GLBT Travel (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Travel Resources)

A special welcome to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) travelers

glbt banner

The Sunshine Coast is a wonderful getaway destination for everyone. Offering a distinctive location, which though close to Vancouver is a world away. A peaceful haven of rural coastal charm, yet full of a wide range of activities including a host of recreation and arts and culture opportunities. An ideal getaway.

What makes the Sunshine Coast particularly inviting for GLBT travelers is its delightful social fabric, created with a tradition of embracing a very eclectic mix of people. Everyone can feel welcome and relaxed here. Watch out or you might want to move - many have!

There are a wide range of tourist accommodation options available, many of which particularly welcome lesbians and gays. Same goes for restaurants and recreation venues. And, while you're here, make sure you visit Roberts Creek which is truly the heart and soul of what makes the Sunshine Coast a magical inclusive retreat.

Come and enjoy.

Click here for a list of businesses catering to GLBT travelers.

LIVING OUT ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

laurie and diane fishing
Laurie McConnell and partner Diane Mueller after a great fishing trip with Shay Moudahi of A Place By The Sea Bed & Breakfast and Spa.

My story, by Editor/Publisher Laurie McConnell.

I have lived on the Sunshine Coast for approximately 25 years, and have run Bigpacific.com for 13 years. The site and magazine has always had a section of information for GLBT travelers, and the business directory could be searched for GLBT friendly places of business and accommodations.

Actually, I can't think of any businesses not gay-friendly that I've discovered in my long experience of living and working on the Coast. There may be a few, but I haven't heard of them (tell me if you find any!).

I came out as a gay woman 4 years ago, and as I am well-known in the community through this site and my volunteer work on various boards and organizations, my coming-out was quite public. To an individual, people in my broad personal and business/community networks were supportive.

I have been with my partner, Diane Mueller, for over two years and we participate in many community events, whether they are GLBT focused or not. We have attended elementary and high school functions for my two daughters, business award functions, community development meetings, and just plain social gatherings. We are also connected to the local women's community on the Coast, and I am a member of the Sunshine Coast Gay & Lesbian Association.

While there isn't a 'gay area' on the Sunshine Coast (here on the Lower Coast or in Powell River), all of our collected communities offer GLBT folks the opportunity to enjoy a Sunshine Coast getaway with a small-town flavor, where you can simply be yourselves.

I won't say there are never any negative remarks or discrimination, but they happen so rarely and are so overwhelmed by the kindness, inclusiveness and welcome by the community that they have not been a factor in the years I have been running this site.

If you would like more information about visiting our region or moving here as a gay, lesbian, transgendered or queer person or couple, please write me at webmaster@bigpacific.com.

Other Online Resources for GLBT Travelers:

Purple Roofs Directory: GLBT Key to World Travel
GayellowPages.com
We are an annual print directory of resources (business and organizational)
for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender USA sold in gay-friendly bookstores
since 1973.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
bigpacific community partners

WHERE TO STAY

WHAT TO DO

DINING

ABOUT THE COAST

TRAVEL EXTRAS

CONVENTIONS/
GROUP TRAVEL

CONTACT US

SEARCH/HELP

ADVERTISE ON THIS SITE

GLBT Travel (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Travel Resources)

LIVING OUT ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

WHERE TO STAY

WHAT TO DO

DINING

ABOUT THE COAST

TRAVEL EXTRAS

CONVENTIONS/ GROUP TRAVEL

CONTACT US

SEARCH/HELP

ADVERTISE ON THIS SITE

GLBT Travel (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Travel Resources)

LIVING OUT ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

CONVENTIONS/
GROUP TRAVEL