Diversity Rules Magazine

16 Diversity Rules Magazine January 2015 Rob Saldarini is a col- lege professor and inclusion training fa- cilitator. Beyond aca- demic publications and articles, Saldarini's fic- tion work includes the novel, For the Least of My Brothers, "Leader of the Pack" within the Queer Wolf anthology, and "e Truth at We'll Miss" published in Mob Men on the Make. With the holidays behind us, and the cold winter still ahead, envision the beauty of the Caribbean. If time and finances don't allow you to grab a grip and head for the air- port before the next New York snowstorm, then planning a trip to this destination is a warm moment on a gray day. Comfort- able LGBT travel within the Caribbean Islands can be hampered by prejudice and homophobia; therefore, picking the right paradise is more than focusing on the at- tractiveness of the brochures. I am not recommending that you boy- cott any of the Islands; yet, history shows that Jamaica and Barbados can be intoler- ant. e Human Rights Watch published a comprehensive report that features 56 cases of violence in Jamaica that were pro- voked solely on actual or perceived sexual identity. Katherine Dean, in her article, "Honeymoon from Hell: e Top 10 Destina- tions Gay and Lesbian Travelers Should Avoid" (January 19, 2012, Huffington Post) identifies Jamaica as Number 2 and Barbados as Number 6. Other Caribbean locations that you should view with caution include the Cayman Is- lands, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. If these destinations are 'a must' then for your safety and quality-of- experience avoid showing public affection. So, where should you consider a vacation spot? Well, the winner of the best destination, where the LGBT commu- nity can have a sense of welcome, goes to (drumroll) Saba! Saba? Saba is a tiny island that is located near Saint Martin. From Saint Martin, you board a small plane for about a 10-minute flight. is destination is not a top travel spot; actually, the beauty of Saba lies in the fact that the island is a bottom travel spot. is location offers you a complete hideaway because Saba covers five miles and has only one road, which is called, "e Road." e hikes, picturesque villages, and dives in Saba are spectacular; but, the Island has no real beaches, gambling or nightlife. Saba is the small- est island in the Netherlands Antilles and is the only Ca- ribbean location that legally sanctions same-sex marriage. When looking for accommodations be sure to consider the Shearwater Resort which is gay owned. However, should you consider Saba 'too sleepy' then I recommend you con- sider traveling to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico can absolutely sizzle. Downtown San Juan is the geographic center of gay life in the Caribbean. ere are a host of bars, such as, Circo Bar (650 Calle Condado) which is a dance-based nightclub and, of course, SX (1204 Ponce de Leon) which hosts some pretty hot strippers. If you are there on Sun- day, kick-back at Batucada (Calle Carlos Chardon #15) because it's a fun neigh- borhood bar that draws a nice crowd. Finding accommodations is not difficult and there is a significant range in price. Five-star hotels are costly; yet, when in Puerto Rico, consider a small B&B to bring you to a level of island charm. Many, such as the Ceiba Country Inn ( Carretera 997) are gay owned and oper- ated. Puerto Rico is the perfect place for beaches, nightlife, gambling, and fam- ily recreation. While on the island, make your way to the rain forest as well as to the island of Vieques. I find Vieques to be Puerto Rico's best kept secret. Vieques' beaches with their small isolated coves are exceptionally tranquil. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory, Americans have no issues with cur- rency, postage, immigration or customs. erefore, when packing remember to bring the same items that you would take along when traveling in the States. For example, if you are Planet Fitness member and have a 'black card member- ship' then take the card and use the Planet Fitness at 1511 Ponce DeLeon. As 'the weather outside may be frightening,' place the Ca- ribbean on your vacation list during the winter months. e islands offer a warm getaway where you never have to scrape ice off your windshield or put on an extra pair of socks. Have wonderful, happy and safe New Year – travel on! If you have comments, suggestions or recommendations, please feel free to email Robert at RSnj@aol.com. The Caribbean Awaits! By Robert Saldarini (c) Can Stock Photo Inc. / grsphoto Support Diversity Rules Magazine! www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

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