Happy Sunday—we’re partnering with our friends at Two Bad Tourists again for a free giveaway to Mallorca that starts NOW! Details below — here's what's on tap this week:
🏳️🌈 It’s time to get decadent — or at least start planning for it
🚨 New giveaway: Enter to win a free trip to Mallorca, Spain!
🗞️ Travel Briefs: News & vibes for gays on the go
🔥 GoQueer’s Hot 10 Deals: Our favorite escapes this week
It’s time to start planning for Decadence!
We know you don't want to think about summer ending just yet—but Labor Day will be here before you know it. And if you want to celebrate the end of summer with the hottest party weekend down south, now is the time to book.
Southern Decadence returns to New Orleans August 29 - September 1, 2025, and it's exactly the kind of send-off summer deserves.
Known as the "Gay Mardi Gras," this five-day extravaganza transforms the French Quarter into a massive street party with over 250,000 revelers from around the world. What started as a going-away party in 1972 has evolved into one of America's most iconic queer celebrations.
What to know: The heart of Southern Decadence beats at the intersection of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets, home to the legendary Bourbon Pub & Parade, the city's largest gay nightclub complex. Don't miss the Grand Marshal Parade on Sunday afternoon, which starts at 2 p.m. and winds through the French Quarter, or the Bourbon Street Extravaganza, a FREE outdoor concert on Saturday afternoon at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets.
Must-Experience Events & Venues:
The Phoenix in Marigny - Known for its massive beer bust and street festival during Decadence weekend (not to mention its cruisey upper floor)
Rawhide - Perfect for the leather crowd seeking authentic community vibes
The Country Club - Famous for their drag brunch and pool parties, plus that legendary clothing-optional pool
OZ Nightclub - Where the younger party crowd gathers for high-energy dancing
Where to Stay: For accommodations, New Orleans hotels average $132 per night, though French Quarter properties during Decadence weekend command premium rates. Budget-conscious travelers should book in the Marigny or Garden District for easier rates. Budget hotels average $95/night, while luxury properties run around $219/night. During Decadence, expect 50-100% premiums for French Quarter locations.
Getting There: Expect round-trip flights from major US cities to range from $175-400, with August typically being one of the cheaper months to fly to New Orleans. Book early (i.e. now) for the best deals.
See you at the Phoenix! 😉
Win a 2-Night Stay in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Start the year off right with an unforgettable getaway! We’ve partnered with our friends at Two Bad Tourists along with Summun Boutique Hotel to bring you an exclusive giveaway. Sign up for a chance to win a 2-night stay for two people at this 5-star hotel in the historic, city center of Palma de Mallorca—plus a $200 USD flight credit.
The history of this medieval palace, located in the heart of Palma's old town, will captivate you. Built in 1570, the Can Berga-Ladària Palace is a vestige of time from the past. Inspired by Mallorcan architecture and the Palma nobility, it remains unbeatable as time goes on, with its ancient stables and water tank converted into modern rooms.
Don’t miss out—enter now for a chance to enjoy this unforgettable getaway!
Travel News for Gays on the Go
What’s worth knowing in queer travel this week — from major headlines to the best finds worth your clicks.
⚖️ Queer Politics & Rights
Marjorie Taylor Greene defends Trump’s Epstein ties, and attacks drag queens instead
Puerto Rico is being slammed for banning trans healthcare for people under 21: ‘Cruel and inhumane’
A bookstore was raided and is now facing criminal prosecution for “LGBT propaganda”
After months in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison, the gay makeup artist that Trump disappeared has been freed—but remains in danger
Trump kills $18.5 million in funding for diversity, LGBTQ+ support
This Florida city just removed their rainbow crosswalks, following an anti-Pride directive from Pete Buttigieg’s successor
Why a bipartisan group of lawmakers is demanding Trump save the LGBTQ+ 988 crisis lifeline
A U.S. district judge won't lift her block on Trump admin's anti-trans, anti-nonbinary passport policy
How U.S. regression on social stances fuels global repression
🔥 Trending & Viral
A gay robot is roaming WeHo, dishing out compliments to strangers
A viral tweet claims only tops can serve in the Turkish military – but is it true?
14 reasons why younger gays love daddies—according to the experts
These LGBTQ+ kiss cam moments were iconic—unlike that viral Coldplay CEO scandal
An influencer’s vile video trolling LGBTQ+ people at Pride is still being monetized on YouTube
Here are 17 crossdressers even far-right Republicans love
How this fraudster took over 120 free flights by simply walking on the plane
🏳️🌈 Travel Inspiration
How conservative Malta became Europe’s most gay-friendly country (check out our Top 10 Deals below for a special offer 👀)
The dirty dozen: 12 wild gay parties to dress up (or strip down) for this fall
With book bans on the rise, these queer bookstores across the U.S. are more essential than ever
Find your place under the stars with this great gay campground guide (special shoutout to The Woods)
Need an escape from American anxiety? Consider this beautiful South American destination
Or—tackle it head on with this really Queer road trip from NYC to D.C.
Summer is sizzling at these 10 gay beach destinations
Jesse Tyler Ferguson drops his favorite Los Angeles eateries in a new Apple Maps Guide
📈 Culture & Visibility Wins
Barack Obama says gay role models help boys grow into kinder, more empathetic men (duh)
The Trans attorney who argued before Supreme Court explains why it was ‘my nightmare’
Boston opened a new park named after murdered Black transgender woman Rita Hester
Jeopardy!'s Ken Jennings won't support Gavin Newsom for president due to his stance on trans kids
Family-building while queer isn’t easy—you don’t have to do it alone
This avant-garde trans wrestling group is the antidote to toxic masculinity
🧳 Tips, Hacks & Warnings
Here are some kinky carry-on tips for BDSM explorers
Why a one‑way ticket might give you more freedom—and be a little cheaper
💋 Sexy Stuff
Tom Daley unveils his new swimwear line just in time for vacation season
Miguel Ángel Silvestre puts on a sizzling display in a new shirtless video & leaves everyone parched
It’s National Football Day & these gays are ready to get tackled
⚖️ Q&A Time:
Last Week’s Results:
Last week, we asked: Is going to Pride important to you?
87% said YES!
13% said NO THANKS!
Verdict: Pride is Everything
Y’all have spoken loud and clear! With nearly 9 out of 10 readers saying yes, it's obvious that Pride isn't just another event on the calendar—it's a cornerstone of our queer experience.
Whether you're there for the celebration, the community, the activism, or just to dance in the street with thousands of your closest rainbow family members, Pride matters. And the comments were on point:
“For some gay people, pride events are either silly, commercial or not important, but I feel pride events are a privilege and for me, coming out late in life, these events are a happy and growing experience. Pride events should not be taken for granted because there was a time, there were no pride events, people went to jail when going to a gay/lesbian bar. In today's political climate, we need pride events more than ever. I try to go many as I can.”
“This is the only “designated” time to celebrate and remember those who got us here, recognize that we still have work to do, and cultivate community to move forward.Straight, white people complain that there is no designated time for them. Straight, white people have fought no battles to be recognized, and rewarded with rights and privileges. Straight, white people are celebrated everyday. Straight, white people; who are not poor, have everything they need.” — AMEN!
“Today the youth have no meaning to what Pride is! Today is what outfits going to wear and where are the parties. They have no idea of what we had to go through to give them the freedom to attend Pride! I tell everyone the first Pride was a riot at Stonewall Inn NewYork! They did not suffer the loss of lovers and friends to AIDS! Take to the streets for Act Up and Gay Marriage! Most of the Gay population don’t even know what the color strips on the original Rainbow Flag means. So many had to fight for their lives so you can go to a parade…..”
“I am standing on the shoulders of the Stonewall Heroes. Let the youngsters stand on my shoulders ”
“Too crowded.” Well, yes!
Category is: Hot Travel Deals — 10s across the board.
Take the dream gay cruise of a lifetime, with this Atlantis journey from Hong Kong to Singapore in November. These things usually sell out, but they still have rooms available for as little as $1,599.
For the ladies: Olivia is offering $500 off to pre-book its February 2027 cruise through the Bahamas. Rooms are available for as low as $999 with this amazing deal for a trip of a lifetime for Lesbians and LGBTQ+ women!
Time for a Mexican vacation? Get three nights at the Conrad Tulum Riviera for as little as $999. Perfect for a quick getaway.
That’s a wrap for this week. ✈️ Safe travels — and we’ll see you next time.
— The GoQueer Team
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