Italy Glbt Travelers

It is difficult to characterize the Italian attitude toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) travelers. Homophobia is still in issue in some regions. Rome, Florence, Milan, and Bologna all have easily accessible gay scenes. Away from the larger cities, however, gay social life may be difficult to find. Out and About (www.planetout.com) offers a comprehensive site addressing gay travel concerns. The online newspaper 365gay.com also has a travel section (www.365gay.com/travel/travelchannel.htm). Babilonia and Guida Gay Italia (www.guidagay.com) can be found at newsstands, and Pride and GayClubbing (both free) can be found at most gay venues. Travelers can also expect the larger cities to have gay discoteche and bars. Listed below are contact organizations and publishers that offer materials addressing some specific concerns.

Arcigay, V. Don Minzoni 18, 40121 Bologna (☎051 64 93 055; www.arcigay.it). National organization provides resources for homosexuals and helps combat homophobia throughout the peninsula. Holds dances and other special events. Website contains addresses and phone numbers of city centers.
Gay.It, S.p.A., V. Ravizza 22/E, 56121 Pisa (www.gay.it). Provides info on gay life in Italy. Associated website in English (www.gayfriendlyitaly.com) gives regional info on nightlife, homophobia, gay events, and more.
Gay’s the Word, 66 Marchmont St., London WC1N 1AB, UK (☎+44 20 7278 7654; http://freespace.virgin.net/gays.theword). The largest gay and lesbian bookshop in the UK, with both fiction and non-fiction titles. Mail-order service available.
Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, USA (☎+1-215-923-2960; www.queerbooks.com). An international lesbian and gay bookstore with mail-order service (carries many of the publications listed below).
International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), Avenue des Villas 34, 1060 Brussels, Belgium (☎+32 2 502 2471; www.ilga.org). Provides political info, such as homosexuality laws of individual countries.

Additional Resources: Glbt
Spartacus International Gay Guide 2008 , by Bruno Gmunder Verlag (US$22).
Damron Men’s Travel Guide, Damron Road Atlas, Damron Accommodations Guide, Damron City Guide, and Damron Women’s Traveller (US$18-24). For info, call ☎+1-800-462-6654 or visit www.damron.com.
The Gay Vacation Guide: The Best Trips and How to Plan Them, by Mark Chesnut. Kensington Books (US$15).
Gayellow Pages USA/Canada, by Frances Green. Gayellow Pages (US$20). They also publish regional editions. Visit Gayellow pages online at http://gayellowpages.com.