This is the continued critique of an article in the New York Times, "The 31 Places to Go in 2010", which was published January 10, 2010.
Cesme: This stunningly situated Turkish hideaway on the Aegean coast is near Izmir (here's the Turkey Gay Guide's section on Izmir and the surrounding region), which has something of a quiet gay following. As an officially Muslim nation, Turkey doesn't actively promote gay tourism, but GLBT travelers are a steady presence along the Aegean coast and in the capital, Istanbul (also on the Times list). I wouldn't recommend Cesme for a particularly gay vacation, but as part of a trip throughout coastal Turkey, it's a lovely stop.
Antarctica: Whatever those fun stories you've heard about gay penguins, the world's most sparsely popular continent has no gay clubbing and Pride marches. Having now stated the obvious, I will point out that a number of luxury tour operators offer cruises to Antarctica, including gay outfitters and agencies like Alyson Adventures, the Pauer Group and Out and About Travel. In general, cruises to this part of the world draw a well-educated, upscale bunch - so while Antarctica will never be a gay hot spot, it's most definitely a cool part of the planet for an adventure with your partner or a group of friends.
Leipzig: Less noted among GLBT travelers than German cities like Berlin and Cologne, this largest city of Saxony, with a population of a half-million, has a noted music and arts scene (Wagner and Bach were born here). The city has a Gay Pride festival in mid-July that's steadily growing in popularity, and Leipzig claims a handful of queer clubs and welcoming accommodations - Patroc's Leipzig Gay Guide is a useful resource. It's also a good midway point if you're traveling between Berlin and another top gay destination in Europe, Prague.
Los Angeles: Included by The Times because many of its neighborhoods have blossomed with galleries and arty scenes of late, Los Angeles is one of the world's genuine gay capitals. The city's LA Gay Pride in early June is huge, and there's a vibrant GLBT scene in several areas, notably West Hollywood.
Shanghai: This fascinating, ultra-modern, sophisticated Chinese city has long been on my own list of up-and-coming gay destinations. As China's attitudes about gays and lesbians soften, this most Westernized of the country's cities continues to develop a cool gay nightlife scene. One terrific resource on GLBT Shanghai is the Utopia-Asia Shanghai Gay Guide. And, yes, if you haven't discerned by now, I'm a big fan of Utopia Asia for advice on gay travel throughout the continent.
Mumbai: Following the devastating terrorist attacks of November 2008, India's financial center and filmmaking hub (aka "Bollywood") has worked hard to restore itself and welcome back visitors. Despite its massiveness, its relatively progressive political landscape, and the fact that India decriminalized homosexuality in 2009, Mumbai is still by no means a gay mecca - you won't find such a place in this part of the world. But it's still fascinating, if chaotically so, and gay-oriented Purple Dragon Tours includes Mumbai on one of its popular India excursions. You'll also find information on the city's limited gay scene at Utopia Asia's online India gay guide.
