The Mariana Resort Hotel: A Lovely, GLBT Friendly, Place to Stay

Finally, I have had the most wonderful vacation, and I think the rest of my family probably agrees. In the past three years, since the birth of our first child, we have been senselessly pressured into mainland vacations. You know the, got to go see the grandparents and family. Well that can be nice and all, however, it is really not considered a vacation. It is more like a working-vacation, not to mention financially draining. Those of you that have children probably know what I am talking about. After last summer's mainland working-vacation we vowed ourselves to vacation in a 'vacation location'. We were thinking Hawaii, however after little contemplation we decided, why not Saipan! Yes, we do live in a beautiful 'vacation location', and Saipan definitely tipped the scales in favor as we did not have to take a long painful 'keep track of your children' airplane flight to some other location. However, it does get better; we also could leave the children home with Yaya when ever we pleased!

We chose the Mariana Resort Hotel mainly on location. It is located in the north end of the island near many beautiful tourist attractions and close to home. We had also stayed in the bungalows at the Mariana Resort before and enjoyed the Japanese style 'luxury townhouse', however, we decided to stay in the main hotel rooms this time and were very pleasantly surprised. The rooms have hardwood flooring and are very spacious. The above photo is a snapshot off our balcony and looking further to the left we had a full view of Managaha Island. The room included a complimentary breakfast, served from 7 am to 10 am that had enough variety to accommodate any appetite. We found the staff to be very friendly, helpful, and we felt right at home.

A pool-side view.

Sexuality and Individual's with Disabilities

Do people with disabilities think and participate in sexual activities? Can people with disabilities be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender? These are probably questions that we do not ask ourselves everyday or maybe even never, however, there 1 out of 5 persons who are disabled according to the ADA. (Mauro, n.d.)

Robert Mauro (n.d.) reports that "about 13.5 million people, 7.5 per cent, [1 out of 20], have a severe disability--defined as unable to perform activities such as walking, lifting, hearing, or reading, or only with the help of another person. This percentage is based on the number of people with at least one disability, although many have multiple disabilities."

Recently I was reviewing a colleague's paper on transitioning needs for the adolescent individual with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is just one of the many diseases people can be born with which lends the individual a disability. Cerebral palsy is a disease that affects 1 to 2 per 1,000 births. Cerebral palsy affects the motor function and coordination which can often lead to involuntary movements of the head, arms, and legs. Additionally, balance and posture are affected and individuals may have difficulty with walking and the more severe rely on wheelchairs for mobility.

What caught my interest, and critical judgment, in my colleagues' paper is that there was no mention of sexuality discussions in planning the transitions for the soon to be young adult afflicted with a disability. Individuals with disabilities are just like you and I in that they have the same sexual needs and desires, and yes they can be GLBT as well.

Leave it to the Canadians to put out a booklet for individuals with cerebral palsy and sexuality. This booklet is titled "Sexuality and Cerebral Palsy". Lindenberg (2003) states the people with cerebral palsy (CP) are as likely to be GLBT as anyone else. "Acknowledging a difference in their sexuality may be harder for people with CP, and a little more risky." Additionally he recommends "Tell others gradually: preferably supportive people you trust. Not everyone will be comfortable with your 'coming out'. You'll need encouragement and help from people who care about you."

Island Dyke


Reference:
Mauro, R. (n.d.). Disability Statisitics. Retrieved on July 23, 2007, from
http://codi.buffalo.edu/graph_based/.demographics/.statistics.htm

Lindenberg, M. (2003). Sexuality and Cerebral Palsy. A booklet for the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy. Toronto, Ontario. pp. 9 Retrieved on July 23, 2007, from http://www.ofcp.on.ca/pdf/sexuality_book.pdf

Tattoo Locations: Gay or Not?

One of my friends recently asked me if I know if the placement of a tattoo on a man's buttocks is known to be a 'gay thing'. I have never heard if it is, so I told my friend I would research it on the Internet. In my recent quest I have to warn the reader that lots of adult sites came up when searching with the terms: tattoo location butt. I have found three references, however none of them mention location as being an indicator of sexuality.

According to Pravda (2006) "straight men should stay away from tattoos shaped like unicorns and handshakes with a flower between the palms - those are normally favored by gays."

According to Rovny (n.d.) the sexier body parts men get tattooed are the upper back, along the hip, shoulder, calves, and chest. The less sexy parts are the neck, face, forearm and hands/fingers. There is no mention of the buttocks.

My third reference advises the individual "when choosing a place for your tattoo, you should first analyze what type of tattoo you are getting, and what type of person you are." However they did not mention any locations associated with meaning that a person is gay either.

Despite coming up empty handed to answer my friend's question I did come up with a new juicy choice in tattoos. It is called the "smart tattoo" and was created by the latest Japanese technology. "The tattoo is flesh-colored and can be seen only after the person takes a hot bath or has an orgasm...." (Pravda, 2006)

Stay tuned for an upcoming survey to assist my friend with their dilema.

Island Dyke

Reference:

No author listed. (2006) Intimate tattoos spice up your life and give you sex drive. Pravda: Society, Real Life stories. Retrieved on July 16, 2007 from http://english.pravda.ru/society/stories/85035-0/

Rovny, C. (n.d.). Stylish Tattoos. AskMen.com. Retrieved on July 16, 2007, from http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_60/66_fashion_advice.html

No Author listed. (2004). Choosing a Body Part. Tattoo Information - Know the Facts - Be Informed. Retrieved on July 16, 2007, from http://www.tattooinfo.net/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=15

History: GLBT movement pioneer

Karl Heinrich-Ulrichs
(August 28, 1825 - July 14, 1895)

Karl was born in Aurich, Germany. He obtained a law and theology degree from Gottingen University and studied history at the Berlin University. It was when he was an official legal adviser for the district court of Hildesheim in 1859 that he was dismissed when his homosexuality became apparent. Shortly after this dismissal he started writing under the pseudonym of "Numa Numantius". His first essays, translated into "Researches on the Riddle of Male-Male Love, ....coined various terms to describe different sexual orientations/gender identities." (WIKI, 14th)

Several years later he started publishing with his real name. He came out "on August 29, 1867, Ulrichs became the first self-proclaimed homosexual to speak out publicly in defense of homosexuality when he pleaded at the Congress of German Jurists in Munich for a resolution urging the repeal of anti-homosexual laws." (WIKI, 14th)

"In the 1860s, Ulrichs moved around Germany, always writing and publishing, and always in trouble with the law.....In 1879, Ulrichs published the twelfth and final book of his Research on the Riddle of Man-Manly Love. In poor health, and feeling he had done all he could in Germany, he went into self-imposed exile in Italy." (WIKI, 14th)

For more on the life and works of Karl follow the research link below. I enjoyed reading his "Araxes: a Call to Free the Nature of the Urning from Penal Law" which was published in 1870 and has been commented on it's similarity to the modern GLBT movements. (WIKI, 14th)

Island Dyke

Reference:
WIKI 14th WWW KARL_HEINRICH. (n.d.). Retrieved on July 14, 2007, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Heinrich_Ulrichs#References

Til the Break of Dawn

The CNMI's First & Official Pride Dance named "Hairspray" had people dancing til the break of dawn. The event was held recently on June 28, 2007 in the Club V at the Saipan Grande Hotel. The event was DJ'ed by Ken Loo and my inside scoop stated that he rocked the night away. Yes, sorry to say I missed this event. (which proves we need a back up baby-sitter) One of my inside scoops has shared these photos.

The CLOSET: GLBT Terminology

Coming out of the closet: According to WIKI (n.d.) 'coming out of the closet' is a voluntary public announcement of one's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Being out: Not concealing one's sexual orientation. (WIKI, 10th)

Being outed: When one's sexual orientation, against one's wishes or without one's consent, is made publicly. (WIKI, 10th)

Outing: A process of disclosing another's sexuality, deliberately, when that person wants to keep this information private. (WIKI, 10th)

In the closet: One who has no heterosexual contact and simply wants to not reveal their sexual orientation. (WIKI, 10th)

Why am I sharing this terminology with the reader? In my opinion, although there are varying spectrums of sexuality, the predominant choice of displayed sexuality in most cultures is heterosexuality. Additionally, there is a still in most cultures, a varying degree of non-acceptance of the other spectrums of sexuality other than heterosexuality. For the non-heterosexual individual there is a varying degree of comfort in exposing one's sexuality publicly for many personal reasons. In my opinion, it is important to be aware and respectful of one's 'being out' or 'being in'. Before writing this post I was not completely knowledgeable on the above terminology and would sometimes say that a person was 'in the closet' when I thought the person in a straight relationship to be gay. Also, before this posting, I was not always the most mindful person before opening my mouth and stating that a particular person was gay. At a later date, I will write more on coming out as, in my opinion, it is an important topic to talk about in any community.

Reference:

WIKI 10th WWW Coming_out (n.d.) Retrieved on July 10, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_out

Is there a similar 'don't ask, don't tell' philosophy in Saipan similar to Guam's?

The appointment of openly-gay Guam's supreme court justice Benjamin Cruz is old news, however in an article I found written about how his appointment came to be, it is my opinion that the island of Guam and the CNMI is similar in it's 'don't ask, don't tell' philosophy of GLBT issues, at least in the 70's & 80's.

Silva (1997) shares that "Cruz resumed to Guam in 1975 and for four years served as counsel to the governor. His eyes on election to the governorship, Cruz decided to keep his sexuality "under wraps for a while" and date women. He says Guam's social and political culture maintains a "benign intolerance" of homosexuality--a sort of "don't ask, don't tell" philosophy that has allowed the island's gays and straights to coexist in peace, if not equality."

However, in the 90's it appears that Guam is accepting of openly-gay individuals serving the community as Silva (1997) shares "in 1995 Cruz stunned both his supporters and detractors when he publicly proclaimed his homosexuality in an issue of Latte, a Guam periodical on local culture. While he worried he might be "putting a glass ceiling over my head by granting the interview, I decided that whatever happened, happened. I had to be true to myself and the community." His fears proved unfounded. "Ninety-nine percent of the reaction to the Latte piece was positive," he recalls. "People just came up to me and hugged me, saying I gave them hope.""

Is there a similar 'don't ask, don't tell' philosophy in Saipan and if so is it changing?

Reference:

Silva, D. (November 25, 1997) Cruz control: newly appointed Guam supreme court justice Benjamin Cruz may be the nation's highest-ranking gay judge. The Advocate. Retrieved on July 8, 2007 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_n747/ai_20013295/pg_2

Saipan's PIC: A recommended site for gay/lesbian travelers

I found this travel review on the Internet and wanted to share it and ask what you think. Do you think Saipan is a place to recommend for gay/lesbian travelers?

"Traveler rating: 4.0
Saipan: Pacific Islands Club: "THE place to stay in Saipan"Kaisei, Expat in Japan Mar 1, 2005

My experience with this property took place in:
January, 2005
My ratings for this hotel are:
Value 4.0
Rooms 3.0
Cleanliness 3.0
Service 5.0
I traveled to this hotel with: spouse/partner
I recommend this hotel for: An amazing honeymoon, Gay/lesbian travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
My visit was for: leisure" Reference link: (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60716-d313953-r3237614-Pacific_Islands_Club-Saipan.html)

I thought the appraisal rating that Kaisei wrote was accurate except there is no mention in the review to why PIC is a recommended hotel for gay/lesbian travelers. The only possible mention could be that Kaisei may have implied by stating "I traveled to this hotel with: spouse/partner" that they are gay themselves and enjoyed the visit therefore other gay/lesbian travelers may also enjoy their stay.

Island Dyke

Finding Our Own True Nature

In life, its not about being the best person, or the good person, or the fair person, or the worst person. Life is about finding our own true nature and speaking from that. Our wealth and beauty comes from that quality and that is what people respond to.

An example of how that happened in my life: Shortly after consciously becoming aware of my sexuality, when I was 27 y/o, and choosing to live my life in accordance with my true nature, I had changed my place of employment back to a location I had worked in previously. My co-worker upon my first week back said to me that I seemed different. I did not look different, I had not changed my style of dressing, and I did not talk openly about being gay. I just said to her "oh". The following week we were sitting and chatting and out of the blue she says to me "you're gay aren't you". When I said yes, she then went on to tell me how she noticed that I am a happy individual now and not angry. Where was she when I was 16?

Island Dyke