Happy San Francisco Pride 2009!

39 Years of Pride in the City
A special welcome to the half a million attendees expected at this years San Francisco LGBT parade this year - many of whom have travelled thousands of miles for the fun and excitement, and to share in pride and celebration. Wishing everyone a safe and happy celebration this weekend.

-SF Pride 2009 official website. Read about the history of the parade, a guide to weekend activities, anticipated road closures, and how you can support equality for LGBT people.

Other Pride events around the world.

The Glam of the Pink Flight Returns

Air New Zealand is again featuring the Pink Flight to Sydney Mardi Gras. Unlike last year when the flight operated direct from San Francisco, this year the plane will dart over from Air New Zealand's Auckland hub, allowing party-goers from all around the world to connect to the pink plane to Sydney.

Flights are currently available from $978+ per person from San Francisco, including an optional stopover in Auckland at no additional charge. The Pink Flight itself departs Auckland on March 6th and is a 3.5 hour journey over to Sydney. Click here for more information on the Pink Flight.

Click here to register for your chance to win (2) tickets from SF/LAX to Sydney - including seats on the Pink Plane, and a three night stay at the Travelodge Sydney.

California Voters: Why You Should Vote NO on Prop 8

As many of you know, on November 4, 2008, voters in California whether or not to take away the rights of gay couples to marry. If Proposition 8 passes, it will be the first time in history that discrimination is written into the state constitution. Prop 8 targets a specific group and says they are no longer equal under the eyes of the law. It's discrimination and we cannot tolerate that in our state. Prop 8 is hurtful and damaging.

My friends, over the past several weeks I have donated significant time and money to the NO on 8 campaign. For me, it is still not enough. So, over the next few days I will dedicate this blog to the NO on 8 campaign. This issue is of utter importance and something I felt the need to share with all my loyal readers. I've included several videos (one blog post down) so you can see the faces and hear the stories of why Prop 8 must be defeated.

Please, if you are a registered voter in California, Vote NO on 8.
Call friends, families, neighbors, professors, - anyone who will listen to you. Tell them 8 is all about Hate. NO on 8. Visit www.noonprop8.com to find out other ways you can help.

Finally, I'd like to leave you with a note a friend sent to me emphasizing the importance for everyone to speak out and against this hateful proposition:

Many of you may think, "I'm straight, what does this have to do with me?" Well, it is an important moment of conscience and commitment, and a time for us to reflect and to remember the words of the Rev. Martin Niemoller:

"In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;

And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;

And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;

And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up."

The Faces Against Proposition 8

Celebrities Say NO on Prop 8

Did We Vote On YOUR Marriage? - Vote NO On Prop 8


Five Lies with the Yes on 8 Ad


Prop 8 Has nothing to do with schools or kids


Mayor Gavin Newsom: It's Not Too Late To Defeat Prop 8


Let California Ring


Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and other API Leaders Speak out against Prop 8


PSA NO to Prop 8


Tearful Republican Mayor of San Diego Reverses Stance on Gay Marriage
(Audio problems the first 30 seconds of this video)


Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Vows to Fight Anti-Gay Amendment


Senator Feinstein: NO on Prop 8

Gay Travel Expo Returns to San Francisco

The Gay Travel Expo returns to San Francisco once again. The traveling expo takes place each Fall in different cities throughout the United States and Canada. This year, it arrives in San Francisco on October 28th. You can expect between 500 and 1000 GLBT travelers and travel professionals in attendance. In years past, exhibitors included well-known hotels, airlines and tour agencies familiar to the GLBT community.

When: Monday October 28th. (Time is not stated - but it is usually in the late afternoon/evening)

Where: Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street

More information: http://www.gaytravelexpo.com/, including free admission tickets.

Gay Pride San Francisco 2008

San Francisco Pride Weekend
June 28-June 29, 2008

Travel Sponsors Include: Virgin America, Air New Zealand, Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, The Handlery, Joie de Vivre Hotels, Hotel Whitcomb, Renoir Hotel, AAA, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Click here for pride weekend information.

Attitude Hotels: A Collection of Gay Friendly Stays

The official launch of Attitude Hotels took place last week in Berlin during the ITB International Tourism Fair. Attitude represents unique hotels, Inn's and B&B's from around the world that identify as friendly and accommodating to gays and lesbians.

The founder of Attitude, Pedro Castro, says the Attitude brand will guarantee service and quality standards that make for a "gay natural" experience. Castro asserts a need for higher standards than simply a"gay friendly" approach used by larger hotel chains.

Attitude Hotels has 3-defined categories of hotels:
-Attitude Premium : luxurious accommodation; exceptional ambiance and unparalleled service. e.g. Royal Palms, Berns Hotel, Masia Casanova
-Attitude Comfort : superior accommodation; sophisticated ambiance and gracious service. e.g. Legends Hotel, Haus Romeo, Hotel Königshof
-Attitude Value : attractively priced; casual ambiance and practical service. e.g. Stars Guesthouse, Liberty Hotel, Connection Guesthouse

Currently 25 properties throughout Europe and one property in the United States are available. Castro has aspirations to expand to over 100 hotels worldwide by next year.

For more information visit http://www.attitudehotels.com/

Air New Zealand 'Pink Flight' Ready for Takeoff

Air New Zealand's 'Pink Flight' departs San Francisco at 11:30pm heading to Sydney to celebrate the annual Sydney Mardi Gras. Pre-party celebrations are going on at the gate all evening. Here's a picture that was sent to me showing the plane temporarily decorated with pink eyelashes. Have fun everyone!

More on the pink flight

Video from KPIX- San Francisco

Air New Zealand's "Pink Flight" for Sydney Mardi Gras

Air New Zealand is planning a special flight, open to anyone, who is heading to Sydney for the Gay Mardi Gras festival in late February. The flight includes a pre-flight party at SFO and one-time frills activities & entertainment on the party flight to Sydney. They also promise down-time for those who need some nap-time. Just checked on fares - not bad at all; $499/each way + tax. Visit this website, or check out their booth at the Castro Street Fair this weekend.