Barbados
 

I got one of those $103 all-in DL tix CLT-BGI for next summer (August). I'll be there a few days.
Is there ANYTHING gay in Barbados? I have found very little....and have been told by friends it is known as a "difficult" place for gays to live. Any gay bars/restaurants/clubs/meeting places?
Thanks for any updates.

In my experience, the former British Caribbean colonies are similar in this regard. You won't find a lot of openly gay people. If you are observant/friendly, etc., you'll find guys who have sex with other guys. Some of them consider themselves gay; some don't.

I guess the difficulty would arise if one wanted to live a US/European-big-city-gay-lifestyle. I would argue that it would be difficult for "straight" people to live a US/European-big-city-gay-lifestyle in Barbados.

It's very possible to meet guys who want to hang out and/or have sex with other guys. Not so likely that you'll find a thriving dance scene with readily available X/Viagra/meth, although what of that exists will be primarily found around the Gap.

So I guess it depends what you mean by "gay." If you mean males who are interested in other males, yes, that exists in Barbados (and everywhere else I've ever been). If you mean what passes for gay culture in the United States, then no.

I loved Barbados - such a relaxing place, lovely beaches and friendly people.

Not sure if the Concorde there is accessible yet.

On your own, I would keep clear of local "gay" stuff as you may expose yourself to some undesirable elements. As a couple it is very romantic.

Culturally, there is not much of a scene there, though naturally it does exist underground. Being gay is frowned upon to say the least in Caribbean culture. I say just go there and enjoy it in a mainstream kind of way.

So I suggest you enjoy one of the many great hotels, spas and beaches.

DO check out Harbour Lights in the evenings as it friendly and full of plenty of British people who will quite happily chat away, though it is very straight. Some awesome restaurants, too, but cannot remember the name of the one with the floodlit cliffbase - water was teaming with fish - very impressive!

Perhaps on the the BA board members could tell you where the BA crew stay overnight - should be plenty to keep you entertained there!!!

good advice from the other posters. Gay life is often underground and at times dangerous. Find a nice quite stretch of beach with a good book, eat well, enjoy some shopping and forget about hooking up or finding a party scene. Save your energy for a much more gay friendly environment.

I'm sorry, I'm going to take issue with this statement. I do not think that Barbados is "unfriendly" to gay people. I think that what passes for mainstream gay culture, as represented in the media, is not congruent with Bajan culture.

I guess this is one of my frustrations with this particular forum. I think that "gay" means men who like to (exclusively) have sex with men. I don't think it necessarily means gay bars, public displays of affection, dance clubs, drugs, etc.

Although I would self-identify as bisexual and actively have sex with other men, I did not feel at anytime uncomfortable in Barbados, Tobago, Jamaica, or Dominica -- nor any of the other places that are preportedly "gay unfriendly," like Poland.

I believe that what passes for "gay" in this forum means "dominant western gay, big city culture," which is very much different than sexual orientation. In every country, in every culture I've seen, men have sex with other men.

Don't confuse you wanting to take your cultural background with you and meeting resistance with homophobia or unfriendliness.

I was in Barbados on business a lot a couple of years ago.

There are essentially three type of 'resorts' that exist on the island.

One would be the luxury resorts that are very pricing and very 'exclusive'. These tend to get an older crowd with money. Gay .. not likely. They tend to be desintations where you take a cab or car to the complex and stay there (eating and all) your whole trip. Some tend to be a long distance from town (Bridgetown).

Then there are 'vacation hotels' that are more close in to the main town. Typical tall hotels with beach (maybe) and pool and a couple of restaurants. People tend to go here more as families and such.

Then there are 'small' hotels that vary from bad to good. They may be near a beach (across the street or a block away). These tend to be more hotels with facilities nearby (restaurants). More business travelers tend to stay here.

The Gap has a lot of hot restaurants (some oceanside some not). The city of Bridgetown has some eating places but not really any night life. And on the days the cruise ship(s) are in port the city comes more alive.

Barbados has some great scenery . tho you need a car and a good map to find your way. There is (was) a jeep 4x4 tour that looked kinda neat to the 'other' side of the island. I took a day (with co-worker) to drive around and it was great . but very rich/poor.

The other alternative is a house rental . there are many $$$$ places to rent. But again that would assume you want to stay in the same place (with the staff supplied) and not really explore much.

I stayed at a place called South Beach. Was new about 5 years ago, across the street from a beach (and park) and had loads of decent/cheap restaurants nearby (not gourmet). Was somewhat near the Gap. The eye-candy benefit was at least one air crew stayed there (mainly pilots).

Just be aware that they drive British style (lefthand) but most of the cars are American cars with the wrong steering arrangement! A bit confusing.

There is a rum runner type party boat that goes out of the harbor (very touristy). There are also large catamaran snorkeling trips. I also took a small cat snorkely trip that I liked a lot more .. max 8-12 pax. You may look into a private charter of this size ..

Barbados is VERY British. I was warned by someone that they phrase 'do you have children' was the locals way of learning more about you. Not 'are you married' .. but children was the question. Since my UK gay-dar is not working .. I cold not get much of a feel for the locals. Tho I never was 'out' at work.

Sorry cannot help on hot bars or clubs as I did not find any .. did find a couple locals and a couple of tourists to spend an evening with ... but the locals were very 'private' not wanting to be seen out to dinner with another man!

My hubby and I were invited to a wedding in Barbados. We don't club/party, but we do ask for a room with 1 bed, and we are 'together' when we travel...I was planning on staying at the Fairmont, but should I expect any major problems? Some of what I am reading is very scary...does anyone have any more recent reports on gay travel to Barbados?

Went there last January with the BF and family. Had no issues going to dinner in the Gap just the two of us or driving around the island shirtless in our purple mini-moke (AKA golf cart they pass for a car- very fun!). We even got to meet Rihanna's aunt who served us coffee at this little cafe in Bridgetown, though I feel like most Bajans claim to know Rihanna! Both times I have been there, we rented houses, which IMO were much better values and more fun for a larger group. In general, I love Barbados and can't wait to go back.

Thought I'd bump this thread. My partner and I are headed to Barbados for a long weekend next month.

Does anyone have any specific recommendations as for things to do and where to dine on Barbados? We'd love to go sailing and/or snorkeling and it'd be great if we could find gay-friendly boat operators, etc.

Trying to remember all we did- The Restaurant at South Sea was nice and as formal as you get in Barbados (no shorts allowed).
We also loved going to Crane Bay which is an excluded resort on a more remote part of the island. The beach there is wonderful and the restaurant is somewhat on a cliff.
If you are adventurous, Foul Bay beach is basically deserted and you have to walk down a steep trail to get to it.
My family (there were 8 of us) rented a private catamaran for a 4 hour cruise. Snorkeling with the sea turtles was the highlight.. or maybe it was the Bajan rum punch? The captain was cute and didn't seem to have any issue with me and my BF.

From reading this thread, it sounds like Barbados is not gay friendly, but not hostile either. So no gay or nude beaches? Is it worth visiting Bridgetown for a few days versus some other Caribbean country?

Just go to Cuba period!!!