You Can't Curry Love

Its been a little bit over three years since I have shared this wonderful love story with you all. About a guy who travels to India from London for work and happens to find and fall in love, with a nice handsome guy. As we celebrate National LGBT month in the states, This wonderful movie always needs to be shared. Not only does it show that you don't have to be white with blue eyes to find love, but it also shows the diversity in our community. A lot of times it can seem that we forget that we are a diverse community, full of love and passion. If we only just take a step or "leap of faith" as they always say! I wanted to just share with you all the movie again, as well the original post three years ago. Hope you take some time to watch it  and bring some friends with you, never know what conversations can arise with you watch movies with friends! To check out the original post click here! scroll down to see the movie!! Hope you enjoy, and as always I thank you for reading.  Please rate, like, share, comment, and enjoy!! 
xoxo

Imran Khan, you ROCK!

From Delhi day of Rage, Protest 377

With the recent Indian Supreme Court verdict reinstating verdict 377, the criminalization of sexual acts “against the laws of nature,” including homosexual sex many, like me, were shocked and angry. I’ve since had many discussions with friends and family regarding the significance and weight of verdict 377, looking at how it doesn’t just affect gays, but every single person of consensual age, and how it violates basic freedoms and denies human rights.

India, like many countries in the East, believe that homosexuality is a concept born from the West, and that this Western concept has no place in Indian society. However, this is historically incorrect for India and Hindustani, as gays and others of the third sex (Tritiya-Prakriti) have been regarded as equals; they have been able to own property, shops, and live harmoniously with others. These have even continued into recent history, with Nepal decriminalizing homosexuality in 2007. Since then, over sixty LGBT individuals have run for various government offices. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, there have been greater advancements in the recognition and equality for those of the third sex (Hijira, or eunuchs). 

As activists around the globe, including myself, rallied together to protest and show our support and solidarity in the face of the 377 verdict, Bollywood stars have come out and voiced their opinions against the decision. Many actors, actresses, and directors have made statements calling for change in the governmental mindset towards homosexuality. They follow the theme that everyone should be treated equally, and have the same rights as others as well as the freedom to love whoever they choose. With so many conservative and “Victorian” views on diversity and homosexuality, these voices show there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even with this verdict, change will happen.

From Delhi's Day of Rage Rally 

In the West, we may not be able to fathom our rights being taken away and being treated like a criminal, or being able to break the law by whom you choose to love in your bedroom. With the growing equality of marriage and in the work place, the LGBT still struggles. Some states still have anti-sodomy laws, as well as laws against anal sex. While we may not face the life changing punishments like castrations, jail time, and hard labor, many in the East still do. And beyond that, the simple fact of being homosexual can be used to blackmail individuals, for being who they are.

Facebook took down this picture of Kanwar Abit Singh Saini, a 32 year old gay sikh.

Many of us living in the West have ties to India; tell me how the 377 verdict has had an effect on you, or your friends and peers. And be sure to check out a few pictures below from rallies and protests around the word, one of which is iconic. Check out the light hearted video starring Bollywood actor Imran Khan, which addresses some of those questions that straight people ask and wonder about homosexuality. And as always, rate, comment, share, like, and enjoy! Thank you for reading. XOXO

AP

From Washington Dc Rally of Solidarity on 377

The video is quite funny but also educational, a must see!

Protect Me from What I Want

I am always on the hunt for any gay oriented short film that showcases the gay South Asian community. Always feel in the media we are often overlooked. So it's refreshing to see a short film or any film for that matter about gay South Asians and others.  While countless hours searching for the short film Amen,  which I have yet to find. I stumbled on "Protect Me from What I Want"  Directed by Dominic Leclerc, starring Naveed Choudhry and Elliott Tittensor from shameless.
"Protect Me" follows the story Saleem (Naveed Choudhry) an Indian student from Leeds living with his parents. While at a cruising spot meets Daz (Elliott Tittensor),  and they both have a night of enjoyable sex. While Saleem feels ashamed of what he has done, however on the next day lends a smile to Daz upon leaving. 
Tell me what you think of "Protect Me from What I Want"  and if your first experience was anything like Saleem and Daz, mine was far from being as staged and as sensual. But nonetheless was nice.  As always rate, comment, share, like and enjoy! Xoxo

Check out the Short Film here! 

Brown and Gay: Hassan Qudsi

"The Untold Story of being brown, gay, and Muslim in America"

I have been wanting to do this interview for awhile now, to share what life is like in a ever so changing America. I hope you enjoy as much as I enjoyed this interview. And as always rate, comment, share and enjoy. 

Living in America, we all have a story to share. I met up with my good, impeccably handsome friend Hassan Qudsi over a few drinks and a nice plate of chum chum (my first time trying) to catch up, but also to talk about what it is like to be gay and South Asian in America, as well as a gay Muslim.... click here to read more!

Fun Magazine

Gay Prince of Rajipipla Manavendra Singh Gohil, who has become the face of gay rights and gay related issues India,  published his first magazine for gays called 'Fun'. The magazine highlights India's gay lifestyle.  The magazine also talks about gay fashion, gadgets and gizmos that gays like, as well as health, sexually, and other issues relating to men who like men! Enjoy some shirtless models from Fun Magazine.  And as always rate comment and share. 

Persian Love

I have been thinking about writing about Islam and gays for quite a while now. I think it took me a while because I wasn't sure how to go about it. We all know or have heard the bad reputation when it comes to gays and sexual minorities. For example, the media focuses on the bad, like honor killings, stoning, and other forms of violence. I wanted to work on a series of stories, articles, and the occasional interview about what it’s really like to be gay and Muslim. It’s a big topic and a touchy one. While today's Muslim societies are particularly repressive to openly gay men, it has not always been the case. With the rise of western influence, homosexuality has become a greater social stigma. There are two sides; one who doesn't believe gay and Islam can coexist, and others that do. In any post I write, it doesn't reflect the Muslim nations as a whole, I just wanted to explore all aspects of religion as it addresses gays.

During the 16th century in Punjab, there lived a Sufi saint and poet Shah Hussain, who was greatly admired. Even today his poems of love are spoken and sung in many parts of the world. Many have heard of the love story between him and his beloved Madho, a Hindu Brahman boy. They lived together, died and are buried side by side in the same tomb. Pilgrims to this day come to the tomb and shrine in what is now Lahore. However, there are people who want to rewrite history and change Madho from a boy to girl. Islamic cultures like Sufism have exhibited many periods of tolerance, and tolerance of homosexuality was prevalent in its poetry. Sufism, a form of Islam which emphasizes love and faith(iman) over submission(Islam), has been more open. Sufism is not an obscure mystical movement, but a dominating force in the Muslim world, and also was the predominant influence on Islamic India and a major reason for India's acceptance of Islam. 


During medieval Islamic societies, sex was organized by principles of social and political hierarchy. It was not uncommon for kingship to have homosexual patterns based on both transgenerational or initiatory systems between youth and adults. Transgenderist systems where one partner assumes the role of the opposite gender. Gay relations reinforced the dominant and subordinated roles already present in society. They also followed traditional gender and power patterns. Boys or young men acted as the passive role (emulating a woman), while adult males asserted their power by reviewing sexual pleasure through domination. Equal sexual roles were seen as inexplicable and unacceptable. Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, a preeminent pharmacist and physician in the medieval era. explained the hidden illness of ubnah, or a passive male. Al-Razi describes ubnah as derived from weak male sperm that makes the male child effeminate. Al-Razi prescribed for ubnah, to engage in sexual activity with “maids and slaves with nice faces”. Al-Razi also shows that homosexuality is viewed as a natural, genetic phenomenon. 

In the middle ages, men in high society often had young males who played the passive role in the relationship, supporting the notion of a woman's role in society. In ancient Morocco it was seen as equal to have a young man as a sexual partner as it was to have a young girl. In modern day Morocco homosexuality between males and young men carries little to no social stigma, and it is viewed as both natural and an expression of dominance and power. 


Modern day Islam outlaws homosexuality, granting very few self proclaimed gays in Muslim societies today; with that said there are a lot of men who engage in same sex relations, while upholding the appearance of family as it is of the utmost importance, as long as one maintains the image of a good father and husband, complete with wife or wives and children. Many Muslim households don’t care what goes on in other’s closed doors. two public historical figures important in the rise of Islam in the world, Sultan Mehmet Fatif, Ottoman Conqueror of Constantinople and Sultan Mohmud Ghaznawi, who invaded India from Afghanistan, both made history and were know gays. however both had several wives and children. to the western world see this as being bisexual however in the Muslim world it correlates with shari’a law.  In some traditional Muslim societies gays are tolerated in public offices but are rejected when it comes to teaching and being a religious role model, because it contradicts with the importance of marriage and family within Islam.

The ancient world like ancient India, Persia and other civilizations seem to be more tolerant for people of any sexual minority. Ancient Islam like others also was more accepting many great poets and political figures expressed their love for their gay lover. In the Muslim world it is not uncommon for two to engage in homosexual acts without being considered gay if one is the active partner. “Turkey, Egypt, and the Maghreb, men who are ‘active’ in sexual relations with other men are not considered homosexual; the sexual domination of other men even confers a status of hyper-masculinity.” In Maghreb it is common for schoolboys to brag about what sexual acts they will perform on their male peers,  especially those that are perceived as weak or passive. while gay rape is very powerful and often used as a humiliation tool. like in Iran and Pakistan, gay rape occurs on political opponents. this tactic is often seen as more politically effective than killing people, because it denies people of their manhood.

Many views have changed over the years as the ancient world was more accepting to gays and other sexual minorities, the modern world seems to be more closed minded. western ideas during colonial periods changes the east, and made being different sexually a bad thing, that should be considered a crime. Some have said that European views changed the east to believe that gays are wrong and should not be accepted culturally or is it Islamic fundamentalist that don't know how to deal with gays in the own land. Tell me what you think, Do you believe that the ancient world was more accepting of gays? and what do you think changed the world? As always thank you for reading! Rate, Comment and Share!!!

The Amazing Abu Nuwas

Feel honored and proud to introduce Abu Nuwas, known as the first Persian poet. Born around 756, and is considered one of the greatest writers of classical Arabic literature. Nuwas handsome looks and flowing hair attracted the poet Waliba Ibn Al-Hubab ans the two became lovers. Nuwas mainly wrote erotic love poems (mudhakkarat and mujuniyyat) about beautiful men. Here is just a few of his poems, they are simple yet beautiful. 


Love in Bloom
I die of love for him, perfect in every wayLost in the strains of wafting music. My eyes are fixed upon his delightful body, And i do not wonder at his beauty. His waist is a sapling, and his face a moon, And loveliness rolls of his rosy cheekI die of love for you, but but keep this secret:The time that binds us is an unbreakable rope. How much time did your creations take, o angel? So what! All i want is to sing your praises. (Love in Bloom;after Monteil, p. 95)


O Desire
Are not this child's eyes all fire? O desire, Feel the flush of the eggsBetween his legs! Dearest, and seize what you can seize, If you please;Fill your boyish fist with meAnd then seeWill it go a little way, Just in play? 


In the Bath-House
In the bath-house, the mysteries hidden by trousers are revealed to you. All becomes radiantly manifest, Feast your eyes without restraint! You see handsome buttocks, shapely trip torsos, You hear the guys whispering pious formulas to another("God is Great!" "Praise be to God!") Ah, what a palace of pleasure is the bath-house! Even when the towel-bearersCome in and spoil the fun and bit. 
As always rate, comment, and share. And and for more poems send me an email. 

Social networks a curse or a blessing?

Has Social networks improved or hurt gay life or is it somewhere in between?

 Social networks has been a driving force that either brings us together to feel we are in a way apart of a community; and at times can tear us apart, if not used right. To me social media is one of the greatest tools that we can use. Not only do you find others who share in the same interests as you, but it's also great way to share and inform and break down walls that divide us. Last year social media like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and others were a driving force for three states to sign into law marriage equality. Michael Cole-Schwartz, director of media efforts for the Human Rights Campaign stated, "That we win these fights because Americans know that LGBT people are their neighbors, their cousins, their aunts and uncles, the people they sit next to in church, and the people they shop with at the grocery store." Social networks have made the invisible become visible, but it also has granted those with a negative voice to hide and become anonymous bullies. Networks have also created relationships and friendships from across the globe. Changed and enriched views on cultures and brought a light on hidden gays. Where would we be without the success of blogs and books about men living on the down low; or which celebrity has finally come out of the closet.

 Gay youth seem to be coming out younger and younger these days. I remember before the rise of Facebook and everyone was still on MySpace while cell phones still looked like a bricks and texting along with touch screens were still an imagination. Coming out was a daunting task and still is for so many, it is never like the movies. There were not many support groups other than PFLAG (Parents, Friends, of Lesbian and Gays), that you would lean on . While friends and family at times were misinformed and lead by rumors. Social networks can lead a double edged sword when it comes to coming out. At one hand we have a growing online community, immediate access to help and resources to make a newbie or even seasoned gays feel safe . The community is extremely important, not only does it become a safety net cause you are surrounded by others who are like minded. It also gives protection against others who wish to harm. Recently, the tension between gay youth and non gay youth seems to be slowly improving however, it is still a sore topic. With efforts like the Trevor project and other online community gay youths can receive the help that they need. While being reassured that life does get better as you get older. Social networks not only create a safety net, but it also created a different type of community, and changed the gay community.

 Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Google+, to name a few; have connected the gay community differently than before. Now you can not only meet local gays and share experiences, go on dates, meet new friends. You can also share the human experience with someone across the world. Learn about different cultures, and share the similarities of being gay around the world. What I have gathered is that no matter where you live in the world being gay is still a hard topic for most. Weather you live in the most liberal places or the harshest against gays. There is always people who do on understand being gay and act on their intolerance. The difference is how society reacts as well as the government. In California social networks helped pass into law; the first in the nation, to ban therapies to 'cure' gay minors. Stating therapists can't provide minors with therapy intended to change their sexual orientation. The backlash of gay social networks is seen in the gay clubs and bars although has improved.

Gay social networks sites like Grindr, Jack'd, and Scruff, changed the way we find other gays as opposed to before with the whole "guessing game". Never knowing if the guy or girl you think is hot is into the same as you. Grindr and others changed the game, now you don't have to go up to someone and ask them if their gay but, now more just say hi and wait and see if someone answers back. Although Grindr and others have brought up some issues with gay on gay relations. You can read that here. Even with these issues the gay community has improved become stronger and spread tolerance like never before. Recently with the use of social networks and outreach programs my state Maryland and 2 other states legalized marriage equality or same sex marriage by popular vote, never happened before in America. Social networks have not only brought together the gay community and made some changes to modern gays. But had changed the views others have on gays.

 Social networks can when used right breaks down some of the stereotypes many feel gays are like. Mainstream media sometimes likes to reinforced some of these stereotypes. With popular shows and reality TV, that seem to only want the typical gay that was introduced long ago, that is funny and sassy, and has attitude, and maybe a little sway and the gay voice. While not all of us are like this it does bring gay life and issues to the dinner table. Now you don't have to go face to face and say "hi, I'm gay, will you still be my friend?" Now you can just make a status update and say "I'm gay!!" While waiting for the likes and comments of friends and peers. Social media and networks can give a voice to those who normally don't have one . It can make a person who doesn't feel loved, feel loved from others and feel as though they matter in the world. Harris interactive researched 2,412 US adults (18+) the LGBT community is more active on social networks than heterosexuals. Aside from being more active on Facebook and Twitter, Facebook they also are more likely to read blogs, and as a result most likely to be receptive to social media. In the coming future as our influence on social media grows tolerance and understanding grows outside. More and more people can be honest about who they are even if it's only online..Social networks has in fact helped the gay community come together and to address issues that are inside the community.

Tell me do you think social media has helped or hurt the gay community? Send your comments below.

Gay In Bombay: The Life and Times of Rahul

Something I thought I should share.. I put quotes on it, but it is a copy so enjoy and send comments. 

"Hey guys! I’m Rahul. Yes baba, it is my real name. I’m a young, good looking, cute, straight-acting, straight-looking Indian gay guy. Nobody knows about my secret gay life. That is why I will tell you my “real” real name only after I have known you for at least 3 weeks or 3 blow jobs whichever is earlier. Actually make that 10 BJs. 3 BJs sometimes happens in a day no? 

 

Why am I not telling you my real name? Arrey yaar, I have to take these precautions so that nobody comes to know I’m gay. You may be wondering why I’m declaring here that I am gay when I do not want anyone to find out? I have not told you my real name so you really do not know I’m gay. Simple! We gay boys in India are very clever that way. 

 

We do a lot of things to hide our gay identity and yet manage to be the gayest of them all. How do we do that? You must be asking this I know. Have patience. I will tell you. That is why I am here for. 

 

It is easy actually. Look at Facebook for example. Every gay guy worth his salty sweat has at least 1 additional profile apart from his “straight” profile. There lies a whole parallel gay world on Facebook with all the gay profiles that straight people can never see. The straight profile of a gay guy is meant only for his straight friends. You know the ones who like to fondle other guys only when they are drunk. Not the real gay guys obviously. Of course sometimes the straight profile also has gay friends but those are their “straight” profiles too so no one knows anyone is gay except for us gays. There are no gays in India you see? *wink wink* 

 

Accha, so what else do we do to hide our gay identities? We all are straight-acting and straight-looking! That is our biggest Goli. Yes, even the straight guys do not know what straight-acting or looking is but we, the secretly gay guys, have mastered that art. I cannot really explain to you what it is as it is a very fine and delicate art. It cannot be explained in words. It can only be lived and experienced. We do it with such élan and finesse that the straight people cannot even begin to imagine it. We do so much straight-acting that even the mothers of other straight-acting gay guys like us. This is what makes us so popular with the ladies you see. Along with their straight sons when they are drunk. 

 

Aur what do we do? There are a hundred different things yaar. If I tell you everything then our identities will be easily revealed na? OK, if you insist I will tell you a few more. 

 

One more thing that we do is to look down on effeminate gay guys. Girlish guys. Yes, we do not tolerate effeminate guys. They bring a bad name to us gays by their effeminate behavior. They do not care for anything and always act like their real self. They do not pretend and do not do any straight-acting. They are always oh-so-open about everything. Very straight forward. How awful is that! That is why all of us straight-acting hidden gays look down on them. We make it a point to mention this on all our profiles in bold too. 

 

Then there is our famous collective hatred for uncles. Who are the uncles you may ask. Arrey baba, any guy older than 30 is an uncle. Specially if he looks that old and has a mustache. These are guys like us only but they are most likely to be bisexuals who are married but don’t like having sex with their wives and mistresses. They like to have sex with us only. We do not like these guys unless they shower us with gifts. The gifts change the equation a little bit. Our tolerance level for them then changes. See, with gifts, they are showing us they are very good friends and of course we have to be more accommodating of our friends no? 

 

So what more do the hidden, straight-acting, effeminate intolerant, uncle-hating gay guys do? Money-seekers! We absolutely hate them. These guys are the absolute worst of the lot. They are always clear that they are looking for money in exchange for sex. They make me wince by their honesty. We gay guys have lots of sex with a lot of people. Sometimes with uncles too but we never expect money from anyone. From uncles we just expect great weekends at expensive hotels or resorts, dinners at fine-dine places and of course a little bit of shopping. Even from other regular non-uncle gay guys we only expect them to pay the CCD bills. But money? NEVER! Those stupid money seekers make me sick by their direct and straightforward asking-for-money approach. Do they not have any morals at all? 

 

Now you might be wondering that if we are such a great hidden society that no one knows about, how do we recognize each other? It is very easy yaaron. Gaydar! No no, I’m not talking about the website where we spend a lot of time. We have a very instinctive instinct that tells us who is a gay guy and who is not. This ability of ours is very uncanny. Just one look at someone and we know. Yes, that’s right. 

 

This ability is how we know that 90% of all good looking Bollywood male celebs are gay. Just one look tells us. You have seen Salman Khan no? Yes yes, we *know* him. Then there is Shahrukh Khan. And Aamir Kan. And Saif Khan. And Ranveer Singh. And Ranbir Kapoor. And Shahid Kapoor. And Imran Khan. And believe it or not, even Imran Hashmi! Yes friends, we know all about them because of our Gaydar. It never fails. Sure sure these guys have girlfriends, wives, hidden female lovers and they keep on kissing stupid girls on and off screen. They do that because they are very good at being hidden and secret na. We are proud of this quality of ours. 

 

Chalo Bhaiyon, now my time is up. Mayan told me to write a blog post as he does not get a lot of time these days so I thought I will tell you something very explosive. I’m sure you all must be reeling from all the sensational exposé about secret hidden Indian gay guys. Till you started reading my post you did not even know something like this existed and now you are stunned that we exist, na? I will come back with more about myself and our hidden society soon. Until then *mwah*!"

Gay In Bombay: The Life and Times of Rahul - 1
Source:Gay In Bombay Author:

Big Boy Mayan

Matt Dallas

How many remember the show Kyle XY, the boy that was missing his belly button. I lived for this teen drama when I was younger, it actually was very good show sadly was canceled.. But recently the beautiful eyed deep voice heartthrob made headlines all over the social media world. Not only did he make my teen heart wish by coming out, also announce his engagement to musician Blue Hamilton... Congratulations to both of them. Check out the pics below and like always comment and like.

Diamonds in Africa

"Being gay is not a Western Invention, it is a Human reality." -Hillary Clinton

Just recently two of of my dear good friends tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa. It was a beautiful summer ceremony under the warm sun, and overlooking the breathtaking blue ocean. Even though i could not be there in person for various reasons the cost and not having a passport yet, but those are only minor details. The wedding was superb such a beautiful moment. While the wedding was  grand it made me think what is gay life like in South Africa. If it was similar to its commonwealth partner India, or similar to modern day United States or hellish like present day Uganda where gays are killed and terrorized. I was pleasantly surprised that it was like neither, although there are similarities to India and United States its so much its own. A total diamond in the ruff for gay rights laws and protection. Like most growing countries with a strong gay community there is always animosity and discrimination.

South Africa was the first country to constitutionally outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Also in December of 2006 South Africa became the fifth country in the world, and the first in Africa which is notorious for being anti gay, legalizing same sex marriage. Like many commonwealth countries South Africa had its own version of the immorality act which prevented men from having sex with other men, sodomy and other "unnatural" sexual offences. Also, prohibiting men from engaging in any erotic conduct when more than two people present, all of which was punishable by jail time. During this time gay men adopted Gayle or Gail language, which is slang based on English and Afrikaans language. An example is "Varda that Beulah! Vast mitzi. She's a chicken and probably Priscilla and I don't need Jennifer Justice in my life right now." translates as "Look at that beauty! Very me. He's young and probably a policeman and I don't need trouble with the law in my life at the moment."

In the 70's and 80's LGBT activism became a part of the human rights movement within the nation. With small groups dedicating their efforts to LGBT rights male same sex relations and conduct became legalized in 1994. Followed by South Africa becoming the first jurisdiction in the world to provide constitutional protection to LGBT people, also disallowing discrimination on race, gender, sexual orientation and other grounds in 1996. More efforts soon followed with a Transsexual persons allowed to change their legal gender. Gays and lesbians can serve openly in the military, joint and step parent adoption since 2002, same sex marriage legalized in 2006. And the age of consent is equalized for gays and straights in 2007. Also allowing gay men to donate blood within a 6 month period. A groundbreaking moment occurred this year when South Africa became the first country in the world to officially recognize the gay flag.

While legally and constitutionally equality is ensured for gays and others part of community. Social acceptance is generally lacking in rural areas and in the eastern half of the country. There have been numerous cases in which in which gay women have been the victim of murder, beating, and or "corrective" rape. Human rights activists have pointed out that many men believe that lesbians pose a threat on the traditional male authority, also the male rapist purport to raping lesbian victims with intent to "cure" her of her sexual orientation. While South Africa has no official hate crime legislation, Human rights watchdogs have condemned the continued impunity and accused government of turning a blind eye  on murders or rapes in a homophobic manner. Watchdogs believe much of the sexism and homophobia that erupts is tied to male frustration with unemployment and poverty. It has been documented that more than 30 women have been killed in South Africa based on their sexuality.

South Africa, like many countries have incidents of homophobia, it has become one of the top gay destinations. Gay people in major urban areas like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town are readily accepted and have a thriving gay nightlife. Cultural, arts, sports, and outdoor activities play a major part in everyday South African gay life. Annual gay pride events in Johannesburg and Cape Town are held, and Krysna hosts the yearly Pink Loerle Mardi Gras which attracts gay people around the country. Even smaller cities like Bloem Fontein, Port Elizabeth and East London are gay friendly. Locally produced television programs have also focused on gay right with the success of soap opera Edgi and Generations featuring  long term gay relationship and addressing gay issues like homophobia and race relations.

Planning a trip? South Africa has a reputation as Africa's most gay friendly destination attracting thousands of tourists annually. In recent years South Africa became the first country in Africa to open openly gay hotels, the Amsterdam Guest House located in Cape Town. The Hotel manager Lourens Botha, pointed out "In South Africa we have had our own challenges under Apartheid you could not admit being gay. you would have been persecuted and imprisoned... Which is what now is happening in other parts of Africa, however liberty allows South Africa to help other African gays." “Today I run a hotel where gay men from all over Africa come and feel comfortable. they are astonished at how relaxed things are here... in their home country they face persecution, violence, and even death but here if only on holiday they can be free." In 2011 South Africa was rated third most wanted gay travel destinations. Cape Town where 10% of all tourist who visit are gay, won as worldwide favorite gay destination with over 200,000 gay tourist and holidayed in Cape Town.

South Africa, has come a long way with the oppression of Apartheid to its current stand on human rights and LGBT rights. At a time being gay was outlawed in the country where as now companies seeks out gay professionals to work in their companies openly under the “Pink&Rand”. While animosity from religious groups are still prevalent many religious leaders have voiced their support for the South African LGBT community. people like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Dr. Allan Boesak are strong vocal supporters of gay rights in South Africa. South Africa has become a forerunner for gay rights and diamond in Africa. They are leading the way for equality and changing their country for the better. There are some that want to revert back to times when gays were not free and many were oppressed. To me the west can learn from the South Africa, how they collectively changed their nation legally. just like the west minds have yet to be changed, but their slowly changing with the exposure of gays and lesbians. Although here in the states many lesbians are not raped by men, we do have hate crimes that happen daily and gay bashing is still a prevalent problem. Even in the large cities where most would feel things like that does not happen. Recently the United nations stated progressive attitudes in South Africa as well as Argentina, India, Spain and Mexico have attracted the gay market in droves. Tell me how you feel would you like to travel to South Africa? or how you feel about South Africa and its progressive gay culture!