Gay Caribbean Honeymoons: Can this boom trend repeal anti-gay laws and sentiments in the Caribbean?

Kitty Lambert And Cheryle Rudd

According to the New York Times, “The legalization of same-sex marriage in New York State has set off a race among resorts and hotels around the world to become the next honeymoon hot spot for gay and lesbian couples”. “Though New York is a relative latecomer in allowing gay marriage, it is considered an important prize for advocates, given the state’s size and New York City’s international stature and its role as the birthplace of the gay rights movement, which is considered to have started with the Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village in 1969″.

Gay Honey moon sites such as: Perfect Gay Honeymoons have been proliferating since the New York State legalization of “same-sex marriages. In the Caribbean, which is practically synonymous with honeymoons, there are still destinations that gay newlyweds avoid; one is Jamaica, where disapproval of homosexuals is an entrenched part of island life and where gay rights activists have even been murdered.

Jamaica-based, couples-only resort chain Sandals in October 2004 lifted its long time ban on same-sex couples. In 2005, Jamaican deputy education minister Donald Rhodd has raised controversy by calling for a review of Victorian-era laws criminalizing homosexuality, a legislative legacy the island shares with at least seven other neighbours once ruled by Great Britain, including Barbados, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Gay men and lesbians already spend about $70 billion a year on domestic leisure travel, according to data from Community Marketing Inc., a research firm specializing in the gay travel market. Will Caribbean islands that are not gay-friendly like Jamaica repeal it’s laws criminalizing homosexuality; in order to cash in on the Same Sex Honeymoon Trend? It is fact, that gay tourist on average spend more that traditional tourists and are considered to be brand loyal. Wedding Planners, Web Designers, and Travel Agents have been making voluminous efforts to cater to the gay community. The expansion of the legalization of same-sex marriages has set off some serious competition among those vying for the title of the “next honeymoon hotspot”.

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Comment by jack. on July 28, 2011 at 6:46am: @miluvmilife I agree 100%,people forget that they have more power than the person they put in office,
All big artist in JA must come out together and try to stop this unnecessary beheadings of innocent people,is that the new norm now in JA.
The government is to corrupt, most of us know that. Why can't we come together and minimize all this.
Our predecessor have fought for freedom from the white and know we are killing each other like animals in the wild.

Comment by One Love on July 27, 2011 at 9:49pm: You can tell how backwards some of you people on these blogs are with your zero tolerance for people who are not hurting others or don't give a dame what you say.
Why do you all really care what gay people are doing?
I cosign with the people who said all the problems we have in our islands we are making homosexuals the biggest topic on CF. How is homosexuals a danger on the islands? I agree with what the bible say but is that not for god to take care of? All that talk is slum talk.
I would like to see island people focus on how they can improve their country instead of making homosexuals their daily prayer. Its my understanding they spend a lot of money in the caribbean. Have you pay attention to the man who host heidonism in jamaica?
Check out youtube.

My sister know the lady and her daughter who was beheaded in jamaica. I want to hear what the government is doing to fight crime there.
I want to hear more about the islands improving so that many people don't have to leave to come to England and America and struggle.
Some of you people need to stop all that slum talk and start growing.
Take example on Barbados. The government care about their people. Can you say the same about your government? Stewwwppps

Comment by Chula Bear on July 27, 2011 at 9:24pm: @ LONDON...Nice Selection! LMAO

Comment by LONDON on July 27, 2011 at 6:13pm

Comment by Teraun Daniel Marcus on July 27, 2011 at 1:47pm: Being gay is just wrong! Same sex marriage....is just wrong!
If everyone was gay, who would reproduce?

Then again..how can you stop it? you just have to let it be..........sinners will be punished i guess

Comment by jack. on July 27, 2011 at 1:43pm: Well said maria, violence is everywhere what happens in JA is to much.what is the problem: the government, unemployment or lack of education.my black people open up your eyes instead fighting each other.

Comment by Maria on July 27, 2011 at 12:50pm: This is interesting. What people fail to realize is that gay couples in particular females have been going to Jamaica for vacation for the longest however they tend to go to the hedonism resorts for vacation. I have been to a few non hedo resorts as well and have seen same sex couples however this is more female. It is strange that in Jamaica it is OKto have a male who is apart of the entertainment staff be gay and it is very open but they would not have a paying guest!

What difference does it make? Jamaica has it fair share of gay men as well! I can assure you that many of the men that "want to be your friend" or "company" for your stay have been approached by tourist to engage in same sex sexual acts. Im sure many have taken a risk becasue as we know sex sells and the price is right!

I do agree with Live and Direct. What we need to pay attention to is the amount of violence that is occuring on the islands against the people of Jamaica instead of worring about John and Jon and Jane and Jae how they spend their vacation!

Just my thoughts~

Maria

Comment by V on July 26, 2011 at 11:43pm: @the best of both worlds is a real fool. Please stop your nonsense if you have nothing of substance to contribute. What a waste of energy you are.

Comment by jack. on July 26, 2011 at 10:53pm: The best of both world, make it your job to find out,sinds you have nothing else to do. I think you a registered retard.You infected with ignorance, sorry for you. No cure for that.