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Metro
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Articles up to May 19th, 2025
Calum McSwiggan | Freelance Travel Writer Calum McSwiggan, author of Eat Gay Love, is a man on a mission. He plans to spend 2025 exploring how the LGBT+ community is celebrated everywhere on Earth: 12 months, 7 continents, 20 Prides.
Metro
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Queer travellers are boycotting Florida — but is it doing more harm than good?
Calum McSwiggan is celebrating 20 prides on seven continents over 12 months. In his latest despatch from Florida – under fire from anti-LGBT+ legislation – he finds a community bonded together. Calls to boycott the state of Florida flood my social media feed. 'Boycott Florida, no trips, no purchases,' one woman writes, her message shared thousands of times. People from around the world are resisting the Sunshine State's anti-LGBT+ legislation. It led to further reflection on my decision to include Miami in my Year of Pride . None of the destinations I am visiting have been included without consideration. The boycott has been gaining traction for several years, driven by a slate of laws that have scaled back LBGT+ freedoms. In 2022, Florida Governor Ron de Santis signed the 'Don't Say Gay' bill, which prevents LGBT+ topics from being discussed in classrooms. One year later, Republicans passed the Bathroom Ban , which effectively makes it a crime for trans people to use single-sex spaces. Sweeping LGBT+ book bans, attacks on drag performers, and a petition to make it illegal for Pride flags to be flown from government buildings have also made headlines. It's making queer travellers think twice about visiting. I understand this, but spending time in Miami has helped me to see a different perspective. Florida may have long voted red, but Miami Beach has remained defiantly blue, consistently voting Democrat across local, state, and national elections. These aren't just statistics; you can feel this liberal identity everywhere you go. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! From the famous rainbow beach hut to the iconic pastel crossing, the city is decked out in Pride colours year-round. Twist, Miami's oldest gay bar, flies two enormous rainbow flags in the middle of the busiest boulevard, while Palace is renowned for its drag shows that run seven days a week. Every night, the crowds are so large they spill out onto Ocean Drive; it's impossible to visit this tourist landmark without seeing LGBT+ people not only represented, but loudly celebrated, too. During my visit, I attend a street naming ceremony for Matti Bower, the beloved activist who founded Miami Beach Pride. It's unprecedented to name a street after a person who's still living, but for her, they make an unchallenged exception. Bower served as the city's first female and first Hispanic mayor, as well as being a Cuban migrant and a proud Democrat. Naming a street after her is a win for the LGBT+ community, but it's also a win for other minorities living in the state of Florida. Alongside famously queer cities like Key West and Fort Lauderdale,Miami Beach has long been a haven for the LGBT+ community. Yet in catering so heavily to queer travellers, the city is reliant on revenue from LGBT+ tourists to keep queer establishments afloat. Go figure. A boycott threatens the livelihood of queer business owners, many of whom are already struggling. At the iconic 'hetero-friendly' Axel Hotel, I witness this firsthand. Calum McSwiggan, author of Eat Gay Love, is a man on a mission. He plans to spend 2025 exploring how the LGBT+ community is celebrated everywhere on Earth: 12 months, 7 continents, 20 Prides. In an exclusive Metro series, Calum will journey from the subzero climes of Antarctica to the jewel-toned streets of Mumbai, telling the story of Pride around the world. Follow his journey on Metro, in print and on our socials to learn how Pride is celebrated around the world. Next up? Thailand. Thunder and lightning flash overhead as the DJ bops up and down by the side of the pool. It's long served as a thriving hub for the LGBT+ community, but today, they are being forced to close their doors before Pride has even begun. The dismal weather doesn't stop people from showing up to say goodbye, though. They huddle together under the canopy as they celebrate the legacy of this important community space. It's not the only LGBT+ space to close down. Two gay swimwear stores have closed up shop since my last visit two years ago. A recent study from shows that 43% of LGBT+ travellers have cancelled a trip after seeing that a destination is unsupportive of LGBTQ+ people. Now, businesses are struggling, but this goes much deeper than economics. 'Even in times when the state's political narrative is targeting the LGBT+ community, Miami Beach has a long history of standing against this,'LGBT+ restaurant owner Egidio Guerreri tells Metro. This support goes back to the battle against Anita Bryant's homophobic 'Save Our Children' movement in the 70s. 'We will always be united, we will always make our voices heard, but we need support from the wider world too,' Egidio says. 'That's why it's so important that international LGBT+ travellers continue to visit – they're not just supporting our economy, they're supporting us by showing up and being visible, and helping to show that we're very much here to stay.' Florida is home to both the world's largest cruise port and some of its biggest theme parks – while an LGBT+ boycott certainly sends a message, it makes only a small dent in the state's broader economy. For small LGBT+ businesses, it could be fatal. Across Miami, there is a push for trans inclusivity, too. During a pageant competition to crown Mr & Mrs Miami Beach Pride, contestants are invited to dress in one of the colours of the six-stripe Pride flag. Instead, however, Oscar Gonsalez takes the stage in white. Wearing an intricate headpiece and winged gown, he deliberately breaks the rules to wear one of the colours of the trans Pride flag instead. He explains, in Spanish, that his outfit is a tribute to his transgender sister. He's crowned the winner shortly afterward. Rules be damned, Miami Beach consistently stands firm in its love and acceptance of every letter of the community. Perhaps most importantly, drag performer Sacha Colby is invited to be Grand Marshal in the parade. With both the drag and trans communities under the attack of state legislation, it feels especially poignant that they also place a transgender drag queen to be the festival's headline act. 'Give it up for the dolls,' she calls to the cheering crowd, using a term of endearment for transgender women. She's still dripping wet from dousing herself in water during her performance. 'We're still struggling, y'all. We still don't have healthcare. We still don't have human rights. We need to figure out how we can make everyone feel human. It's just being human.' These words feel healing. In fact, the whole festival feels like a therapeutic moment for Florida's LGBT+ community. People carry bright colourful signs that read 'Just breathe' and 'We will get through this.' One woman joyously waves a banner that reads ' Proud mother of a transgender son .' Moments of togetherness are what the city does so well. It's ironic that efforts to tear the community apart has only brought us closer together. More Trending It's not all political. Placing the Pride festival on the sands of Miami Beach makes for a unique atmosphere. People walk around in bikinis and swimwear, and there's a genuine sense of happiness and freedom that goes hand in hand with Miami's relaxed and easy way of life. To the outside world, it may seem like Florida is not a welcoming place to visit these days. But cities like Miami Beach are proof to the contrary. I can't tell you whether or not to boycott – that's a decision people will have to make for themselves. But if you are going to visit, my recommendation is that you spend your money generously within the state's queer establishments. That goes for our allies too – stop by an LGBT+ owned restaurant, go to see a drag show and tip those performers generously. Florida may be red, but the people of Miami are blue through and through. Getting there Virgin Atlantic offers return fares from London Heathrow from £412. Not only are they an inclusive airline, they've collaborated with organisations like Open For Business to highlight the economic impact of LGBT+ discrimination. Where to stay: Hotel Gaythering is now Miami's only LGBT+ hotel. For other queer-friendly recommendations, the following have all completed Travel Proud training: – Moxy Miami South Beach (££) – The Goodtime Hotel (£) – Nobu (£££) Things to do (beyond Pride) Walk or cycle along Miami Beach's pedestrianised promenade. With more than eight miles of picturesque coastline, you can see it all on a Citibike for as little as $6.50. Swim and sunbathe at Miami's vibrant gay beach. Just head to 12th street and look for the rainbow volleyball nets. To support a local LGBT+ business you can pick up swimwear from Outfair's online shop. Squeeze in a workout: Muscle Beach is incredibly popular with LGBT+ tourists and locals alike. If you prefer cardio to lifting weights, the Miami Gay Run Club meets every Wednesday. All abilities welcome. Where to eat and drink Bakalo: Bringing their Mediterranean concept all the way from the gay mecca of Mykonos, Nikos Nanou and Egidio Guerreri are partners in both life and business. Stepping into their charming restaurant feels like being welcomed into their home. Jaffa: Founded by renowned LGBT+ chef Yaniv Cohen, this kosher and vegan-friendly restaurant delivers everything from beef brisket to turmeric-roasted cauliflower. Palace: No trip to Miami would be complete without enjoying their iconic drag brunch. Bring cash; make no mistake, these drag artists earn their tips. MORE: Black tornado looms 'like scene in Stranger Things' during storms which killed 27 MORE: Map shows severe storms in US after 21 killed across three states MORE: I holidayed like a local in Japan and didn't touch Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto
Metro
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
I went to Pride at the North Pole — even Santa's an ally
Rovaniemi is the fourth stop on Calum McSwiggan's journey to Pride on seven continents (Picture: Calum McSwiggan/Metro) The cold bites at my toes as I try to navigate the darkness, the temperature plummeting into negative double digits as I weave through snow-dusted trees. It's the first night of Arctic Pride, and, according to the map, the welcome party should be right here. I'd expected some secluded bar or cozy arctic tavern, but instead I'm stood at the edge of a frozen river, with nothing but a vast expanse of white running out to the horizon. I'm just about to give up and turn back when something suddenly charges me. A flash of white fur and teeth as the creature sets upon me. Of course, it's not some ferocious arctic wolf, but rather a playful husky and her very apologetic owner. 'She's just a pup,' she says, saving me from the onslaught of kisses. 'Are you looking for the Pride event? It's this way.' The party is hidden inside laavu, a tiny wooden hut equipped with a fire pit. It's half covered and half exposed to the elements, with a single rainbow flag shivering in the icy wind. A small group of no more than a dozen huddle together inside as I'm offered hot cocoa and a munkii, a cardamom doughnut that's warmed for me over the fire. I'm told we're waiting for the sky to put on its Pride parade, and sure enough, after an hour of sharing stories, we're treated to the soft rainbow colours of the Northern Lights. Join Metro's LGBTQ+ community on WhatsApp With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! I'm dedicating this year to visiting Pride all over the world, and having come from the enormous party that is Sydney Mardi Gras, the Finnish town of Rovaniemi is quite the contrast. Sitting atop the Arctic Circle, the capital of Lapland is famous for sleigh dogs and reindeer, and being the place that Santa Claus officially calls home. It just goes to show, there really are LGBT+ people everywhere. Even here, playing neighbour to Jolly Old Saint Nick. Calum meets Santa Claus at his home in the polar north (Picture: Calum McSwiggan) Arctic Pride hosts a full week of events – the calendar is eclectic, full of things like salsa classes and burlesque nights, things I'd have never expected to find in the polar north. I attend everything from a roller disco to a life drawing class where attendees are invited to illustrate a local drag artist. It's brilliantly diverse, though after just a few days there, something unusual becomes apparent. The events are almost exclusively attended by queer women. It's well known within the LGBT+ community that queer events tend to be dominated by gay men – but here, at the northern edge of the world, it seems to be the opposite. Perhaps naively, I hope this is a sign of a move towards gender equality – but after talking to locals, I learn the reason is more sinister. 'I've grown up in this community surrounded almost exclusively by queer women,' one gay man, who wishes to remain anonymous, tells Metro. Pride Around the World Calum McSwiggan, author of Eat Gay Love, is a man on a mission. He plans to spend 2025 exploring how the LGBT+ community is celebrated everywhere on Earth: 12 months, 7 continents, 20 Prides. In an exclusive Metro series, Calum will journey from the subzero climes of Antarctica to the jewel-toned streets of Mumbai, telling the story of Pride around the world. Follow his journey on Metro, in print and on our socials to learn how Pride is celebrated around the world. Next up? Bangkok, Thailand. 'I agree, it's so nice to see queer femmes holding the majority, but the reason for that is likely because men just don't feel free to come out. There is still a lot of sexism and homophobia in these remote regions, and it traps a lot of people in the closet. These brave queer women manage to overcome that, but the same can't be said for many of the queer men.' It comes as a huge surprise to me. I've spent a lot of time in Finland and believed it to be incredibly inclusive. 82% of the country believe 'there is nothing wrong with a sexual relationship between two people of the same sex,' making them one of the most progressive countries in the world. But while the country as a whole may be accepting, it seems progress has been slower in the remote polar region. 'Our rights are still very much under threat,' Marjo Ollila, one of the producers of Arctic Pride, says as the queer congregation marches through the city centre. 'We have witnessed this first hand with Arctic Pride posters being systematically vandalised. It's a reminder of the challenges we still face.' It's evident that a legacy of queerphobia lives on here, but instead of bending to homophobia and transphobia, the community doubles down and shows up in greater numbers. More than 1,000 people come to take part in the parade. Calum has already visited Pride events in Whistler, Mumbai and Sydney in 2025 (Picture: Calum McSwiggan) This visibility is crucial, and things are definitely starting to change. Acceptance is crucial. An LGBT+ study from found that 73% of queer travellers say increased inclusivity has made them feel more comfortable when travelling. These small gestures will keep queer people coming back to Rovaniemi. As Europop blasts through the streets, the queer community takes over the town square in equal part protest and celebration. There are signs calling for trans rights and Palestinian liberation, and queer joy splayed across faces as a rainbow-clad snowman dances amongst the crowd. I find it amusing that this doesn't take place outside city hall or a government building like it might do at other Prides – rather it takes place outside Santa Claus' city office. I see him smiling through the window and wonder what he makes of all this. I haven't spoken to him, after all, since I was still a closeted little kid. Luckily, it's easy to find the answer. After the glitter and confetti of the pride march has settled, I go to find him in his official home in Santa Claus Village. I'm struck by the thought of 'lavender relationships,' where gay and lesbian people marry one another to conceal their true identities, often due to societal pressures. It may be one of the most remote and inhospitable regions on Earth, but Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle still puts on a colourful display (Picture: Calum McSwiggan) Who am I to suppose that this might be the case for Mr & Mrs Claus, but they do live separately in their own cottages, so make of that what you will. Santa's door is open 365 days a year, and running on the principle that Santa belongs to everyone, it's free to visit. I'm escorted through winding corridors by a handsome elf, until I find him waiting patiently in his office. 'Tolerance and equality are very important to me,' he tells me after we take photos with my Pride flag. Asked what he thinks about hatred towards LGBT+ people around the world, he encourages everyone to try to be a little nicer and kinder, especially to those from minority groups, whether that be race, gender, or sexuality. It wasn't the full-throated rallying cry of defiance I'd hoped for. I'd fantasised that Santa might slam down his fist and call for QUEER RIGHTS NOW!, his belly furiously shaking like a bowl of righteous jelly. But he is Santa Claus after all, not the face of resistance. Still, in a unique diplomatic way, his message comes across loud and clear. The LGBT+ community deserves kindness. It really is as simple as that. Arctic Pride goes to show there are LGBT+ communities, and allies, everywhere (Picture: Calum McSwiggan) It's a vision reflected in everything Arctic Pride works to achieve. It would be easy to respond to homophobia and transphobia with rage, but instead, they respond with patience and understanding. 'We all make mistakes, but what matters most is our willingness to learn and grow,' Marjo Ollila concludes in her speech. 'So let's give everyone the opportunity and space to change for the better. Even those who tear down our posters.' Travel guide to Arctic Pride Getting there Finnair offers return fares from London Heathrow to Rovaniemi, via Helsinki, from £251 in Economy Class, and £661 in Business Class including all taxes and charges Where to stay Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle (£££) Arctic Light Hotel (££) Hotel Metsähirvas (£) Things to do (beyond Pride) Take a husky sleigh ride with Pure Lapland (don't forget your pride flag!) Indulge in a barrel sauna and ice swimming experience Send a postcard to loved ones from the official Santa Claus Post Office These hotels all proudly display the Travel Proud badge after completing LGBT+ inclusivity training. Where to eat and drink Restaurant Arctic Eye: Fine dining within the Arctic Circle. Large windows face north, with the staff giving out Aurora Alarms so you don't miss the Northern Lights. Mrs Claus Cottage: Serving Christmas vibes 365 days a year. Gingerbread baked every day by Mrs Claus herself. Atktikum Café: Sustainable Lappish flavours at an affordable price Arrow MORE: Drag Race queens who shared health struggles and stars whose deaths devastated the community Arrow MORE: On the outskirts of Palma, I found the secret to the perfect city break Arrow MORE: Deep in Canada's wilderness, I got a glimpse into another life
