IQ: Israeli Queers

I’m psyched! According to Out Traveler, Tel Aviv “is packed with the kind of "we're here, we're queer" vibe more typically found in Sydney and San Francisco than in one of the most conservative regions in the world”.

I first learned of the Israel’s friendliness to LGBT people through film, particularly the movie Yossi & Jager (trailer, Wikipedia). It’s about two IDF soldiers on patrol in winter (Snow in Israel, who knew?) who struggle with their closeted relationship at work and with their families. The IDF is actually well ahead of the U.S. military by allowing gays to serve openly in the military since 1993. Ivri Lider sings the sound track to Yossi & Jager, and is one of a number of top gay artists performing in Israel, the U.S. and Europe.

I even came across an article showing that a gay Israeli dating site has been around for over 10 years! J-Date has nothing on Atraf.

My Lonely Planet guide has some great club and bar ideas. Can’t wait to check them out!