Moving and Gay

Hi Dave.

You don't state which island you wish to move to or whether you've ever been here but here are some general answers to your query:

A. Maybe. Most jobs are in tourism related industries so if you have sales or service experience it will be easier to find a job. Also, the time of year will be a factor as more hires occur at the beginning of high season than during low season.

B. There are timeshares and if you have experience they could use it doesn't hurt to ask but few employers will seriously consider a job applicant until that applicant is on island.

C. Housing is expensive and the difficulty level of finding housing depends on the time of year. The least expensive option is probably to find some folks looking for a roommate but their interest in you as a roommate might depend on how short your short term move will be.

D. It depends on why you think anyone would know your sexual orientation. If you're asking because you're extremely open about your sexuality, you might attract problems. There are gays here but the island community is staunchly Christian. As long as folks can reasonably pretend they don't know your sexuality you shouldn't have any problems.

Hello Dave. I live on STX (St. Croix). I have found the people around me to be wonderful, and are pretty aware that at 45 and not having been married, well, they get the picture but ask no more questions than about marriage. You tend also to not get invitations to churches which happens (from what I have heard) to married couples.

Anyway, I did post something similar, and it went South very quickly. The result was rather positive though.

I don't know about the other islands, but on STX, there is a fairly large population of GL people. There will be an internet connection soon so that people can get together in one place. It would not of course be the bar scene as is common in the states, but more beach brunches, restaurants, theater, etc.

If you do move, and it ends up being to STX, please PM me for my email address and I will provide it. By that time I should be able to send you links.

As far as the rest of your issues or stated concerns/questions, they are pretty well addressed in the pages of this board. You might do a search, and follow a thread for example from a person moving and looking for a job to their getting one. Experience is a wonderful teacher.

Best wishes, and again, just send me a private message if you think I might be of more help.

Warm wishes,

Dan

PS: In moving to the tropics, the sexuality part is really the least of the major concerns. Housing and employment, choosing the right island for you etc. are by far more important. Just a voice of experience.

D