LGBT community a day to remember—a day that in its stripped-down imperfection recaptured some of the magic of Pride that hearkened back to a simpler time. And that is a feat that simply can’t be planned.

Stay tuned for more about World Pride in Toronto in 2014 at torontopride.com.

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When I met Johnny Weir at a photo shoot in Hollywood, he wasn’t at all what I expected—a revelation that the well traveled, two-time Olympian has become all too accustomed to hearing. He was smaller than I had imagined, but then again most celebrities are. His voice was neither boisterous nor demanding, but instead disarmingly soft and pleasant. He greeted every single person assembled to make Hollywood magic at his photo shoot with a beaming smile and flurry of hugs and handshakes, regardless of whether or not he’d ever met them before. Having been one of those he hadn’t been introduced to prior to that moment, I was equally charmed by his inviting demeanor and surprised by how at odds it was from the portrait media reports had painted of him.

Then again, Johnny Weir is a purposeful chameleon, and he’ll tell you as much. That is not to say that he is disingenuous, but rather that he isn’t afraid to let people see all of him…the good and the bad. “Life is a show and I can play lots of different characters if need be,” Johnny told me matter of factly in our interview after that photo shoot, and it’s a darn good thing that’s the case, because he most certainly wears a lot of hats, all of which fit him like a couture glove.

With the 2011 release of his autobiography Welcome To My World: My Hot Life On Ice and the debut of his first music single “Dirty Love” the ever-enterprising, three-time US champion, world medalist, fashionista, and ice-skating icon, added the titles author and singer to his ever-expanding pedigree. Now with his recent marriage to Georgetown Law School graduate Victor Voronov and the second season of his reality series Be Good Johnny Weir set to air on LOGO, the newly minted Mr. Johnny Weir-Voronov is poised to tack devoted husband and reality TV star onto his glamorous Curriculum Vitae. And the first quarter of 2012 is barely over. At this rate, perhaps Johnny’s next reality series should be entitled Don’t Just Be Good, Be Everything Johnny Weir.

When you’re meeting fans in far-flung corners of the globe, what’s the most common misconception you find that people have about you?

I think the greatest misconception that people have about me is that they think I’m a huge diva and that I do everything in my life for attention. I can tell you that if I hadn’t become a figure skater, and I still lived in a small town in Pennsylvania, I would be exactly who I am. Maybe I wouldn’t know as much about fashion or own as much fashion as I do, but I would be the same exact person. I don’t hate that I have this diva persona, but it does get grinding when people meet me and say, ‘Oh I thought you were going to be the biggest bitch!’

Now that you mention divas and personas, the cover of your new book Welcome To My World: My Hot Life On Ice is rather, shall we say, diva-esque?

Well, I wanted the cover to be very much how the world sees me because my story itself is very pure…it’s very similar to the mass market of America. I mean, I’m from a small town, I wanted bigger things, I worked hard, and I achieved them. That’s my story. There’s nothing so outrageous or different about my story from a million other people, so I wanted the cover of my book to be a direct contrast to how I live my life. The cover is everything the world thinks of me …[but] I know that it’s not me. Of course, I’ve got that girl inside me who wants to wear heels, but in general I’m a low-key, soft-spoken person, and I wanted people to literally judge the book by its cover, then read the book and say, ‘Wow, Johnny’s really not that person at all.’

It’s no secret you love Russia, in fact, you just got back from yet another visit to the former Soviet Union. What’s the connection?

Well Russia for me is a very, very special place. It’s in my heart and every time I’m there I think, ‘I need to live here…I need to be here more often.’ I think everyone who travels—even if it’s just here in the United States—finds that one special place that means the most to them…where they want to be all the time.

When did your love affair with Russia begin?

Since I was five or six years old I’ve understood what Russia was and what it meant. I’ve read history books about Russia…I’ve just always been so interested in it. I really have no idea where it comes from [but], of course, being in a sport like figure skating where Russians are so dominant, I respected very much their sports machine. I just have an affinity for the language…I speak it very well, I can read, write, talk, do everything in Russian and some of my best friends are Russian. It’s just one of those things that is a constant source of inspiration for me. I don’t know what it is, but from a very young age when most kids wanted to learn about dinosaurs and robots, I wanted to learn about Russia, and I wanted to learn about the czars and Russian royal history.

And so the mystery is solved. Is there any wonder then that Johnny found love in the former Soviet Union? Hardly. From inspiration comes love and vice-versa.  Enough said.

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Stephan Horbelt & Duane Wells 
5/10/2012 

As summer quickly approaches, one thought on the minds of many LGBT individuals is the litany of Pride celebrations taking place locally and abroad. Why restrict yourself to the fun Pride festivals of SoCal? Put some stamps in your Pride passport by checking out these various celebrations around the world.

LONDON
WorldPride
June 23 – July 8
pridelondon.org

There is little doubt that 2012 is shaping up to be a major year for London! The city will not only play host to this year’s Olympic festivities, but also to a splashy series of events honoring  the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee—and perhaps most prescient to the LGBT community, WorldPride 2012.

Sponsored by Smirnoff, this year’s WorldPride celebration promises to bring together the global LGBT community for two whirlwind weeks, with a festival of art, culture and advocacy, culminating with the WorldPride Parade through central London and a massive street party in Soho on Saturday, July 7. An A-list lineup of top London DJs will join forces with a star-studded collection of talent on parade day for what is being heralded as the biggest Pride event London has ever hosted.

Partying aside, the central theme of WorldPride 2012 will be to call for the global decriminalization of homosexuality, particularly within the British Commonwealth. In keeping with the theme, Pride London will also concurrently host a conference at London’s Senate House to discuss the issues facing the global LGBT community today.  At press time, speakers had already been confirmed from countries including Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to discuss ways the community can work together to improve the lot of LGBT citizens around the globe.

In other words, it’s a celebration with a conscience rather than an unconscious celebration—and that is a good thing.

Stay
There is no shortage of gay-friendly accommodations to choose from for the WorldPride festivities, and many of them are, not surprisingly, in stumbling distance of the city’s better-known gay areas, like Soho. One popular destination is the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel. Fans of the film Love and Other Disasters will recognize this hotel as the place where Matthew Rhys, one of the film’s stars, finds true gay love—most appropriate given that the hotel is a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, London’s West End theater scene and the fabulously gay Old Compton Street. The breathtaking entryway of the Chancery Court Hotel and the property’s genuine pearl-studded Pearl Lounge are worth the price of admission alone. Think old world elegance with modern flair and you’ve got the idea.

Eat
Balans may be a chain, but there is still something quite special about the Old Compton Street location, which starts buzzing early every day (at 8 a.m.) and hums along well into the wee hours of the morning (6 a.m. on weekends) with a jovial and attractive throng of patrons throughout. Pop in early for a Full English Breakfast, stop by mid-day for a martini or a daiquiri, meet up for a quick, light bite with friends before a big night out or get to know your favorite new friends from the WorldPride Parade over late-night cocktails. You choose and Balans will deliver. —D.W.

TORONTO
June 22 – July 1
pridetoronto.com

This neighbor to the north’s annual Pride celebration has been in existence in various forms since the late ‘70s. “Celebrate and demonstrate”—this year’s theme—during a weekend of festivities that is truly all-encompassing. Pride Toronto’s street fair will be set up in the Church and Wellesley neighborhood all weekend long. The 32nd annual Pride parade will be held on Sunday, July 1, with the Dyke March held on June 30 and the Trans March held on June 29. A true ‘LGBT’ celebration.

LAS VEGAS
Sept. 7-8
lasvegaspride.org

You’re always guaranteed a fun stay in Sin City, but Pride weekend has long been a huge draw for LGBTs around the country. In addition to Las Vegas’ near-infinite list of casinos, shows, restaurants and bars, take in some of the desert city’s Pride-specific events. On Friday, Sept. 7, indulge in the Vegas Pride Night Parade, featuring LGBT businesses, nonprofits, service agencies and civic groups. After the parade, stick around the Fremont Street Experience for the evening’s special entertainment. On Saturday, spend the day at the Vegas Pride Festival, complete with food, drinks, exhibitors and an outdoor mainstage. No one can do entertainment quite like Vegas, so don’t miss out on the city’s fun Pride festivities.

Play
May 5 saw the opening of the country’s first-ever drag queen-staffed bar and gaming venue, Drink & Drag. Situated on Vegas’ historic Fremont Street, the bar shares its owner with Krave Nightclub, one of Sin City’s longtime gay hotspots. Take in some bowling, billiards, air hockey and interactive games while you’re in town celebrating Pride. 450 Fremont St., Las Vegas

NEW YORK CITY
June 16-24
nycpride.org

There’s no city in the world quite like the Big Apple, and those looking for a fulfilling Pride experience need look no further. Things kick off with The Rally on Saturday, June 16, featuring well-known performers and motivating speakers, and finish up with a bang at Dance on the Pier, held this year at Pier 57 on Sunday, June 24, where you can dance into the early morning with the Perry Twins and DJ Boris. In between, check out the VIP Rooftop Party; Rapture on the River, an event for the ladies; Pridefest, the annual street fair; and The March, with a list of grand marshals that includes Cyndi Lauper. New York City Pride is a reminder of where the modern gay rights movement began. The very first march was held on the streets of New York following the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a moment in history that is commemorated at Pride celebrations around the world.

Eat
Known as a chic hotspot with delicious food and fabulous cocktails, Chelsea eatery Elmo is popular among the trendy, beautiful, artsy and gay. Our recommendation? Try Elmo during weekend brunch hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and fuel up before jumping into serious Pride revelry. 156 7th Ave., Chelsea

SAN FRANCISCO
June 23-24
sfpride.org

Honor the legend of Harvey Milk by heading upstate to San Francisco and having a blast during Pride weekend. The great celebration takes place at the foot of the city’s historic City Hall, where Milk himself once stood and addressed Pride-goers more than 30 years ago. It’s the largest LGBT gathering in the nation, with over 200 parade-participating groups, 300 exhibitors and more than 20 stages and venues. The weekend’s mainstage has been host in the past to incredible acts like Lady Gaga, Margaret Cho and others. This year’s event theme is “Global Equality.”

Stay
Treat yourself while in town for Pride weekend by booking a stay at the brand-new Golden Gate Suite at Hotel Palomar. Timed to honor the 75th anniversary of one of our state’s most recognizable landmarks, the suite is available through the end of the year. Take in local artist creations, furniture actually made out of the bridge’s reclaimed steel, a special cocktail inspired by the bridge and more. The pièce de resistance, though, is the printed opaque decal of the Golden Gate Bridge that expands across the suite’s five bay windows. Simply stunning. 12 4th St., Downtown SF.

PROVINCETOWN CARNIVAL WEEK
August 12-17
ptown.org

There’s no place on Earth quite like Provincetown, Mass., a gay oasis at the very tip of Cape Cod, the summer home of John Waters and plenty other progenitors of queer culture. But until you’ve stepped off a ferry or puddle-jumper and actually experienced P-Town for yourself, you’ll never fully understand the quaint charm of the village—or why so many LGBTs from the world over return each year for a summer like no other. Provincetown is the only city in the world with such an influx of amazingly talented performers and entertainers throughout the summer—comic and drag legends including Margaret Cho, Ian Harvie, Jimmy James, Lady Bunny, Dina Martina, Varla Jean Merman, Jackie Beat and Miss Richfield 1981 all make appearances throughout the summer, some permanently setting up shop in P-Town for the duration of the summer.

If Provincetown is a place like no other, Carnival is a week like no other. While every day of the year constitutes ‘Pride’ in P-Town, Carnival Week is a time of debauchery, dancing, drinking and all-around mischief. Each year P-Town is packed to gills during Carnival with visitors from the world over, all ready to indulge in everything the town has to offer—shows, cruises, tea dances and late-night dance parties. While each week in P-Town seems to cater to various subsets of the LGBT community, here’s a week devoted purely to the partiers.

Stay
In a village filled with elegant B&Bs throughout, there’s no shortage of places to stay, but how you prefer to spend your time will ultimately lend itself to choosing the best accommodations for you. If you plan to party it up at the bevy of P-Town’s bars and restaurants, you’ll want to consider staying in the middle of town, somewhere not far off of Bradford or Commercial Streets. If you’re looking for a bit of respite during your stay—or perhaps want the option to get away from the craziness while nursing your hangover(s)—you may want to look toward the edges of town, perhaps alongside the moors. Staying near the moors also puts you close to the nude beach, for those who plan to get a little sun during their stay.

Play
One fun way to spend your mornings and early afternoons (before hitting up the daily tea dance, of course) is to take a dip at the P-Town Inn, a waterfront resort that features the most fun pool in town. Bring a towel and your favorite swimsuit to the pool and lay out among a truly diverse of Carnival visitors. There you’ll hear fun music that has all the poolside visitors pumped up, and you’ll have access to delicious eats—the best chicken tenders in town by far—and a bar menu with frozen drinks you had no idea existed. Days spent wasting away at the P-Town Inn can only be described as heavenly.

Drink
There’s no shortage of places to plop down and have a drink in Provincetown, but any newbie’s best bet would be to hit up the Crown & Anchor complex, comprised of three venues in one. First there’s The Vault, P-Town’s never-a-cover leather bar (akin to Silver Lake’s The Eagle), a dark bar that blasts rock music and serves mostly beer to its older and edgier clientele. You’ll also find an indoor tire swing and cigar smoking on the patio. The Wave Video Bar plays the songs and videos any pop music-lover wants to hear, and gets packed nightly with a crowd that just wants to dance the night away. Paramount is P-Town’s premier nightclub, drawing in some of the world’s best DJs to spin for a shirtless crowd nearly every night of Carnival week. This is also the venue for über-popular show Showgirls, a P-Town Monday night staple that features local entertainment, guest stars and anyone who wants to compete for the $500 grand prize.

WASHINGTON, D.C.
May 30 – June 10
capitalpride.org

Our nation’s capitol isn’t just home to national gay rights advances (and the occasional setback)—it’s also home to a fun, rowdy Pride week dubbed Capital Pride. Head to the District of Columbia for 10 days of celebrating our community’s spirit and strength. Catch the city’s best parade on Saturday, June 9, as it travels through Dupont Circle and ends in the Logan Circle neighborhood. And only at Capital Pride does the annual festival take place on historic Pennsylvania Avenue right in front of our national capitol. Enjoy a full day of music, food, drinks and entertainment on Sunday, June 10.

Drink
While in town, spend your gay dollars at Cobalt, a bar that has been setting the gay nightlife standard in D.C. for years. No matter how you like to spend your nights, there’s something for you here—a restaurant (Level One), a lounge (30degrees) and a dance floor level (Cobalt). In the last two years, Cobalt has won Best of Gay D.C. awards ranging from “Best Place to Meet Guys” to “Best Chef” to “Best DJ.” Oh, Cobalt also has the sexiest (shirtless) bartenders, and you can never go wrong with that. 1639 R Street NW, Dupont Circle.

AMSTERDAM
July 28 – Aug. 5
amsterdamgaypride.nl

Gay Pride Amsterdam is one of the most fun celebrations in the world. While there’s more than a week of amazing events taking place in the city, all major events will take place between Aug. 3-5. Expect street parties, late-night circuit parties and, of course, the world-famous Canal Parade on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 4.

The Canal Parade is seriously a sight to be seen. Watch as 80 decorated boats sail along the Prinsengracht, most filled with sexy men in next to nothing. The parade starts at 2 p.m. and lasts for a couple hours.

Don’t expect to get much sleep during the Pride festivities, especially during the last Pride weekend. On Friday night, check out the parties at Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel and Westermarkt, which features the Drag Queen Olympics. On Saturday, many of the same parties take place, plus a few more—Bear Necessity, for the bear lovers, being one. A mixed gay crowd attends the Pride closing party on Sunday, which features tons of Dutch artists and DJs.

Shop
While perusing the sights and sounds of Amsterdam, stop into Vrolijk, a multi-level gay and lesbian shop that sells everything from books and films to calendars, gifts and magazines—including Attitude, Butt, Fantastic Manand more. The shop is situated near Dam Square in Amsterdam’s old city center, surrounded by historical sites and only a short walk from tons of cultural attractions like HomoMonument, Madame Tussaud’s, the Red Light District and the Royal Palace. 135 Paleisstraat, Amsterdam.

COLOGNE
June 23 – July 8
csd-cologne.de

Once again, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to fill the inner city streets of Cologne, Germany, this summer. One of the largest gay and lesbian events in Europe, in recent years, more than 1 million participants have flocked to Cologne for the festivals, parade and the many parties.

It’s a two-week program of events that culminates the first weekend of July. On Saturday, June 23, Fantasy Pride at Phantasialand kicks everything off. It’s Cologne’s version of Gay Days Disney, an annual ‘gay day’ at theme park Phantasialand with performances, live shows and—at night—top DJs.

WomenPride also starts on June 23, which consists of several events purely for women during the weeks—things like readings, film screenings, panel discussions, parties, barbecues, seminars and other cultural activities.

For those looking to get the condensed Cologne Pride experience, don’t miss the parade on Sunday, July 8. With up to 120 floats and tons more pedestrian groups, the parade pays tribute to the 1969 Stonewall Riots while also looking forward to equal rights and full acceptance of LGBTs in the near future.

Play
Of all the gay bars in Cologne—there are surprisingly quite a few—you should check out Exile, a gay bar/lounge that gets packed on weekends. You’ll find Exile in the center of Cologne’s “Bermuda Triangle” of gay bars. Its Frisky Friday party features a mix of Top 40 tracks with club beats, while the Gaily Saturday party spotlights house music. 61A Schaafenstrasse, Köln.

SHANGHAI
June 15-23
shpride.com

Shanghai Pride is China’s only LGBT Pride festival, and while it’s normally held in October, this year the event’s organizers have decided to celebrate a little early. The now-summer festival hopes to bring out more people than ever with its outdoor events, family-oriented Pink Picnic, a poolside party, film nights and panel discussions. (Note: There’s no parade at Shanghai Pride, as any public gathering of more than 50 people without state approval is illegal in China.)

Last year’s Pink Picnic was a huge success, with LGBTs, friends and family all gathered in Zhongshan Park, wearing pink to show support for the cause. Shanghai Pride’s film screenings are supported by foreign consulates. In previous years, Spanish, French and German consulates have hosted screenings, and this year, the British and Dutch consulates are hoped to follow suit.

New for this year’s Pride are a closing party barbecue—with performances and a fashion show—and also an open mic night and trivia night.

Stay
It may not technically be completed by the time this year’s Shanghai Pride rolls around, but we can guarantee you that in 2013, when its doors do finally open, there will be no place on Earth quite like Mandarin Oriental Pudong. Announced in October 2010, the hotel will form part of “Harbour City,” a huge mixed-use development area comprised of office towers, a residential complex, significant retail stores and extensive landscaped gardens. As with all Mandarin Oriental properties, you can expect elegantly styled rooms with countless amenities, but here you’re also guaranteed an outstanding view of the city skyline and Huangpu River.mandarinoriental.com

HONOLULU
June 2
honoluluprideparade.org

Celebrate LGBT Pride in paradise on the island of Oahu, now celebrating 22 years. Take a break from snorkeling and sunning yourself on Saturday morning, June 2, to take in the Pride parade, which heads down Ala Moana Boulevard, the famous Waikiki strip, then Kalakaua Avenue, ending at Kapiolani Park. At the park you’ll find a free Pride celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., complete with live entertainment, local and national LGBT organizations, local crafters and delicious food. Spend your Saturday evening at the Pride dance party at McCoy Pavillion, then, on Sunday, get back to your Hawaii routine of doing absolutely nothing. You’re in paradise, after all.

Drink
Make Bacchus, the newest gay bar to open in Waikiki, a must-stop during your Oahu stay. Perfect for those looking to lounge and people-watch as opposed to rage on a dance floor, for Cali residents, Bacchus is Wakiki’s mashup of a WeHo lounge and San Francisco bar. You’ll find an eclectic mix of of gays from the island, a laid-back, friendly staff and strong, reasonably priced drinks. There’s indoor seating, outdoor patio space and music videos rotating inside. Treat Bacchus as your ‘gay bar home away from home.’ 408 Lewers St., Waikiki.

SAO PAOLO
June 7-11
gaypridebrazil.org

Sao Paolo’s Pride festival isn’t only the largest in Brazil but the largest in the world, with around 4 million people in attendance each year. People around the world flock to Sao Paolo for its Pride month, the must-do event being the parade, which takes place this year on Sunday, June 10. Expect an entire month of LGBT-specific events, though, including the yearly Cycle of Debates, the LGBT Cultural Fair and the successful Gay Day, which happens the Saturday before the main parade.

Play
The Week is an LGBT afterhours party that has garnered international fame as the biggest gay nightclub in all of Brazil. It’s a massive venue (64,000 square feet) with two dance floors, a garden, pool, several bars and a VIP area. Only The Week brings in over 2,500 people each weekend, thanks to the high caliber of DJ talent the club draws. The party opens late-night on Saturday at midnight and runs until 9 a.m., with the peak time being around 2 a.m. From November to March, it’s sometimes open on Sundays for pool parties. The Week is where you can truly indulge in Brazilian hedonism. 324 Rua Guaicurus, Lapa.

Pride Guide 2012 Calendar

JUNE
The Bingham Cup, Manchester: June 1-3
Tel Aviv Pride: June 3-9
L.A. Pride: June 8-10
Athens Pride: June 9
Boston Pride: June 9
Vienna Pride: June 12-17
Portland Pride: June 15-17
Stadtfest Berlin: June 16-17
Chicago Pride: June 22-24
New Orleans Pride: June 22-24
Barcelona Pride: June 22 – July 1
Dublin Pride: June 22 – July 1
Oslo Pride: June 22 – July 1
Houston Pride: June 23
Lisbon Pride: June 23
Rome Pride: June 23
Berlin Pride: June 23
San Francisco Pride: June 23-24
Seattle Pride: June 24
Helsinki Pride: June 25 – July 1
Eurogames 2012, Budapest:
June 27 – July 1
Madrid Pride: June 29 – July 1
Paris Pride: June 30
Independence Weekend, Provincetown: June 30 – July 5

JULY
Summer Camp, Provincetown: July 3-6
London Pride: July 5-8
Pacific Pride, Santa Barbara: July 7
Bear Week, Provincetown: July 7-15
Munich Pride: July 7-15
Fetish Week London: July 9-15
Frankfurt Pride: July 20-22
San Diego Pride: July 21-22
Belfast Pride: July 28 – Aug. 4
Stockholm: July 30 – Aug. 5


AUGUST
Amsterdam Pride: Aug. 3-5
Vancouver Pride: Aug. 5
Antwerp Pride: Aug. 6-12
Leather Pride, Toronto: Aug. 10-12
Carnival, Provincetown: Aug. 12-18
Prague Pride: Aug. 13-19
Montréal Pride: Aug. 14-19
Copenhagen Pride: Aug. 15-19
XLsior, Mykonos: Aug. 22-26
Manchester Pride: Aug. 24-27
Southern Decadence, New Orleans: Aug. 30 – Sept. 3
Splash Days, Austin: Aug. 31 – Sept. 3

SEPTEMBER
Brighton Pride: Sept. 1-2
Key West Pride: Sept. 6-10
Folsom Europe, Berlin: Sept. 8
Bear Bash, Orlando: Sept. 13-16
Austin Pride: Sept. 22
Folsom Street Fair, San Francisco: Sept. 23

OCTOBER
Black & Blue Festival, Montréal: Oct. 3-9
Gay Days Anaheim: Oct. 5-7
Orlando Pride: Oct. 6
Rio de Janeiro Pride: Oct. 11-15
Atlanta Pride: Oct. 13-14
Hustlaball, Berlin: Oct. 19

NOVEMBER
Get Ruff! Leather Pride, Amsterdam: Nov. 2-4
Buenos Aires Pride: Nov. 3
Palm Springs Pride: Nov. 2-4
White Party Miami: Nov. 21-26

 FrontiersLA | Pride Guide 2012.

The post Pride Guide 2012 appeared first on .

From West Hollywood institutions to hip Silver Lake alternatives, we give you the 10 best gay bars and clubs in LA.

Abbey

• Critics choice

The Abbey is annually voted one of the world’s best gay bars. That explains the long lines on the weekends to get into this once humble coffee house that now boasts four full bars and sits on about five times the amount of real estate it originally occupied. The drinks at this West Hollywood stalwart are notoriously strong (they should be at $12 to $14 per) and the upscale, Gothic-meets-the-Mediterranean indoor/outdoor spaces, plentiful cabanas and hunky bartenders are all aesthetically satisfying to be sure. If there’s a downside to The Abbey it is actually its success. Not so very long ago, it was the nucleus of gay life in West Hollywood, but as its popularity has grown, increasingly the crowd (particularly at night) seems to be made up of tourists and a hodgepodge of bar flies in which West Hollywood locals no longer feature as prominently as they once did. To its credit though, the Abbey banned ‘Hen Nights’ and bachelorette parties in early 2012, which helped to shore up its gay street cred among some of the faithful who felt it had overextended itself in its efforts to be hetero-friendly. All that said, make no mistake, The Abbey is the granddaddy of gay bars in Los Angeles and as such it still rules the roost. Other bars and clubs come and go, but, bitch and moan as some may, every gay in West Hollywood still worships at the altar of The Abbey from time to time.

1. West Hollywood

St. Felix

• Critics choice

A favorite among locals, St. Felix is as close to a neighborhood bar as it gets in West Hollywood. The wait staff is memorably friendly, the bartenders are expert mixologists and the bar’s daily Happy Hour is one of the best bargains on the Boulevard. Always buzzing but rarely uncomfortably overcrowded, St. Felix is the perfect place to go when you actually want to have a conversation with friends over a cocktail after work. No dancers here, just good food and great drinks in a bordello-style setting that keep all the cool kids coming back for more.

1. West Hollywood

Akbar

• Critics choice

Akbar’s retro-style lounge has become Silver Lake’s ultimate gay alternative hipster hangout. As such, the crowd tends toward the younger side, drawing from the LA’s burgeoning pockets of cool like Echo Park, Downtown and Elysian Fields. Best nights include Promis, a self-described ‘new millennium cabaret’ helmed by resident songster and piano man Jose Promis; and Mario Diaz’s big Saturday dance party Full Frontal Disco, where classic and soon-to-be classic dance hits commingle with boys in bowlers, wearing fishnets and stillettos in the center of the action.

1. Silver Lake

Revolver

• Critics choice

Revolver is a video bar reborn. Several years ago, it went out of business and the space became an upscale gay lounge. But when the lounge folded in 2011, Revolver came roaring back with a new look, better cocktails and, in a nod to the times, strippers on the table tops. The result has been a resounding hit with the West Hollywood crowd, who now pack the relatively small bar to overflowing and often wait in line to get in at peak times. A happy medium between neighborhood bar and megaclub, Revolver strikes just the right note with a simple winning formula that combines good music, familiar videos and an inviting atmosphere.

1. West Hollywood

Fubar

• Critics choice

As the WeHo gay bar residing furthest east on Santa Monica Blvd, FUBAR is the most alternative of the Boys Town clan of bars and clubs. Ripped, tattooed and pierced bartenders pour strong drinks in this steamy dark bar that oozes sex seven days a week. Hooking up is always in the air at FUBAR thanks to its underground vibe, so be ye not confused—this is not the bar you go to for a casual drink, this is the bar you go to looking for casual sex. Most popular nights are the Mario Diaz–hosted B.F.D. (Big Fat Dick), which features a contest where patrons agree to have their private parts photographed and be voted on by the crowd at the end of the night (the winning title is obvious), and Dance Bitch! on Fridays hosted by the ever irreverent Billy Francesca.

1. West Hollywood

Faultline

• Critics choice

When Los Angeles seemed ready to give up on leather as one leather bar after another closed, Faultline kept its doors open and embraced the growing bear community. Today, the rawness of the crowd at Faultline couldn’t be more different from the trendily coiffed West Hollywood contingent. Ripe with the smell of pheromones and dried sweat, rather than the latest Gucci scent, Faultline prides itself in carrying on the tradition of the “men’s bar.” So if bellies, beards and tattoos make the man for you, then program your GPS for Faultline. If not, steer clear because this is not a place for lookey-loos…that is of course unless you enjoy playing with the bears from time to time.

1. Koreatown

Eleven

• Critics choice

As the newest addition to the WeHo gayborhood, Eleven has the shortest history of the hot spots that made the cut on this list—a fact that speaks volumes about the fanfare with which this multilevel mega-club arrived on the scene a few years back. Popular with a younger, glossier crowd, Eleven’s popular nights include nightlife impresario Jeffrey Sanker’s Fresh Fridays, the twink-friendly Tigerheat Monster on Saturdays and Musical Mondays, when popular musical numbers from iconic films are splashed across a large screen and a stellar roundup of local talent perform mostly standards and showtunes. An almost nightly line up of jocky, musclebound strippers rounds out the scene at this new WeHo staple. On the downside, the flow of this space is less than ideal, which makes busy nights at the club a bit of a nightmare as bottlenecks are impossible to avoid, the bathrooms quickly reach capacity and drinks become elusive as the crush of thirsty patrons descend upon Eleven’s two bars.

1. West Hollywood

Eagle LA

• Critics choice

If you prefer beer to cocktails and like your strippers hairy and in harnesses (or some form of leather), then the Eagle might top your list of favorite bars in LA. Formerly known as the Gauntlet II, the Eagle has become the haunt of choice for a cross-section of LA leather daddies, bears and sexy alternative Silver Lake types, all of whom play well together in this dark, sweaty no-frills space that really packs in a crowd on the weekend. Popular monthly events include the bearish Cub Scout, produced by Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez, Meat Rack on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month and Mario Diaz’s super sexy, extra dirty Big Fat Grunt. (Check the website for exact dates of these and other regular events).

1. Silver Lake

Mickey’s

• Critics choice

Mickey’s is a West Hollywood institution. A few years ago it literally burned down, but it came back bigger, better and gayer than ever… as if it had never missed a beat. The cavernous club has two notable distinctions: Its various stages, boxes and showers are always filled with an abundance of scantily clad boys in every imaginable shape, size and proportion; and it is the only place on the entire boulevard with a regular after-hours that goes until 4 AM on Saturdays. Like other local hot spots that have stood the test of time, Mickey’s also has a loyal local fan base, which makes it a premier spot to get better acquainted with the boys of WeHo.

1. West Hollywood

Mother Lode

• Critics choice

Mother Lode is another one of those West Hollywood staples that has withstood the test of time. In fact this laid back bar built around a pool table and stash of video games has been around so long that it has come full circle: from “it” spot to out of favor to “it” spot again. Thanks in no small measure to the fact that it counterbalances its more stylized neighbors with a low-key, dive bar atmosphere, Mother Lode is experiencing a bit of a renaissance at the moment. Elsewhere in Boys Town, attitude and preening may best define the current posture of patrons, but not at Mother Lode. Here, the vibe, from the bartenders to the crowd, is casual and the only attitude allowed is “friendly.”

1. West Hollywood

Honorable Mention

The Roosterfish

• Critics choice

The Roosterfish deserves a shout-out if only because it’s the far Westside’s only gay bar. Not only that, but this fun little hole in the wall, just a stone’s throw from the ocean, has been serving the gay community for over three decades—long before Abbott Kinney Blvd, the street it calls home, was the fashionable address it is today. The staff can be notoriously rude. Still, this gem of a bar attracts a quirky bunch of artsy Venetians and Westsiders of all stripes, making it a refreshing choice for Angelenos in need of a change of scene or who just happen to be hanging at the beach. Hint: The back patio is an excellent option for whiling away a few lazy hours in the sun on the weekends.

1. 1302 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Oil Can Harry’s

• 1/4
• Critics choice

Oil Can Harry’s is one of the few destinations that even West Hollywood diehards will, on occasion, intentionally venture over the hill and into the valley to experience. Oil Can’s is like another world…one that hasn’t changed much since the late ’80s or maybe the early ’90s judging from the décor. Most of the week the bar is filled with guys in cowboy hats enjoying some pretty serious line dancing, but on Saturdays Oil Can Harry’s comes alive with Retro Disco Night, where the vibe is pure ’70s and the energy is high. A welcome diversion from a night of standing and posing in WeHo, Saturdays at Oil Can Harry’s recall a time when going out was more about community and interpersonal communication. More importantly, it’s just freewheeling fun.

1. 11502 Ventura Boulevard, between Colfax Avenue & Tujunga Avenue

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