I genuinely want to get behind the whole idea of gay travel. I love the idea of having spaces and places where gay people can feel relaxed and open on their holidays.
A place where people can be who they are, and express themselves, free from fear, judgment or discrimination. As much as I’ve been trying to get behind the gay travel scene for over a year now, ultimately I end up disappointed.
Maybe it’s me. I don’t think my expectations are all that high. Maybe they’re just a bit unrealistic.
In a nutshell, what I’m looking for is:
- An experience not solely based around partying, alcohol and drugs
- A place where my partner and I can meet and connect with other guys – in a non-sexual way
READ – Promoting Pink Paradise
Let me be clear. I have nothing against partying, drinking, people who enjoy drugs or guys that like hooking up. In fact, I think it’s great that there are so many avenues for guys to enjoy all of these things. This isn’t about placing a value judgement on any of that.
My point is that there doesn’t seem to be any real spaces being created for gay guys who aren’t into those things. There are no alternative being provided. Why can’t gay travel experiences cater to ALL gay men? Those that like to party – and those who don’t. Those looking to hook up, and those who aren’t. It seems that only one segment of the gay community is being catered for, at the exclusion of the other.
I’m sure that one argument is that the market is just catering to demand. But if alternatives are never presented, how can the demands for new services or offerings ever really be measured?
