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Spartacus International Gay Guide: look forward to your next gay trip.

Although travelling is one of my favourite hobbies, there are a few things that bother me. In preparation for a trip and also at destination, I often found it really hard to encounter sufficient and reliable community facts. Sure there are countless apps and websites that promise to have extensive information on many gay hotspots in the world. What appealed to me in advance to inform myself about my destination, were blogs from people in the community. I like reading the stories of others and getting a good idea of ​​what exciting and interesting locations await me.

On the other hand, what always lacked on the countless but incomplete Gay Travel websites was the ‘straightforward’ content. All in all, I was really annoyed that I had to get important information about my dream destination from ‘thousands’ of different sources: one insider info here, the other there, etc. so that I had to spend a lot of time on research. The gay apps were quite helpful, but they were sketchy for me, out of date or to keep off thanks to their design. One of the apps I used for a long time has been the Spartacus app. The advantage of this app was the gay content, for example, cruising areas or gay saunas. However, my travels are often such that I also want to experience something outside of the community. 😉 To get information about typical sights of a city, such as museums, I previously had – you might already have guessed it – to search again on other websites. So it was not rare that I had a lot of tabs open in the browser and were jumping between several apps on top. That often affected and affects my planning what to do with my time at a given destination. Not to mention the search for a cozy, gay-friendly accommodation and gay events, especially the Gay Prides, which were and will be the reason for many of my trips.

Why do I write so much about the more or less complicated travel planning? I do asssume that you feel the same. What could be better than that there is now real improvement that I do not want to keep to myself: the other day, when I used the Spartacus app  there was a major update that was launched recently. And what can I say? – Many of the problems described above have almost vanished. With the current version of the Spartacus app I get from ONE source of top information on the community:  events, locations, actual hot spots [if you know what I mean ;-)] On the other hand I get to know my destination better, as well as ordinary tourist information is included, e.g. attractions. I also have access to various blogs, integrated maps of surroundings and can also plan my arrival / departure using the app. What I really like is the possibility that I can now book private accommodation in the community with the help of the app. I do not like hotels where I can’t be sure if I’m really welcome. A big plus for me is that almost all GayPride events are listed.

At present, I’m thinking about when best to visit THE Queen in London. 😉 This will be my first trip to the British capital. The recent update of the Spartacus app comes in really handy: browsing through the many entries in the different sections of the app (Dance, Drink, Eat, Events, Info, Horny, Shops, Sights) as well as the interactive map make me really curious about my next destination. The new version of the app is a lot of fun. Since I am a lazybones here and there, it is extremely useful for me. As I said, I get all the facts that are important to me at a glance. If I were to appraise the app, I’d give it five out of five stars and a thumbs up.

      

Palm Springs: A Year-Round Desert Paradise Awaits You, Part I

There’s something for everyone in this desert oasis that from the 1940s to 1960s was the favorite playground of famous Hollywood celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Doris Day and Lucille Ball, to name just a few. Located less than two hours by car from Los Angeles and San Diego, Palm Springs has long been a popular destination for Southern Californians. Its desert hiking, golfing and laid back atmosphere attract visitors from all over the world and can be conveniently reached by air from such cities as New York, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Miami and San Francisco.

There’s a very large gay population here, which some jokingly refer to as a “gay retirement village”. In fact, it’s a wonderful place to grow gay and gray, but you’ll see every age and type of person under the sun here. There are plenty of cool gay bars with mixed crowds but visitors tend to be more focused on the daytime sun and fun. This favorite gay vacation getaway in Southern California’s Mojave Desert has a large variety of gay bars, piano lounges, dance clubs, and restaurants to complement its many museums, galleries, shops and outdoor activities. There’s a reason this is the West Coast’s leading resort getaway among the LGBT set, especially from Fall through Spring, when temperatures here are mild and inviting.

Below is just a sample of the many popular events that occur each month of the year here:

#Jan. >> Palm Springs International Film Festival
#Feb. >> Modernism Week, International Bear Convergence
#Mar. >> Cathedral City LGBT Days
#Apr. >> Coachella Valley Arts & Music Festival
#May. >> Palm Springs Hot Gay Rodeo
#Jun./Jul. >> Swing & Mix (gay squaredancing)
#Aug. >> Pool parties everywhere!
#Sept. >> Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival
#Oct. >> Leather Pride, Halloween
#Nov. >> Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival and Parade
#Dec. >> Christmas/New Year events galore!

Getting around is simplified by the Buzz Bus, a motorized trolley offering free transportation every 15-minutes Thursday through Sunday between North and South Palm Springs, making numerous stops throughout the downtown business and entertainment district. If love visiting tourist attractions Palm Springs won’t disappoint you…

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Ascend two-and-one-half miles from the desert floor to a pristine wilderness on Mount San Jacinto aboard the world’s largest rotating tramcar. In summer there can be as much as a 30-degree temperature difference at the top of the tramway, making this a popular destination to cool down from the summer heat. Hiking trails, gorgeous vistas and several dining options are available at the summit of this popular year-round tourist destination.

Joshua Tree National Park

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park, located just an easy 30-minute drive north of Palm Springs. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast Southern California wilderness.

In part II of my Plam Springs blog post I’m going to write about some highly frequented gay hot spots, e.g. the Hunters Nightclub and I will recommend my favorite restaurants, e.g. the Alibi and Azul’s. So, be aware of my Palm Springs blog post part II, which will be published soon.

Some facts about me

I’m your welcoming ebab host offering two spacious guestrooms in my Palm Springs condo located one block from the south terminus of the popular Buzz Bus. My Junior Suite with king bed and private bath is ideal for one or two people, while the Master Suite with two double beds, en suite bath and private patio comfortably accommodates one to four guests.

GayGuide tips for your next trip to Amsterdam

My absolute favourite city, where I feel even better than in Berlin, is Amsterdam. This is probably due to the fact that the Netherlands have become the most tolerant country in the world.

The Dutch’s tolerance of LGBTs is rooted in their history. As early as 1811, “homosexual acts” were decriminalised by law. Not only that, the world’s first monument in memory of people who have been persecuted and oppressed because of their sexual orientation was unveiled in Amsterdam in 1987.
In addition, the Netherlands is the first country in the world to allow same-sex marriages since April 1st, 2001.

And there’s one more thing the Netherlands have to offer: the Amsterdam Gay Pride is the only Gay Pride in the world that does not take place in the street, but on the canals in about 80 boats . The “Canal Pride”, every year on the first weekend in August, is undoubtedly an international highlight for the community. It is definitely a must-do.

Nonetheless thousands of Dutch families are also taking part in the Canal Pride to demonstrate for the rights of LGBT people while just having fun. Nowhere else but in Amsterdam are there so many cool family dads wearing a pink shirt on a gay pride – so cute. 😉

In Amsterdam, the gay community has tradition; the first official bar for gays opened in 1927. Today, with the Reguliersdwarsstraat, the Amstel, the Warmoesstraat and the Kerkstraat, you can find FOUR hotspots in the center with countless bars, shops, restaurants, clubs, cruising bars / clubs, saunas and parties for gays.

My personal favourites / tips:

#ClubChurch – Amsterdam’s first cruise club
#ClubNYX – Gays and Straights are welcome, and everyone in between
#SaunaNieuwezijds – the new stylish sauna in the center

And where to stay? –  My favorite accommodations for a trip to Amsterdam:

#Valentino‘s in Oud West – CAVA1-1
#Marc‘s Private Room in Amsterdam City Center – JOMA1-2

Well then, I’ll see you at the latest for the next Amsterdam Gay Pride from the 3rd-5th August 2018!

New Year’s Eve 2017: Five locations for your night of the year

Now, at the beginning of the last month of the year, it’s just the right time to think about and plan where to spend the New Year. New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest and most exciting events in the world. The solemn transition from the past to the future is the opportunity to be in the thick of it and to welcome the year 2018.
Many cities and hotspots around the world want to offer their guests an unforgettable New Year’s Eve on the last day of the year. For those of you who are having a hard time deciding on where to spend New Year’s Eve this year, ebab did some research. Below we recommend you five cities where you can experience a unique New Year’s Eve.

Rome

The biggest party of the year in Rome takes place in Piazza del Popolo on New Year’s Eve, with fireworks and local pop bands playing in front of a large crowd. You can also spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in other locations in Rome. For example, during a free concert at the Circus Maximus or at a dance party around the Coliseum. Do not forget that traditionally, after midnight, lentils are eaten to bring prosperity in the new year. Even more important is the custom of wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve in order to be rewarded with health, happiness and love.

Barcelona

The locals traditionally spend New Year’s Eve with their families and close friends. Nevertheless, Barcelona has been an exceptional place to start the new year for several years. Plaza España hosts a huge New Year’s Eve party. There are concerts and fireworks, and of course, the tradition comes with the 12 grapes – “The twelve grapes of luck”: at midnight, a grape is eaten at each stroke of the clock, one for each month. Who has eaten all 12 grapes after the twelfth strike will be particularly lucky in the new year.

Berlin

Berlin is a fascinating city that never sleeps throughout the year. Thus Berlin will certainly not disappoint you on New Year’s Eve. The Brandenburg Gate area is the largest stage in the city, where there are concerts, fireworks, light shows and street food from all over the world. After midnight, Berlin’s largest open-air party begins on Pariser Platz. You also have a breathtaking panorama from Oberbaumbrucke.

London

The biggest event taking place on New Year’s Eve in London is the city’s official fireworks display. This huge celebration attracts around 250,000 spectators to the banks of the Thames. The entire city vibrates and it resembles a spetacular festival. Tickets for the best viewpoints for the fireworks should be bought in time.


Copenhagen

Drive to Copenhagen to celebrate the New Year like a true Dane. Watch the Queen’s New Year’s message on television at 18h00, during which the streets are completely empty for 15 minutes. At midnight listen to the 12 strikes of the town hall’s clock, then sing the national anthem and enjoy a piece of the traditional marzipan cake “Kransekage”. Then the great fireworks start to greet the new year. And if you fancy Tivoli, you can stay there until 10 pm on New Year’s Eve.

All the cities we recommend in this post have one thing in common: in addition to the official New Year’s Eve parties, you can also opt for a party in one of the many gay clubs. Rome offers you the club “Muccassassina”, in Barcelona the “input” is a hotspot, in Berlin you can find e.g. the “SchwuZ” or the “Dirty Hobby”, London is known for “Dalston Superstore” and in Copenhagen, for example, a party is rising in “NeverMind”.

Your Gay Guide to Mumbai

My last post listed down some of the gay pubs, cafes and spas and cruising spots in India’s capital Delhi. In this post, let me tell you about the various gay friendly places or things you must visit if you are visiting Mumbai.

Mumbai is called the economic capital of India. It is also where the Indian film industry Bollywood is located (yes, those movies with songs and dance are made here). Mumbai is also called as the city that never sleeps, because even late at night, the streets are bustling with people. The city also has a very active gay scene, thanks to years of activism. So what are the interesting places and gay hangouts that you could visit if you are visiting the city, let’s find out.

Parties : As in Delhi, the city hosts gay parties every weekend. There is no single club where the party is organsied every week. The venue keeps changing and is usually communicated through SMS or whatsapp. Salvation Star, Gay Bombay are some of the party organisers in the city.

The HIVE : The Hive, located in Khar West, often plays hosts to various queer events that are organised by Queer Ink every 2nd Sunday of the month. These events often have movie screenings, workshops, performances etc.

The Humsafar Trust : Humsafar Trust is among the oldest organisations to be working with the queer community. It also used to take out Bombay Dost Magazine, which was the first gay magazine of India back in the 90s. Humsafar Trust works on HIV/AIDS prevention among the LGBT community now, but also runs various queer focussed program. You can drop by their office at Santa Cruz.

Mumbai Local : In my Delhi post, I talked some of the cruising spots. In Mumbai, nothing is more cruisier than the local trains. Taken by millions of people every day for commute, the Mumbai local are packed to the brim always, and are often notorious for the cruising that happens inside. Imagine, hundreds of bodies pushed against each other, it’s natural that there will be action. The 2×2 compartment is well known for some hot action.

Gay Bombay : Gay Bombay, or GB, is the oldest organisation working for gay men in Mumbai. They organise various events for gay men in the city, including parties, health talks, outings etc. They are an unregistered organisation and do not have an office. You can check out their website for updates.

Kashish International Queer Film Festival : The Kashish Film Festival has emerged as a major event in the gay calendar of the city (apart from pride). Held in May, the film festival is billed as the largest South Asian film festival and often stretches over 5 days. If you are in the city during this time, join for some wonderful movies from around the world.

Pride March : Pride march in Mumbai, also called as the Queer Azaadi Mumbai, is held around end of January, and is often preceded by a month full of activities. If you are visiting the city in January, you will be in for a treat! Do check out their website for updates.

Peter’s Guide Through Sydney

The first time I touched down in Sydney, I could tell right away that it was a city I could easily fall in love with. With my constant travels around the world, it’s tough to find a place you can really call your home, or at least your preferred rest stop before the next big adventure.

The gem of New South Wales is the largest city in Australia, full of life and a culture so diverse and magnificent that anyone and everyone is bound to find their place in its concrete jungle riddled with natural elements and artistic designs. Here is my guide to experiencing Sydney like a traveller rather than a mere tourist, and imbuing your mind, body, and soul with its timeless culture.

Follow the art scene

When it comes to art and culture, Sydney is a city like no other. Aside from the fact that every district is an art installation on its own, with popular graffiti artists leaving their marks on building facades and numerous painters, musicians and performers showcasing their artistic talents near the city’s famous tourist sites, there are a number of ways in which you can experience the vibrant Sydney art scene.

You want to visit everything from renowned theatre centres such as the Sydney Opera House and  Sydney Lyric in Pyrmont, to the more secluded places like the Glen Street Theatre in Newtown and Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli. Additionally, if you’re into music, don’t forget to visit the City Recital Hall as well.

Experience the architecture

There is not much to say about Sydney except that it is an architectural wonderland. It will take you on a journey through the ages as you walk down its vast boulevards and little alleyways that will lead you through a forgotten Victorian setting. You can find all sorts of architectural masterpieces in Sydney, from the Sydney Tower Eye, through the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the Monument of Lysicrates and many, many other monuments, landmarks and architectural wonders. Just grab a map and get moving.

Relax like a local

Now, when it comes to leisure, no matter whether you are looking to meet some new friends in a relaxed setting or work from your laptop while sipping on an ice-cold craft beer, there are numerous options to explore. My absolute favourite place to be on any given afternoon (because I know I’m going to stay there for a while) is an adorable not-so-little place in the middle of Darlinghurst.

In case you didn’t know, Darlinghurst is one of the most vibrant districts in the city, a LGBT paradise if you will. My place of choice there is Della Hyde. Now, this place has got it all, Australian food, Australian craft beer, Australian cocktails… I mean everything. The ambience is relaxed and comfortable during the day, with a touch of true Aussie spirit with every brew and every detail. At night, the bar turns into a proper party venue, with live music and enthusiastic groups of people imbuing the vibrant space with energy, positivity and a dash of what’s to come. It is the perfect place to work during the day and easily transition into a party in the evening.

Party like a rockstar

And speaking of partying, what’s Sydney without its nightlife? Such a vast and vivid environment is home to numerous off the hook nightlife experiences, and whether you’re up for a pub night with your friends or you feel like dancing in a club, you can find it all.

You can easily start your wild night with pre-club drinks at Darlinghurst and then move on to the clubs at George Street. Be sure to visit the Chinese Laundry and ARQ, and if you’re up for partying all night long, hit the Pacha Sydney for a night of pure ecstasy.

No matter where you go in Sydney, there’s always something to knock your boots off. There is no shortage of wild, tame, innovative and pleasurable experiences in the biggest city of the Land Down Under, so make sure you follow this guide to an Aussie adventure of a lifetime.

Lisbon with Miguel, local Gaybassador

Hey Miguel, you’re Gaybassador for Lisbon. Tell us a bit more about you. 

Well, let me see! 🙂 I am living in Lisbon for 4 years now, I am 38 years of age and I am a happy guy. For the last 6 years I have been working in a gay bear bar, wich I appreciate a lot, and have been connecting with people from all over the world. For me, meeting new people is one of the most exciting experiences, to know their culture and to have the pleasure of showing mine. By the way, I am a party guy as well… having fun is a big part of who I am. Life can’t be taken so serious, we only live once!

Why do you love your city that much ?

Even though I wasn’t born in Lisbon I’ve adopted the city as if I am native. Lisbon is one of a kind, i’m sure nobody can relate this city to another place in the world. Maybe is it’s unique light, or it’s relaxing feeling and good vibe or maybe it’s traditions and history. Lisbon has so many different sides to it self. So, when all this ingredients combine, you have the most amazing city at your hand. Despite what you can see and feel, there’s the taste of the Portuguese Cuisine, wich is the best you will ever put in your mouth. 🙂 A taste to remember for life.

Wich are the 4 main spots you like to show to gay travellers ? 

It’s difficult to choose only 4 main spots to show to the travellers, because Lisbon is full of many places wich are so important or charismatic and that represent the city in it’s own way. But anyhow, I chose an itenerary that shows a bit of the city as i like to see it.

The first spot will be from Príncipe Real Park to San Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint and through Bairro Alto.

The second spot I will take the travellers to Santa Catarina Viewpoint to have a different prespective of the city and then to Camões Square and Chiado.

The third spot will start at Rossio Square and through downtown, where you can find almost everything you need or want, until we reach the Commerce Square, wich is breath-taking.

The fourth spot will be a walk along the Tagus riverside for a relaxing feeling and ending at Time Out Market, a food quarter, for an energy refill. We will need it, heheheh.

What about Lisbon’s gay local life ? 

Although Lisbon is not a huge city there is a gay scene happening here. In Portugal gay marriage is allowed since 2010 and that says a little bit about it. It’s safe and relaxed to be who you are and that makes life flow easily. The portuguese people are very welcoming, they can make you feel at home.

There is a neighborhood called Príncipe Real where you can find most of the gay bars and clubs, although some other bars are at Bairro Alto as well. Nightlife starts a bit late, the bars are open but people only come around 11pm more or less and the clubs are open until 6am, so bare that in mind if you want to go out and have some fun.

Your 4 favourite places?

The riverside at Cais da Ribeira – The perfect place to be when you want to relax, have a drink, go for a walk or just be there listen to some music by your own. It’s a place where you can do what suites you better.

Santa Catarina Viewpoint – The view over the river Tagus is outstanding. On a sunny day you can be here enjoying the the view, having a coffee, as we portuguese people love to do, taking some great pictures and feel the vibe of the city, always being watched by “Adamastor”, one of the beasts of an epic poetic portuguese book written by Luiz de Camões.

The beach at Costa da Caparica – I was born in a small city wich is surrounded by sea, so i’m very keen on beach. There are a lot of beaches around Lisbon but this one has something different to offer. It has several kilometers of yellow and white sand  and one of it’s parts is a gay beach (Beach 19). You can choose if you want to be dressed up for the occasion or simply be around naked. It’s fun.

Bairro Alto – This is the most searched neighborhood for going out and have a drink, for having dinner in one of the several kinds of restaurants you can find, from portuguese food to thai food. It’s a very mixed place. A lot of cultures in the same quarter.

My restaurants 

Casa da Índia – Very typical portuguese restaurant, like in the old times. You will have the best roasted chicken you will ever try, besides the other amazing food they have. From meat to sea food. They have take-away service as well.

Decadent – A great place to be, with a young vibe and a fusion cuisine of the traditional meeting the modern. You will taste portuguese cuisine like you have never tasted before.

 My bars and gay venues 

3 Bar – The place for the bears and friends. The bar I work in 🙂

Bairro Alto – Barroca street, where you can find all gay people around in the street having some drinks and walking up and down.

YOU LOVED THIS INTERVIEW, WANNA VISIT LISBON WITH MIGUEL? Just click here

Your Gay Guide to Delhi

So you are travelling to India? It is very likely that you will start your tour from Delhi, the capital of India. And if it is your first travel to India, be prepared for a culture shock in more ways than one. I had recently befriended a person online who was visiting from the UK. He said although he had assumed Delhi and India would be quite different, nothing had prepared him for the culture shock still. The noise, the chaotic traffic and the honking of cars takes some time getting used to!

But once you are here, there are several interesting gay spots and places that you can explore. But before moving to those, let me just quickly jot down some of the popular tourist spots that you must visit if you are in Delhi. You will probably also find them in any tourist guide map of the city – Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid (old Delhi), Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, Nizammudin Dargah (next to Humayun’s Tomb), India Gate, Delhi Haat, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and Qutub Minar.

Coming back to the focus of this article, here’s your gay guide to the city:

Connaught Place: Located in the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place is a popular place that houses many restaurants, brands, cafes etc. The place is always swarming with people, especially on weekends. Palika Park, which is just above Palika Market parking, is also a popular meet up point for Delhi’s LGBT community. You will find the park teeming with gay people on Sunday evening, when many people descend to the park to meet friends and hang out.

Palika Bazar in Connaught Place, Delhi

Nehru Park: Nehru Park is a famous gay cruising area/park in Delhi once the sun sets. You will find many people cruising here in the evening, and the bushes and trees of the park give ample opportunities too. But beware of criminal gangs who are known to loot people.

Spa: Mykonos Spa is a famous gay spa in Delhi, that operates in Lado Sarai, close to Qutub Minar. They offer a variety of services, including spa, Steam bath, Dry Sauna, Jacuzzi, Gym, shower. They also offer accommodation and rent out rooms to guests. Check out their website for more. Apart from Mykonos, there are a couple of other gay spas like the G-Spa at Green Park. Their Saturday dark nights are pretty famous. Check out their website. You also have Mens-Spa (website) providing a host of services. Some other popular spas are Aarogya Health Care And Spa and Kalph Kaya Spa.

Chez Jerome G-Cafe – Located on the terrace of the building that houses Mykonos Spa, this is Delhi’s only LGBT cafe that is maintained by Sambhav Sharma and Jerome. You not only have some really friendly staff and great food and ambience, but also have a wonderful view of Qutub Minar. Sunset at the place is absolutely mesmerising. Check out their facebook page (and the pictures of the cafe below).

Chez Jerome Cafe
Chez Jerome Cafe, Delhi

Parties: Gay parties happen every Saturday, and is often hosted in some club in Connaught Place. Unlike Europe or America, there are no fixed gay bars in India, and information about these parties are often circulatd via SMS or Whatsapp. Kitty Su at The Lalit too hosts parties on Thursday.

In case you are worried about the legal status of homosexuality in India and the implications for you as a visitor, read this post of mine.

„Ich bin ein Berliner“: Berlin gay city tips

This above mentioned quotation, spoken out by U.S. President John F. Kennedy in June 1961 and well-known all over the world, really figures out Berlin‘s unbelievable charisma.

My own love story with Berlin has began in 2008, since I moved here. As it‘s called Germany‘s gay capital, even the gay capital of Europe, belonging to the country´s biggest gay community makes me a bit proud.
Both in the 1920s and nowadays Berlin‘s gay scene is characterized by freedom, adventure and emanzipation.

One important reason for that is the city´s multicultural society, which also has emphasized this very diverse, lively and colorful gay scene. People from all over the world come here to find the perfect place to fulfil oneself. Berlin is gaining in popularity as one of the world´s most tolerant and open-minded (gay) hot spots.
Although there are no restricted gay districts the most popular gaybourhood can be found in Schöneberg, where also ebab‘s main office is located. However, cool gay locations are spread all over the city. In addition to Schöneberg, you can dance, celebrate, love and cruise as well in Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln and Kreuzberg at any time.

My top 3 gay locations in Berlin which shouldn‘t be missed:

#TheBoiler – Berlin‘s best known gay sauna with a both steamy and relaxed atmosphere.
#Schwuz – the gayest party location offered in Berlin, with a very long tradition.
#MonGay – Each Monday an LGBTIQ movie is played in the Kino International, the most famous cinema of the former GDR (next to Alexanderplatz).


Besides its high number of gay locations all over the city, Berlin is a hot spot where so many popular events for the gay community are held. Learn more about Berlin‘s gay pride ‚Christopher Street Day‘ (CSD), Folsom Europe, the Stadtfest and more in one of my next posts.
Until then enjoy your next bed and breakfast in one of our Berlin accommodations, available on ebab.com.

Gay Sex Culture in India – Does it Exist?

Sex is a taboo topic in India, and any discussion around sex is usually hushed. Governments are still stuck on whether to allow sex-education in schools or not. All this, despite India being the land of Kamasutra, and a land where temples like Khajurao depict sex in a very open and unrestricted manner on its walls through carvings pointing to an era when sex was celebrated openly. In such an atmosphere, where (straight) sex itself is taboo, you can imagine the many barriers that discussions around gay sex exist.

But does the reluctance of people to talk about sex means people are not having sex, or there is no sex culture in India? Far from it. Remember, India did not reach a population of 1.2 Billion through test tube babies. However, what it does do is make it difficult to talk about ones desires openly, and throws everything underground.

With the many restrictions, both legal and social around gay sex, it is not surprising that a gay sex culture (as it exists in European countries) does not exist in India. There are no bear or leather clubs, or clubs or pubs around fetishes. India does not even have gay clubs or bars. No Nude beaches. You do have gay parties but they are organised in regular bars/clubs once or twice a week, and notified via SMS or through secret Facebook groups. Sex toys are in demand in India, yet they are sold mostly underground (or online). Individuals do enjoy BDSM, master-slave relations, kink etc., and these are mostly put up in the profile description of Grindr and Planetromeo. LGBTQ space in India is still too preoccupied with discussions around coming out and fighting the homophobic law – Section 377.

But how does it all affect you when you visit India? Well, to begin with, it means when you visit India, there is no single club or bar in any city that you can go to to explore the gay life. If you do not know any LGBTQ Indian before who could show you around, or pass on the information of parties to you, then grindr and planetromeo remain your best friend to connect with people and gather these information.

And how does a law like 377 affect you? Well, the law is mainly used as a tool of harassment and for extortion of money by criminal gangs or by police. The Section 377 is mostly applied in cases of rape and child sex abuse, and is seldom applied on gay men for having sex. For more details on how Section 377 affects you as a gay tourist, you can read this post that I wrote sometime ago.

The fact that you are a foreign national visiting India however apparently acts as a deterrent for the police, as the police would not want to get into the tangles of dealing with embassies and disturbing foreign relations of India with other countries.