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Up until the end
of 2004, the Palestinian Authority took a very anti gay stance
towards the local population. Both gay men and women were severely
harassed by the law, by the local authorities (police), and even by
their own families. Traditional values are held strongly in
Palestine,
and GLBT rights are not exactly on their agenda. Many gays and
lesbians took refuge in neighboring Israel and Jordan– and were
actually assisted by the Israelis in finding a third country that
would accept them on a refugee status. In the height of the
intifada Israel forcibly sent some gay men back to Palestine when
they were discovered living in Israel without a permit – their fate
is unknown. Since the beginning of 2005, the Palestinian Authority
appears to have eased up on the local gay scene. Tourists have
never been the victim of any anti-gay feelings. However, as
Palestine is a basically traditional society, caution and disgression
should be exercised at all times.
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Below
please find some information you may find interesting. All is AYOR.
Eye contact and your personal "gaydar" will be the secret of your
success here. Use common sense at all times. Feel free to strike
up a conversation with the locals, but be careful not to mistake
their natural Palestinian hospitality with cruising, or as a sign
that they are gay. Caution and disgression should be used at all
times.
Gaza city
- main square jundi majool (unknown soldiers square)
The garden near
the cultural center – both cruisy in the evening
Ramallah
- Rukab Street - evening - Coffee Shop - Al Afel (roof top of
Bank of Palestine building)
Nablus
– There were
two historic (and very active) hamam's in the city – both are
closed.
Bethlehem
– evening at Manger Square
East Jerusalem
- near the Damascus Gate (outside) / especially Saturdays.
GME has always
tried to be a source of true and objection information – we stay
clear from politics. However, if there is one site that really
unites East and West Jerusalem, it's the Shushan Bar located at 4
Shushan Street – behind 19 Jaffa Road . So long as you're "in the
neighborhood" – it's a "don’t miss."
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