THESE  cowboys were thrilled to meet Lady Gaga when she popped into their local bar this week.

The pop star was just as happy - when she first visited The  Round-Up Saloon  in Dallas, Texas, she was an unknown aspiring artist.

Two years later she dropped in for a drink fresh from her huge stadium performance at the American Airlines Center.

This time she received a huge reception, with one over-eager fan even climbing up to the roof area to get her to sign her arm.

The owners Alan Pierce and Gary Miller first met Gaga when her tour manager contacted them to ask if she could perform a slot in summer 2008.

They said they weren't keen, as 'the next Madonna' wasn't the usual type of act to perform at the bar.

But the two gave Gaga a chance and she played a couple of songs.

Two years later she was back in the city as part of her world tour, and surprised them by booking out the roof area and arriving with her 15-strong entourage, including her mother, to celebrate her whirlwind success.

Pierce told Thecount.com : 'She was nice and wonderful now, as she was before she became a big star.'

And Gaga even got a memento of her visit - a belt buckle.


TOWLEROAD has the video clip !

 

      

New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, D.C., Boston, San Diego, Denver, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon, all make the list of the 20 gayest metros.

But so do Dallas, Columbus, Ohio, Santa Rosa and Sacramento, Springfield, Massachusetts, Portland, Maine, and college towns like Eugene, Oregon, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Ithaca, New York.


The idea that most gay people live in urban enclaves like the Castro in San Francisco or Chelsea in New York City is something of a myth, Gates notes.
 
“Gay people live everywhere,” says Gates, “in cities, suburbs, and even in the country—one in seven same-sex couples live in rural areas.” The 2000 Census found same-sex couples living in 99 percent of U.S. counties. It'll be interesting to see the new Census counts!

While politicians and voters continue to debate whether LGBT people have the right to marry, to adopt children, or serve openly in the U.S. military, a growing body of research suggests that considerable benefits accrue to those cities and metro areas that have sizeable, visible concentrations of gay men and lesbians. Income levels are higher, as are many other measures of life satisfaction.


It's important that we are always counted.

“If LGBT people don’t exist in data, it’s easy for legislators and policy makers to assume they don’t exist at all.” - Whenever I am asked, I don't care by who, if I am Married or Single, I always say, "gay and partnered".  PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW, and quit asking us stupid questions like that. 
 
Very few demographic or economic-oriented surveys ask about sexual orientation or gender identity; sample sizes in those few that do are too small to reliably estimate the size of LGBT populations in states, metros, and cities.
 
Even the same-sex couple data used here presents challenges, as noted above. Our failure to gather reliable demographic data from large-scale sources has significant repercussions, Gates notes.


Read More at The Daily Beast .

      

One of  our favorite reporters and dear friend Danny Hilton  from London, was interviewed by the BBC News for Gay Pride. He writes for Pink News  and HOMOVISION.TV   and he is a super singer!

London will be THE place to be in 2012. The Olympic Games come to town, her Majesty celebrates her Diamond Jubilee but most importantly of all Pride London will be hosting WorldPride 2012 !


Watch the Video on his Facebook page .

Find  Danny Hilton on Facebook 

and  Danny  Hilton UK


Best Gay News

      

The 2010 North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance  (NAGAAA) will host their Gay Softball World Series in Columbus, Ohio. The event titled "Stand Tall, Play Ball," will be held August 16 - 21, 2010, at Lou Berliner Park.

It will attract more than 150-170 championship teams representing leagues from 37 major U.S. and Canadian cities. The NAGAAA says it will be the largest gay sporting event ever held in the state of Ohio. Columbus has several neighborhoods for the LGBT traveler to explore however, Short North is the most popular. Short North's High Street is lined with gay-friendly bars, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

It's a state capital with a huge university, scads of hip and gay-friendly restaurants and bars, a wealth of art galleries and funky boutiques, and a progressive and bustling gay scene .

For a discount on your travel,   visit  American Airline / Rainbow    please use promotional code 3780AW.

      

Dog Fancy,
the world’s most widely-read dog magazine, has named Provincetown, Mass., the winner of the 2010 DogTown USA competition, saluting it as America’s most dog-friendly city.
 
This year’s contest, sponsored by Wahl® Clipper Corp., named the Top 40 dog-friendly cities across the U.S. in honor of Dog Fancy’s 40th anniversary celebration.
 
The criteria used to select the winning city include plenty of dog-friendly open spaces and dog parks, events celebrating dogs and their owners, ample veterinary care, abundant pet supply and other services, and municipal laws that support and protect all pets.
 
“All dog owners know of a few local shops or restaurants that allow dogs, but it is remarkable to have an entire town where virtually every establishment opens its doors to dogs – even the bank,” says Ernie Slone, Dog Fancy editor. “Where else can you take your dog along for a whale-watching or sunset cruise, walk miles of off-leash scenic beaches year-round and enjoy one of the nation’s finest dog parks? Provincetown nearly swept our major awards this year, with its Pilgrim Bark Park finishing at No. 2 in our national ratings of dog parks.’’
 

From Provincetown Tourism  Director, Bob Sanborn: “Since the Mayflower first dropped anchor in Provincetown Harbor, “P-Town” has evolved into the ultimate canine resort, offering pet-friendly lodging, dining, shopping and activities. We are proud to be recognized by Dog Fancy as America’s most dog-friendly town.”

 
Rounding out the top 10 cities:
 
• Carmel, Calif.
• Madison, Wis.
• Benicia, Calif.
• Fort Bragg, Calif.
• Lincoln City, Ore.
• San Diego, Calif.
• Virginia Beach, Va.
• Sioux Falls, S.D.
• Salem, Ore.


 
For the complete story on DogTown USA and to see which cities made the list, pick up the September issue of Dog Fancy, on newsstands July 27, 2010.

Related  articles:  GAY  MARRIAGE  in Ptown .


Best  Gay  Cities

      

CHICAGO
 is world reknowned for its shopping and fantastic resturants. But did you know Chicago is well known for it's beaches? 

You'll almost mistake Lake Michigan for an ocean with its vast expanse and seemingly endless shore. With beautiful blue water as far as the eye can see, you may think you've gone from Chicago to southern California.

24 Miles of lakefront
31 Beaches
15 Beach walks
9 Harbors

Chicago beaches are free to the general public, and officially open for swimming from the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9am - 9:30pm.

However, if weather permits, the beaches in Chicago can have sun bathers in early April  and as late as October - but there are no lifegaurds on duty.

The gay beach is Hollywood Beach. (AKA Kathy Osterman Beach) The gays and gay friendly people hang out at the southern end of the beach.  Weather permitting, the gay boys will be out sunnning themselves late April thru October! But any given Sunday in the summer there are about 200-300 people out here.

Chicago also has the most swimable and most guarded waterfront of any single municipality in the world. While many patrons complain about the cleanliness of the water, Chicago boasts the cleanest urban waterfront in the United States, and second in the world only to Stockholm; water is tested daily by the Chicago Park District for E. coli and other dangers.

Best Gay Chicago        Best Gay Cities

      

Today, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau launched its new dynamic destination video entitled, "Walking on Sunshine ."

This fast-paced, upbeat film set to the catchy 80's tune "Walking on Sunshine," showcases more than 25 diverse Orange County locations and features more than 60 people soaking up its brand of SoCal fun, all in less than two minutes.

It highlights an eye-catching collection of iconic Orange County experiences and its sunny, casual 'feel good' lifestyle, that make it a Southern California classic destination. The video really shines the light on the array of light-hearted and iconic experiences found in Anaheim and Orange County.

The Orange County Fair, a perennial summertime favorite returns July 16 — August 15, and the awe-inspiring live art re-creation show Pageant of the Masters also comes to life July 7 — August 31. From thrilling attractions to cruising the coast, Orange County's summer line-up is a never-ending story.

And in the Fall, Gay Days Anaheim  returns October 1-3. Book now and get discounted  rooms and tickets. This annual  event attracts thousands from around the country - and I highly reccommend booking a few extra days to enjoy all that Anaheim and the OC have to offer !

Anaheim Orange County





Best Gay Cities

      

With a density of restaurants greater than New York City, Dallas is truly a food-lover’s town. While first-time visitors might conjure images of Texas steakhouses and barbecue joints, Dallas long ago found its way onto America’s culinary  foodie map with innovative restaurants and talented chefs mining the flavors of American, Italian, Asian and Mexican cuisine.

On our recent trip to Dallas I had some of the BEST Mexican food I have ever eaten in my life at Cyclone Anaya .  They have 7 locations around Dallas and we dined at the OakLawn/Cedar Springs location. Lots of  LGBT people here on weekend nights, dining before an evening out at the clubs, right around the corner. (Mondays and Tuesdays they offer  half-priced bottles of wine!)

Outstanding Guacamole, Lump Crab Nachos and Lobster Enchiladas in Chardonnay cream sauce!  OMG! The flavors and tastes were amazing! The Carne Asada a la Tampiquena is probably the best marinated piece of  skirt steak I've ever put in my mouth. Tender, juicy, delicious. It's the kind of steak cows give their lives for!

Portions are large here -  and I am the kind of dinner that likes to try and share a lot of different things. So unless you are REALLY  HUNGRY, keep that in mind.

Cyclone Anaya's restaurants present an upscale variety of hand-made gourmet menu items carefully prepared from scratch, using only the finest ingredients. The menu showcases "Fine Mex," a wonderful blend of the traditional and the modern. They also have a well-earned reputation for their legendary margaritas and even make their  own Agave Tequila. They are also known for  dramatic artistic presentation and precision managed restaurants. "We focus enormous detail on the dining experience, from our stunning architecture to custom "made to order" plating."

There are lots of restuarants in the neighborhood.  Black-Eyed Pea Restaurant   is right on Cedar Springs Road.  214-521-4580.   
A very popular restaurant  with a combination of down-home cooking like chicken-fried steak, meatloaf and healthy fare including terrific seafood entrees.

Zini's  Pizza  is a  great late night spot right in the heart of the neighborhood, located on Cedar Springs Road also. Full line of lunch and dinner pizza and Italian food. Great spot for after-the club-gatherings on weekend late nights.


DISH at ILUME brings chic to Cedar Springs!  The Ilume  Luxury mixed-use complex has been putting together an entire block of gay chic! “We want to be the signature anchor for the street that compliments what’s on the street,” Luke Crosland, owner of Crosland Group says . “We want the excitement and energy. This is a passionate community with a long history.”

The new hip DISH brings design, cocktails and food to town. Walk through the doors, just past the large, gorgeous patio, and a stylish, sophisticated space awaits, as inviting as it is stunning. The attention to detail and whimsical touches (cone-shaped mashed potatoes with the evening special!) are what will keep us coming back again and again. Delicately thin-and-crispy flatbreads are a great starter to share or more than enough for a satisfying meal. From the hosts at the front door to the servers’ assistants, the restaurant already runs like a well-oiled machine, amazing for its short time on this earth. Service is attentive, but not obtrusive, and the servers all seem to know the menu well.


And if it's meat you're after, THE hot  spot to go to is Al Biernats . 5 Star Dining with many of the Dallas Who's-Who's  here. All the A-list celebrities dine here while visiting Dallas.  The parking lot was filled with the ultimate in luxury cars. With its rosy glow, vaulted ceilings, and domed bar, Al Biernat's doesn't look like your average chophouse. And it's not. Billed  as "much more than a great steakhouse!"  Their menu rises above the traditional grill menu, with popular entrees such as Pan Seared Sea Bass over Lobster Risotto, Australian Cold Water Lobster Tail, Veal Osso Bucco, Colorado Lamb Chops or Elk Filet. I had to have meat! The 14oz  filet mignon was  melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  The extensive wine list offers over 650 rare selections and a sommelier's expertise. Al Biernat personally greets you at the door to ensure your delightful dining experience! 


And what trip to Dallas would not be complete without a stop to the flagship Neiman Marcus , a Dallas icon?!   

Since the early 1900's , the renowned department store's flagship location sits on Ervay Street between Main and Commerce.  The structure has been expanded both horizontally and vertically many times.

Not only known for it's amazingly unique selection of merchandise, but lunch at the Zodiac is ALWAYS  A  TREAT!  The elegant restaurant has been serving
fine cuisine for over 50 years and  features an exquisite, classic menu selection. Sip a martini at the sleek, modern glass-top bar while you mingle with the who's-who of downtown.

It's a classic treat like  lunch at Fred's in Barneys or BG in Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Delicious seasonal entrée selections or  just experience their famous Mandarin Orange Soufflé. It's a must-do!

This is just a sampling of what Dallas has to offer!

Whether you want a  $75 piece of steak or just a  delicious $8 old-fashioned Hunkys Hamburger , it's all here  in Dallas.

Dallas is truly a one size fits all shoe. Whether you are visiting, passing through or are a current resident, we invite you to explore and enjoy all that our community has to offer.

Dallas Pride - September 19th!

Other useful  Gay Dallas resources  are -
Dallas Convention and Tourism
Dallas Tavern Guild 
American Airlines Rainbow Division 
Dallas Voice 

      

New gay bingo nights at
Trump Taj Mahal
signal expanding LGBT market in Atlantic City.

Atlantic City's transformation to an adults-only casino city that's "Always Turned On"  started appealing to the LGBT community last fall. 

Following a gay-themed "Out in Atlantic City " weekend of partying at the Harrah's Entertainment Inc. casinos last September, Trump Entertainment Resorts  Inc. has begun courting gay and lesbian customers earlier this year with its own events advertised as Fun and "Gay"mes.

Trump spokeswoman Mary Moyer said 300 to 500 customers are expected this Friday night at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort for gay bingo, followed by dancing in a ballroom-turned-nightclub suggestively named "Club O 69." The event will benefit a local charity.

More gay bingo nights are tentatively scheduled in July and August as the Taj Mahal continues to appeal to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender customer base.

"We recognized a need to provide entertainment experiences to the GLBT community," said Paula Mauk, vice president of marketing for Trump Entertainment. "We have amenities at the Trump Atlantic City properties that can attract and grow that demographic."

 

Harrah's Entertainment, owner of the Bally's, Caesars, Harrah's Resort and Showboat casinos, threw the doors wide open to gay customers with its "Out in Atlantic City" weekend last year. The event featured appearances by gay and lesbian entertainers, parties and gay bingo. The event will be staged again this September, although Harrah's has not yet announced details.

Jennifer Weissman, regional vice president of marketing for Harrah's Entertainment, said the Harrah's properties appeal to gay customers year-round through a series of special events and entertainment. She believes gay events at Trump Taj Mahal, normally Harrah's rival, will only enhance the city's tourism business.

"I think it's a great thing," Weissman said. "The more all the casinos do to attract more customers to the market, the better."

A quick train ride from New York City or Philadelphia!

 Gay bingo at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort
  8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Tiara Ballroom

Cost: $10 donation. Proceeds benefit the South Jersey AIDS Alliance

Best Gay Cities

      

 

Gay Palm Springs.

This tropical desert oasis is home to famously long, sun-drenched days, breathtaking mountain views and one of the largest gay communities in the country. It has been voted numerous times and won, the Best Gay Destination in the World! How can you not love 330 days a year of sunshine?  It’s a huge outdoor playground with consistently brilliant sunshine, great for swimming and sunning and all types of outdoor activities with the sweet, clean air.

Why go in the  summer? 

It's less crowded, less expensive with discounted hotels  and discounted airfare  and lots of great parties happening.
Fourth of July Weekend Parties,  Bears LA Weekend in August and in September, Mr. Nude Palm Springs and Blackfire Weekend!

Whether it's a romantic couple's getaway, a group outing or a frisky single's adventure at one of the clothing-optional resorts, you're sure to find an exciting vacation. The city boasts a very large and diverse Gay resident population and has become a prime travel destination from the West coast (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle), Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, as well as internationally. Expect to meet guys from Europe, Australia, Canada, and from all over the US! Over the last decade, Palm Springs has experienced an explosion of new gay residents and new gay businesses. The resident LGBT population is now estimated at 40 percent.

There are over 30 openly-gay resort hotels in the city to choose from. Our favorite is INNdulge Palm Springs, A Resort Hotel for Gay Men. @ 601 Grenfall Road, Palm Springs CA 92264
PH 800.833.5675 / (760) 327.1408. Rest; Relaxation; and Pampering! (Pictured top and right)

 

INNdulge is one of the most established guesthouses here in Palm Springs. Classically Mid-Century in design, INNdulge is listed in the Historic Inns of Palm Springs guidebook. Centrally located in the Warm Sands neighborhood (an area flush with clothing-optional gay accommodations), this elegant award-winning  facility offers several sizes of rooms, most of which look out on the spacious pool, open 24 hours. And by the way, the pool is actually “chilled” in the hot summer months! No other gay resort in Palm Springs uses this "chiller system", which keeps the water at about 86 degrees.

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

 

DID YOU KNOW?

Howard Hughes broke ground in the Warm Sands neighborhood over 60 years ago with the first resort here in this part of town. Now this boutique neighborhood, wedged between Ramon and Sunny Dunes Road is home to 10+ resorts - a little oasis of style and pampering.


There is nothing quite like evenings in the desert. Taking a dip in the pool at Midnight. Sitting out with friends under the clear starry skies sipping cocktails, feeling the warm desert breeze against your skin. In fact, many people will take a siesta in the summer months afternoons, just so they can enjoy the magic of the Palm Springs late evenings.

 

Getting back to Inndulge, INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50's architecture. You can appreciate the architecture and the mountain views during the hotel's free social hour that extends for two hours. It is a great way to meet the hotel's wonderful owners, John and Jean-Guy, as well as your fellow guests.




Plus you get all of the comforts of home and MORE. Today’s savvy travelers except a level of quality in their resort destinations, and that's what you will find here.

24 Poolside Rooms and Suites
King Size Beds

DVD Players in Every Room
Complimentary DVD Library
Refrigerators, Coffee Pots, Ironing Boards, Safes

Large Heated Pool (open 24 hours)
12 Man Jacuzzi (open 24 hours)

Cool Misters for Hot Days
Complimentary Continental Breakfast
On-Site Gym and Wi-Fi throughout the property

 

And you don't  have to take our word for it, just read the reviews left by members of the press worldwide.

This September this classic resort will celebrate its 15th Anniversary as one of the leading gay hotels in Palm Springs! Don’t miss all the summer fun! INNdulge your fantasies, INNdulge your fancy, INNdulge your spirit!

 

SUMMER SPECIAL!

 

Second Night FREE !

Every Second Weeknight is FREE!
Stay 2, pay for 1. Stay 4, pay for 2.
Call for Details!
June 1 - September 30, 2010,
Sunday thru Thursday Only, Holidays Excepted

PLUS, this summer get a free SPLASH PASS - a wallet-sized discount card that gets you special savings at area restaurants, retailers and other businesses, and discounted admission to many area attractions and special events. It’s the perfect addition to Summer Splash! The best part? The SPLASH PASS is absolutely FREE to everyone - valley visitors and residents alike!

 

There are SPECIAL EVENTS happening all summer long !

With year-round sun, the largest gay events in the country, and world-class shopping and dining, art galleries, casinos, entertainment, golf courses and a huge gay community, Palm Springs is consistently rated a top travel destination.

      

Philadelphia was founded more than 300 years ago by Englishman William Penn on principles of equality and freedom of expression. Today, the “city of brotherly love” is a welcoming place for people from around the world, and a great destination for gay and lesbian travelers.

Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the cradle of liberty offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside.

JULY is a happening month here!

July 8-19th - Celebrating our 16th year, QFest  is the largest LGBT film fest on the East Coast – 12 days full of 100+ films plus outdoor screenings, special guests, and loads of parties and events.

Coinciding with that is   the  Grand Re-Opening of the Gayborhood
July 10 – July 24, 2010   -    Locations throughout the Gayborhood

Philadelphia’s historic Gayborhood will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with a two week long party, complete with special events and discounts throughout the neighborhood. Restaurants, bars and gay friendly hotels, this is a town full of excitement and fun!

Philadelphia ...Get your history STRAIGHT and your nightlife GAY !

Philly on Facebook

Best Gay Cities

      

As the official start to summer quickly approaches this weekend, the coastal resort town of Provincetown, Massachusetts begins a season of historic milestones, cultural festivals and more. And many gays will flock to PTOWN to get married.

Since the legalization of gay marriage in Massachusetts in 2004, Provincetown has earned the distinction of “the place to get married,” issuing more than 2,000 marriage licenses to date.

Today, Provincetown may be the easiest place to get married  as the Town Clerk recently announced the ability to file applications for marriage licenses on Fridays. Given Provincetown’s beautiful seaside setting, colorful environment and consistent rating as the premier gay destination in America, it makes for an ideal wedding spot.

Provincetown has always been many things to many people. A charming New England fishing village, with piers jutting out into the harbor. A bustling art colony of revelry and romance. Here individualism has long been prized. Provincetown has always danced to its own rhythm, and today its music is louder and prouder than ever before.

WOMENS  WEEKENDS ,  BEAR  WEEKENDS  ,  GAY  FAMILIES  WEEKENDS   and More, there is something for everyone here. Voted BEST RESORT TOWN many times, here you’ll find young sweethearts discovering love for the first time and more seasoned couples marking thirty, forty or fifty years. Two moms or two dads might push by with their strollers. Leathermen, bears, dykes on bikes, transgendered folk, and lots of shirtless hunky boys—you’ll spy them all moving easily in the mix. No matter what scene you’re looking for, you can find it.

PTOWN  TOURISM  INFO   and  PTOWN BUSINESS  GUILD    for  more  info.


Best Gay Cities

      

EVERYTHING IS
BIGGER IN DALLAS! 

On our recent trip to Dallas, (Thanks  to  George Carrancho with American Airlines    and Michael Doughman with  Dallas Tavern Guild ) we get to see the BEST OF GAY DALLAS!  Including  a tour of the new $1.1 Billion Dallas Cowboys Stadium which can seat 80,000 -  100,000  spectators.

The stadium has now clinched the title of owning the world’s largest high definition television display.  The Cowboy’s new stadium  screen is  180 feet wide and 50 feet tall. The screen  runs from one 20-yard line to the other. The $40 million screen weighs 600 tons and the picture is crystal clear!

The venue also holds another record as it  became the largest domed stadium in the world. They also have one of  the biggest ticket prices for your parking your car in their lot!  $75 a car!

Speaking of money, Dallas is full of big money and big philanthropy. It’s impossible to miss the flurry of activity and the unmistakable “buzz” in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District, where  the new $4.5 million  Winspear Opera House at the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts sits. MILLIONS were raised privately for the spectacular new building.

The opera house’s principal entrance, known as Rosemary and Roger Enrico Family Gateway, features the Annette and Harold Simmons Signature Glass Façade that ascends to the full 60-foot height of the building, creating a seamless flow and open-air  between the opera house and the surrounding park.

The transparent  wall/façade provides dramatic views of McDermott Performance Hall, which will be clad in vibrant RED GLASS  panels, in addition to the Grand Lobby, the staircase and the Mary Anne and Richard Cree Box Circle and Grand Tier levels. From within the Winspear Opera House, the Simmons Glass Façade will provide a sweeping view of downtown Dallas and portions of Uptown.

We told you about the amazingly huge selection of LGBT clubs and bars in Dallas . Most are located in the Cedar Springs neighborhood.  In between all of the clubs are lots of restaurants, retail shops and other fun spots.

Buli Cafe   3908 Cedar Springs Rd.
Buli is a Funky and fun coffee bistro recently awarded best sandwiches in Dallas. Serving tasty offerings from great breakfasts, panini sandwiches and huge fresh salads to tons of home made sweets and baked goodies The eclectic dining room includes fur lined banquets and colorful art everywhere. There's also free wi-fi and a covered patio so you can surf and sip your favorite BIG BIG BIG coffee concoctions! 

Union Jack Clothing  is right next door, 3920 Cedar Springs Rd. Here you will find unique and interesting men's fashions in a very affordable price range. Exclusive labels you will find nowhere else.  CD's,  Jewelry,  Shoes to Swimwear to Dressy-Casual, it's all here.  Voted Dallas' Best Casual Wear Store and Best  Clubwear Store.

 CONDOM SENSE  has a  HUGE selction of condoms and lubes. 4038 Cedar Springs Rd.  The Condom Sense stores is a chain of boutique family-owned stores in Dallas that  caters to straight and gay people with over 7,000 items such as vibrators, novelties, lubricants, and massage oils.  

Feeling Hungry for some BIG MEAT?   HUNKYS OLD FASHIONED famous hamburgers is a must!  Queens and fast food!  Along with chicken sandwiches and chili dogs,  this local hamburger chain offers straightforward burgers along with gourmet creations like the pineapple-ringed Hawaiian and non-beef salmon and veggie "burgers."  Extremely reasonable prices and delicious  Blue Belle  milkshakes too! VOTED  BEST  BURGERS IN DALLAS, time and time again.

SKIVVIES   at   4001 Cedar Springs Rd, has the BIGGEST Underwear collection I have ever seen!  Based in Dallas and Austin, Texas, Skivvies is the premier men’s underwear store.

Established in 2000, they have created an amazing  market for men’s fashion underwear. The largest I have ever seen for sure, over 4000 square feet of styles, colors, and brands.

Skivvies tops the list for the best place to shop for the latest in men’s fashion underwear, swimwear, athletic wear, fetish wear, some jewelry, shoes and light casual fashions. Smart shopping tip -  don't miss the upstairs mark-down selections!

 





  BIGGEST  GAY MENS CHORUS in the Southwest is the Turtle Creek Chorale  . 
Celebrating 30 years  and 36  CD's and now with  over 150 singing members.
The Chorale has traveled to Europe, performing sold out concerts in Barcelona, Berlin and Prague; as well as two appearances a Carnegie Hall. In  JULY, the Chorale will return to Spain again for a week long tour.  The TCC currently has four sub groups: Chamber Chorus; ENCORE!; New Texas Symphony Orchestra; and the Turtle Creek Strangerettes, a precision dance team.

How  about the BIGGEST  HOTEL ROOMS in Dallas???

On our recent visit to Dallas we got to stay at the Radisson Hotel and Suites Dallas-Love Field. 1241 West Mockingbird Lane. The Dallas hotel offers 296 rooms but the big sell is the  52  HUGE suites - featuring work desks, mini-kitchens, large sitting areas, multiple TV's and complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access.  And the price is NOT HUGE.

For even more comfort, select rooms include Sleep Number® beds that allow you to adjust the comfort level of your mattress. You are sure to rest in comfort at one of the prime hotels Dallas has to offer.  They are just a quick 5 minute drive to the Cedar Springs neighborhood and have a shuttle that will drive you over there!

Handsome Hunter Daniel who helps run the hotel  invites guests to a GAY PRIDE  DISCOUNT !  Gay Pride in Dallas  will be September 19th. And this Radisson is the perfect choice to get a few friends together and share a Big Suite! 


Hunter  says, " if you go to our general website, Radisson Dallas  then when booking pick your dates and it will take you to the next screen with many price options. On the right you put in PRIDE under Promo code and you receive the discounted rates. Also, if you call the hotel  1-800-395-7046 , (for those of us that still do that) just state PRIDE while placing your reservation, and you will receive the discounted rate!"

With a diverse and vibrant GLBT community, Dallas welcomes travelers and residents to come out and enjoy the many things that make this progressive city one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States.

Dallas is truly a one size fits all shoe. Whether you are visiting, passing through or are a current resident, we invite you to explore and enjoy all that our community has to offer.

Other useful  Gay Dallas resources  are -
Dallas Convention and Tourism
Dallas Tavern Guild 
American Airlines Rainbow Division 
Dallas Voice 



Best  Gay  Cities

      

GAY PRIDE
Festivities have started in recent weeks around the world. I think many of us forget how good we have it. Big cities like  New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, have pride celebrations where thousands and even millions of us come out to celebrate the day and have no real danger or hate to deal with.

Police cancelled Slovakia’s first-ever gay pride parade after a gang of around 80 neo-Nazis threw stones, eggs and smoke bombs into the crowd of LGBT marchers.

“Instead of the parade of pride, Slovakia has experienced a day of shame,” reported local media. The organizers of the march in Bratislava city centre blame the police for not having enough officers out in force to protect the 1,000-plus participants of the event.

More than 70  hateful  skin heads threw stones, smoke bombs, and eggs at the crowd. Eight skinhead protestors were arrested.

Organizers are pointing the finger at police, who they say had been informed of the event far in advance, yet had still sent an insufficient number of officers to keep order. One organizer says that the police "were clearly unprepared to face such a situation, despite our warnings."

 The Slovak Spectator is reporting that others are also blaming the police in their failure to protect the participants:

“Instead of the parade of pride, Slovakia has experienced a day of shame,” wrote Sme’s deputy editor-in-chief Lukáš Fila in his commentary suggesting that the attack by the neo-Nazis against the participants shows a failure by the state. Fila states that if the state was unable to secure order at an event which had been announced months in advance and about which all media had been reporting and to which foreign diplomats had confirmed their presence, then in what other areas are the police incapable of securing public order?"

 The grim scene in Slovakia comes just a week after a gay pride parade was similarly marred by violence in the Eastern European country of Belarus. Riot police abruptly ended the colourful parade after eggs were thrown into the marching throng.

      

Imagine a city full of millions of happy people going around wishing everyone  HAPPY  PRIDE  all week! 

Whether you are  gay or straight, Pride Week in Toronto  always offers fun parties,  music  and merriment for everyone. There are two areas of the city where festivities will be focused – Church Street (the famous Gay Village) and now Queen West is in on the fun with their Queer West Fest.

There is an estimated 1 million tourists + all of the locals that celebrate the Pride Events!

Toronto is one of the BEST GAY CITIES in North America and hosts THE BIGGEST  GAY  PRIDE  in North America.


This year the theme is about "Celebrating 30 years of Pride in Toronto".  A week long of events will take  place  between  June 25th - July 4th.

Prism 2010 , North America's largest circuit party, partners with Pride Toronto to present for the first time ever, "Aqua Pride" on a Pride Toronto stage. AQUA PRIDE 2010 is a water-themed daytime event featuring Michael Viera, Isaac Escalante and Brazilian sweetheart, Ana Paula. Come, get wet and have fun!

"We're very excited to be working with Prism Toronto to bring Aqua Pride to the Pride Toronto site. They work year round to contribute culturally to the city and have consistently supported local talent over the years. This is a very natural progression for us both", says Pride Toronto's Arts & Entertainment Manager, Mary Zondanos.

"Be prepared for the biggest party of the weekend as we transform the TD Wellesley Stage, into the most glamorous and wettest Aqua party yet," says Gairy Brown, Executive Director of Prism Toronto.

Single event tickets and weekend passes are on-sale now exclusively at PRIAPE   or through Priape retail locations in Toronto and Montreal. Call PRIAPE at 1-800-461-6969 for more details or for a store near you.

Cyndi Lauper Headlines Pride Toronto's 30th Anniversary Festival. 

Cyndi Lauper, one of the world's most recognized Queer icons, comes to Toronto on Saturday, July 3 2010 for a FREE concert in Queen's Park.

An unwavering advocate for LGBTTIQQ2SA* rights, Cyndi Lauper established herself as a household name with the 1983 single "Girls Just Want To Have Fun", kicking off a long career which includes more than 25 million in record sales and nominations for 13 Grammy awards, 2 Emmy awards, 2 American Music Awards, 7 American Video Awards and 18 MTV awards.

"It's an honor to always have the genuine affection of the gay community," Cyndi says. "They have never turned their back on me and I will never turn my back on them. We've had a long and enduring love affair."

The Grammy award-winning singer and Emmy award-winning actress is currently working on her newest studio album scheduled for release in June. Lauper is also featured on the new "Celebrity Apprentice" edition on NBC starting March 14 and later this year launches her own reality show.

Lauper's performance during Pride Week will be part of a full program of entertainment and activities in Queen's Park; the newest addition to the ever-expanding Pride Week site which includes eight stages over more than 22 city blocks and an attendance of more than one million. Plans for the new Queen's Park site include a beverage garden and more Pride Week Streetfair exhibitors.

"We are happy that Cyndi and her incredible team worked with us to make this happen" said Mary Zondanos, Arts & Entertainment Manager for Pride Toronto. "Her work both as a performer and an activist is an inspiration to us all. There will be tears, and I'm sure some will be mine."

SEE THE WHOLE LIST OF EVENTS  ONLINE

*Pride Toronto is in the running to host the 2014  WORLD  PRIDE!


BEST  GAY  CITIES