At the conclusion of the disco-themed closing dance on my 10-day “all-gay” cruise, I reconnected with a man with whom I had shared some private moments.
As we moved to the opening notes of “Last Dance” by Donna Summer, I fell into tears. I sobbed on his shoulder for the duration of the song. I recall believing I had fallen in love.
Not with him, no matter how charming he was. And not with cruising, however wonderful that was.
I was infatuated with being the majority.
When I planned my “gay-only” cruise, I anticipated disappointment.
Occasionally, you do get what you paid for.
Gary Nunn
In 2021, I emptied my savings account and spent $3,059 on a “all-gay” Mediterranean trip.
My dancing group got me to purchase the 10-day Odyssey of the Seas cruise on Royal Caribbean. The unique Atlantis voyage in 2022 would carry approximately 4,000 LGBT passengers, the vast majority of whom would be men.
People in my life warned me to keep my expectations in check. I was warned to expect claustrophobia, cabin fever, endless gluttony, costly luxuries, ridiculously planned “entertainment,” and grumbling elderly people.
Some of my homosexual friends reacted negatively, stating that a “all-gay” cruise would be the worst possible idea. Others included a laughing emoji each time they texted about it, as if the option itself was absurd or being entirely surrounded by homosexual people was cringe-inducing and humiliating.
I now understand that until you’ve been on one of these cruises, you have no concept what goes on on board.
I was having the time of my life from day one; we had built our own floating cosmos.
As our ship departed Rome, I realized that I had never previously been surrounded by so many gay men. For ten days, I would be the majority. It filled me with hope and optimism.
Our orange Atlantis lanyard seemed like a symbol of our community; it elicited a friendly smile, a playful wink, or an interesting chat.
I was also surprised that the ship was not filled with young partygoers. I met individuals of different ages. I met homosexual couples, singles, and individuals from all over the world.
The boat was filled with pleasant passengers and amusing decorations.
Gary Nunn
The enormous ship was not merely a floating city; it was its own cosmos in which normal conventions were inverted.
Nobody would have batted an eye if you strolled into the cocktail-serving piano bar wearing only a jockstrap. On occasion, pianists squeezed into elevators to lead us in song as we traveled to a lavish party.
It was how heaven would appear if God were homosexual. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve witnessed a man’s naked ass cheeks wiggle in sync to a Sondheim song performed live on the piano.
I had the impression of being taken to the Good Place.
The cruise made me realize how much energy I spend simply being myself. The voyage has only increased my affection for the LGBTQ community.
Gary Nunn
As a British-born gay guy residing in Australia, I am pleased that I can be myself. Still, it takes resiliency not to sweat the small stuff. It requires self-control not to accept microaggressions, but rather to use them to drive my resistance.
Each day, I must resist the heteronormative world’s customs and standards, which many homosexual men like myself choose to reject. All of this requires energy.
When I was in the majority for those ten days on board, I did not need to feel “brave” for my choices; when I wore a bright romper, 20 other men wore the same thing, and no one blinked an eye. I was able to flirt with or initiate eye contact with a guy without having to first consider his comfort and then my safety.
When I did not exhibit the typical heteronormative behaviors, dress code, and etiquette, I did not fear being rejected. I never encountered anything other than kind, friendly, and receptive conduct.
Instead of being glanced at or discussed as unique, I simply blend in. With this realization came the realization that I probably don’t experience freedom as frequently as I believe I do.
↯↯↯Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media ↯↯↯
Related posts:
- Burning Man ended, leaving partygoers with an eight-hour wait to leaveOn Monday, the first Burning Man event in three years came to an end, leaving weary partygoers with an eight-hour wait to depart the site....
- Onismor Bhasera has been designated the new captain of SuperSport United by new head coach Gavin Hunt in the DStv Premiership. The veteran left-back from Zimbabwe, age 36, has replaced Ronwen Williams, who joined Mamelodi Sundowns, another Tshwane team. “He has extensive experience” (Gavin Hunt) Bhasera joined Matsatsantsa from Bidvest Wits in 2016 and has since participated in 156 games across all competitions for the team. Bash will serve as the team’s captain this year, according to a report from Gavin Hunt on Soccer Laduma. “He is a fantastic professional, and he has the experience. I believe he will accept the position since he is a leader. He will do well in this capacity, in my opinion. “It’s crucial for someone to join and be verbal and maintain the highest standards imaginable, which is true both on and off the field. Bash will succeed, I’m confident. He has my complete backing. I choose him. The vote was democratic. That was me. Being the captain carries a lot of responsibility, Bhasera continued. SuperSport is a large club, but I have to take it on with both hands and undoubtedly set an example by going out there myself. It’s going to be an exciting season because I have to play at the top of my game. “Ronwen did a great job for the club, so it’s a major loss, but it also presents a great opportunity for someone else to step forward and take his or her place. Williams has left, but that is football. The players are constantly on the move. He’ll do well at his new club, we hope. SuperSport United placed ninth in the DStv Premiership last year, but this year, larger things are anticipated from the team. At the Lucas Moripe Stadium, they will host Chippa United to open the 2022–23 DStv Premiership season on August 7 at 17:30. Following his dismissal as Kaizer Chiefs coach, Gavin Hunt had a brief run at Chippa United.Onismor Bhasera has been designated the new captain of SuperSport United by new head coach Gavin Hunt in the DStv Premiership. The veteran left-back from...
- Igbo men are the sexiest of all Nigerian men – Doyin Okupe’s gay son, Bolu, declares”Igbo men are the sexiest of all Nigerian Igbo men are the sexiest men in Nigeria, according to Bolu, the openly gay son of politician...
- Stephen Spielberg’s 20 year-feud with Tom Cruise has ended over success of Top Gun: MaverickThe recent Oscars lunch brought to light the end of a 20-year feud between Stephen Spielberg and Tom Cruise. The pair had a souring of...
- Dubai showcases enduring appeal as leading cruise hub at Seatrade Cruise Global 2022DUBAI, 20th May, 2022 (WAM) — Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has highlighted the emirate’s enduring popularity and diverse appeal as a leading...
- Two men injured when a truck rear-ended another on the N3 between the Bergville and Tugela Plaza outside LadysmithA truck rear-ended another this morning on the N3 between the Bergville and Tugela Plaza outside of Ladysmith, injuring two individuals. When they arrived at...
- A cease-fire ended three days of carnage and relocationIn an effort to put an end to almost three days of bloodshed that claimed the lives of dozens of Palestinians and affected the lives...
- Gay men caught having sex in a public spotTwo gay men have been caught having sex in a public spot. The two men were filmed after they had isolated themselves at a lonely...
- One Nation Leader Mark Latham’s Homophobic Attack on Gay Men…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media. Mark Latham, the leader of the One Nation party in New South Wales, Australia, recently made a homophobic comment...
- Uti Nwachukwu Advocates Against Bullying Gay Men, Cautions Against Marriage Cover-UpsUti Nwachukwu Advocates Against Bullying Gay Men, Cautions Against Marriage Cover-Ups Reality star and TV host Uti Nwachukwu recently issued a warning, urging women to...