5 THINGS TO KNOW

Key West & Cuba, the LGBT connection

From September 7-13, the rich relationship between Key West and Cuba will come into the spotlight during the LGBT Art and Cultural Revolution. For the first three days, attendees can participate in activities that explore the Cuban-influenced heritage of Key West, which welcomed its Cuban neighbors as early as 1831 with its first cigar factory.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

What is Gay Pride like in conservative Jerusalem?

Thousands of revelers attended Jerusalem’s Gay Pride parade under police protection on Thursday, bringing the rainbow flag to the traditionally conservative city. More than 10,000 people attended the parade through central Jerusalem, police said, with dozens of roads closed off by security two years after a 16-year-old girl was stabbed to death by an ultra-Orthodox Jew during the event.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Feeling the “hate” in Haiti.

The Haitian Senate has approved a law that would make it a crime to “publicly demonstrate support” for gay rights. The bill still has to head over to the lower house, but if greenlit, the law would make it a crime to take part in or even to witness to same-sex unions. People who even attempt to take part in any same-sex marriage would face criminal charges with up to three years in prison for “the parties, co-parties and accomplices” to a same-sex marriage.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Some Sister Cities are not “sister” cities.

These past weeks have seen demonstrations of LGBT Pride across the world, from small, community-based event to the gigantic citywide parties. But the biggest thing that differentiates them is the social and legal status of the people marching. In some Pride parades, police, army and government officials have marched alongside LGBT citizens, while in other countries the participants risk harassment, imprisonment or even violence, simply for being out in their identity.

BUSINESS

LGBT “heart” the sharing economy.

As travelers set out on their next big adventure this summer, one group in particular uses sharing services to get around more than others. LGBTQ travelers are now some of the most visible, in part because they tend to be more adventurous, consumer groups in the travel industry.