Sign announcing national day against homophobia.

By Daniel Zueras

SAN JOSÉ, May 16 (IPS) – Government institutions and civil society organisations are holding talks, workshops and other activities aimed at raising awareness and overcoming intolerance, in preparation for the National Day Against Homophobia on Sunday in Costa Rica.

President Óscar Arias issued a decree in March 2008 declaring May 17 the national day of fighting discrimination against homosexuals, placing Costa Rica among 30 countries that have officially decided to mark such a day.

The decree states that public institutions must widely disseminate the goals of this commemoration, and must also “facilitate, promote and support activities aimed at the eradication of homophobia.”

This step was taken as a result of a campaign by the Centre for Investigation and Promotion of Human Rights in Central America (CIPAC), one of whose members, Francisco Madrigal, spoke to IPS about the importance of the decree for encouraging the state to take part in the transformation of society.

In his view, “deeper awareness is needed as well as the institutionalisation of policies to respect a person’s sexual orientation.”

To further this task, several government institutions will carry out awareness-raising activities like talks for their employees, training events and round table discussions in various parts of the country. The rainbow flag of the homosexual rights movement will also be raised at their buildings.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office and the Health Ministry are some of the government bodies involved.

The National University, the Institute of Technology and the University of Costa Rica (UCR) have been holding the First Inter-University Festival for Sexual Diversity since Wednesday.

Considerable progress has been made over the years in the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation in this Central American country, but the leader of the Diversity Movement, Abelardo Araya, told IPS that, in spite of these efforts, homophobia still exists. But, Araya said, “it cannot be compared to how things were 20 years ago,” when homosexuals were persecuted with “police raids and imprisonment.”

In this activist’s view, the pattern of homophobia nowadays is different, although some sectors are resistant to greater openness, and “it can be found at all levels of society.”

For instance, the Catholic Church has already expressed its opposition to the draft law on civil unions between same-sex couples which is currently before parliament.

The statements by the church hierarchy surprised no one, but the position against the proposed law taken by the centre-left Access Without Exclusion Party (PASE) did, especially as it specifically called for the vote of the gay community in the last legislative elections.

PASE is now advocating a referendum to decide the issue of same-sex civil unions. The gay community is against the idea “because it is a matter of human rights,” Araya said.

The Diversity Movement is putting the final touches to a document to be presented to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, showing the amendments made to the draft law, as well as the conventions that Costa Rica has ratified which would preclude calling a referendum on issues that involve human rights.

Among these are the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Sociologist Jacobo Schifter, one of the first well-known Costa Ricans to come out of the closet in 1988, told IPS that “homophobia has always existed and will continue to exist.” In his view, 20 years ago gay people were completely invisible, but “AIDS made this community more visible.”

A 1987 national AIDS survey “found that the most homophobic people were those who were least familiar with homosexuals,” he said.

Schifter said that people are more open-minded in rural and marginalised areas, because they have a more communal social life. But changing the country’s laws “is to import the U.S. model” and “is a stupid approach,” he said.

He said that in Latin America, “it’s easier to focus on changing people’s social attitudes. Gay marriages won’t make any difference to acceptance” of the gay community. He also said “no one pays any attention to what the Catholic Church says, so what does it matter what they say about people’s sex lives?”

What needs to happen is social progress, Schifter said, “so that gays come out of the ghetto and take their place in every sector. And it should happen from the bottom up.” In his view, the present strategy followed by the gay rights movement is a waste of time.

As for participation in political life, Araya said the Diversity Movement is trying to encourage participation by gay people within the party structures, without “reducing our participation to one political party, but helping new community leaders emerge in the existing structures.”

He said he was confident that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) caucuses would begin to emerge in the parties.

The Movement is also campaigning for “the vote for equality,” that is, an “informed vote” within the community, where it is “calling on people not to vote for those who discriminate against us, like PASE,” he said. (END/2009)

A great story from http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=46875

Traditionally a bachelorette party was designed as a way for friends of the bride-to-be to send their friend off on a final farewell from the single life. Similar to the bachelor party women have enjoyed one final hoorah before taking the leap into married life. However, as relationships in the United States change so do the traditions associated with them. Currently nine states allow some form of same sex marriage and this means that lesbian couples across the nation now have the opportunity to live in matrimony.

Typically a bachelorette party is thrown by the brides maid of honor. When there are two brides each woman is entitled to their own bachelorette party. If the couple choice to have a united party that is their decision but unless that is stated up front a separate party is in order for each. Specifically each woman should be taken out on the same night and have their parties planed by different people. This ensures that neither partner is left at home on the night of their significant others evening of fun and debauchery.

A lesbian bachelorette party can be a fun filled night for all attendees. Many people automatically think of strippers when they think of a bachelorette party but that need not be the case. There are a variety of other activities out there including the new spin on a Tupperware party called a Slumber Party. Slumber parties are becoming the next big thing. These are parties where women meet with an adult sex toy company representative and get to learn about various toys and products on the market in a private and intimate setting. As a bachelorette party the brides best friend would host the party and provide beverages, specifically wine or other alcohol, as well as finger foods. The representative would come in and give her presentation as well as allow the guests to sample certain products. This is a fun way to send the bride-to-be off into marital bliss and generally the guests will enjoy it as much as the bride.

Another idea similar to the slumber party theme is to have a lingerie party. Advice guests to get creative and ransack adult toy stores looking for fun and outrageous lingerie. It is always fun to see who can make the bride-to-be blush. If the couple is planning a rainbow themed wedding ask the guests to bring in bright colored lingerie reflecting the colors of the rainbow flag. For this you can incorporate the rainbow in the party decorations as well as hors douevres.

Another trend is eco-conscious celebrations which include booking the party at a hotel where the destination places can be arrived at on foot. Walking to an all natural or organic restaurant before going out for some drinks at an upscale bar or restaurant is a great way to celebrate with an environmentally friendly bride as well as avoid drinking and driving.

Not all lesbian bachelorette parties need to be about partying. It is just as acceptable for a group of friends to book a trip to any kind of event that the bride-to-be enjoys, for example a Broadway Play, local concert or favorite sporting event.

No matter what type of bachelorette party you choice be sure to keep in mind that just because two women are getting married does not mean that either is not entitled to a special day to celebrate their departure from the single life. In some places the idea of a same sex marriage is still controversial despite changing laws.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_A._M.

In sharp contrast to Costa Rica’s outright welcome to lgbt people, its becoming known for tolerance and its friendly “live-and-let-live attitude”, is Jamaica’s continuing treatment of lesbians and bisexuals that hasn’t apparently improved since a Jamaican town’s announcement of a “Gay Eradication Day” in 2007.

Jamaica has been a resort destination for Caribbean culture, regional food, unique music, and beautiful sand beaches. But within this paradise lies the Jamaican tradition of violence – popular Jamaican music contains the lyric “When you hear a lesbian getting raped/It’s not our fault … Two women in bed/That’s two sodomites who should be dead.“

These Jamaican anti-gay lyrics have become tangible in violence and even murder, such as in 2004 of Jamaican gay rights campaigner Brian Williamson, founder of J-FLAG, Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All Sexuals and Gays, the country’s first and only LGBT lobbying, advocacy and support group.

In 2004, Human Rights Watch produced a report called Hated to Death that focused on homophobia within Jamaica. Details included incidents of lesbians being driven from their homes under threat of death.  Rebecca Schleifer, of Human Rights Watch, has said: “Discrimination against people based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation is widespread and entrenched. It is expressed from the pulpit to the schoolroom to the parliament. It is very important that the voices of Jamaicans who suffer this discrimination and are trying to overcome it should be heard.”

Costa Rica offers a mix of Caribbean and Latin cultures, exquisite food, unique experiences from sandy beaches, to world class surfing, volcanoes and eco-tourism beyond compare.  Add to this mix of ambience is a popular culture of acceptance and you have one of the best places to vacation and enjoy what life has to offer in the world.

San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has more gay & lesbian bars that any other country in Central America, and has become a tourist destination for many lgbt’s from North America and Europe. In the relatively large gay scene in San Jose you will find many western style bars, restaurants, clubs, saunas, hotels and guest houses.

According to Adriana De La Cruz of the Hotels Desire Group in Costa Rica, “Catering to lesbian and bisexual travelers is not just our job…it’s in our nature …. I should know since I’m part of the lgbt lifestyle. We welcome joie de vive as life is short and must be enjoyed!” Hotel Desires have locations in San Jose www.hoteldesirecostarica.com and on the coast at Jaco Beach www.copacabanadesirehotel.com.

The Costa Rican people are accepting and dedicated to making everyone’s stay an enjoyable and a memorable one in their country. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a particularly good destination for the lesbian and bisexual traveler.

Interesting blog post that asked the question … WHERE DO ALL THE VIBRATORS GO?

“After moving to Oman, I met a woman who had a funny story about having her vibrator taken out of luggage as she entered the country. The ROP guard who found it actually brandished it like a sword and held it high and asked what it was and what she was doing with it.

Another woman I met had a vibrator confiscated out of a mail package at the post office.

I can’t help but wonder where all the vibrators go…

It’s something that plays on my mind a lot. I’m like, obsessed with it…

My theories include a storage shed located on the airport property, airport and postal employees bringing them home to play with or they are simply incinerated in some incinerator somewhere…

See the full post at http://angryinoman.blogspot.com/2009/07/where-do-all-vibrators-go.html

Beach goers who like to have the option to go nude should have no problem doing so on a Costa Rica beach. While it is slightly frowned upon outside of major hotels and resorts in tourist areas; for the most part it is widely excepted. In smaller beach towns it rarely causes a reaction. If you feel uncomfortable being nude around groups of clothed people, it is often very easy to find a private stretch of beach.

Though there are no actual beaches targeted for nudity in Costa Rica, there are plenty of “clothing optional” hot spots throughout the entire span of this beautiful Central American oasis. It is true that legally, in Costa Rica, public nudity is not acceptable, so what are you to do if you are a tourist feeling the need to relax in the buff? Where would you go?

Manuel Antonio Beach

First, I have to mention Manuel Antonio Beach. This is a popular place for all kinds of tourists, and is primarily a more conservative place to sunbathe and play, however, north of the public area is a nice little area where you will find a lot of topless basking. Sometimes, though rare, you will even find completely nude beach-goers. This is also known to be the gay and lesbian friendly part of the beach. The locals call it Playa de Playos.

Montezuma Beach

Montezuma Beach (or Playa Montezuma) is the perfect place for those who are of the “bohemian” persuasion. This is perhaps the most budget friendly of get-aways and attracts a wide and colorful spectrum of liberal minded folk like backpackers, gypsies, surfers, street musicians and other fun loving tourists and locals. As if the entertaining mix of locals and tourists, and the veritable smorgisboard of cuisine in Playa Montezuma isn’t enough, just take a scenic drive (or hike) farther North and behold Playa Grande, a secluded, yet vibrant patch of beach that just comes to life with art, surfing, bonfires, and of course, the option to go bare!

Hotel Villa Roca

Hotel Villa Roca is a Gay owned resort for the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community, found within the city of Quepos, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with grand views of the rain forest. Though this is not a designated clothing optional resort, after ten o’clock pm, it is permitted. Quepos, on the road to Manuel Antonio, is a world renowned gay/lesbian hot spot and tourism firehouse. Not only is this resort nestled in perhaps the most beautiful region of Costa Rica, the owners take pride in their environment and run all of their jacuzzis on solar power. Enjoy nature, and wildlife, and feel free to take off some clothes after ten!

With the recent onset of non-local resort owners in Costa Rica, there are fewer and fewer places to enjoy a buff romp in the sand. Most clothing optional areas are found within the walls of adult’s only, or swingers clubs and resorts, tucked away from the eyes of tourists and not-so-liberal-minded locals. Even Manuel Antonio’s own Playa de Playos is threatened by new developments in so called “upscale” business, that frown down upon the openness of its visitors.

Generally, however, the further South you travel, in Costa Rica, the fewer tourists you will see, which leaves you plenty of opportunities to get some all over sun, without the tan lines. In most cases, locals and authorities will overlook the festivities, just make sure to respect the customs of the smaller towns, and make sure its okay before you disrobe!

From “WhyGo Costa Rica” at http://www.costaricatravelscout.com/nude-beaches-in-costa-rica.html

Lifestyle friendly hotel

Costa Rica is the most liberal country in Central America with progressive attitudes on homosexuality. This is reflected in the relatively large gay scene in San Jose where we you will find many western style bars, restaurants, clubs, saunas, hotels and guest houses. There is even a small scene in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast with gay hotels and a gay beach. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a particularly good destination for the lesbian traveller. From Diva at http://bit.ly/15xgEr