GT: What sort of perspective were you able to offer the group on the needs of the LGBT travel community?
JM: An informed traveler is a smart traveler. LGBT travelers needed access to official, accurate and timely information that is also relevant to the specific concerns facing LGBT travelers overseas. It’s important to know whether certain over-the-counter medications are banned in some countries, or that certain styles of dress are frowned upon by the local community. But it’s even more critical for travelers to know whether there are cases of harassment, threats, or violence directed towards LGBT persons in a particular country, or that a country criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual relations, with legal implications. Finally, it’s important for LGBT travelers to have the assurance that they can turn to consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates for help if they run into trouble abroad.
SR: The team at gaytravel.com fully supports what it is the state dept is doing. One of the things that became apparent from the meeting is that it takes about 6 months for the State Department to update any changes in a specific location. That is understandable with all the destinations they are covering. However things can change significantly in a six month period. I suggested that With the power of the internet gaytravel and other LGBT travel related websites could help facilitate feedback from LGBT residents and travelers in a real time fashion, thus enhancing the great work the State department is already doing.
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