No hometown love here. Bellevue-based Expedia has partnered up with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association for a new website, called “Out and About” that caters directly to the LGBT globetrotter. The site launched last week with a list of top gay-friendly travel destinations in the world, complete with appropriately florid descriptions of each. New Orleans: “The Crescent City celebrates music, food, drink, and uninhibited sexuality. It’s one big, swinging 24/7 gay-friendly party.”Palm Springs: “Palm Springs rolls out the welcome mat for LGBT couples in love. Plan spa excursions, candlelit dinners, or just lounge by the (sometimes clothing-optional) pool.”Conspicuously missing from the list, however, is Bellevue’s uber-progressive neighbor from across the lake. Is it possible that Seattle isn’t among the gay-friendliest places in the country? We asked an Expedia official.The list includes six other U.S. metropolitan areas: San Francisco, Provincetown, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and South Florida. Project director Janice Lichtenwaldt says that Seattle being shut out of the list shouldn’t be taken as an indictment by Expedia of the city’s queer-welcoming bona fides. Limited resources, suggestions supplied by Expedia’s LGBT employee advisory board, and general market research contributed to Seattle being excluded, she says.Lichtenwaldt assures that the just-launched site will continue to grow, and says both Seattle and Vancouver are slated for eventual inclusion.
More Stories From This Author
“Belltown Hellcat” arrested on Renton bench warrant
He recently attended a hearing in regards to domestic violence related charges for stalking and disclosing of intimate images of an intimate partner.
By
Benjamin Leung • August 19, 2024 4:50 pm
Ferguson and Reichert move toward Nov. showdown in governor’s race
Both dusted off intraparty challenges to their political right.
By Jerry Cornfield Washington State Standard • August 14, 2024 4:45 pm
KC Sheriff’s Office needs to modify use-of-force notifications, report says
Office of Law Enforcement Oversight’s report includes seven recommendations.
By
Benjamin Leung • August 11, 2024 7:30 am