Bisexual, Gay, & Lesbian Travelers : Planning Your Trip

While open expressions of gay affection in Israel are uncommon, Israel, and particularly Tel Aviv, is certainly a world apart from any of its Arab neighbors in terms of the public and legal status of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, and the availability of gathering places and support organizations for these groups. Alexandria in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan may be the most tolerant cities in Egypt and Jordan, but an openly gay lifestyle is generally taboo throughout the Arab world, and gay and lesbian assistance in Egypt and Jordan is nonexistent.

The primary organization for gay and lesbian concerns in Israel is the Society for the Protection of Personal Rights, P.O. Box 37604, Tel Aviv 61375 (tel. (03) 29 36 81 or 20 43 27). The society publishes an English-language newsletter, Israel Update, and offers “Israel Hospitality,” bed and breakfast stays for gay and lesbian travelers (US$ 12 per night). Community center, library, and coffee shop is located at 28 Nahmani St., Tel Aviv. The society’s gay and lesbian switchboard, the White Line (HaKav haLavan; tel. (03) 62 56 29), operates Sun. and Tues.-Thurs. 7:30-11:30pm).