Come As You Are. Print, vol. LVII, no. I; 2003

A report on the tourism industry’s increasing focus on gay and lesbian marketing. The same city, state, and national governments which once barely recognized gay and lesbian travelers are now publicly celebrating them.

Whatever their financial worth, gays and lesbians who do happen to have disposable income are likely to spend it sooner with the cities, countries, and even airlines that are making them feel wanted. In the gay and lesbian mind-set, a little reassurance goes a long way. Gay and lesbian travelers prefer to unwind in places that will accept them for who they are; because many gays take vacations to escape the intolerance that surrounds them at home, any gay-friendly destination becomes a refuge.