Be Cautious Diving and Traveling Abroad

Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Very much LGBT friendly! Sure, there's a-holes like in any other place, but generally very much welcoming!

 

I think this comes into the context of reserching the place you wish to travel too.

Obviously where I live in the Middle East, anything other than beign hetrosexual can lead to a jail term and deportation. In other countries, displaying overt PDA can get you into trouble, as can unmarital sex etc etc.

In reality a blind eye is turned unless it becomes obvious - or you make someother infraction which draws the attention of the authorities

But it goes beyond that:

In the UAE for instance, certain drugs that you can buy over the counter in other countries are banned (Codine is one) So bringing those drugs in can get you in a ton of trouble withouth a Doctors note

Also (in the UAE) as well as other countries they have very sensitive drug detectors, which can and do pick up residual traces. Just having a positive blood test is considered possession.

My point being is that you can fall foul of the law in some countries for actions that are perfectly legal in your own

It's not about your sexuality, the wise traveller should conduct due dilligence on the countries they wish to visit so they at least know the laws, and customs and conduct deemed aceptable and make your chices around that

 

I haven't found any good gay nightlife in Playa. Any recommendations?

 

Thanks for starting this thread! This is a huge issue in many Caribbean countries as many of them are among the 72. This poses a real problem for North American Divers wanting an easy dive vacation south. I have met a few LGBTQ couples in my trips to Jamaica but only on resort and not many. This is an issue for me as I would like a permanent residence in the Caribbean but not willing to commit to a country where my friends and family can't all visit and feel safe or even comfortable living and loving as they are.

Here's a list of friendly and non-friendly Caribbean countries... good news is many of the non-friendly countries have growing Pride movements and are slowly progressing to public acceptance.

LGBT-Friendly Vacation Spots in the Caribbean

 

Having done Playa twice (no diving) and hopefully again soon, this time with PADI, I can say as a whole Playa is very welcoming and in both trips never once had any issues.

 

Just came back from Playa/Tulum/Cozumel... what a night and day difference from Jamaica. LGBTQ folk just being themselves whether working or visiting. Regardless... back to Jamaica next winter. Will continue to talk and push while I'm there.

 

Good post.

Inferred: Diving in Egypt is not to be recommended. Saudi Arabia is not at all better. So forget the Red Sea.

See: LGBT rights in Egypt - Wikipedia
Or: Egypt is cracking down on LGBT rights after putting 16 men in jail

There are plenty of dive spots in nice countries. Northern europe is not a bad choice. The water is +4c though.

 

We received this recognition on the indo Aggressor. Was Awesome! It got kind of wrinkled in the luggage before I could properly document it.

 

That's too bad. Always wanted to dive The Red Sea someday.

 

Jamaica in the mid '90's and 2000 was very Homophobic for LGBTQ. I haven't been back since even tho I love much about the culture and people besides some old sexist and homophobic nastiness. I hope this has changed and will continue to improve. I did notice tho that they mostly leave the tourists alone, especially if ur not doing too much PDA, bc they depend on the tourists dollar, and many return year after year so they want to keep us happy. The locals are the ones who are really persecuted and killed even just for being themselves.
Many Reggae Lyrics sing of 'Burn Them Down, Kill Them, Hang Them', etc. I love Reggae music but I stopped supporting artist who sang those lyrics. Some Artists have changed there ways due to International pressure.
And, FYI, a derogatory term in Jamaica for Gay Men is Batty Boy. Therefore, until Hate Crimes against Our Community have stopped and local laws are in place to protect citizens of Jamaica against violence, loss of jobs, and other oppression, maybe we should consider not giving them our money? What do others think? There are plenty of other places to dive.