The Caribbean
Gay Caribbean
Beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Caribbean beckons to travelers. The weather here is beautiful year-round, with only the occasional late-summer/early-fall hurricane to cause changes to travel plans. Most of the major Caribbean cities have airports, so the easiest way to get into town is by plane. There are also smaller airlines and charter boats that offer connections between islands once you are in the area.
However, gay and lesbian travlers should know that some islands are more gay-friendly than others. The French, Dutch and US Islands are welcoming of gay and lesbian travelers, while Jamaica, Barbados and the Cayman Islands have a history of homophobia. Known as one of the most gay-friendly Caribbean Islands, St. Croix is nearly 100 miles of endless white beaches. St. Croix is by far the least touristy of the three major American islands. There’s great shopping, resorts and restaurants for visitors but if you like peace and quiet, there’s also plenty of opportunity for that here too. The most populous and urban of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is a one-stop shop for fun, beaches, relaxation, and island-inspired nightlife. Just minutes from St. John and about an hour from St. Croix, St. Thomas is home to two main settlements - Charlotte Amalie (also known as downtown) and Red Hook (also known as the East End).
If you are going to travel to the Caribbean, we recommend that you look into the island you plan to visit before you go. Make sure to avoid public affection in islands with a history of homophobia and remain alert even in islands that are known to be more accepting.
