From creepy animatronics to killer clowns, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 34 is bigger, bolder and bloodier than ever.

WORDS BY MALIK HADDINGTON-AHMED
SPECIAL THANKS TO KEVIN GIBSON, JAS WILKINSON, CAT PRACOWNIK AND MATT SKEELS

If there’s one thing the gays love more than a triple-threat pop girlie, it’s a decuple-threat Halloween spooktacular. Universal Orlando Resort is back once more with its 34th annual Halloween Horror Nights. Prepare to be shook!

Taking place over select nights from 28 August to 2 November, HHN 34 is set to be bigger and more bloodcurdling than ever before. Guests will encounter 10 all-new haunted houses, based on gruesome IP and haunting original concepts; four scare zones that bring the horror to the streets; a circus and a light show that will knock your socks off; and two all-new street experiences, zombie carhops at Mel’s Die In and undead DJs at Club Horror.

As if there weren’t enough reasons to visit Universal Orlando Resort, with theme parks, hotels and restaurants galore – including the five immersive worlds that make up their incredible brand-new Epic Universe – Halloween Horror Nights is the bloody cherry on top of the viciously delicious cake.

This August, Gay Times was invited to explore the haunts for ourselves. Here are all ten houses ranked, from spooky to down-right terrifying…

10) Five Nights at Freddy’s

Can you survive Five Nights at Freddy’s? Kicking off the list, Universal perfectly recreates Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, right down to the unsettling animatronics of Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy (chillingly recreated in collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop). Whether you’re familiar with the games, films or this is all new to you, it’s sure to give you the creeps – however, it just doesn’t pack the biggest punch.

9) Fallout

The vaults can’t save you in this post-apocalyptic wasteland inspired by the classic game and Prime Video’s hit series. Brought to life with impressive sets and grotesque irradiated ghouls, Universal and Amazon worked closely together to bring the game to life with easter eggs for eagle-eyed fans, as well as a teaser for the show’s second season.

8) Dolls: Let’s Play Dead

Perhaps the campest of all this year’s attractions, the Dolls house welcomes you to the toybox of terror. You’ll shrink down to doll-sized proportions and run for your life as you witness the unnatural creations of a twisted little girl. Burnt and mutilated playthings stalk you at every turn as you try to escape this house, where you control some of the scares thanks to a few strategically placed buttons. Will you come play with us?

7) Grave of Flesh

Ever wondered what it would be like to attend your own funeral? Look no further than Grave of Flesh. This one gets points for sheer gross-out factor – the gore is unrelenting, with skin masks and rotting cadavers to name but a few. Get ready to enter your grave and pass through the gates of the underworld as claustrophobia-inducing soil walls begin to cave in. With SFX makeup and costuming that feels a bit too real, this is not for the faint of heart.

6) Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters

All hell is breaking loose in this Old West town. Possibly the closest any of the actors will get to you in all of the HHN houses or scare zones, Demon Bounty Hunters sees lava demons trying to possess everyone while melting everything in their path. This spaghetti-western-turned-supernatural-horror is campy fun that will leave you shaking.

5) Jason Universe

Evil doesn’t stay dead as the iconic Jason Voorhees makes his return to Camp Crystal Lake. Inspired by a number of the Friday the 13th films, this nightmare-come-to-life sees a different Jason around every corner – culminating in a terrifying jump scare-heavy corridor chase that will leave you gasping for air. This is a house that fans of the classic slasher will be sure to eat up.

4) El Artista: A Spanish Haunting

One of the year’s strongest original concepts, this hauntingly beautiful 19th-century Spanish manor becomes the canvas for an artist possessed by his own work. Immerse yourself within the world of Sergio Navarro, with striking visuals and ghostly brushstrokes that bleed into reality. This house could easily rank at number one if this list was based on worldbuilding and set design alone.

3) Gálkn: Monsters of the North

Try to escape the belly of the beast in this original concept rooted in Norse mythology. Another visually stunning house, Gálkn stands out with its detailed wintry sets and folklore-inspired creatures that break out through the blizzard and build up to a terrifying finale. If you’re into the stuff of legend, this is the one for you. And if not, the house’s icy temperature – which lovingly recreates the Nordic climate – makes this a welcome break from the Florida heat, even if you will be petrified in the process.

2) Terrifier

Undoubtedly the most talked about house of the year, Terrifier more than lived up to its name. Art the Clown is everywhere, grinning in the shadows, jumping out from where you least expect him and recreating iconic kills from all three of Damien Leone’s iconic slashers (alongside a few new ones that will live on in your nightmares). The funhouse aesthetic combined with buckets of gore makes this one of the scariest IP-based houses Universal has pulled off in years. With 35 bodies and six gallons of blood, prepare for carnage. Are you brave enough to take on the bloodbath?

1) The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks

Fear is the main event at the surprising number one entry on this list. The Wyatt Sicks’ dark and theatrical lore translates perfectly into haunted house form, with cultish rituals, unsettling chants and disturbing visuals – complete with eerie gusts of wind that were much scarier than they should’ve been – which built a ridiculous amount of tension. It’s immersive, creative and left us completely rattled in the best way, with some absolutely top-tier jump scares. The Wyatt Sicks edges out the competition not by being louder, but by being smarter. Even if, like myself, you’re neither a fan of WWE or wrestling in general, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss.

Of course, this ranking is purely personal opinion – we highly recommend you check out the scares for yourself. Whether you’re here to see familiar faces like Freddy Fazbear and Jason Voorhees, or to step into worlds you’ve never experienced before, Halloween Horror Nights 2025 proves Universal is still at the top of their scare game when it comes to blending blockbuster IP with ambitious originals. HHN 34 is bigger, bolder and bloodier than ever.

Why not grab your ghoulfriends and splash out on a guided RIP walking tour, complete with Priority VIP entry to haunted houses and participating attractions. (Huge shout-out to Tati and Grace for being the best guides a gay could ask for!)

Beyond the houses, HHN 34 also boasts scare zones, including The Origins of Horror, Masquerade: Dance with Death and The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane, alongside standout shows such as Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay and the lagoon spectacular Haunt-O-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey. And don’t skip the themed food and drinks to fully immerse yourself in the horror – this year’s menu includes a Five Nights at Freddy’s cupcake and Terrifier’s Clown Café Bloody Popcorn.

For more information about Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and to purchase tickets, visit www.universalorlando.com/halloween.

Universal Orlando Resort has teamed up with Virgin Atlantic Holidays to offer some scarily good deals this spooky season. Don’t sleep on it (or maybe do, if you want nightmares).

7 nights in Orlando from £1383 per person

7 nights in Orlando with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic Economy flights direct from London Heathrow to Orlando. Room-only accommodation at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Price is based on two adults travelling and sharing a Standard 2 Queen Room and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure on 17 September 2025.

With Virgin Atlantic Holidays, customers can reserve Universal hotels up to 730 days in advance and access Virgin Atlantic flights before they go on general sale. While Virgin Atlantic flights go on sale 11 months ahead, Virgin Atlantic Holidays customers can book them up to 12 months in advance as part of their package. They can also pre-select their seats free of charge from seven days before departure or choose to pay and select seats at the time of booking.

Customers benefit from the Attraction Ticket Price Promise (matching any cheaper official price) and pay no extra deposit on tickets purchased via Virgin Atlantic Holidays. Backed by expert travel agent knowledge and voted Number 1 to Florida from the UK, Virgin Atlantic Holidays is ABTA-membered and ATOL-protected. Book online at www.virginatlantic.com/holidays, via the Customer Centre on 0344 557 3859 or at any of its 35 retail stores.

Prices subject to change and availability. Virgin Atlantic Holidays terms and conditions apply.

The post Halloween Horror Nights 2025: All 10 haunted houses ranked, from Five Nights at Freddy’s to Terrifier appeared first on GAY TIMES.

From dating profiles that request “No Asians” to racist comments in night clubs, the gay community doesn’t feel inclusive for many Asian American men.

WORDS BY JAKE ANGELO, UNCLOSETED MEDIA
PHOTO COURTESY OF CODY SEIYA
DESIGN BY SAM DONNDELINGER

Cody Seiya did not feel welcome in Provincetown.

“Is that for yellow pride?” a man sneered at Seiya in the middle of Ptown’s tea dance, referring to a yellow bandanna he was wearing around his neck.

It wasn’t the first time Seiya, a 33-year-old gay Asian American, had experienced racism from other queer men. Years earlier at Rage, a now-closed gay club in West Hollywood, another white man asked him what he was doing there.

“It’s not Gameboi night,” the man said to him, referring to the Asian-themed weekly party the venue hosted.

“That was really the first time that I really felt some sort of divide,” Seiya told Uncloseted Media. “We’re already such a marginalized community, and then to just marginalize even further; it was just really disappointing.”

Seiya’s experience isn’t unique. A 2022 report from The Trevor Project found that more than half of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) LGBTQIA+ youth reported discrimination based on their race and/or ethnicity in 2021. And another study from the Williams Institute found that nearly one in five AAPI LGBTQIA+ adults do not feel safe in the U.S.

This discrimination is a silent epidemic, according to Gene Lim, a researcher at the Australian Research Center for Sex, Health and Society.

“There’s a lot of shame around experiencing sexual racism, on top of the fact that it’s an inherently distressing situation,” Lim told Uncloseted Media. “That congeals into a sense of isolation.”

Feelings of exclusion take a mental health toll: 40% of AAPI youth seriously considered suicide in the U.S. in 2021, and 16% attempted it.

Seiya says he’s carried those instances of racism with him and that they’ve impacted his self-perception in queer spaces.

“[It gave] this sense of otherness and discomfort whenever I was in a predominantly white space. It’s still something I deal with to this day.”

Danny Maiuri, a 41-year-old queer Korean American man, says he’s conscious of his racial identity when he visits Fire Island, a popular gay vacation spot on Long Island, N.Y.

“I remember times just getting asked the really basic ‘Where are you from?’ And I just kind of explained, ‘I live in New York,’ and then you get the ‘But like, were you born here?’”A Long History of Racism

Racism toward Asian people has permeated American society since the first Chinese immigrants arrived in California in the 1800s.

Sexual racism—or discrimination in romantic partner selection—is most common among men who have sex with men (MSM), according to Thomas Le, an assistant professor of psychology at Bryn Mawr College.

“A lot of what Asian American men report in the U.S. is some ostracization because of the elevation of white men, and masculinity and muscularity being prized,” Le told Uncloseted Media.

Lim says this fixation on whiteness stems from racialized hierarchies in queer spaces, where Eurocentric features are often favored over Asian features.

“Asian MSM [must] navigate a sexual field where the hierarchy of desire is really racialized,” Lim told Uncloseted Media. “And they can feel disadvantaged in a way that is insurmountable.”

Nineteenth-century immigration laws and cultural norms in the U.S. excluded Asian American men from participating in male-dominant professions like mining and field work. Instead, they assumed roles typically associated with women.

This segregation fomented in the American mind an image of the Asian man as feminine and has translated into the racist stereotypes about body image and dating preferences of gay men.

Asian men are often assumed to be bottoms or twinks or to have small penis sizes because of this emasculated image. And a 2011 analysis on race-based partner preferences among MSM found that Asian men were preferred by 12% of participants, a dramatic drop off from preferences for white and Black men, preferred by 52% and 48% of participants, respectively.

Photo by Cody Kinsfather

Racist Stereotypes and the Media’s White Beauty Standard

In American media, Hollywood has reproduced caricatures of Asian people for years. Long Duk Dong, the Asian character in “Sixteen Candles,” was portrayed as sexually inept. Leslie Chow’s diction in “The Hangover” is heavily accented, and his nudity is the punchline of a joke with the implication that Asian men are sexually inferior.

While media representations have shifted away from overtly racist caricatures, and have even centered queer Asian male relationships like in Boys’ Love anime, the absence of Asian portrayals in the media and the abundance of white characters have shaped attraction among a generation of queer people.

Le says white, muscular men dominated popular media and defined what it meant to be attractive through the 1990s and 2000s.

“Representation is really important … it has this really understated effect on the erotic habitus for a lot of queer men,” says Lim, referring to the learned component of sexual desire. “A lot of queer Asian men do grow up implicitly measuring themselves against a Eurocentric standard.”

This experience was a reality for Filipino American Kalaya’an Mendoza in college.

Growing up in a majority non-white neighborhood in San Jose, Calif., Mendoza had never compared himself with white people. But at UC Santa Barbara, a school where AAPI people composed less than one-fifth of the undergraduate student body, Mendoza remembers attempting to fit in by adhering to white beauty standards.

Photo courtesy of Seiya

“[I was] trying to be as American as possible and not to be seen as the other, not to be seen as a perpetual foreigner,” Mendoza, now 46, told Uncloseted Media. “No matter how much I tried and no matter how many times I bleached my hair, no matter how many blue contacts I bought—I would never be white.”

“I just remember feeling extremely depressed,” he says. “I almost dropped out.”

The pressure to assimilate to a white beauty standard is also ingrained in porn.

“Pornography is generally one kind of common avenue for young queer men to explore sexuality,” says Le. “Some develop racialized attractions based on that.”

White actors are far more frequently cast in porn than actors of color. Because of that, many queer men hold white people as the beauty standard.

This is what Mendoza discovered when he attempted to decolonize his dating preferences, which he describes as unlearning his racial biases shaped by colonialism. He says he questioned why he was so attracted to whiteness even though he grew up around people of color. “A lot of that was, quite frankly, because of the sexualized media or the porn.”

Seiya says he has experienced racism working in the porn industry.

“They just automatically assume that I am a bottom or submissive because I am Asian,” he says. “I just find it demoralizing and very limiting.”

Sex and Dating

When it comes to dating, queer Asian men often find it difficult to decipher if they are being seen for who they are or if they are being fetishized.

Dating apps compound these effects. The design of most platforms are such that users must make quick judgments based on minimal information on a user’s profile. Because of this, Lim says many users fall upon their prejudices.

As a way to receive more matches or chats, some Asian men attempt to fit into stereotypes that paint them as effeminate, such as the “lady boy” or the “femme boy.”

“Gay men do this all the time, they try to embody an archetype,” says Lim. “And an archetype is fertile ground for someone to project their own fantasies onto.”

Maiuri says he constantly questions whether his sexual interactions are shaped by his own desires or if he’s assuming a role based on preconceived notions.

Photo by Cody Kinsfather

He feels that many men assume that “all Asian men are bottoms and submissive,” and he constantly asks himself, “Am I fulfilling this role because this is what I actually enjoy? Or was this something that was just put on me and I’ve adapted to?”

Although gay culture remains white-centric, there are signs of change.

“A lot of queer Asian American men actually are creating their own communities,” says Le. “[They’re] really being intentional about finding a community with other queer men of color.”

Mendoza says that finding other queer people of color at college helped him to cultivate a positive self-image.

“That’s why, quite frankly, I feel like I’m alive today,” he says.

Maiuri says that while often criticized as a boogeyman of the mental health crisis, social media is actually having positive effects in facilitating connections between young men of similar experiences and slowly providing more examples of queer Asian men.

“The good part of it has been that connection and kind of finding identity and finding examples online for some folks to find ways to navigate [their] identity,” says Maiuri.

Seiya has come a long way from that weekend in Provincetown. He recently returned to the gay vacation hotspot for its fifth annual Frolic Weekend, a queer men of color takeover event.
“That was really special to recontextualize the space for myself,” Seiya says. “We deserve to take up space instead of shrinking ourselves.”

If objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQIA+ focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button:

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The post LGBTQIA+ spaces say ‘all are welcome’, but Asian men know better appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Or at least some of them…

IMAGE FEMME

Lists of ‘the best’ are contentious, often leaving out amazing low-key spots that those in the know guard with their life. While we hope to shed some new light on the sauna scene for you, we’ll confess this is likely more of an ‘essential’ sauna list than a true best one (not that it’s something objective anyway), but that’s enough being pernickety. Let’s jump in. 

Best gay saunas

Spots here traverse the steamy globe, from Mexico to Scotland. These have been chosen as examples of saunas that stand out, overdeliver, and expand the mind on what a social, raucous, or relaxing environment the sauna can be. 

Sodome, Mexico City  

As featured in our guide to Mexico City, Sodome is a real playhouse, situated between the Roma and Polanco districts. It might look fairly unassuming from the outside: pool-like mosaic tiles above air vents, and the street number 716 casually stood above the entrance, but inside you’ll see why this place is here. CDMX’s only European-style bathhouse might not be the district’s (let alone the city) cheapest sauna, but it is stacked with amenities, atmospheres, and possibilities. The lobby becomes a dancefloor by night, upstairs another dancefloor becomes a foam room and contains a (very active) dark room – signposted Cuarto Oscuro, naturally. There are bars throughout, and of course, for more casual and classic enjoyment, a host of steam rooms and Turkish baths, public and private. Opening hours vary. Generally, it’s closed on Tuesdays, on Saturdays, it is reportedly open from 6am – 3am. On any given day, you’ll find the place truly heating up from 8pm. Enjoy. 

See more here: https://www.sodome.com.mx 

Bain Colonial, Montreal 

Bain Colonial has been a solace for its guests since 1914, making it one of the oldest saunas on the entire continent. This isn’t a place living off its history, though – the stone sauna, generously sized whirlpool, and quality services including massages (Swedish, hot stone, and more) make the spot a second home for many of Plateau’s locals and those looking to relax or cruise from across the city. They have also recently renovated, and the space feels pristine, even in the dark room and X-rated video room. Unlike many saunas, there are two outdoor terraces, including a rooftop which is especially popular during the warmer months. Beds start from $26CAD also, which is a reasonable price for a lot of privacy. 

Explore here: https://baincolonial.com

Der Boiler, Berlin 

For many, especially since the close of Babylon in Bangkok, this is the gold standard. People have been and then found their previous favourites a little underwhelming. Don’t let that put you off, though. Experience the best, bring it back home with you, tell your friends, tell the managers at your local… 

There are around 300 lockers and (specialist) hygiene stations, there’s a handful of computers onsite also, as well as a bistro, bar, and payments are taken from the bracelet given (which also contains the key for your locker), extra towels for two euros. There are massage appointments. And there is a lovely outside terrace for relaxing (and smoking, though there’s a smoking room inside too), which is full of lovely plants. Smaller cabins (lots of them) have lights which can customize the brightness and even colour. The corridors in the dark areas have small spotlights if you’d like to be in the… spotlight literally. There’s also a cinema space, complete with peepholes; relaxation rooms with animal documentaries playing, and a super dark labyrinth. Of course, there are actual saunas too – being in Germany, the saunas are especially hot, so keep that in mind: hydrate, take breaks. The dry saunas range from 60 degrees to 90 degrees; they’re places to keep things PG, generally. There are steam rooms and a paddling pool, too.

Sunday afternoons are the busiest times, and you can be waiting a couple of hours to come in. But when in Berlin, it’ll be worth it. For all kinds of men. 

Search here: https://www.boiler-berlin.de/en

Club-Sauna Spartacus, Puerto Vallarta

Imagine not including Puerto Vallarta! Thankfully, we don’t need to think of such things, because Club-Sauna Spartacus is excellent and, rare in the scene, has outdoor spaces. We’ll start there (there are four floors of fun to get through). Outside in the tropical-humid (steamy!) Jalisco weather, many relax on the rooftop terrace – enjoying the pool, bar, and loungers. Inside, things get steamier – literally in the steam room, but also figuratively in the many darkrooms. Across the board, things are faultless and well-appointed. It might be the only sauna of its kind in Zona Romántica, but honestly, there’s nothing to desire that isn’t here.

Bangkok Onsen, Bangkok 

While people lament Babylon, Maxwell Onsen offers those in the know more than a consolation. One of the Japanese-style gay saunas in Bangkok, it’s set up to be zen, spa-like, there’s natural and soft lighting, ambient music; nothing especially dark or clubby. Cruising does happen, there are even hotel-style rooms with plush beds and white duvet covers, but that’s all a little more discreet. In similar vibes, you are given a bag containing a robe and other useful amenities like mouthwash. It’s open daily from 4pm to 1am, and is generally open to everyone, but especially an athletic young crowd. For a wilder experience, Sauna Mania (which you’ll find later in the article). 

Trombeta Bath, Lisbon 

Referring to itself as ‘the steamiest men’s club in Lisbon’ is bold, but probably true. Open daily from noon until 6am, and constantly through Saturday and Sunday, finding a convenient time to enjoy Trombeta is purely on you. The space contains a non-exhaustive list of: steam rooms, dry saunas, jacuzzis, private cabins, a dark room, a lounge, a bar, a cinema, glory holes, massage services, a bar, a sex shop, and regular DJ sets. Tickets aren’t the cheapest, given all there is to do, but they do last 12 hours. There’s a two-euro-per-hour charge from there. Towels, flip-flops, and a locker are included. Located in the bustling Bairro Alto area, peak hours are (as you’d expect) party hours, plus Sunday afternoons. 

See more: https://www.trombetabath.com/

Alexander Sauna, Athens 

Athenean delights? Look no further (or do!) – Alexander Sauna is in the bustle of Gazi, unbelievably close to the Kerameikos metro and contains SIX floors of exploration, relaxation and fun. From a basement labyrinth, to a garden, to gloryholes, it’s all there, along with the classic cabins, movie rooms, and for those into it, ‘detention cells’. You won’t be short on instances to captivate your imagination and help you enjoy. The space is open from 5pm to 2am, except for Fridays and Saturdays, when that extends from 5pm to 6am. There’s a heavy discount for those under 30, which skews the crowd young, but all are so very welcome. 

Discover here: https://www.alexandersauna.com

The Pipeworks, Glasgow

Many well-travelled gays say this is their favourite sauna in the British Isles, and certainly the go-to destination in Scotland. In 2019, there was a £400,000 refurbishment which helped to breathe new life into the space. Open Monday to Thursday 11 am until midnight, and constantly from Friday 11am through to Midnight Sunday, every day of the year, Pipeworks is a place for locals and those exploring the city alike. The facilities are classic and plentiful: cinemas, cabins, a large steam room, a dry sauna, a 30-person pool, dark rooms, and more. All are tastefully maintained, offering a balance of relaxation and pleasure. Additionally, unlike many, there are accessible lifts here to help as many people as possible enjoy the three-floor haven in the middle of the city. 

Learn more here: https://thepipeworks.com

IDM Sauna, Paris

Intelligent, dashing men. That isn’t what IDM stands for here, but it might be appropriate. A small walk from Palais Garnier, this multi-story sauna is singing with chic facilities and sexy appeal. There’s a fully furnished gym for health purposes or just getting a quick pump on before heading into the sauna itself. Inside, there’s everything you could need, from dedicated play rooms (with slings) to secluded cabins and a bar, as well as everything more traditionally sauna, of course: dry, wet, steamy. Bon voyage. 

Find more here: https://www.instagram.com/idmsaunaparis 

Pleasuredome, London 

Near Waterloo, and therefore in one of the most reachable parts of the city, is Pleasuredome. A 24/7 spa and bar that caters to all your needs. Relaxation, connection, sanctuary. You’ll find it here. Facilities are designed more for genuine spa use; the sauna has aromatherapy options, the bar has complimentary chilled water, and the steam room has a variety of temperature zones. But the clue is in the name; you will likely find what you’re looking for here, at any time of day. There’s step-free access to most areas also. 

See more: https://www.instagram.com/pleasuredromeuk

Sauna Nieuwezijds, Amsterdam

Once voted top gay sauna in Europe, this place has a hype to live up to, but does so with ease. In a city of sex, parties, and culture, this super-central space offers many a chance to unwind and enjoy at a slower, more tranquil pace (with the option to be more wild if wanted, of course). Despite being a small and busy spot, you’ll not be left missing anything when inside. There’s themed nights to take advantage of also, including a queer night every Wednesday which opens the space up to bi, lesbian, queer, trans, and non-bianary folk (gay men are still welcome). Small, steamy sauna Nieuwezijds. You’ll be back. 

Learn more: https://www.saunanieuwezijds.nl/

Sauna Mania, Bangkok

We let you on to this place earlier, remember? There’s a gym for a little pump before you head into the main areas. It’s over two decades old, and some of that patina is part of the charm for many, though apparently they’re renovating later in 2025. The sauna has international appeal, and is generally welcoming. Wild, raw, legendary, all words that have been used to describe the spot. It’s a maze, there’s a rooftop, there’s small cabins with large mattresses, ceiling fans to help keep the sweat to a sexy level. It’s dark, it’s hot, there’s glory holes everywhere. It’s open from 3pm until 2am daily, and is well worth making time for. 

​​https://www.r3mania.com 

BodyBreath!, Tokyo. 

BodyBreath! Is generally for men under 40, and here’s a hairstyle rule – (essentially, if you have bangs, hair covering eyebrows or ears, the website suggests you may not get entry, they are into short buzzcut hair here) but that aside, this is a great spot. Bearcamp is next door, and you can go between both, if staff feel you are of an appropriate physique to do so. This being said, locals say it is fairly loose with who enters compared with some other spaces – which is very much an obstacle for tourists looking to find saunas in Japan generally. It’s very small though, cubicles only. Generally, it’s a place for having fun. It’s open continuously from 5pm on Wednesday to 12pm on Monday. 

Find more: http://www.bodybreath.jp/en/ 

Etiquette

As with anywhere, great gay sauna experiences are made by the clientele, so play nice (unless asked otherwise). Also, follow the etiquette you would at a hotel or bar in the city when it comes to tipping – there’s a lot of clean up that some members of the community will be doing. Check out our full guide to sauna etiquette here. 

The post The world’s best gay saunas appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Life’s a beach, but some are more iconic than others… 

IMAGE ROTTING IN THE SUN

Of all places, you’d be surprised to learn that the first legal section of a beach to permit nudity was in Toronto, way back in 1894. Perhaps an especially warm summer, or whatever the reason, in the July of that year the council reserved 200ft of Hanlan’s Point Beach, Canada’s oldest surviving queer space and the site of the country’s first Gay Pride in 1971, for nude swimming. Over the decades, laws changed, they relaxed and tightened, but gradually the idea of a place to sprawl nude-on-sea gained appeal across the globe. 

Best gay nude beaches in the world

Wherever you happen to travel, chances are there’s a nude beach. Often, they are queer hotspots too – colloquially many are referred to gay beaches. We figured we may as well collate a list of some of the world’s best places to experience vitamin sea sans clothing, to inspire or compliment travel plans you may have, whether you’re a queer naturist, or just fancy showing ass. 

Balmins Beach, Sitges, Spain

Sitges is no stranger to a nude beach. Europe is known as a nude beach kinda continent, and if so, Sitges is one of its major spots. Around an hour south-west of Barcelona by train, the town is generally a wonderful detour from the city in Catalonia, very queer friendly and home to numerous gay beaches. Balmins, which is less central, though, is the one to make special time for. 

It’s the only nudist one located outside of the main hub of town, and is secluded, meaning it isn’t super easy to get to (a 10 to 20 minute walk), but well worth your time when you’re there. There’s a sort of unspoken rule that the more you want to let loose, the further down the beach you walk. 

Through the summer, thousands decsend on these sands, but the peak week is in September, bear week. There’s a bar on the beach for cocktails and rehydrating, for food, you’re close to San Sebastian, one of the foodie capitals of the world. 

Brighton Naturist Beach, Brighton, United Kingdom 

Okay, so British weather is often unchic. But, on those rare days of sunlight, the UK’s first nudist beach, Cliff Bathing Beach, is our place to go. Super central, you’ll find the beach just a mile east of Brighton Pier, there’s signs indicating the naturist aspect, but also pebbles (which for some, won’t be so fun to walk across). There is lovely sand when you get there. There is also a railway line, Volks Electric Railway, close to Brighton Pier, which takes you about five minutes from the beach – depart at Black Rock station. 

North Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Another gay and nudist beach is just a small meander from a bustling scene. Bondi Beach, you’ll know. North Bondi Beach is simply the same beach but further north: technically not a dedicated gay or nudist beach, but it is the part of the beach where this is not only tolerated, but expected. Heading north, clothes become more sparing and queer community grows. Peak times tend to be mid-afternoon. There is also Tamarama Beach, further south, if you want to experience a less frequented spot, which was also a thriving scene in the 1980s. 

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

Tall and tan and fun and lovely, the gay from Ipanema goes walking… it isn’t quite the original but it is the beach that bossa nova classic is based on. Fear not, though, as with many famed beaches on the list, there is a more dedicated LGBTQ+ part to the sands. Posto 9 is the epicentre of it, known for its vibrant social scene – as a result, communicating with people is common, get the google translate out as needed. The beach is also known to be a great place to learn about queer bars and nightlife generally in the area, as vendors promote these events. Affectionate behaviour, as it’s referred to, is accepted also. Enjoy! 

Smiltyne Men’s Beaches, Klaipėda, Lithuania

For those of you who like to travel to less obvious spots, Klaipėda is a large city on the west coast of Lithuania, an all-round lovely Baltic Sea destination to travel to. It’s great for unique food, beautiful nature, and a rich history. But there’s also the beaches… 

A series of them, in fact! They’re accessible by ferry (the fare is low, as of 2023 it was €1,50) – hop off, walk through the woods for 15 minutes, and you’re met with gorgeous pale fine sand for miles. There are secluded areas for different genders, a family area, and a nudist area. Given the less tourist-heavy destination and the mode of transport for getting here, you’ll find a real place of secluded paradise, and like-minded people with the same discerning tastes. There are plenty of amenities, too.  

Pines Beach, Fire Island, New York

Fire Island is home to America’s first queer town and has been welcoming queer people for around 100 years. Here, Pines is a beach worth spending time on. Right in the heart of the town, near gay bars and other places to unwind, is the sprawling, clothing-optional beach. Cherry Grove, one of the most popular and accepting LGBTQ+ resort communities in the United States, is also close by. 

Playa los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta, México 

This resort city near Bahía de Banderas is full of wonderful history, but is equally well known for its gay beach. Playa los Muertos is one of the most popular and desired beach destinations globally for the queer community. Despite its translation as beach of the dead, there’s an international reputation for coming here, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a lively party scene, gorgeous turquoise sea, chic beach clubs, and a load of hot and sexy gays. Whether you want to bathe nude and have casual drinks at Blue Chairs, or decide to meet the day with an air of sophistication at Sapphire Beach Club, we can guarantee time spent here will live up to the hype. Meet people at The Boy on the Seahorse sculpture, because you can. 

Etiquette and Safety 

This is an outdoor spot, so you will need your SPF, insect repellent, etcetera. Holiday inconveniences do not discriminate. Being a naked tomato is not what you want. 

That aside, the majority of things are common sense, make sure you can see other people are nude before you get nude yourself. In a similar way you’ll want to read the vibe of the beach – are people socialising freely, or sticking to their groups, occasionally clocking eyes with someone and then going for a walk elsewhere? Some beaches are for parties, others are for cruising, not all are both (at least not in view of everyone!).

You don’t have to get naked on a nude beach, but you should accept that you have options of other places, and the nudists do not. 

When it comes to walking around, the rocks and other natural secrecy spots are going to be places to operate a softer gaze, perhaps keeping your eyes to yourself, as people are attempting privacy. Unless you’re expecting someone, of course. 

A good way of getting to talk to someone is to follow them when they go for a swim, perhaps go swim nearby and see if they want to talk. If they don’t, politely swim off and do your own thing. Same goes with walks, or the classic, eye contact. 

Generally, these are daytime spots, and at night it is best to get back to the city. Again, follow the crowd and draw on any further knowledge you have of cruising etiquette. 

That aside, general niceness and hygiene apply. Have fun! 

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Looking for some summer loving? Here’s where to head next…

WORDS BY KATIE BASKERVILLE
HEADER VIA PEXELS – COTTONBRO STUDIO

Let’s not beat about the bush. Travelling as an LGBTQIA+ person can be a little…sketchy, especially when on the lookout for romance. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best holiday destinations for queer folk, so you can lotion up and get down to some serious holiday romancing.

Whether you’re looking for summer sunshine, city breaks or lakes and mountain scenery to lose yourself in, our guide rounds up the best of the best for the 2025 holiday season, thanks to new research from Icelandair.

Best LGBTQIA+ holiday destinations

What if catching a tan and coming home with a story hotter than the sun is your idea of holiday bliss? Or maybe the thought of losing yourself in hedonism sounds like your kind of R&R? Perhaps you want to surrender to the city nightlife in search of your meetcute? Whatever the case, look no further. 

Spain

If sipping sangria is your thing, then you’ll be glad to hear that Spain sets the bar high for the LGBT experience. Whether you’re city-slicking in the Capital city Madrid, or lapping up the coast of sunny Barcelona, these two destinations scored tremendously high on the LGBT friendliness score. 

Aside from being accepting cities filled with stunning architecture and brilliant Spanish cuisine, Madrid is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and neighbourhoods. Meet people throughout neighbourhoods like Chueca (the city’s gaybourhood), student-friendly Malasaña and bohemian Lavapiés. Madrid’s queer scene is rich, with several sex clubs, cruising, fetish and nude bars to explore. And, for when you fancy something a little more relaxing (you are on holiday after all), there are plenty of traditional places to put your feet up and enjoy a chilled kalimotxo. 

Beachside Barcelona, on the other hand, is a well-established LGBT holiday destination heralded by gay travel bloggers as one of the best places in the world for a gay-vaycay. For a full rundown of things to do, check out our guide to eating, drinking and partying here.

Portugal

Lisbon, to be precise! Aside from having one of the top scores on Icelandair’s report, this city is known for its surf beaches, fresh seafood, and its high-spirited nightlife. 

Lisbon has been a draw for the community for some time, thanks to its friendly, open-armed demeanour and two main LGBTQIA+ hubs, Bairro Alto and Principe Real. 

Filled with up-and-coming clubs putting on coveted events, both areas are bursting with fun and opportunity. Stop by Purex Club to check out the alt scene and take up space on the diverse dancefloor. Or, check out any number of late-night shops to pick out trinkets that remind you of your holiday beau. If that fails, make sure to visit the gay beach area at Beach 19, or Praia de Bela Vista, where you can enjoy some sunset strolls and gay cruising amongst the dunes.

However you decide to live it up, Lisbon’s welcoming atmosphere is a tonic for the weary LGBT heart.

Switzerland

Okay, okay, okay, so you might not think that Zurich has the most jaw-dropping nightlife, but think again, because this city on the river is brimming with queer culture that has a deep and rich history. Not to mention that Zurich scored one of the top scores for LGBTQIA+ friendliness on Icelandair’s report.

Aside from the picturesque setting that boasts outdoor swimming, city parades and, perhaps most importantly, a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for LGBTQIA+ people, Zurich has a lot of nightlife for you to peruse. 

Do you have to plan a little? Yes. But when the itinerary is filled with techno/electro nights at Kauz, or a Saturday evening at Plaza’s Glitter Gwitter, having a more structured and less devil-may-care approach to your holiday romance plans will be more than worth it.

Whether you’re dipping in and out of the dozens of queer bars on the Limmat River in the Niederdorf quarter or drying off on the grassy slopes after plunging into the blue waters of the Zurich river, this scenic city is one destination that surprised us!

Germany

Berlin has a certain je ne sais quoi amongst pleasureseekers thanks to the multitude of queer friendly clubs that champion sex, hook ups and more. In short, the city is brimming with rich variety. 

Whether you’re cruising in Der Boiler’s opulent steam rooms, hoping and praying to make it past the queue to get a peek in the queer-friendly rooms at Berghain, or picking a date location at any number of historical LGBT spaces. You’re spoilt for choice. 

There’s no denying Berlin’s insatiable atmosphere is both friendly and electrifying, with the community spread throughout various parts of the city’s districts. However, if you’re looking to land in one of the hubs, you’ll want to head to Kreuzberg, Neukolln and Friedrichshain for an abundance of casual gay bars and daytime coffee joints, bear-drinking lesbian hot spots and the home of ‘Madonnamania’s’ sing-your-heart-out evening at Schwuz. What’s not to love?

Iceland

Last, but by no means least, is the city of Reykjavik. Scoring 100% for its LGBT friendliness. Heading over to the volcanic country might not seem like the hedonistic escapade you had in mind, but the LGBT scene is well established and woven into the city’s cultural tapestry, making it a place full of possibility.

Whether you lock eyes over an exhibit at the Phallological Museum, brush hands walking the rainbow road, or shoot your best shot at a bar in Reykjavik’s small gaybourhood, downtown. There are plenty of opportunities to find some summer loving – just don’t expect the scene to be quite as big as some of the others. It’s giving understated, unexpected and a whole lot of fun!

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An inside look at Virgin Voyages’ camp and inclusive experience through an LGBTQIA+ lens.

WORDS BY SAM DAMSHENAS

Virgin Voyages is redefining what cruising (as in a ship – get your mind out of the gutter) can look, and feel, like for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Between the 19th and 24th January, I spent five days at sea on the Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and discovered drag shows, disco extravaganzas and destinations that aren’t necessary for you to Google, “Is my very existence as a queer person legal here?” From the ship’s delightfully camp entertainment to its inclusive crew and queer-friendly ports of call, this cruise felt like an affirming, open-armed journey from start to finish. Here’s what all LGBTQIA+ travellers should know if/when they set sail with Virgin Voyages.

Camp entertainment, lots of it

Virgin Voyages has become renowned for its inclusive and delightfully campy environment that permeates the entire ship, with a lineup of events and experiences clearly designed with the LGBTQIA’s in mind.

The “campy” element is especially embodied by the ship’s resident drag queen, aptly named The Diva. A talented singer, dancer and comedian, The Diva hosts Bingo, Diva Karaoke Night, and leads her own cabaret show, Lights, Camera, Drag!, where she explores the glitz, glamour and gossip of Tinseltown by impersonating some of the biggest film roles in history. (This was a highlight of the cruise.)

She flaunts a fierce B2–A4 vocal range, climbing up to a dazzling C5 while belting out gay anthems in the foyer. (I happened to mince past as she delivered a rendition of Cher’s ‘Believe’.) (It was so gay and so brilliant.) The Diva is also the old-school kind of queen: sharp with her wit, unafraid to banter (as in, read the audience for filth) and is best friends with a mic. If you’re interested in getting a masterclass on drag, then check out one of The Diva’s many shows.

There’s not just drag (although we wouldn’t be too mad if it was?!): Virgin Voyages offers cruise-goers electrifying events such as: UNTITLED DANCESHOW PARTYTHING, a music-video-meets-club-scene danceathon; Studio 72, where you can expect 70s icons like Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor and Donna Summer to impregnate the ship with their disco bangers; Y2K, a turn-of-the-century celebration for arguably the greatest decade in history (I was born in 1993, so…); Scarlet Night, a ship-wide, red-drenched soiree; and PJ Party, which is exactly what it sounds like.

While I hate to single out just one event, since all of the above are excellent and absolutely worth your time, if you get the chance to watch Duel Reality, take it. A retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a circus twist, this one-hour show follows two feuding groups as they work out their differences through death-defying (and often beautiful) stunts. While the story itself follows the familiar hetero-romantic arc, the palpable tension between Duel Reality’s two hunky male leads had more than a few of us silently scripting a different ending. It was an unexpected but thrilling take on Shakespeare’s classic, and a perfect example of how Virgin Voyages doesn’t shy away from celebrating diverse interpretations of love.

Inclusive staff and crew

It’s clear that the staff and crew on Virgin Voyages have tasted the rainbow (and liked it), creating one of the most inclusive and welcoming environments I’ve ever experienced. From the moment you board, it’s obvious they’ve been trained to be respectful and attuned to the needs of LGBTQIA+ guests. Also, they were so fun and relentlessly chipper, I half-expected to be greeted with a campy musical number like this one from Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. (They didn’t, so maybe there’s still room for improvement?) (Joking. I think.)

It’s not surface-level smiles, either. Virgin Voyages puts effort into training its crew to understand and respect the diverse identities of their guests, which is vital for LGBTQIA+ travellers who are well-accustomed to downplaying their identity and campness (me) while abroad. Also, it makes a huge difference when you can see LGBTQIA+ crew members, whether that’s in entertainment, hospitality or leadership. It feels like queerness is part of the fabric of Virgin Voyages, as opposed to performative. I might go even further as to say that being extra is encouraged. So, be gay!

Food! LGBTQIA+ people like food!

Personally, I’m somewhat of a selective eater in the sense that I could happily survive on baked beans, fried chicken and rice every day. So, I wasn’t exactly expecting to make the shift from entertainment journalist to food journalist after setting sail on Virgin Voyages. Their dining options, however? Even for the pickiest of eaters, it’s insane.

You have The Galley, a gargantuan food hall with burgers, all-day breakfast, sushi, tacos, ramen, salads and [insert the name of any kind of food here, they have it] at your disposal. They even did room service, which is perfect for passengers who might get a bit tiddly-widdly and crave greasy food at 1am (again, me).

I reached a state of mental equilibrium thanks to Pizza Place. Five out of five stars for hospitality, because they continued to serve me a pizza special that was only available for one day because I gushed – gushed! – about my love for their BBQ concoction. (I think I went five times?!) Directly outside of Pizza Place is Lick Me Till Ice Cream, which had a full selection of gelatos and gluten-free options.

You’ve also got Razzle Dazzle, a veggie-forward restaurant and part-performance space, Mexican cuisine in Pink Agave and The Wake, which delivers high-end steak and seafood with stunning ocean views. For pasta and Italian small places, there’s Extra Virgin, while Gunbae’s Korean BBQ combines food with interactivity and an unforgettable ambiance. At night, Razzle Dazzls transforms into Lucky Lotus, a Chinese-inspired dining venue with life-altering pork chips and stir fried noodles. (Virgin Voyages have just announced that, on its new ship, Razzle Dazzle will make an evening transformation into Rojo, a Spanish-inspired restaurant.)

Ultimately, if you’re concerned about food variety, don’t be.

LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations

Like many LGBTQIA+ people, I often find myself searching whether my very existence is legally, and socially, allowed in certain countries. (I’d have to be an actor as accomplished as Meryl Streep to hide all of this gay.) Thankfully, with its large rainbow clientele, Virgin Voyages takes you to destinations that are, at the very least, LGBTQIA+ friendly. While I can’t promise you’ll be greeted with a rainbow flag and a Mayhem vinyl at every port, you can rest assured that queerness is legally recognised in these countries.

For a bike tour on day three, we visited Costa Maya, Mexico, a place where same-sex acts have been legal since 1871 and same-sex marriage is recognised nationwide. Mexico also made history as the second country in Latin America (after Ecuador) to provide anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQIA+ people. Same-sex couples can legally adopt, and trans people are allowed to change their name and gender without requiring surgery or judicial approval.

However, like many countries that have made legal strides for LGBTQIA+ rights, homophobia and transphobia still exists, often due to Mexico’s strong Catholic majority. But there’s hope for change: in 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as the 66th President of Mexico, making history as the first woman to hold the office. A vocal supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights, Sheinbaum had previously become the first head of government in Mexico City to attend the city’s Pride Parade. As mayor, she also abolished gendered school uniforms to “promote equality between boys and girls and foster a gender-inclusive culture across society”.

(From my own perspective, I felt safe, even after squealing like the camp twat I am, wearing a pink t-shirt and riding a pink bike while screaming “I’m gonna die!” because I hadn’t ridden a bike in donkey’s years.)

On day four, we visited Roatan, Honduras for a thrilling zip-lining adventure through the lush jungle canopy. Honduras is not exactly known for its progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, but the situation is gradually improving. Same-sex activity has been legal since 1880, but same-sex marriage remains illegal and anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination persists in the country.

That said, Honduras is still largely influenced by its Catholic and Evangelical Christian communities, which can contribute to a more conservative social environment. Public attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ individuals vary, and while the legal framework does not criminalise homosexuality, societal acceptance is still a work in progress.

Exercising caution in more rural areas, where conservative views are more common, is crucial for LGBTQIA+ travellers. However, Roatan itself is a popular tourist destination and is generally more open-minded and accustomed to international visitors. While you might not see LGBTQIA+ flags flying in every establishment, the island has a reputation for being welcoming, especially in more tourist-centric zones.

Day six took us to the Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas, where we enjoyed some much-needed relaxation in paradise (and by ‘paradise,’ I mean the torrential downpour that had us all sobbing over what could’ve been). Like many Caribbean nations, the Bahamas has historically had rather… meh attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ individuals. Homosexuality was decriminalised in the country in 1991, but same-sex marriage is still illegal and there is no comprehensive anti-discrimination law protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The situation for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Bahamas is somewhat complex. While it is legal for same-sex couples to engage in private sexual activity, public displays of affection are generally discouraged, particularly in more rural areas or among older generations. That said, the Bahamian government has made some progress in recent years, with more conversations around LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. The capital, Nassau, is more cosmopolitan and tolerant compared to the smaller islands.

In Bimini, which is known for its laid-back vibe and as a frequent stop for Americans, there’s a greater sense of acceptance, especially within the tourist-heavy areas. It’s likely that rainbow people will likely feel more at ease, but as always, it’s advisable to be respectful of local customs, especially when venturing away from more tourist-centric areas.

Final thoughts: I’m far from a cruise connoisseur, having now been on a total of one cruise in my life… However! If you’re an LGBT entering your cruising era (again, mind out of the gutter) and want to sail the seas on an inclusive ship, complete with camp entertainment, delightful crew and a plethora of food options, then you’re in extremely good hands with Virgin Voyages.

For anyone looking to set sail on Scarlet Lady, see below! 

Honduras, Mexico & Bahamas’ 7-night sailing on Scarlet Lady

• Departing from Miami, Florida and calling at Roatán, Honduras, Costa Maya, Mexico, Cozumel, Mexico and The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas
• Fri, Oct 31 – Fri, Nov 7
• Insider cabins from £1,604

The post What LGBTQIA+ travellers should know before setting sail on Virgin Voyages appeared first on GAY TIMES.

You can spend a lifetime here and not scratch the surface, but here’s where we’d start

WORDS RHYS THOMAS

Back in 2013, if it were an independent country Mexico City (known variously as Ciudad de México, CDMX and DF), would have been the fifth-largest economy in Latin America. It is simply massive, and has one of the most varied, sensorially stimulating energies you’ll find. An architectural paradise, a food-lover’s utopia and, above all, a chaotic beautiful unforgettable place to experience. So, how should one experience it? Let’s begin. 

The queer scene has always been vital but has grown exponentially in the 2020s. In terms of legislation, equal marriage has been legal in the city since 2009 (the first place in Mexico to do so) and it also recognises same-sex unions. This makes the city generally tolerant and accepting. It’s recommended to stick to neighbourhoods which have a friendlier reputation though, as sadly like anywhere, hate crimes exist. For that reason, we’d stay in and stay mainly around Juarez, Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Escandón, and Santa Maria la Ribera. PDA is very much a thing through the city though, so in these places especially, you will see queer affection all around. 

Zona Rosa

The pink zone is in Juarez, and has been present in one form or another there since the 1950s. This is the hub of the capital’s gay community, and is where Pride is hosted each June. In this area alone there’s over 50 LGBTQ+ nightlife venues and bars. If you want to call one small part of CDMX home, this will do very well. If you’re not sure you’re there, check the floor, its iconic pink cobblestone streets will indicate home. Calle Amberes is the main street in the area, you’ll find everything you need. Of course, for the more alternatively curious, other places might be more to your taste. 

 

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Underground parties 

There’s obviously a bunch of recurring parties in Mexico City, and a good swathe of them are LGBTQ+, some are more catered to gay men only. Fixxion and Por Detroit are more for anyone wanting a good night, focussed on more eurocentric rave ideas than anything specifically queer, though very accommodating and sometimes including dark rooms in the latter’s case. Brutal is another night, techno focussed and a little more queer. CERDOS is a new kid on the block, you can locate it on Instagram. And then, of course, there’s Pervert, the biggest on the scene – very much a dance and fuck spot, darkrooms and late nights guaranteed. Generally these will happen in the more progressive neighbourhoods, but a cab can be advised when they’re more obscurely hidden, or you’re travelling at rogue hours. For something more permanently on, Tom’s leather bar will cater to men (and is, for those interested, predominantly dark room).

La Perla

For something to tick both the party and queer history itch, La Perla. A cabaret open Fridays and Saturdays, which has been running since 1946 (peaking in popularity in the 1990s). You’ll want to rock up early to get a good table, as early as 9pm, things truly kick off from 11. 

Sodome 

Between Roma and Polanco, you’ll find this unassuming sauna that has become something of a party destination, even hosting boiler room events. It’s CDMX’s only European style bath house, but also has a lobby which becomes a dancefloor, an upstairs containing a foam room and a (very active) dark room – you may see these called Cuarto Oscuro when there. There’s bars throughout, and of course, steam rooms and Turkish baths. It isn’t the cheapest entry, but contains a world of ways to unwind (wildly), all night long. For a more traditional bath house, Baños Finisterre is accessible and also in a safe area. It is listed as a public toilet on Google, it’s often quite sparsely populated due to the size, but is also a good place for secluded, intimate cruising. 

 

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FLINTA-friendly spots 

While there’s a few male-only venues, most do have at least days if not generally open doors to all genders. Kinky Bar (formerly Lipstick) is also a great established bar – Thursday nights are supposed to be more lesbian-themed, La Purisima is also a favoured spot among locals who are not male, as is Revuelta Queer House. 

Drag 

There’s loads, but Club Roshell is a great place to head for. Super friendly, super energetic, this is exactly how you’d imagine Mexico City doing a drag night. Staff have even been known to help you top up make-up. A social clun in theory, this space does everything from a quiet drink to comedy nights to sweaty dancefloors. 

A brief note on opening times 

It’ll likely save you at least once on the trip if you check venue Instagram pages regularly in case there is a last minute change of plan.

 

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More leisurely activity

Of course it doesn’t all have to be parties. Mexico City is home to more museums than you’ll ever manage to visit, for example, as well as gorgeous brutalist and art deco architecture, and of course centuries of rich and varied history.

Among the most popular attractions (and worth visiting) are Zocalo, Chapultepec Park, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Museo Frida Kahlo. Teotihuacan, a well preserved ancient city short trip out of the city, is also worth a day. There are dedicated LGBTQ+ centers with exhibitions on also.  

Queer safety

Despite a thriving muxe population in the Oaxaca region, Mexico is considered the second most dangerous country in the world to be trans, according to many human rights groups.

While Mexico City will be relatively tolerant, it is still important to stress that in 2020 the United Nations wrote “Trans women in Mexico City [are] an often persecuted group”. Sticking to LGBTQ+ accepting areas and travelling in groups is highly recommended. 

Also, public drinking is illegal in Mexico – and it’s reportedly the instigated for less than savoury confrontations with police. Worth remembering, especially where parties spill out onto the streets. 

The post Mexico City, here’s how to make the most of it appeared first on GAY TIMES.

“Oh we do love to be beside the seaside, oh we do love to be beside the sea!”

WORDS RHYS THOMAS

The south coast of England has clusters of quaint villages, queer landmarks, and welcoming locals. Here, we’ve curated a guide for how to explore this lovely pocket of the UK, the GAY (TIMES) way. 

Brighton 

Essential for: those who like some seaside with their queer city (so everyone really…) 

The obvious starting point. Many queer men were initially drawn to Brighton to visit the enormous numbers of soldiers garrisoned in the town during the Napoleonic Wars. This was the beginning of the place as a haven for the LGBTQ community, and today the city is often referred to as the LGBTQ+ capital of the country. 

To play

Naturally, it’s an accommodating place to visit and live, with an accepting culture at large. It’s also a great place for enjoying the sea, quirky independent shops, bars and eateries – many of which are clustered in The Lanes, and on Preston Street. Some of our favourites include Bincho Yakitori, The Hole in the Wall, Baby Bao, and Halisco. The new-ish Sea Lanes is also worth a visit for an outdoor pool, a whole host of health and wellness classes, and also cocktails in serene seaside surroundings. 

While a great place to visit at any time of the year, Brighton Pride attracts around half a million people across the weekend, this year’s Pride takes place on August 2 and 3, which makes for a fun if busy time to check out what the city has to offer. 

For a Pride-esque feeling outside of that weekend, Centre Stage is an ideal place to visit. Open seven days a week, the LGTBQ+ cabaret and show venue is the heart of Brighton’s “gay village” and general queer offerings – they do Sunday Roasts from 12-4 on Sundays also!  

To stay 

Kemptown, however, is the heart of Brighton’s LGBTQIA+ community. Just east of the city centre, the area has a relaxed community feel, making it an ideal place to stay and a relaxing area to feel home in when you’re feeling less inclined to be in the city proper. We’d recommend the gorgeous Drakes Hotel, a four-star boutique right on the seafront in a pair of Regency townhouses. It’s as good as it sounds.  

Accessibility

Brighton does have steep hills, but most of the things to explore are among the relatively flat seafront. The train station connects you to London, and is fairly central, though up a hill from the seafront. 

Hastings  

Essential for: bougie trinket hoarders, relocating away from city life forever with your tiny impractical gorgeous dog 

When it comes to lovely south coast places to visit, Brighton does a good job of projecting a pavilion-shaped shadow over most other places. Hastings is well worth visiting though, and we’re here to shed some light on why. 

To play 

Hastings is full of creative talent, it seems to be a place where many have flocked for a more peaceful time of things, and the space to simply make the things they want to make. Consequently, the place is a dream for window browsing, and generally has a lot of well-preserved beauty to admire, whether it’s in the pubs (especially First Inn Last Out) or the exterior of old houses (including those opposite said pub). 

Hastings has two areas really, old town and … (well) new town but both are very charming. Trinity Street is the cute hub of the not old town, and is home to Stooge Coffee which is both a specialty coffee shop and a ramen restaurant, the beautiful homeware store Dyke & Dean, and bar/venue The Printworks. There’s often food markets, and a variety of independent shops to spend time browsing and discovering too. 

On the more blatantly queer front, Hastings Queer History Collective is well worth your time. The group of dedicated volunteers formed in 2020, and is committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing the queer history of Hastings and the surrounding area. You can learn more about visiting here.

And for real tourist musts, there’s the pier, Hastings Castle, Hastings Contemporary, and East Cliff Railway. They promise a variety of very gorgeous visual treats. 

To stay 

Hastings House B&B would be our pick. There’s seaside views, calm and luxury decor. It’s an ideal place to weather a storm, or to enjoy a coffee overlooking a beautiful sunny day on sea. 

Visiting Times

Hastings is quite a sleepy spot, and most places aren’t open early in the week. It’s one to visit for a long weekend, for sure. 

Accessibility

Given the rickety old vibe of the place, some roads are narrow, and there are a few hills, but generally Hastings and its train station are accessible to get to. 

Dungeness  

Essential for: the artist in you, feeling very profound feelings 

Dungeness is a headland on the coast of Kent. It’s completely flat, mainly a shingle beach, there’s an old light house, a few houses in a straight line, and a general sense of being at the edge of the world. It’s a memorable and stunning place, somewhere you will always remember. And the main attraction, well worth the trip on its own, is Prospect Cottage. 

Prospect Cottage, Dungeness

Prospect Cottage was the final home and sanctuary of Derek Jarman, a pioneering artist, filmmaker, gay rights activist and gardener. The place is often referred to as a site of pilgrimage, and when there it’s hard to not feel the profound power and emotion of the place and its significance pour through you. The slightly strange, almost dystopian, surroundings add to the experience.

Visiting times

Varied, it’s best to check the website and to book in advance. 

Accessibility

The cottage is at ground level, though on uneven road; public transport to the building is very limited and so we would advise a car.

Price

£20 Standard, some concessions available.

To stay 

If you’re taking a car, you could drive here from Hastings and back pretty comfortably. But if you wanted to stay, we’d recommend Shingle House. Inspired and placed neatly in the area, this modern architectural beauty right on the shingle is inspired by the old tarred exteriors of the fisherman’s hutsdotted across the land. You’ll feel completely at home, and on holiday, all at once. 

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Behold: a totally subjective guide to the queerest landmarks in London, Hell Island’s occasionally redeemable capital city.

WORDS RHYS THOMAS

Have you ever stomped about a city like a feral rat with a penchant for iced vanilla matcha? Stomp, clack, stomp, the ice rattling everywhere, wired headphones in, pushing straight cis men in suits out of the damn way? Well, one sunny weekend, I did. 

I had no agenda for my tirade of steps. But then I decided on one: visit like all of the queer landmarks across London. Because, well, why not. They’re there, they’re queer, etc. and so here’s where I went… 

Hampstead Heath 

Where else can we begin but the Somme of the culture wars, the centre of the battle, Hampstead Heath (we were here first!). Despite recently being the focus of a poster campaign shaming cruisers, it’s still a queer-friendly haven and a lovely place to get some steps in. The ponds, particularly, are known for their salacious stories of hook-ups. In reality, they’re sweet, freeing and friendly places to lounge or swim. I did not swim, for wild swimming isn’t chic to me. I marched on… 

 

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Virginia Woolf’s houses (all of them)

Woolf and I have a lot in common, most of it unfavourable to our wellbeing. Another is that we’ve lived in a fair few houses in London. Though I imagine she was less plagued by the rental market of the time. Blue Plaques adorn the houses in which she spent time, from her birthplace which is on one of the impossibly expensive and pristine roads near Hyde Park where all the embassies are based (22 Hyde Park Gate) through to Mecklenburgh Square which she departed when it was bombed during World War II, never returning to London. This could be an entire day’s walking alone, and she’s worth it. 

La Camionera

Where else would one stop for a coffee break? La Camionera is one of two FLINTA-owned lesbian bars in London (the other of which being Goldies, which we also recommend), you may remember it popping off on TikTok in June 2024. At the weekends it’s open from 10am, and visiting in the quieter hours is a really lovely way to experience it and enjoy a haven of your own. There’s also great wine but try not to run into your ex-girlfriend…

 

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Alan Turing Statue, Paddington

Paddington might be synonymous with that furry royal bootlicker in the red hat, but there’s actually a reason to step foot here on our travels: The statue of everyone’s favourite mathematical genius, Alan Turing, who was born in nearby Maida Vale and would later be resurrected by Tia Kofi on season two of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK. 

Gays The Word

The UK’s oldest LGBTQIA+ bookstore, founded by a gay socialist group in 1979, is in central London and remains open today. The place is steeped in a library of its own history, has hosted readings and evenings with just about everyone, and of course has just about any and every book you can imagine – including rare original editions. Gays The Word is a bastion of the UK’s queer community, and a sacred place to spend an hour or two. You should go here and marvel at the first edition of Audre Lorde’s Need, for example. 

 

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Oscar Wilde Statue, Strand 

Get ready for another statue! This time, Ireland’s most flamboyant playwright, and a true icon of queer rights – even defending his relationships in court. Oscar Wilde, of course. Fittingly it’s pretty near the theatre district he constantly left gagged. 

Islington South Library

More literary ideas! Joe Orton. Wrote dramas as dark as his life, had a life as dark as his dramas. What could have been… I will always howl at the defacing he did to books at this library a small walk from where he and his boyfriend lived on Noel Road (not endorsing crime, by the way!). A personal highlight is the baboon placed inside a rose within the Collins Guide to Roses, you can view more of the covers at the Islington Local History Centre. 

 

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Dalston Superstore 

And then, the night is calling. This means Dalston Superstore, obviously. “East London’s notorious big queer pleasure palace” as they refer to it. 

The Grapes

Well how tiring that all was, I thought. And so, I went to Limehouse for a little refreshment near the river. The Grapes, where else! Sir Ian McKellen’s very own pub. It’s got a 500 year history though, even featuring in Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend. The pub is something of a local haunt but also very welcoming and joyful, a great place for a quiet drink and a spot of classic pub food. There are also very well loved pub quizzes here, and sometimes Sir Ian will host them. 

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From its breathtaking coral reefs to the lively outdoor markets, Mauritius is your next must-see destination.

WORDS BY PHEBE BARNUM-BOBB
SPECIAL THANKS TO CHRISTOPHER GANNON, FINN PARTNERS AND SUNLIFE

Mauritius, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is known for its white sand beaches, luxury resorts and vibrant culture. While many visit for its natural beauty, it’s increasingly becoming a haven for queer travellers seeking relaxation.

In October 2023, the Supreme Court of Mauritius ruled that the country’s ban on same-sex intimacy was unconstitutional, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQIA+ rights. This landmark decision highlighted Mauritius as a democratic state, affirming that personal privacy should be respected. Although same-sex marriage is yet to be recognised, queer people are loosely protected from discrimination in areas such as employment and the provision of goods and services.

Mauritius is also one of 96 countries to have signed the “Joint Statement on Ending Acts of Violence Related to Human Rights Violations Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” at the United Nations, which condemns violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people.

Though safety is undoubtedly a concern for queer travellers, Mauritius proves to be a welcoming destination. From the moment we arrived, soaking in the warmth of the Indian Ocean sun, we felt the island’s inviting and transformative energy – enter Belinda from The White Lotus.

Before our flight, we enjoyed a relaxing stop at Gatwick’s Plaza Premium Lounge, offering unlimited food and drinks, with free entry for children – a perfect pre-flight treat and ideal for the boujee queers!

Upon arrival, we were whisked away to Long Beach Resort, a Sunlife property. While there are plenty of resorts across the island, few match the luxury of this 5-star retreat. Located on the island’s east coast, it offers a mix of modern elegance and peaceful surroundings, making it ideal for queer travellers looking for both comfort and inclusivity.

The stunning contemporary suites are filled with light, vibrant decor, and plenty of space. Each room has its own private outdoor area overlooking either the gardens, pool or the renowned Belle Mare Beach.

There’s an abundance of amenities, too. For dinner, guests can enjoy dining options from one of the resort’s five restaurants, offering everything from world-class Asian cuisine to pure Italian indulgence.

And it doesn’t end there. Sunlife has four splendid resorts on the island, all “full of life and wonderfully one-of-a-kind”. For the luxury lovers and honeymooners, Sugar Beach is the place to be; La Pirogue is perfect for culture vultures; and Ambre caters to the escape chasers. Each has its own unique personality, atmosphere, and picturesque scenery.

If, like many of us, holiday is a time to lean into your type-B self – letting the adventure fall at your feet and not travelling too far – there’s a range of activities you can take part in right on your doorstep. Sunlife’s latest “Come Alive Collection” offers experiences ranging from thrills to relaxation, allowing you to experience the country without even leaving the resort.

Sapphics, forget the playlist for your lover – come home with a sustainable (yes!) handmade souvenir from the Glass Studio. Transform recycled glass bottles from the hotel into a personalised handmade gift – c’mon DIY dykes! Whether it’s a keyring, bracelet, necklace, or ring, connect with your artistic side and take home a one-of-a-kind piece.

Calling all the London Lime bikers – it’s time to take your skills to the other side of the pond! Swap East London for the East Coast of Mauritius on an electric bike adventure. Pick your own path: the Flacq market, gliding through a must-see village with “local charm” on an 18km route, or delve into the island’s heart on a 22km route where you’ll travel through Bras d’Eau National Park until you arrive at the Sagar Shiv Hindu Temple.

Would it be a 5-star resort holiday without a massage? GLOW is Sunlife’s new spa and wellness offering that provides an authentic Mauritian experience. Based on three pillars of wellbeing – elemental energy, nurturing energy and creative energy – GLOW offers guests the opportunity to “rediscover your inner radiance”. Need we say more? If you’re tired of carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, get an authentic Mauritian massage for a purely indulgent experience.

Many escape to Mauritius for complete relaxation, but of course, exploration is a must!

Mauritius is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. From the powdery white sands of Belle Mare Beach to the crystal-clear waters of Le Morne, the island offers an idyllic backdrop for any holiday. Few compare to the enchanting views of Île aux Cerfs. Just off the mainland, this untouched island, only reachable by boat or helicopter, boasts glistening white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. For golfing gays (you do exist, right?), there’s an 18-hole championship golf course. And if you simply want to soak in your surroundings, there are three authentic Mauritian restaurants.

If you’re searching for more hustle and bustle, head to the Central Flacq Market for a taste of the culture. It’s the largest outdoor market on the island, located in the northeast. You’ll find fresh produce, an array of spices, freshly cooked street food and a number of stalls offering souvenirs. Don’t forget to grab that extra-special fridge magnet for your mum or the 103rd extra-baggy pyjama top that will inevitably be stolen by that one-night stand.

Now, it’s completely understandable that sending yourself off to a country that doesn’t recognise same-sex marriage might be, well, far from ideal if you’re not straight or cis-passing. Our key takeaway is that Mauritius is a welcoming, inviting and kind country, filled with culture and diversity. If you want to live your The White Lotus fantasy (minus the death, incest, and drama), this could just be the place for you.

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