The writer is Trebor Healey. He’s a novelist (“Through It Came Bright Colors”). He’s a poet (Sweet Son of Pan”). He writes short stories (“A Perfect Scar and Other Stories”). Trebor has also worked with a non-profit organization that advocates for economic justice. Clearly, he is on a profound spiritual search.

I asked Trebor what motivates him.

“You wake up one day and you’re still only speaking your native tongue and still living in the state where you were born,” he replied. “You wonder where the time has gone and think of all the things you haven’t done, and how it’s all slipping away rather quickly, and you can’t talk yourself out of adventure.”

This isn’t the era of Ernest Hemingway or F. Scott Fitzgerald, although both famed authors made surreptitious and highly publicized appearances in the Woody Allen movie “Paris at Midnight.” Do they, as well as newcomer Trebor, represent a never ending search for adventure and meaning by creative literati?

Trebor is seated in the livingroom of the home I share with Mark Thompson in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles. It’s a chilly early winter evening. A fire burns gently in the grate. Trebor is animated. When his probing eyes come to rest and fix decidedly on yours, heavy energy is generated in the room. Although he consciously assumes a mantle of relaxation (an easygoing pose), he’s thinking, thinking, thinking. There comes a moment when an attempt to complete a sentence in conversation seems anticlimactic. The restless scene has shifted. The moment has pushed forward and vanished.

“There have been a lot of dark times,” Trebor says. “I’m a restless soul I suppose. A year ago I felt at the end of my rope in every way. I always wanted to be a novelist in a service-oriented profession, and that’s where I ended up. The problem is what to do once you get there. Many people do more of the same. I know a guru who says ‘the world’s on fire, grab a bucket.’ I actually want something else beyond it.

“I think we are growth-oriented, we just keep opening up. Often we get lost. We get depressed and discouraged. Or I do anyway. How I put a positive spin on depression is by seeing it as a sort of gauntlet. Ultimately, I think it’s a kind of spiritual challenge. To me, it’s always been Rilke’s call: ‘You must change your life — go and do the heartwork.’ Or like a shaman I know always says: ‘It’s about getting the energy moving again.’”

What makes Trebor’s energy move?

“There’s a public and a personal side to it. When people get together with a common goal to improve their lives and communities, it’s the power of organizing. Leaders develop. People become positive and empowered. I like community organizing and coalition building and a policy goal. For example, increasing the wages of the lowest paid workers, many in hotels and restaurants. Or bringing grocery stores to ‘food deserts’ — under-served areas where there are fewer choices for healthy shopping and more fast food.”

Is there a more personal side to making Trebor’s energy move? What about Buenos Aires?

“I found a walking café book culture. As a writer, spending so much time in isolation, I value the public street and café life. I found a wonderful man in Buenos Aires. He’s a dancer, and more than anything, a kind of clown, always laughing, game for just about anything. I realized when I met him he was different. I rolled my eyes in jadedness. I tried to forget him. But he kept saying and doing things like an unfolding flower.”

Chatting with Trebor was somehow like a reunion of writers. I’ve been one all my life. In middle school. High school. College. Working in communications. Writing books and articles and reviews. A task and vocation that never ended. Did Trebor have a similar background and experience?

“Since I was a kid. Always I loved books. A writer is a person touched in their deepest core by words. I seek silence and slow thoughtful conversation and consideration of a topic. All those things are under assault right now. I’m trying to help people understand the nature and naturalness of sexuality, the natural beauty of it. I don’t have an ultimate goal per se. I think what is important is the journey and to keep writing.”
________________________________________
SOURCE:
“A Gay Author’s Spiritual Journey”
Rev. Malcolm Boyd
Writer-in-residence, Epis
http://www.huffingtonpost.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-malcolm-boyd/gay-author-spiritual-journey_b_1184771.html

Together with its mix of climates from the glacial south, to the expansive natural rainforest, lively Latin culture and superb food Argentina has a lot to offer.

The huge country doesn’t lend herself to a two-week holiday; but select a region or two and you can delve into the arts, culture, nightlife, and nature. Explore the North-East starting in Buenos Aires, then North for a warm Christmas in Iguazu Falls followed by a straight ride to Cordoba.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a city growing by the day. A new port with high-rise city blocks demonstrates the new success of Argentina. Buenos Aires is a noisy city surrounded by roads with six lanes; lined by unkempt sidewalks, colourful walls and colonial buildings.

Walk around Palermo the social side of town, slightly upmarket with coffee shops, boutique stores and family-owned restaurants. It is also home to the Evita Museum.

Gay Buenos Aires

There are a few bars in Buenos Aires, many with entrance fees that will cover all drinks for a set time. The most popular club is Human Club, a three-roomed warehouse with a large outdoor terrace.

Iguaçu Falls

North to the border you can enjoy the awe-grabbing landscapes at the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. Puerto Iguacu, a short flight from Buenos Aires, is a small town where the main streets are ill formed and the side streets are just simple dirt tracks. Accommodation is plentiful here; Sweet Hostel is highly rated with a reasonably clean bathing pool and social area, great for the budget traveller – AR$120 per night for a double room.

Puerto de Iguaçu has a quiet yet festival atmosphere. You can enjoy excellent Argentinean food; listen to live music and drink cheap with Caipirinhas. The key attraction here is Iguacu falls, one of the widest waterfalls in the world caught between three nations. Take to the Brazilian side and you’ll have panoramic views of the gushing water and experience the power of Devil’s Throat.

On the Argentina side you can take a Grand Adventure Tour; a jeep ride across the rapids and under the falls, then explore the national park by foot. Iguaçu Falls park is built for tourists – viewing bridges take you to the centre of the river delivering a 360 water experience, especially if you experience a tropical rain shower!

Travelling – Bus

The bus system in Argentina is sophisticated. The most convenient mode of transport, bus companies run services day and night. The best and value option is the semi-cases with bed-like seats giving you a chance to sleep on one of the 10 – 12 hour journeys.

Cordoba, A bustling second city

Cordoba is the second largest city, a university town set amongst semi-rise new builds and spontaneous coffee bars alongside grandiose buildings marking Argentinean heritage. A mix of historic cultures well built around the main square – Plaza San Martin. Visit the Jesuit Crypt discovered by a telecom company in 1989 that has been restored and giving a glimpse of the country’s heritage.

For nightlife, Beep! offers a vibrant atmosphere. Welcoming locals play host and drag shows, who struggled to keep their modesty, entertained the crowds with Latin pop. Good drink specials including a lethal wine and energy drink combination makes Beep! the best queer bar in Argentina, open to 4am.

Uruguay

Uruguay is just an hour by Baquebus from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento. This quaint port town is only a couple of hundred years old, and one that is proud of its old automobiles.

There are some excellent art and craft stores for both real leather, wool artefacts as well as wood and metal designs. Oveja Negra, a local boutique sells goods across the world from this modest HQ, exporting local black sheep’s wool products.

Our final night back in Buenos Aires we stayed in the four-star Axel hotel – heterofriendly. Complete with see-through shower, queen-sized bed, mini-bar, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and a pool with a transparent bottom to the foyer!

Planning

There is already much more to offer in Argentina for gay travellers and with the growing LGBT Travel industry; you can explore the country in luxury or take the beaten track.

Other trips of interest for visiting Argentina is the wine country of Mendoza or the glacial south – Patagonia; two polar opposite climates.

COSTS:

Boat to Uruguay: AR$300 return
Axel Hotel: AR$454
Taxi to Airport: AR$150
Bus to Puerto Igauzu: AR$20
Sweet Hostel: AR$120 per night
Grand Adventure Tour: AR$220
Bus to Cordoba: AR$285
Entrance to Evita: AR$15
__________________________________________________________
SOURCE:
“So So Gay Travel: Argentina and Uruguay”
19 January 2012
http://sosogay.org
http://sosogay.org/2012/so-so-gay-travel-argentina-and-uruguay/

The site features information and resources for the prospective traveler to South America, including detailed descriptions of key South American destinations and recent LGBT-related news pertaining to countries throughout South America, as well as events and activities of interest to gay travelers to South America such as trips from leading LGBT tour operators.

“If you’re traveling to Buenos Aires, not only can you purchase your ticket from the online booking engine, but you can read current news relating to LGBT topics in that region, view dates for the Buenos Aires International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival or Buenos Aires Pride, and find restaurants and hotels in the city that are popular among gay and lesbian travelers,” said Katitiza Mandakovic, Leisure Director, LAN Airlines North America. “Our goal was to make LANdiversity.com a trusted source for news and information on LGBT travel to South America and we are so proud to be able to offer such a unique resource to travelers all over the world.”

The site also has interactive Facebook and Twitter feeds to enable visitors to share their comments and connect with other like-minded travelers. Through the microsite, LAN will also offer periodic deals, specials and sweepstakes for travel to South America on LAN Airlines and its affiliate carriers.

LAN has been a major supporter of the LGBT community for a number of years. In 2009, LAN became the first Latin American airline to develop an advertising campaign specifically targeting the LGBT community. The campaign highlighted the importance of diversity and showcased South America’s diversity.

In 2010, LAN was nominated “Best Airline” in LOGO’s TripOut Gay Travel Awards and “Favorite International Airline” in 2011 by Edge Publications, the largest network of local LGBT news portals in the world.

LAN was recently a lead sponsor of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner held in Washington, D.C., and is a Gold-level Global Partner with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.

Operating 125 passenger aircraft, LAN and its affiliates serve over 76 destinations around the world through an extensive network that offers full connectivity within Latin America, while also linking the region with North America, Europe and the South Pacific, as well as 93 additional international destinations through its various code share agreements.

LAN and its affiliates have a strong position in their respective domestic markets of Chile and Peru as well as an important presence in the Argentinean and Ecuadorian domestic markets. Furthermore, in November 2010, LAN acquired Colombian airline AIRES, and is in the process of merging with TAM Airlines, which is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter or 2012.

Travel Note: LAN’s flights from the Washington, D.C. area are operated by partner carriers such as American Airlines and typically connect with LAN Airlines or its affiliates in Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York.
_______________________________________________
SOURCE:
“LAN Airlines launches gay website”
Troy Petenbrink, DC Gay Travel Examiner
January 3, 2012
http://www.examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/gay-travel-in-washington-dc/lan-airlines-launches-gay-website

It’s no big surprise that Rio makes the list; the city plays host to one of the worlds sexiest events in the world “Carnival” which attracts over 750,000 sexy people to the streets of Rio. The second largest city in Brazil and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in all of South America Rio is home to approximately 6.3 million people and its residents are really living the life. Being the most visited city in the southern hemisphere Rio is known for its natural setting and beaches like Samba, Bossa Nova, and Blaneario to name a few.

Buenos Aries, Argentina

Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Rio de la Plata Buenos Aires is well known for its sex appeal. I mean who doesn’t find a Matador sexy?! Aside from running the bulls the Buenos Aries nightlife is unbeatable with pub crawls, festivals, and live music galore, once the sun goes down the city really comes to life. If nightlife isn’t your thing don’t worry you can get your sexy on at one of Buenos Aries beautiful untouched beaches.

Miami, Florida

Some may argue that Los Angeles or Las Vegas might rival Miami but let’s face it the city’s spicy Latin flare and beautiful art deco backdrop make it the sexiest city in the U.S. On any given day you will see a diverse mix of sexy people adorning the city’s beaches, boardwalks, and bars. And when you are the birthplace of such hot celebrities as Wilmer Valderrama and Eva Mendes it’s nearly impossible to not radiate sexy!

Seville, Spain

This cultural center of Spain is a not-to-be-missed travel destination where heating up in the cold is as easy as getting your groove on the dance floor! The quaint winding streets and breathtaking cathedrals will fill your days with memories of this city that you will cherish forever. The Museum of Fine Arts is a dazzling gem to visit by day, and by night hit the many dance clubs to get your spice on!

Havana, Cuba

This city is rich with culture at every turn. Walk the streets to find vendors, cigar stands, and great eateries. Plaza de la Revolucion and The Prado are two local favorites that buzz with vibrant energy any time of day or night! Almost every restaurant and hotel has a live band playing favorites, so get your music fix and start a dance party in the streets. Meanwhile, be sure to get lots of pictures of the local hotties who will be sure to join you!

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is lovingly known by locals as Venice of the North, because of its quiant canals that criss-cross the city, its breathtaking architecture and more than 1,500 romantic bridges. There is something for every traveler’s taste here, whether you prefer culture and history, serious partying, or just the relaxing charm of an old European city. See the city by boat to get a beautiful glimpse of the water-works around town, catch a movie at one of the dozens of cinemas, or walk the streets to soak up the culture!

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is best known for its historical associations as the German capital, internationalism and tolerance. The lively nightlife, cafes, clubs, and bars will keep you on your feet at all hours of the night and day. While walking the beautiful streets, soak up the street art, visit museums, absorb the palaces, and other sites of historic interest. Berlin’s architecture is quite varied, so each neighborhood has its own distinct flavor. Take in the European atmosphere to get the most of this rich city!

Sydney, Australia

The “down under” is sexy enough but hearing hot Aussie men call each other “mate” makes our temperature rise! Sydney is popular spot for all kinds of travel from it’s amazing surf locations, to an outback adventure, and even some spectacular botanical gardens. We recommend visiting Bondi Beach to really see the sexy locals of Sydney, its sure not to disappoint.

Paris, France

Ooh la la we love Paris. Infamous for its romantic appeal among travelers the city is also a very sexy place to visit. Chic cafes and hot clubs will keep your taste buds satiated during your stay in this city of romance. Get a taste of local shopping flavor at the three flea markets that happen around the city. Tune in for events all year round- and make sure you are in town for the Paris Gay Pride festival in June. And remember: The Eifel Tower is available for kissing under no matter what the season!

Did we leave out a city that you think is super sexy? Leave us a comment…
__________________________________
SOURCE:
“The World’s SEXIEST Cities”
BY Sophie A. Needelman
Dec 5th, 2011
http://www.gaytravel.com
http://www.gaytravel.com/blog/entry/the-worlds-sexiest-cities

Argentina has approved same sex civil unions were approved and later Congress passed a gay marriage law conferring full equal rights to same sex couples.

“So, with an open minded philosophy, and with some of the feel of a European city, Buenos Aires can now be added to the list of up and coming gay destinations for LGBT travelers looking to vacation further afield from previously tried and tested gay hotspots”, points out Pink Choice.

The city with its broad-minded attitude doesn’t have a gay neighborhood as such. Instead, gays and lesbians socialize in the many cafes and trendy restaurants that populate the city. The districts of Recoleta, Barrio Norte, Palermo and San Telmo have a particularly gay feel, and are some of the safest areas of any major city in South America.

The city offers a wide variety of gay and gay-friendly accommodation ranging from apartments, guesthouses as well as the ‘straight-friendly’ Axel Hotel.

Furthermore this summer a gay cruise is expected to call in Buenos Aires.
_______________________________________
SOURCE:
“Buenos Aires gains increasing popularity as gay destination by the pink press”
Wednesday, November 23rd 2011
http://en.mercopress.com
http://en.mercopress.com/2011/11/23/buenos-aires-gains-increasing-popularity-as-gay-destination-by-the-pink-press

There will be big parties but also cultural activities and educational talks, which will address topics ranging from HIV and discrimination, to equal marriage and adoption.

The organizer, Gianni Beck, has been working on this project for the past two years. The aim of the festival is to celebrate the worldwide achievements of the LGBT community and promote an “inclusive” mood. ”This story of ‘fighting’ for everything that is gay has ended, there is egalitarian marriage, the gender law will be passed… So what’s missing is that society joins together as a whole. It’s about inclusion,” he said. “This is a much happier campaign. So our idea is to show those who haven’t realised it yet that we are all equal.”

The two most important parties will be on the 15th and 17th of December. Fresh Power Pool Party, a pool party with a host of international DJs, will start in the afternoon and finish in the early hours of the evening. Dutch DJ Dash Berlin, Spanish DJ Iván Pica and the Argentine duet Heartbeat, amongst others, will be present at the Gay Power Party, to be held in the Malvinas Argentinas Stadium.

It is expected that 5000 people will attend the main parties.
________________________________________________
SOURCE:
“Buenos Aires to Hold First Gay Pride Festival”
by Natasha Sá Osório
4 November 2011.
http://www.argentinaindependent.com
http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/newsfromargentina/buenos-aires-to-hold-gay-pride-festival-/

The festival, whose sponsors include the national and city governments, upends the rigid stereotypes of the dance.

“Normally “the man leads and the woman is led. In Tango Queer, those roles are flexible,” said Augusto Balizano, one of the organizers. “There can be men who lead, men who follow, women who lead and women who follow.”

And some couples switch roles, a woman leading while the man follows.

If it sounds odd to some, it actually harks back to the beginnings of tango, which arose at the end of the 19th century in the suburbs of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, Uruguay. At the start, both partners were men.

Ellis, 71, said that sometimes she likes to lead, other times to follow. Tango is a dance of the heart, not the head, she said.

The festival began in Hamburg, Germany, at the start of the century, and versions of the event have been held since then in Stockholm, Berlin, Copenhagen, San Francisco and Mexico City.

Buenos Aires has hosted an international festival yearly since 2006, mixing seminars, films, classes, performances and social dancing.

Tango dancers Augusto Balizano, right, and Claudio Gonzalez rehearse during the
Queer Tango Festival 2011 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 15, 2011. The festival
was born in Hamburg, Germany around 2000, when a group of women decided to
organize a tango festival for a gay audience, but not limited to gay participants.
(Natacha Pisarenko/AP Photo)

________________________________________________
SOURCES:

“Tango Queer festival challenges stereotypes about historic dance”
By Associated Press
November 16
http://www.washingtonpost.com
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/tango-queer-festival-challenges-stereotypes-about-historic-dance/2011/11/16/gIQAUPoxRN_story.html

“Today in Pictures: Nov. 16, 2011″
Nov 16, 2011
http://abcnews.go.com/
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/11/today-in-pictures-nov-16-2011/

By foot we took to our hotel, the streets were surprisingly quiet. The streets were lined with ripped paper due to the end of the financial year – apparently we missed the accounts party as they tossed huge sums of paperwork from office buildings!

During our Desyuno (breakfast), we discovered that New Year’s Eve being a Friday is a bank holiday – so too the entire weekend. On the one hand we knew we would get the peace we wanted, on the other – finding things to do proved a challenge. Restaurants were hard to come by; our NYE meal was a Chinese buffet – much to be desired! And we couldn’t exactly ‘Rock’ NYE. The obelisk, at midnight was pretty empty compared to any city crowd I’d ever seen for NYE celebrations. A few home-managed fireworks, a couple of violent fights and it was all over by 12.20am.

We decided to head to the Art Factory Hostel for a rooftop terrace NYE Party. Here we met the familiar Maltese faces, Plum and Phyllis from Iguaçu. They, being Dakar fanatics, were preparing for the next day and excitedly talked about the commencement of the race the next afternoon, amongst their plans to head south by bus for over 20 hours to ice-covered Patagonia. We partied ‘til dawn then headed back to the hotel for a rest.
__________________________________________
SOURCE:
“Back in Buenos Aires”
Show some love
By Ryan Haynes
ryanchaynes.blogspot.com
19 October 2011
http://www.gaytravel.com
http://www.gaytravel.com/blog/entry/back-in-buenos-aires/#When:14:44:52Z

Argentina’s legalization of same-sex marriage last year has catapulted Buenos Aires to the forefront of gay tourism in South America, said Jose Maria Jaroslavsky, director of the tour operator Thesys, one of the cruise’s organizers.

The cruise, dubbed “EGO,” will take to the seas during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer on the luxury liner MSC Opera. Seven bars, four restaurants, pools, a spa, theater, casino, eight disc jockeys and themed parties will be on hand to quench hedonistic pursuits.

Cruise fares, which do not include airfare, start at $999 per person for a triple and go up to $1,598 per person for a double with balcony and ocean view. Included are three meals and two snacks a day; Argentinean taxes and port taxes; and gratuities. Packages are also available for pre-cruise hotel stays in Buenos Aires.

For reservations: Contact: EGO or a travel agent.
_____________________________
SOURCE:
“South American cruise to cater to gay travelers”
June 27, 2011
By Benoit Lebourgeois
Special to the Los Angeles Times
http://articles.latimes.com
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/27/news/la-trb-south-american-cruise-20110607

Download a Bump! Travel Guide and you’re good to go to any one of 13 gay-friendly destinations: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Barcelona, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Miami, Montreal, Mykonos, Paris, Puerto Vallarta, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney and Tel Aviv. The Guides feature saucy videos, top travel tips and big pride events, all packaged in a sleek and sexy design for Blackberry, iPhone and iTouch.

“Our mobile guides stand out because they offer a visually rich experience, are wickedly fun and can get you into all sorts of trouble, if that’s what you’re looking for,” says Les Tomlin, Executive Producer of Bumper2Bumper Media, the company behind the Bump! television series and mobile guides.

Bump! Travel Guides promise to keep people updated and connected to the local scene. “Keeping things fresh and current is critical, because in the gay market businesses tend to come and go more quickly than in the straight market,” notes Tomlin. And with a handy feature for rating local hot-spots, travelers can also share their experiences and shout out their favorites.

“People on the road don’t want a hundred choices for what to do, where to go or when to party. They want the top 10 choices and that’s what we offer – a chic and crisply edited selection, based on destinations we know best,” says Tomlin. And for tourists who may want to support GLBT establishments, the Bump! Travel Guides specifically identify International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association member businesses.

Packed with multimedia, Bump! Travel Guides offer video clips from Bump! TV, pictures, GPS maps, one-click phone numbers and links for the best places to eat, shop and party, average temperature and currency info – and a “Play” feature for more fun. The apps will also provide contests, promotions, prizes and sponsorship opportunities.
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SOURCE:
“New Gay Travel App Bump Covers Gay Cities Around the World”
Gayapolis
April, 2011
http://www.gayapolis.com
http://www.gayapolis.com/news/artdisplay.php?artid=8253