Homophobia on the island?

Think not. Not homophobic around here at all. When the Bahamas and Cayman Isalnds refuse to allow all gay cruises, we welcomed them here! Not to worry. There was also a predominately gay hotel in St. Croix, it was just sold, don't know if it will continue to fly the rainbow flag.
Ronnie

Selimalee, my partner and I are thinking of doing the same thing. I would love to hear about your findings should you actually get a place. Or any other info you want to pass on. Best of luck to you!

By the way, we found a great new little piano bar with a weekend disco upsatirs, in St. Thomas that opened about two months ago. You might want to check it out next time you're there. It's called "Tommy Piano Bar & Cabaret" located at 16 Dronningens Gade. Owned by a fabulously flambouyant gent from the entertainment industry in Atlanta. We had loads of fun there. After only being open a few short months it has already been voted the number one bar with live entertainment by a local newspaper readers' poll.

Hey Terry and Ruth,

Thanks for the response. I will definetly have to check that bar out. I haven't actually been to the island yet. Just need to find a place where i can escape and not deal with the day to day stresses. Thought it would be a good place just chill. Let me know if you find anything else as well.

Thank you,
Selimalee

Thanks a million Ronnie. How long have you been on the island?

Ronnie has been here all his life--so about 34 years, I guess.

Thanks Mike, you are so kind! Or maybe you want something!
Selimalee, I was born here, am a 4th generation Virgin Islander.
Ronnie

selimalee wrote:

>. Just need to find a place where i can escape and not deal with the day to
> day stresses.

You might want to read some of the archives here, as there are plenty plenty day to day stresses here, maybe different from what you are used to, but stresses just the same...Also, you may wish to escape only to find that you are being followed.

EE,

Wow, that last line is some mighty deep philosophical thinking. I may have to find a quite spot to contemplate.

Ronnie,

Mike? Mike who?

My mistake, wink wink.
Ronnie

Ha Ha Ha
And the truth starts to slowly come out.. I can guess who Mike is..... I can guess who Mike is. Its like having a steel trap mind. Oh, I know you your on-line! Some time soon I'll meet you all.

Mike is nonexistant, was a mistake.
Ronnie

My (male) partner and I moved here (STX) in early February. We've not had a single instance of homophobia or xenophobia. I really thought it would be harder. It's been a delight.

As an example, I was recently by myself and was introduced to Admiral and Mrs. So-and-so (Big social muckety-mucks) in a business situation. At a certain point in the conversation, Mrs. Admiral said, "We'd love to meet your wife." I replied, "I don't have a wife. I have a partner." Without missing a beat or blinking an eyebrow, she said, "Then we'd love to meet him." And so it has been with everyone.

Sandcastles on the Beach is owned by a wonderful lesbian couple who have opened a great restaurant right on the beach -- great food, wonderful setting, montlhy wine-tasting dinners. Highly recommended. The Cormorant Beach Club (was gay owned) was just sold, but I understand the new owners don't plan any radical changes except redoing the rooms (much needed).

There is a small, but active gay community on the island. Okay, it's not that small, once you get to know them.

I would highly recommend David Fedeles for a realtor. (www.fedeles.com). David is gay, but he is also the highest selling realtor on the island for the last 11 years or so. I call him the "Mayor of St Croix." He simply knows everyone, and if you move here, he will introduce you to everyone you want to meet.

In short, do it. All my life I've wanted to live on a tropical island. We finally did it, and I couldn't be happier. Come on down. You only live once.

Hello JHark,

Please drop me an e-mail. ( islander@vimovingcenter.com )

I hope everything is going well for you in terms of your settling into St. Croix living!!

--Islander

Hey JHark

Say hello if you ever get the change. I am also gay and have a partner. Would like to get to you and your partner, and me and my partner. Smile.

You can reach me at thelibrary@yahoo.com

Chipper

Although there is less homophobia than in other islands, the majority of the population is definitely against it. However, people are not as open about our dislike as to discriminate against anyone, for the most part.

TH posted:

“
eople are not as open about our dislike [of gays and lesbians] as to discriminate against anyone, for the most part.”

Of course not. People want other people’s money!

For a good laugh, here’s a repeat of the first sentence of the first post of this thread: “I have just wasted pretty much all of a work Friday reading all of the posts on this site.”

Just a comment from a liberal straight guy,
Hello,
I am glad to hear that the Island's Atomosphere seems to be inclusive and to celebrate diversity. My significant other and I have gay friends as we do straight friends. I too have run into a prejudice in life but more of a political one. We live in the epicenter of right wing bible pounding conservatives and long for a more hospitable environ.
Are the VIs a place where all people are accepted and appreciated?

In any case, good luck.
rick

Before I say anything, I want you all to know that my Father-in-law is gay and has a partner that is loved by all who met him...me included (Dad's not so bad, either! Haha!). Even though I don't particpate in that lifestyle (I am a married, 36 year old, straight male from Michigan), I applaud all who go "against the grain" and be whomever they were born to be. Kudos to all people who let "all be damned" and be what they were put on this earth to be. Even though you may have some (italics) homophobia present in your day to day lives here (very little), IMHO, I think you will find the islanders much more open to your lifestyle than you currently experience in the States. We are all about "live and let live" here. Come on down and make the islands your home. We welcome all here. If you happen to be in the area, I would like to extend an open invitation to all to visit my "Welcoming Center" across from the yellow Post Office on Main Street in Charlotte Amalie.

Warmest regards,

~Marty

I don't know what islanders you're talking about... but from the perspective from someone who has actually grown up on St. Croix.. I can say that it is LESS accepted here than in the states (in general). I'm not being anti-gay, I'm just stating what I have witnessed. However, we are not radically against it, as to harass or beat up homosexuals. People keep those feelings to themselves (again, I'm being general).

The few people that I know who are from STX are very against it. But I don't think they go out of their way to make one feel differently.

TH,

I’m inclined to believe what you say. Most Cruzans are Democrats, which would lead you to think we have the socially tolerant attitude of mainland Democrats. However, most are also Baptist or Catholic, which brings social conservatism into the picture when it comes to social mores. Speaking of St. Croix, gays and lesbians can definitely visit or move here without incident if they keep their sexuality low-key. Why? I think it’s because Cruzans are nice people and don’t want to pick a fight. However, this is definitely not Key West.

Crucians will for the most part accept that a person is gay and leave it at that. HOwever, if two men or two women decide to lock lips in public you may see some outrage...probably not violent, but West Indian sarcastic.

My partner and I (together over 20 years) are seriously thinking about moving to St. Croix. We have been down to the Cormorant for 2 years in a row and will be returning this June (if not earlier for a job). I am looking for banking/mortgage/legal fields. If you have any leads, it would be GREATLY appreciated. I emailed David Fedeles's website but never got any kind of response. I currently am working for one of the major banks in the United States and have extensive experience.

THANKS for any guidance/tips that you can provide.

Randy