Originally Posted by
bhrubin
We all can act as we prefer, of course. Respecting the culture is not the same as accepting discrimination. I therefore disagree with you about being "openly affectionate even as a heterosexual". If straight people can kiss in public, I feel it is our human right as gay people do so, as well. We aren't flaunting it by doing anything more. That we almost never have any issues is largely because we do not try to flaunt it, but act naturally and sensitively--but not consciously trying to avoid being who we are.
Being gay and kissing (e.g. not sucking face with) your loved one is not the same as wearing conservative clothing to show humility in another culture's religious sites. You can choose what clothing you where but you can't choose your sexual orientation. Sucking face in public, on the other hand, is uncool everywhere for anyone.
I tend to not choose (on a general basis) to support countries that do not have open and free attitudes towards woman and "gay people." I understand your point regarding "If straight people can kiss in public, I feel it is our human right as gay people do so, as well," but my litmus test is how such groups (residents) are treated in the aforementioned countries. If a "gay person" cannot be part of government (for example) or openly and freely "gay" within that society (same goes, for woman and Jews), I tend not to support that country with my tourist dollars.
Yes, this is a generalized statement, but something that I believe in. One of the many reasons, I refuse (on a general basis, not saying it would absolutely never happen) to fly on Emirates, or Qatar or Saudia etc. And, yes, those choices often "suck" since KLM is no match for Emirates.
As an aside, I love Egypt; but it's been a very long time for me (1990s). I'm planning on returning soon, just haven't gotten around to it. But, it is highly unlikely I'll ever visit any of the emirate states. Other Muslim countries, perhaps, but not on the top of my list.