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Summer packs plenty of options for LGBT travelers

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Image courtesy of Georgia Voice

After a long, miserable winter, many LGBT Washingtonians are ready to hit the road — or the runway, or the cruise ship — as the summer travel season heats up.

“Travel remains a very important need for gay people,” says Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications, which studies LGBT consumers.
 Even the economy isn’t enough to keep gay travelers housebound this time of year, he notes.

“What we keep finding over and over again is that gay people are not immune to what is going on in the economy, but what seems different is they are cutting back less on certain things, and travel is one of them,” Witeck says. “They desire to keep traveling more than other people.”

Witeck points to his firm’s poll conducted last April — when the recession was worse — to show that LGBT travelers weren’t cutting back on travel as much as their heterosexual counterparts even then.

Asked about airline travel for summer 2009, 62 percent of LGBT survey respondents said their travel plans would stay the same or increase, compared to only 36 percent of heterosexuals.

Overall travel budgets showed similar trends: 58 percent of LGBT respondents said they would spend the same amount or more, compared to 49 percent of heterosexuals.

“We are driven by destination and event travel too, whether we are talking about gay sporting events or gay parties,” Witeck notes.

In other words, gay travel is often motivated not only by places to visit, but by the desire to meet up with LGBT people from around the country or even around the world, and experience what it feels like to be in the majority.

Sure, we sometimes just go to the beach, but we also go to gay Memorial Day in Pensacola or Sizzle in Miami.

Whatever your travel preferences, there is likely an LGBT-inclusive option. Like getting back to nature? Visit a gay-owned campground, take a lesbian white water rafting trip, make the trek to the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, or even attend “Camp” Camp, a summer camp for gay adults.

Prefer hitting the seas? Many mainstream cruise lines have special gatherings for LGBT travelers, while gay and lesbian travel companies like Atlantis, Olivia, R Family Vacations and Sweet offer LGBT-exclusive trips.

And don’t forget Pride festivals as a destination, including San Francisco (June 26-27) and New York City (June 19-27).

Here is a rundown of LGBT events happening this summer:

JUNE

NewFest: New York LGBT Film Festival
, June 3-13 in New York City, 
www.newfest.org

Capital Pride, June 4-13 in Washington, D.C., 
www.capitalpride.org

Boston Pride Week
, June 4-13 in Boston, Mass., 
www.bostonpride.org

Key West Pride Fest, 
June 9-13 in Key West, Fla., 
www.gaykeywestfl.com

Indie Grrl Fest, 
June 11-13 in Mineral Bluff, Ga., 
www.indiegrrl.com/festivals

LA Pride
, June 11-13 in West Hollywood, Calif., 
http://lapride.org

Stonewall Street Festival & Parade
, June 19 in Wilton Manors, Fla., 
www.pgfl.net

Berlin Christopher Street Day, 
June 19 in Berlin, Germany, 
www.csd-berlin.de

Nashville Pride
, July 19 in Nashville, Tenn.
, www.nashvillepride.org

New York City Pride, 
June 19-27
June 27 march headliners: Lt. Dan Choi, 
Judy Shepard, Constance McMillen, 
www.nycpride.org

R First-Ever European Cruise
 For LGBT families, friends
, June 20-27
, www.rfamilyvacations.com

South Carolina Black Pride
, June 24-27 in Columbia, S.C.
, www.southcarolinablackpride.com

Emerald Coast PrideFest, 
June 26 in Panama City, Fla., 
www.emeraldcoastpride.org

Pride Houston
, June 26 in Houston, Texas
, www.pridehouston.org

San Francisco Pride, 
June 26-27, 
www.sfpride.org

St. Pete Pride Promenade & Festival, 
June 26 in St. Petersburg, Fla., 
www.stpetepride.org

Chicago Pride Parade
, June 27 in Chicago, Ill., 
www.chicagopridecalendar.org

Seattle Pride Fest, June 27 in Seattle, Wash., 
www.seattlepridefest.com

Windy City Black Gay Pride, 
June 30-July 5 in Chicago, Ill.
, www.windycityblackpride.org

JULY

National Women’s Music Festival, 
July 1-4 in Middleton, Wisc., 
www.wiaonline.org

Los Angeles Black Pride, 
July 1-5 in Los Angeles, Calif., 
www.atbla.com

EuroPride 2010
, July 8-18 in Warsaw, Poland, 
www.Europride2010.eu

QFest: Philadelphia International LGBT Film Fest, 
July 8-19 in Philadelphia, Pa., 
www.phillycinema.org

Provincetown Bear Week, 
July 10-18 in Provincetown, Mass., 
www.ptownbears.org

R Family Club Med Ixtapa, Mexico
 For LGBT families, friends, July 10-17, 
www.rfamilyvacations.com

Miami Beach Bruthaz, 
July 15-18 in Miami, Fla., 
www.miamibeachbruthaz.com

Bone Island Bare it All Weekend
, July 15-18 in Key West, Fla.
, 
www.nakedkeywest.com

Pride London, July 15-25 in London, England, 
www.Pridelondon.ca

San Diego LGBT Pride, 
July 17-18 in San Diego, Calif.
, www.Sandiegopride.org

Olivia’s Provence to Burgundy, France Cruise, 
July 20-27, 
www.olivia.com

Girl Splash
, July 21-25 in Provincetown, Mass. 
Headliners: Sandra Bernhard, Kate Clinton, 
Vickie Shaw, Jennie McNulty, 
www.provincetownforwomen.com

Atlantis Events’ Copenhagen to Amsterdam, 
European Gay Pride Cruise, 
July 29 – Aug. 8
, www.atlantisevents.com

LGBT Family Week
, July 31- Aug. 7 in Provincetown, Mass., 
www.familyequality.org

Sweet Hawaiian Islands Cruise
, July 31 – Aug. 7
, 
www.discoversweet.com

Gay Games 2010, 
July 31 – Aug. 7 in Cologne, Germany, 
www.games-cologne.de

The Pines Party
, July 31 in Fire Island Pines, NY, 
www.pinesparty.com

AUGUST

Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival
, Aug. 3-8, 
Performers include: Indigo Girls, Betty, Ferron, Bitch, Toshi Reagon, Sia, The Butchies, 
www.michfest.com

Amsterdam Gay Pride
, Aug. 5-8 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 
www.amsterdamgaypride.nl

FamilyFest in Las Vegas
, Aug. 6-8 in Las Vegas, Nev., 
www.familyfestlasvegas.com

Queer West Arts & Culture Festival, Aug. 7 – Aug. 15 in West Toronto, Ontario, Canada
, www.queerwest.org

R Family Vacations Summer Reunion
, Western Caribbean Cruise
, Aug. 14-21, 
www.rfamilyvacations.com

Provincetown Carnival
, Aug. 15-21 in Provincetown, Mass.
, www.ptown.org

Montreal Pride
, Aug. 12-15 in Montreal, Canada, 
www.fiertemontrealpride.com

Sweet Salmon River Rafting
, Aug. 16-21 in Stanley, Idaho, 
Rafting and wilderness camping 
by lesbian travel company Sweet, 
www.discoversweet.com

Atlantis Events Cruise: Italy to Greece
, Aug. 16–24, 
www.atlantisevents.com

Tropical Heat in Key West, 
Aug. 19-22 in Key West, Fla., 
www.TropicalHeatKW.com

‘Camp’ Camp, 
Aug. 22-29 in Kezar Falls, Maine
 Summer camp for LGBT adults, 
www.campcamp.com

Atlantis Events: Greece to Spain Cruise, 
Aug. 24 – Sept. 2, 
www.atlantisevents.com

South Carolina Pride
, Aug. 25 – Sept. 6 in Columbia, S.C.
 Rally: Sept. 4, 
www.scpride.org

SEPTEMBER

New Orleans Southern Decadence, 
Sept. 1 – Sept. 6, 
www.southerndecadence.com

Splash Days in Austin
, Sept. 3-6 in Austin, Texas, 
www.splashdays.com

Sweet Cozumel Palace Resort
, Sept. 4- 11 in Cozumel, Mexico
, 
www.discoversweet.com

Key West Womenfest
, Sept. 7-12 in Key West, Fla., 
www.womenfest.com

Savannah Pride
, Sept. 11 in Savannah, Ga., 
www.Savpride.com

Key West Bear Fest
, Sept. 16-19 in Key West, Fla., 
www.keywestbearfest.com

North Carolina Pride
, Sept. 25 in Durham / Raleigh, N.C., 
www.ncpride.org

Folsom Street Fair, 
Sept. 26 in San Francisco, Calif., 
www.folsomstreetevents.org

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Real Estate

April showers bring May flowers in life — and in real estate

Third time’s the charm for buyer plagued with problems

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As Dolly Parton says, ‘If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with a little rain’ (Photo by Rangizzz/Bigstock)

Working in the real estate sector in D.C. can be as uniquely “D.C.” as the residents feel about their own city. On any given day, someone could be selling a home that their grandmother bought, passed on to the relatives, and the transfer of generational wealth continues.  In that same transaction, the beginning steps of building of generational wealth could be taking place.

Across town, an international buyer could be looking for a condo with very specific characteristics that remind them of the way things are “back home.” Maybe they want to live in a building with a pool because they grew up by the sea. Maybe they want a large kitchen so they can cook grandma’s recipes. Maybe they will be on MSNBC once a month and need to have a home office fit for those Zoom sessions where they will be live on air, or recording their podcast.  Perhaps they play the saxophone and want a building with thick walls so they can make a joyful noise without causing their neighbors to file a cease-and-desist order.  

What I found fascinating was getting to know my buyers. Why were they purchasing their property? What did they want to do with it? Was this their grandmother’s dream that they would have a place of their own someday? Did they finally think they would write that award-winning play in the home office?  What dreams were going to be fulfilled while taking part in this transaction?  

Somedays, the muck and paperwork slog of navigating home inspection items and financing checklists could get to be distracting at best, and almost downright disheartening at worst.  

One of my clients was under contract on THREE places before we finally closed on a home. One building was discovered to have financing issues, and the residents were not keeping up with their condo fees. Another building had an issue with the title to the unit, which meant the seller could not sell the home for at least another year until that legal snag was resolved. As the months rolled by, she was losing heart and feeling defeated. When we finally found the third home, everything seemed great – and then about two weeks before the settlement, the rains came down and the windows leaked into the bedrooms.  

Another delay. (Our THIRD). This time, for several more weeks.

I think she wanted to pack a suitcase, go to the airport, get on a plane somewhere and never come back. What ultimately happened? The building repaired the windows, the seller’s insurance replaced the hardwood floors, and she bought her first condo, which she still enjoys to this day.  

As Dolly Parton says, “If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with a little rain.”  And finally, after months of looking, waiting, and overcoming obstacles, the rainbow peeked out from behind the clouds.  


Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals.  He can be reached at 703-587-0597 or [email protected].

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Autos

Sporty sedans: BMW 530i xDrive, Mercedes AMG CLA 3

Tariffs are here and the result is financial chaos

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BMW 530i xDRIVE

It’s official: Tariffs are here, and the result is financial chaos. 

So, what to do when purchasing a new vehicle? If you need one in the not-so-distant future, buy sooner (like yesterday) rather than later. Expect prices to rise quickly, as inventory dwindles, demand soars, and automaker incentives evaporate. Of course, if a new ride isn’t a priority for at least a year or three, then hold off until the dust settles. 

But for those of you looking for new wheels now, I recently drove two sport sedans that were a pleasant reprieve from the usual plethora of pickups, minivans, and SUVs. 

BMW 530i xDRIVE

$63,000

MPG: 28 city/35 highway

0 to 60 mph: 5.5 seconds

Cargo space: 18.4 cu. ft. 

PROS: Rakish looks. Race-car vibe. Rock-star amenities. 

CONS: Rad-but-quirky infotainment system. Rich price.

IN A NUTSHELL: Classic good looks, from the iconic grille and swept-back headlights to chiseled side panels and a tasteful tush. For a gearhead like me, the BMW 530i xDrive — completely redesigned last year — is as rapturous as Michelangelo’s David. Everything here is in proportion, from the design to the drivetrain, which — along with a gutsy 255-hp turbo and all-wheel drive — helps deliver a divine experience behind the wheel. Even better, my test car came equipped with the heavenly M-Sport Package: 21-inch wheels, athletic suspension, and assorted styling upgrades. 

A tech-laden cabin is outfitted with a sparkly 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. With the windshield head-up display and a slew of knobs and toggle switches in the center console and on the steering wheel, I wondered if this is how it feels to pilot the Space Shuttle. There is even a back-lit interaction bar with touch-sensitive controls to adjust vent direction and other climate control settings. 

All this gadgetry takes some getting used to, but the overall effect is dazzling. While a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo comes standard, I was jammin’ to the 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio. Of course, such options add up quickly (on my test car, the extras totaled $13,000). 

Just how fun is this car? In my favorite episode of “Hacks,” sassy Jean Smart drives a rockin’ Rolls Royce Wraith. Trust me, this four-door BMW is every bit the badass as that $300,000 super coupe. 

MERCEDES AMG CLA 35

$58,000

MPG: 22 city/29 highway

0 to 60 mph: 4.8 seconds

Cargo space: 11.6 cu. ft. 

PROS: Slick styling. Spiffy cabin. Sublime seats.

CONS: Smallish trunk. So-so rear headroom and legroom.

IN A NUTSHELL: Need a smaller sedan that’s just as marvy as the midsize BMW i530? Look no further than the compact Mercedes CLA-Class, which is 14 inches shorter. That’s a benefit when jockeying for parking or navigating rush hour.

Another plus: This is Mercedes’s least expensive sedan, available in three trim levels. All come with the same potent turbo but in varying power levels. The base model starts at $46,000, but I tested the first of two high-performance versions: the AMG CLA 35, which costs $12,000 more. You can open your wallet even further to snag the $67,000 AMG CLA 45. 

But why bother? The AMG CLA 35 is plenty quick — faster than the BMW i530 — and boasts sport-tuned brakes, deft handling and a gritty-sounding exhaust system. The laundry list of standard features includes all-wheel drive, automated parking, gobs of the latest safety gizmos and even something called “safe-exit assist,” which prevents passengers from opening a door into traffic or speeding cyclists. 

The interior is pure Mercedes, with top-notch materials, customizable ambient lighting and Burmester surround-sound audio. The overall layout—sleek and modern, but with elegant stitching in the seats and on the door panels and dashboard—is comfortable and user-friendly. Digital displays and touchscreens are similar to what’s in the BMW i530, just smaller. 

Size matters, of course, which is why this vehicle’s shorter length can be a blessing but also a curse, especially when trying to squeeze passengers with longer legs into the backseats. And the dramatically sloped roofline, attractive from the outside, limits the amount of rear headroom and cargo space. Thank the automotive gods for panoramic sunroofs, which—at least for anyone in the front seats—makes this cabin feel surprisingly spacious.  

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Real Estate

Spring updates to sell your home for pride and profit

Consider new landscaping, power washing, creative staging

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Enhance your curb appeal with fresh landscaping before you sell. (Photo by Elena_Alex_photo/Bigstock)

Selling a home is a big deal for anyone, but for members of the LGBTQ+ community, it comes with unique considerations—from finding affirming professionals to ensuring your home is represented in a way that reflects your values. Whether you’re a first-time gay home seller or a seasoned LGBTQ+ homeowner looking to move up, maximizing your home’s value is key to a successful and empowering sale.

Here’s how to prepare your home, your mindset, and your real estate strategy to get the most value—financially and emotionally—from your home sale.

1. Start with an LGBTQ+-Friendly Real Estate Agent

Before diving into renovations or staging, make sure your agent truly understands your needs. A gay-friendly or LGBTQ+-affirming real estate agent brings more than just market expertise—they bring cultural competence, safety awareness, and a network that supports you throughout the selling process.

At GayRealEstate.com, you can find experienced, vetted LGBTQ+ real estate agents who have been proudly serving the community for over 30 years. Working with someone who shares or supports your identity ensures your selling journey is respectful, inclusive, and effective.

2. Enhance Curb Appeal—With a Welcoming Vibe

The outside of your home is the first impression a potential buyer gets. Make it count—especially for LGBTQ+ buyers looking for a home that feels safe and welcoming.

  • Fresh landscaping: Add colorful flowers, neatly trimmed shrubs, or low-maintenance greenery to appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
  • Update the entrance: A new front door, stylish lighting, or even a rainbow doormat can make your home feel like a safe space from the start.
  • Clean and repair: Power wash the exterior, touch up paint, and make any necessary repairs to gutters, windows, or siding.

3. Stage with Intention and Inclusivity

Home staging can add thousands to your sale price. But beyond the usual decluttering and neutral palettes, think about how your space tells a story—and who it’s telling it to.

  • Create a warm, inclusive feel: Subtle touches like LGBTQ+ art, books, or even coffee table magazines can show off your personality and affirm the space for queer buyers.
  • Depersonalize—but don’t erase: You don’t need to hide your identity to appeal to buyers. Let your home feel lived in and loved—while still being a blank canvas others can imagine themselves in.
  • Highlight multi-use areas: Home offices, gender-neutral nurseries, or flex spaces resonate with LGBTQ+ families and professionals.

4. Update Kitchens and Bathrooms Strategically

These rooms matter most to buyers—and even small updates can yield big returns.

  • Kitchen: New cabinet hardware, a fresh backsplash, and modern lighting can elevate the entire room without a full remodel.
  • Bathroom: Replace old fixtures, re-caulk tubs and sinks, and add plush towels and inclusive décor.
  • Energy-efficient upgrades: Touchless faucets, smart appliances, or low-flow toilets are not only trendy—they signal sustainability, which matters to LGBTQ+ buyers.

5. Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

LGBTQ+ homebuyers often prioritize sustainability. These updates not only reduce energy bills but make your home more marketable.

  • Install a smart thermostat (like Nest or Ecobee)
  • Upgrade insulation or windows
  • Consider solar panels (especially in sun-drenched regions like California or Florida)

Bonus: You may qualify for state or federal tax credits, which can be a great selling point.

6. Know and Advocate for LGBTQ+ Housing Rights

Although housing discrimination is illegal under the Fair Housing Act, it still happens. As an LGBTQ+ seller, be aware of your rights—and those of potential buyers.

  • Avoid steering or bias: Even with good intentions, make sure you’re not inadvertently influencing who views or buys your home based on identity.
  • Work with affirming professionals: From inspectors to lenders, choose partners who support inclusive practices.
  • Report discrimination: If you or a buyer encounters bias, report it to HUD or your local housing authority.

7. Price Your Home Right—and Market It Smartly

Setting the right price is essential to maximizing value. Your LGBTQ+-friendly agent can run a comparative market analysis, considering current trends and buyer demographics.

  • Leverage LGBTQ+ real estate networks: Promote your home through platforms like GayRealEstate.com to reach an audience that understands and values your space.
  • Use inclusive language in listings: Avoid gendered terms or heteronormative assumptions. Instead of “his and hers closets,” use “dual walk-ins” or “double closets.”
  • High-quality photos and video tours: Showcase your home with professional, visually inclusive marketing that appeals to diverse buyers.

8. Consider Timing and Local LGBTQ+ Trends

Selling during WorldPride or just before local LGBTQ+ events may boost visibility. Also consider if you’re in or near an LGBTQ+ friendly city or neighborhood.

Not sure which areas are top destinations? GayRelocation.com tracks and shares the best cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers, helping you tap into motivated buyers.

Final Thought: Sell with Confidence—and Community

Selling your home isn’t just about getting top dollar—it’s about closing a chapter with pride and integrity. When you center your values, work with LGBTQ+ affirming experts, and prepare your home with purpose, you’re not just maximizing your home’s value—you’re creating an empowering experience for yourself and the next owner.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or both—GayRealEstate.com is your trusted partner in every step of your journey. With a nationwide network of gay and lesbian realtors, decades of experience, and deep community ties, we ensure your home transition is safe, smart, and full of pride.

 GayRealEstate.com is the nation’s leading online platform connecting LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers with LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents, ensuring a safe and supportive experience.


Scott Helms is president of GayRealEstate.com. To find an agent or learn more, visit GayRealEstate.com, GayRelocation.com or call 1-888-420-MOVE.

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