Post #4374 by artbyanne on Thu, Jul 25, 2002 5:10 PM

On 2002-07-24 11:43, thejab wrote:
tikifish wrote:
"Actually, I would love to go to a fag tiki resort. At least the people there would be tolerant of others."

I wish it were so! In 1999 I heard about this place and they advertised themselves as "gay friendly". That's fine with me so I called and booked a room for me and my girlfriend. I just booked a room for 2 and they didn't ask me who the second person was. On arrival the man at the front desk dropped a jaw when he saw my girlfriend. He nervously stated that it's a resort for gay men and he didn't think my girlfriend would feel comfortable there. Also, he said the other guests might feel uncomfortable with a woman staying there. We could have argued but damned if we wanted to stay there after that welcome. He called around trying to find us a room but they were all much more expensive so we found a room at the Best Western downtown ourselves. I usually try to avoid chain hotels but it was a great location and very comfortable; they even served complementary waffles and omelets at breakfast. I didn't know about the Caliente Tropics at the time but I hear it was in bad shape at the time anyway.

If you are gay and male I would consider staying there but forget it otherwise.

CC and I have our artwork at the IndianOla.His tikis and one of my velvets.The original owners were nice enough but I feel they were deceptive about the intentions of the place.Told us it was for everyone,straight and gay,then changed it to gays only(clothing optional no less).Then told us they could only allow gay men because the men would get too upset when they allowed lesbians there.Gays complain when they're discriminated against but what about the other way around?Where's the ACLU for straight tiki lovers?!The same thing happened when we did paintings & tikis for Toucan's Tiki Lounge in Palm Springs.They told us it was for everyone,then on opening night told us it was mainly gay,but they'd take money from straights who wanted to come!Last time I was in there,all there was were men.I guess they have a problem with women too,lesbian or not.The owners are also nice guys,but why can't they be honest?It's disappointing to us because we know not everyone will get to see our work.
Also,BigBro,there are PLENTY of straight guys I know that are very artistic.Most of the tiki carvers for one example.I think it's a stereotype to say that the majority of gays are artistic.I know lots who are just regular Joes too!