pristine man-made beaches. If one is looking for authenticity, the oil-rich business hub is not the place. But what Dubai lacks in natural beauty, it makes up for in opulence.
The city’s glamour shots would make any model blush. Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.A post shared by Dubai (@dubai)A post shared by Dubai (@dubai)A post shared by Dubai (@dubai)Unfortunately for LGBTQ+ people, they may want to keep their blushing, or any signs of personal affection, in check when they visit. “Homosexuality is not just a taboo subject in Dubai–it’s strictly forbidden and punishable by law,” according to the organization Detained in Dubai.
Gay meeting spaces are outlawed, along with queer-specific apps and websites. That’s the case throughout countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
The atmosphere for gays is also hostile in Russia and other European nations with far-right or autocratic governments. (Overall, homosexuality is still criminalized in 64 countries worldwide.)But gays, of course, aren’t booking plane tickets in droves to Moscow or Riyadh.