Monday, November 7, 2016

Clinton Campaign Sends Cease and Desist Letters Against 'Provably False' Trump Super PAC Ads

'These Ads Falsely Claim Secretary Clinton Is Under Investigation by the FBI'
From: The New Civil Rights Movement
The Hillary Clinton campaign on Sunday sent broadcasters cease and desist letters demanding they stop airing ads that claim the former secretary of state is “under investigation by the FBI” and that the Bureau reopened its investigation.

“These ads falsely claim Secretary Clinton is under investigation by the FBI,” Clinton general counsel Marc Elias writes in the letters, noting “the claim in these ads is provably false.”

"The letter lists some pro-Trump PACs, including Rebuilding America Now and Future 45, and the titles of ads they are funding," CNN, which first reported the news on Monday, states.

5 Reasons This Election Will Determine The Future Of LGBTQ Freedom & Equality

From: Queerty
 We’re down to the wire, and with any luck we won’t wake up Wednesday morning to find it wrapped around our necks.

Without a doubt, this is the most fraught election in modern memory. In Donald Trump, the Republican party has selected an authoritarian and narcissistic liar who threatens the basic norms of democracy. Hillary Clinton is a somewhat flawed candidate, but she’s well within the bounds of normal politics. In fact, the debates showed she has the experience and temperament to be a fine president. Trump does not. His fly-by-the-seat style, his complete lack of transparency about his taxes and finances, his ignorance, and his vengefulness would be disastrous in the White House and the world. It’s literally a battle between the most pro-gay candidate ever to enter the White House vs one who would essentially turn over domestic politics to the religious and alt right.

Here’s a reminder of just what’s a stake in tomorrow’s election. Vote, vote as if your life depended on it.


 President Mike Pence

It’s bad enough to think about the homophobic Pence having a seat near the heart of government. (That’s especially true since Trump may just delegate all domestic and foreign policy decisions to his vice president.) But what if something happens to Trump? Besides the usual health worries, Trump seems to be a walking compendium of high crimes and misdemeanors, the criteria for impeachment. If Trump University is found to be a fraud, or if an investigation into his bizarre personal foundation turns up something, or if he flouted tax laws, even Republicans may throw him overboard. In fact, they may prefer Pence. But imagine what Pence could do as president, the first truly religious right president. Repealing Obama’s executive orders would be the least of it. Pence would try to turn back the clock as far as possible.


 The religious right let loose

Just last Friday Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, boasted about how the Trump campaign essentially let him write the party platform, the most homophobic ever. Perkins complained that previous nominees kept reining him in, but not Trump. “They actually worked with us on the platform,” Perkins exalted. For a man who doesn’t seem to mind us, Trump has surrounded himself with an antigay cabal. With his hands-off style (except when it comes to women), Trump will probably turn the machinery of government over to that group. With no one to stop them, they will have a field day doing whatever they want, and that won’t be good for us.


 Supreme Court at risk

The religious right is standing by Trump largely because he can preserve the conservative majority on the Court. That ought to be a clue as the importance of the election. As long as Anthony Kennedy (right) remains on the Court, it’s unlikely that the justices will erode the legal gains we’ve made over the past decade. However, Kennedy is 80 years old, so his retirement might be around the corner. You can be sure that the right wing will promote a candidate that will start cutting into those gains as soon as possible. That might not mean reversing marriage equality, but it would mean broad religious liberty exemptions. Already, Trump has floated a list of potential choices that includes Sen. Mike Lee, who would be disastrous.


 That Putin bromance

Of all the world leaders to adore, Trump has to pick Vladimir Putin, one of the most homophobic tyrants. That’s a sure sign that Trump will ignore human rights overseas. He won’t be lecturing Russian officials the way that Hillary Clinton did about LGBTQ equality and other issues.  To our shame, Putin’s record of harassing the gay community will get a free pass. Trump’s willingness to ignore intelligence briefings that clearly tie Russia to the serial email hackings of Democrats is just a sample of the kind of blind eye he will turn to Putin’s actions. If Trump won’t even acknowledge Russia’s meddling in this election, why should he lift a finger for gays in Russia?


The historic promise of Clinton

It’s not all about Trump. Except when her email is in the news, Clinton has been the forgotten candidate in this election. But Clinton has run a campaign that promises to extend the progress we’ve made under Obama. Clinton will enter office not only as the first female president but the first who is entirely on board with LGBTQ equality, far farther along than Obama when he was elected. She “evolved” before she entered office, not after like Obama and her husband. It’s worth remembering that it’s not just a question of avoiding disaster on Tuesday. It’s also the chance to keep things moving in the right direction.

You can’t have a starker choice than that.

“SNL” Uncovers Trump’s Secret Affairs With FBI, Putin And KKK

"That could mean anything."
From: NewNowNext
 Ahead of tomorrow’s election, Alec Baldwin returned to Saturday Night Live to reprise his eerily real impression of Donald Trump in a joint CNN interview with Kate McKinnon’s Hillary Clinton.


 Poking fun at the way many media outlets have covered this election season, the interview focuses almost exclusively on Clinton’s latest email “scandal,” while Trump literally makes out with a member of the FBI, Putin and a KKK clansman.

“Erin, Erin,” Clinton pleads with Cecily Strong’s Erin Burnett, “he kissed Putin, he kissed Putin on live TV!”

“Sorry Secretary, that could mean anything—let’s get back to your emails,” Burnett replies.


“Donald Trump has single-handedly ruined so much of what we as Americans hold dear,” McKinnon’s Clinton mourns after watching Baldwin’s Trump canoodle with the clansman.

“Kindness, decency, Tic Tacs, Skittles, taco bowls, father-daughter dances, buses, bright red hats, the word great, the colour orange, men.”

Check out the cold-open below.



“Eyewitness” Just Delivered One Of The Best Coming Out Scenes On TV

“I kind of just knew going into this experience that Philip’s coming out would be unique.”
From: NewNowNext
 On USA’s Eyewitness Philip and Lucas—two teens in a secret relationship—are fearing for their lives after they witness a murder while hooking up in a cabin in the woods. In an emotional scene from last night’s episode Philip—played by Tyler Young—in an effort to be more truthful with his foster parents, came out to them in a realistic and refreshing scene.



“I kind of just knew going into this experience that Philip’s coming out would be unique,” Young told NewNowNext when we spoke with him about the episode. “His coming out, on the one hand he wants to be honest and open with [his foster parents] Helen and Gabe, and he also wants to lead by example and show Lucas (James Paxton) it’s okay to come out.”


“I think the way he does it is in part he wants to sort of distract from the whole situation that him and Lucas are experiencing with this murderer,” he added.

Young also spoke about the “incredible” reaction he’s received since the series premiered and pleasing the show’s LGBT viewers. “In the first episode these boys are going at it and they’re making out. A lot of shows that have gay storylines we have to wait a long time to see that happen.”


“There are so many young people who love to see that because that means there’s progress—getting to see this visibility and their stories getting told on mainstream television. On the other hand I’m getting messages from older people in the LGBT community writing to me saying ’I was a Philip’ or a ’I was a Lucas.'”


What’s ahead for the boys in the remaining episodes of Eyewitness? “There's a lot more turmoil,” teased Young. “But there’s also a lot of positive moments of progress and I think people are going to be very pleased how things turn out.”

Eyewitness airs Sundays at 10/9c on USA.

Leslie Jordan Returned To “American Horror Story” As Cricket The Psychic

And we are dying to have him at our next séance.
From: NewNowNext
 Things got creepier than ever on episode three of American Horror Story: Roanoke, but an appearance from Leslie Jordan helped brighten the eerie episode.

The affable actor plays a New Orleans psychic named Cricket, who offers to help Lee (Angela Bassett) find her missing daughter.

Jordan appeared on AHS back in its third season, Coven, but was reportedly forced to drop out of Freak Show the following year due to a scheduling conflict.


Lady Gaga also appeared in a WTF moment,  when Sarah Paulson’s character found her having sex with her husband, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., in the middle of the forest.

Here’s hoping we get more of Jordan’s Cricket and Gaga’s witch-in-the-woods as the spooky season progresses.

Who Will Win POTUS?: It's Everybody's Guess

From: Boy Culture
Every predictive model says, in a fairly robust way (67.6% - > 99%), that Hillary Clinton will be elected POTUS tomorrow:


Nate Silver, who is never wrong, has Hillary at 67.6%.

Charlie Cook, who is never wrong, thinks Hillary has 278 (8 more than needed) in the bag.

Daily Kos, which is never wrong, gives Hillary an 88% chance of winning.

PredictWise, which is never wrong, thinks Hillary's got an 89% chance.

The New York Times, which is often wrong, puts Hillary's chances at 84%.

Huffington Post, which is frequently wrong on purpose, sez it's 98.1% Hillary's win.

Wentworth Miller Shuts Homophobe Down With FACTS

The "Prison Break" actor would like to discuss the way society treats men.
From: NewNowNext
Prison Break actor Wentworth Miller shut down a self-loathing homophobe on Facebook in beautiful form this weekend, turning the random commentator's hate speech into a teachable moment for his followers.

“I’ve attached a comment made in response to my ’4 Ways Sexist, Macho Culture Hurts Men” post,” Miller wrote, referencing an October op-ed published by the site Everyday Feminism.

The comment, left by user Shahin J Gotti, reads: “A real man on camera and nothing but a little bitch in real life, way to go Michael!” (Michael refers to Miller’s Prison Break character.)

Instead of addressing the troll in the comments section, Miller posted a screenshot of the comment and called them out publicly.

“Normally I would just ban this person,” he wrote. “Their sentiments have zero nutritional value and, in my opinion, reflect an antiquated belief system that is not only harmful, but on its way out.”


“That said, the attitude expressed does open the door to some interesting topics. Like gender performance, gender policing, shaming, sexuality, projection, toxic masculinity, and the lowering of public discourse.”

Hours later, after realizing most responses to the post “boiled down to ’It’s only words.’ ’Sticks and stones.’ Etc.,” he posted another update to respectfully disagree.

“I recognize, and appreciate, that this is coming from a positive, supportive, protective place,” Miller wrote. “If only it was true.”

Miller, who has opened up about his past struggles with body image and depression, went on to say that “Words matter. Labels matter. The way in which we speak to and about each other matters.”

“What’s more, IMO, ’You shouldn’t let it get to you’ is code for ’man up.’
With respect, I consider it to be another form of gender policing.
For the record, this person’s comment was momentarily unpleasant. Then it was over.
It affected me because I’m a human being.
I feel things. Then I move through them. And one of the ways I do that is by examining the situation and looking for the gift. The gold. The lesson.”

Miller’s fan base, which has grown since he began speaking out about important issues, praised the actor for his advocacy.

“The world needs more people who are brace enough to share their journeys, be vulnerable and be true,” one of his post’s top-liked comments reads.

“Especially more men who do this, our world looses too many young people, especially LGBT people and young men to suicide because they think that they are the only ones that feel the way they do. Thank you.”

Totally not gay bro urges Trump supporters to pray in their votes instead

From: OMG
We agree! If God wants a Trump presidency, he’s gonna hear it in your prayers! Stay AWAY from the polls, don’t bother going, make it easier on yourself, and let’s make Amurrica great again, PRAISE BE!

Song of the Day: 'The Politics of Dancing' by Re-Flex

From: kenneth in the (212)
Can't wait to dance my way over to NYC Museum School to vote en route to work tomorrow.
This election can't be over soon enough.

RuPaul Ruminds You “The Time Has Come For You To Vote For Your LIFE”

You better sissy that walk all the way to your local polling place!
From: NewNowNext
If you didn’t know already, tomorrow is Election Day in the U.S. and Mama Ru is back with another important PSA reminding all of you chil’ren out there to vote on November 8.

“This is the most important election in herstory,” RuPaul says in the short clip. “So don’t fuck it up.”

Do you really want to disappoint Ru? 

Watch the video below and remember to cast your vote tomorrow.

MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN (THROUGH FATHERFUCKING)

Pretending you don’t want it doesn’t make it go away.
From: Badwolf Blog
 One of the hardest things about what I do as a companion is avoiding politics and religion in polite conversation. It’s made discussing literally anything this past year next to impossible, with everyone I’ve engaged with even tangentially.  But when I stumbled across this comic on tumblr, I knew it must be shared here. Even though I knew that its titular longing for the Good Ol Days was reminiscent of that one guy’s idea about the current state of greatness, re: America.

But I don’t think we talk about consensual male incest enough as a society, and I’ll use any excuse to post the art of Julius.

Behold: the path back to greatness for America:






 I don’t know the actual origin of this repurposing of Julius illustrations, but I’m not against the message here. I think our dads could have cleared up a lot of stuff for us if we hadn’t needed to live such restricted lives with them. If, as a culture, we stopped seeing the natural responses of our bodies, and the emotions that go with them (however confusing or counterintuitive they may seem) as bad or dirty or negative, we might all be doing a lot better.


If that one guy with the hair had a father that loved him and expressed his love to him, physically, we likely wouldn’t know who he was today, because none of what’s going on right now would be necessary for him.


 I’m not proposing that you should ignore the conventions of American society in 2016 and go find your dad and suck his penis. I’m just saying that, we might be looking at sex and sexuality in a way that doesn’t reflect what it really is. Especially once you strip out the Victorian ideals sown into modern Christian theology.


 

 Maybe jacking off, and oral sex, and indeed even fucking, could be shared the same way that men share football; through ritual, and teaching, and constant, positive reinforcement. Teaching your male child about (and how to appreciate) sport might be a great metaphor for how we could teach them about what their bodies do. The same way that you learn the game through watching with your dad on the couch, and through role play in the form of ‘catch’ in the park or the back yard, one might learn about taking pride in one’s body, how to train and exercise, and how to appreciate all elements of your physical being, including those related to your penis.


 That last panel, lamenting the physical contact between father and son being violence instead of love, is especially poignant.  While I don’t necessarily advocate for long-term sexual or romantic relationships between blood relatives, I think the significance of what we keep insisting sex IS might be misplaced.


 Maybe it isn’t this thing that your parents should be embarrassed to speak about. Maybe it doesn’t have the power to damage and ruin someone forever more. Maybe we’re conflating what sex is with what power is.  Maybe power is what damages people. When someone is molested or assaulted, they have their power taken from them. They are made to feel dominated, all as it relates to something they are already encouraged to be ashamed about: their sexuality and their genitals.


 What if we weren’t ashamed of our sexuality as a matter of routine? What if it wasn’t a crime to show someone that you have a penis? What if we weren’t reinforcing the idea that sex is dangerous, and menacing, and meant to be kept away from children and the elderly and small pets? Would the notion of your father’s sexuality be so repellant? Would the sight or touch of his genitals be something that wounded and scarred you forever?  If you didn’t know to be ashamed of your own genitals, would your dad’s hand on your penis be any different from his hand on your shoulder?  Or would that still be the ticket to a lifetime of therapy?


I don’t have any good answers to those questions. But I know that the prevalence of daddy role play, and father/son/brother stories only increase with every passing year. What is it that these guys are really calling out for? Is it really just fantasy to you? Why does that particular fantasy come so fully charged for you?

Is it possible that we’re meeting needs through this role play that we’re not allowed to truly express as needs? So it has to be a “fantasy?”



Would you still be calling that beefy guy who fucks you “daddy” if your own dad had shown you that he was sexual, and that it was exciting and prideful for him that you were too?



Maybe we’re incorrectly boxing up what sex IS for men. And maybe we could learn to do better for others without that box.

Did Donald Trump Just Make Up An Award He Won?

He says he was named “Man of the Year” in Michigan five years ago. But there’s no evidence of this.
From: Huffington Post
Donald Trump claims he was named “Man of the Year” in Michigan in 2011.
We have no idea what that refers to.
It was a throwaway line, offered in a stream-of-consciousness riff about the state of the auto industry. Donald Trump, during a speech on Sunday, claimed that five years ago he was “honored” as “Man of the Year in Michigan.”

We have no clue what he’s talking about.

That doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. But there is no apparent record of it happening, and the folks who might know aren’t talking.

The Huffington Post looked through various search engines and newspaper archives and found nothing. We checked with The Washington Post’s David Fahrenthold, who has scrubbed Trump’s bio down to the bone in his reporting. He said he knew of no such honor. We reached out to the office of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R). Nothing. We asked the Trump campaign. They didn’t respond.

The Detroit News does have a list of “Michiganians of the Year.” But Trump isn’t on it.

We checked with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. A person there said they don’t have a “man of the year” award. We also looked through Trump’s Twitter archive. He never tweeted about winning a Michigan Man of the Year award ― and it seems like the kind of thing he’d mention.

Back in September 2008, the Home News Tribune in New Jersey did have a report involving Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. The Tribune’s story noted that the United Services Organization “chose Trump as its 2002 Man of the Year.”

But this doesn’t sound even remotely like what Trump was talking about in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on Sunday. For starters, 2002 was way more than five years ago. Also, the USO award has nothing to do with the auto industry.

The conservative site World Net Daily called Trump its 2015 Man of the Year. And Time magazine named him a runner-up for its prize that year. Again, though, these have nothing to do with Michigan or the automotive industry. They definitely weren’t five years ago.

Trump did speak at the Oakland County GOP Lincoln Day dinner in 2013 and claimed to have drawn a record audience. This happened in Michigan. But it was not an award, and it happened three years ago, not five.

And in 2012, the Republican Party of Sarasota County did name Trump its “statesman of the year.” That was four years ago, not five (although in fairness, 2016 feels like it’s lasted at least two years, so we could understand the confusion). The problem is, Sarasota is in Florida, not Michigan.

In short, we’re stumped. It’s possible that we’re missing something, that Trump really did receive some kind of award five years ago as Man of the Year in Michigan. But it’s also possible that Trump just made up the entire thing. He does, after all, have a history of making up awards he’s won.

And if that’s the case, it’s pretty wild. Because on Sunday, Trump described in detail the speech he supposedly gave after winning “man of the year” in Michigan.

“During my speech all I talked about is what Mexico and these other countries are doing to us and especially what they are doing to Michigan,” he said. “And I was criticized.”

Editor’s note: Donald Trump regularly incites political violence and is a serial liar, rampant xenophobe, racist, misogynist and birther who has repeatedly pledged to ban all Muslims — 1.6 billion members of an entire religion — from entering the U.S.

Time Is Running Out To Get Your Hands On The Warwick Rowers

The annual naked calendar crowdfunder ends today!
From: NewNowNext
Today is the last day of the famous Warwick Rowerscrowdfunding campaign, which helps the guys produce the wildly erotic naked calendars they’ve been releasing since 2010.

All proceeds from the calendar’s sale benefit the Rowers’ fantastic Sports Allies charity, which aims to squash homophobia in sport through education and unwavering support of LGBT athletes.


 “Homophobia is still a problem in sport, and we’re here to be part of the solution,” the guys said in a video message from London Pride this year. “We want inclusion for everyone.”

To celebrate the final 24 hours of fundraising, the Warwick Rowers shared some final cheeky teaser shots with Gay Times, including one epic 18-man ass grab:
Eligible products on the Rowers’ website include their current and all past calendars, a huge selection of wall posters, beautifully framed artwork, and a coffee table book, as well as signed merchandise and official Warwick Rowers apparel.

If you’re interested, you better hurry up, queen! The sale ends today, Monday, November 7 at 8pm GMT.

Below, check out some more new teaser images, and the inspiring message the guys shot at London Pride.









COLBY MELVIN’S SUPER SEXY GUIDE TO THE BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD

From: Wicked Gay
 We caught up with global traveler and model extraordinaire Colby Melvin to find out just what keeps his travel bug alive and kicking. Hint? The many beautiful beaches from around the world play a big part. Here, his favorite ten beaches from around the world. Can you keep up?


 1.
 NORTH BONDI, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

When it comes to beaches, Colby has one hands-down favorite, and it’s down under. While the powder soft sand and crystal-clear waters make for a picturesque beach destination, Colby points out that the beach is home to “the best eye candy CAN’T imagine.”

Things to do
Head to North Bondi Surf Club, where gay men can be found in droves. If you’re feeling a little like showing off, there’s a beach side workout area.

Things to know
Unlike many other public beaches, Bondi doesn’t allow drinks on the beach, so if grabbing a drink is your MO, head to one of the nearby pubs to grab a beer and some bites. After all that surfing and working out, you’ll have earned it.


 2. 
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA

If asked to name the top beaches in Florida, Pensacola is not likely to be at the top of most people’s list. And that’s exactly why this particular beach is special. Having gone to school in nearby Mobile, Alabama, Melvin has warm memories of times spent here, particularly Memorial Day weekend.

“Not only is the water and sand beautiful, but on this particular weekend, gays fill up miles of beach. Unlike many gay party weekends, this weekend focuses on connecting with other gay people from all over.”

Things to do
Do as Colby does: visit Memorial Day weekend. What can you expect? DJs spinning the latest hits and lots of people out and about just looking to meet new people.

Things to know
Be sure to stockpile all your needs—food, drink, etc.—because grabbing a taxi, or even an Uber, can prove difficult. Besides, why would you even want to leave the beach?


 3. 
JACKIE O, MYKONOS, GREECE

Few places offer better views, or a more relaxed vibe, than the Greek Isles. And Mykonos is no different. Colby tips his hat to Jackie Onassis, whom he credits for making Mykonos a popular gay travel destination since the 70s.

Things to Do
Be sure to hit up namesake the Jackie O bar and, as lovely as the beach itself is, you’d be remiss if you didn’t charter a boat tour to take a look at the neighboring islands.


 4. 
BLACKS BEACH, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Hate crowds? This is the place you want to head. Colby swears this is the beach to hit up if you want to avoid crowds, disconnect, and “enjoy some quality friend time or quality you time.” Getting to the beach requires a bit of a hike, which Colby loves; you get in a leg workout just for the right to enjoy this secluded surf.

Things to Do
Leave your flip-flops at home and instead don a pair of shoes.

“You definitely don’t want to tumble your way down.” For the adventurous types, there’s hang gliding from the steep ocean side cliffs, so you can really take in the sites from a bird’s perspective. Side note: “It’s a nude beach, but if that’s not your thing, clothes are still allowed.”


 5. 
HILTON BEACH, TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

“Tel Aviv’s gay community is thriving and this is the spot to be seen.” Rainbow flags and umbrellas almost always dot the sands of this Mediterranean beach.


Things to Do
Enjoy the plentiful eye candy—and trust, there is plenty of it. Beach side activities include kayaking, windsurfing, and beach volleyball. If all that ogling and activity leaves you feeling hungry, there’s more than one nearby bar and restaurant to grab a drink and a bite to refuel.



 6.
FIRE ISLAND PINES, NEW YORK

Think of this as the summertime mecca for all New York City gay men. Close to the city, but it feels like a world away. “There are no cars, just wooden boardwalks. This is definitely a step away from your ordinary life.”

Things to Do
Leave the phone at home—or at least back at the room you’ve rented—since the name of the game here is to meet people, and you can’t do that if you’re staring at your screen the whole time. And his must-do activity? “Get naked!” Take advantage of the nude beaches here and strut your stuff.


 7. 
WEST STREET BEACH, LAGUNA, CALIFORNIA

California beaches are notorious and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that lets you down. But Colby insists that this particular beach is “extra special.” Rather than seemingly never-ending beach, this semi-hidden cove has become a bit of a haven for gay locals and travelers.

Things to Do
Have your camera on-hand; whether it’s the hotties on the beach, or the breathtaking scenery, you’re going to want some tangible memories for when your trip is done.


 8.
MARBELLA, BARCELONA, SPAIN

“Yes, another nude beach!” Nude beaches aren’t for everyone, but as Colby stresses, just because the option of being completely nude at the beach is there, it doesn’t mean you have to strip down if that’s not your thing. “It’s okay to keep your clothes on, but the relaxed atmosphere might have you questioning if you should keep them on shortly after you arrive.”

Things to Do
Book a trip here during peak season. “It starts in May, but is most popular in August.” Why travel, if not to mingle and meet new people? When you’ve had your fill of surf and sand for the day, the nearby Rambla del Poblenou is a great way to spend the evening; the pedestrian road stretches many blocks, and you’ll find a wide assortment of great cafes, restaurants, shops, and more. And for those looking to tie the knots, Marbella is a primo destination wedding spot, perfect for you and yours to vow “I do.”


 9. 
PLAYA LOS MUERTOS, PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

Just try finding a beach in Puerto Vallarta that doesn’t deliver. It’s nearly impossible. But this particular stretch of sand is the go-to spot for gays to visit. Surf side, relaxation is the name of the game. Sure, you may be staying elsewhere, but the waterfront resorts stockpile the beach with chairs so you can lounge for free.

Things to Do
Don’t stay in one spot too long! “Bounce around and meet other travelers,” Colby suggests. Local vendors will also crawl the beach, peddling everything from jewelry to local fruits, so you can grab that souvenir for mom without having to compromise your tan. When the sun touches down, you’re just steps away from the hottest local gay clubs and restaurants, so there’s little need to plan ahead.


10. 
IPANEMA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Rio is a hot topic in the wake of the Olympics, but even before the world’s top athletes showcased their skills, the beach in Rio was a hot commodity. With the stunning urban skyline as a backdrop, the beach is a beautiful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

“There’s a reason why there’s a song written about this beach,” Colby reflects.

Things to do
Head to lifeguard stand #9 (you’re welcome), the area at which most of the local gays tends to gather.

Things to know
For those looking for the best Rio photo-op, Colby suggests heading to the Vidigal neighborhood, where you’ll find breathtaking aerial views of Ipanema, unchallenged by any other spot in Rio.