Yikes bvh,

That was nasty.

I posted a reply though I'm not expecting any revelations. I honestly did not know how to take this person's post, but couldn't find any clue to it being that of a reasonable person.

In my opinion, it's time to ask Randy (or the FT staff) to create a Gay and Lesbian travel forum. I see no reason to delay such an addition.

There will always be people who have problems with gay this or gay that. As I've said before, I think most people, gay or straight, or however they identify, are going to be fine.

Those that aren't "fine" should simply operate in a manner consistent with the FT guidelines.

FWIW, being utterly straight, as I always have been and will surely remain, I'm somewhat indifferent, as you might imagine. Yet, even if I were not, I would be somewhat inclined to think that perhaps separate is NOT better. Why not simply post in the "mainstream?"

"...So, I'm still wondering. Would anyone care to start a gay-specific thread in an existing forum just to see what happens?...

Perhaps this thread I posted just this morning qualifies to some extent - at least in terms of the subjct matter!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum...ML/002828.html

I was truly rather shocked to read it!

doc,
thanks for contributing. you make a good point. with around 1,600 posts between just four of us, i think we've proven we DO indeed post in the "mainstream".

we will all surely continue to do so.

for many reasons, i still firmly believe a gay and lesbian travel forum is required.

rpmkwpw, as you know, more than likely, you will not be able to reach that character. But I, for one, appreciate the time and effort you put into that post.

The reason for having a separate gay forum is quite simple and is the same reason we have separte forums for different airlines, hotels, etc. -- to make things easier.

If I want to get gay recommendations for Paris, I might have to look in Paris Travel, Paris Dining, various hotel boards, etc. It's just much easier to have one board for gay related posts where I can search for Paris. Especially, since we can no longer search across multiple boards.

Admiteddly, the world is full of bigots and flyertalk is no exception, however this community -- with perhaps a few exceptions -- has shown a comittment to act with decency and civility and and an ability to deal effectively with those persons who do not live up to high standards shared by most flyertalkers.

Flyertalk has also demonstrated a significant ability to edapt and evolve effectively, so I say lets give it a try and start up a new forum ASAP.

DOC, thanks for your post(s). The Egypt story was interesting! And I appreciate your comments above.

Off to RIO for three weeks - maybe I'll have lots of things to post about in a "new" forum or even an existing one!

Enjoy, Rio! Not too hard to do!

We also "need" Asian, Black, Latino, Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Disabled/Handicapped/Accessible/Special Needs, Senior, Eco-Friendly, and "Armchair Adventure" travel forums. Please don't be offended if I've failed to mention your particular "special interest group."

Don't worry EPS, you've managed to offend exactly the group you intended to offend.

Do you really think that was EPS intent?

I do not believe so! Perhaps I'm wrong, but "we can all live as well as post happily together" was my interpretation!

Where are the forums for Child-friendly travel? Cigar-friendly travel? Size-friendly travel? Clothing-optional travel? Luxury travel? Budget travel?

For the record, I think FlyerTalk Dining was a bad idea, too.

EPS, great post up there. I guess that is what I would call an equal opportunity offender.

With all due respect, it all comes down to whether there is a demand for it or not.

If there is a demand for an "angry republican white males forum", who am I to deny this truly fine group of individuals their desire to share their refined view of the world in a dedicated forum?

I think it's rather nice to have some diversity around, and if it rubs you the wrong way to have discussions on a specific topic clearly identified in a specific section, I think you should feel free to avoid reading that forum.

I would find it convenient to have discussions about the Russian River resort and the Warm Sands Inn, etc. all in one place, rather than to have to search for them.

But once again, it's based on demand. If there is none, there won't be any gay forum, so you'll have nothing to worry about.

You have a fundamental right to express your opinion, but the decision is not yours.

Re. the Dining section, do you also have something against dining? More seriously, do you own a Zagat Survey or a Guide Rouge? Same thing.

I forgot:
For the record, I happen to think that Feng Shui is plain silly, but should there be an unfortunate demand for a Feng Shui Flyertalk Forum, I say go for it, and learn how to hang flutes from your ceiling to bring in good luck.

Certain factions (1) have an exaggerated sense of self-importance (2) often resort to ad hominem attacks when challenged. (We have euphemisms for this, such as "playing the race card.") Those who are in a position to decide should consider very carefully the [possibly unintended] consequences of their actions.

Huh?
Isn't your post an ad hominem attack? I think it at least exhibits a kind of narrow-mindedness bordering on intolerance. But that is your right.

In what way does it really negatively affect you if a gay travel forum is created? I don't think a "women's travel forum" or a "travelling with kids" forum is out of place either.

Geez.

I will NOT debate you on your perception of the so-called "self-importance of a FACTION" or on other "race cards" comments. You are most definitely entitled to your own bigotry.