Another winner is a ranch getaway – horses, Stetsons, more leather accessories than you can shake a riding crop at, plus campfires and giant Saguaro cacti, all in the dry heat of the desert. Seriously, lesbians have an enduring affinity with the wild west, likely fuelled by movies such as Calamity Jane, the titular tomboy character played by Doris Day – possibly one of the most unlikely women ever to play a lesbian icon – and Desert Hearts, the very raunchy for its day film adaptation (there were men in raincoats at the cinema screening I went to) of Jane Rule’s book Desert of the Heart.
SCOTT BUREY (DRAG WITH NO NAME) - CENTRE_
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Sashay Away!
Orphanages, Bang Jing Jai Orphanage, The Father Ray Foundation and Heart2000 HIV charity. Between us we’ve raised literally All of us love a good getaway; whether it’s a tens of thousands of pounds over the years, city break or a beach resort, holidays are one something I’m extremely proud of. I love of everyone’s favourite ways to unwind and Thailand, I love the people, the smiles and get a dose of escapism. However, 2020 saw the honesty, there is a large expat community many have to cancel their holiday plans as which we always perform to – I might do one the coronavirus pandemic led to global travel show or even three while I am there a few restrictions. So in the spirit of our holiday issue, and in the hope next year will once again times a year, but it’s so much fun!” see us being able to embark on adventures Award-winning queen and cabaret artist, Drag around the world, Rachel Badham got two of With No Name, recalls their visits to the Brighton’s most beloved drag artists to share Canary Islands: their favourite holiday memories. “I've been very fortunate to have many Drag queen and events organiser Davina holidays over the years – the bonus of being Sparkle is an annual visitor to Thailand where a drag queen and being self employed – but she raises funds for multiple organisations: never have I laughed and partied so much as I “I do miss my holidays in Thailand, and because have on my visits to Gran Canaria. My boyfriend and I used to live and work over there 20 years of 'Miss Rona' it has closed its borders for some ago, and it has been a place we have visited time, but I was introduced to the resort of many times since. Pattaya through friends. Pattaya is around 100 miles south of Bangkok, when I go I usually “The weather is amazing, the people are kind stay with the Queen – the Queen of Pattaya and welcoming, and it is always the messiest, that is, Madame Jim – at her beautiful Baan funniest and most enjoyable of holidays, but Souy Resort. Along with Miss Jason and Maisie would be NOTHING without the friends we have Trollette, I have all holidayed here since 2007 shared those holidays with. They drink just as and have performed at the Bondi Bar, The Cafe much as we do, laugh at the same things, and Royale Hotel, The Copa Showbar, Boyz Boyz party just as hard. I care about and love them Boyz, Panorama Bar and of course the Baan a great deal, and life would be pretty boring Souy Resort. without each and every one of them in our lives. Carpe diem, people, carpe diem.” "We fundraise for the likes of Thais 4 Life
Jen says there’s a safety element when it comes to lesbian group holidays and when she started the business in 2013 it quickly became clear that many of the women contacting her were more mature and single and wanted to meet people in a relaxed way. “We wanted that element that they felt safe but it’s not in any way dating. It’s literally bringing women together on a hosted group. “Women want companionship but they don’t want to go on a straight group holiday because of the men. “Everyone is chomping at the bit to get away,” she says, adding: “Apparently Easyjet bookings suddenly soared when they heard about the vaccine. That will definitely make travel easier and safer.” But coronavirus is not the only cloud hanging over the travel industry right now – the UK has left the European Union and many sectors will face new rules from January 1. It’s currently looking not impossible that we will crash out with no deal, so what might that mean for European travel? Darren says Brexit will have legal ramifications around ATOL and there will be a lot of technical things for airlines to deal with, but thinks there will be a reciprocal agreement. And he also points out that many European countries rely on British travellers. He adds: “Consumer confidence is shot right now in every industry and sector. The focus early next year has to be on giving people confidence and knowing that options are available.” In the meantime, dream of French Polynesia, or horses, or cruising – whatever floats your boat. D www.outofoffice.com D www.divadestinations.co.uk D www.hostunusual.com
DAVINA SPARKLE
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