City Life

It’s common to get a severe case of stomach butterflies when stepping into unknown surroundings. Before checking out that new restaurant or nightclub, we usually need a full rundown of the place. Is it casual or upscale? Will anyone else we know be there? It isn’t in our heads, this need for self-acceptance is part of the human condition, according to many scientists. In an effort to play into that and also serve as a catchy hotel slogan, ‘straight-friendly’ arose. Barcelona’s Axel Hotel was the world’s first gay-focused hotel chain to employ the motto. Their hetero-friendly hotel opened in Barcelona in 2003. After that, they inaugurated another locale in Buenos Aires and this spring sees the opening of Axel accommodations in Berlin’s gayborhood, the Schöneberg district. The chic chain with King size beds, plasma TVs, WiFi connection, elegant sky bars and more will not only welcome LGBT, but hetero folk as well. From Gayxample restaurants like Marquette, to festivals like Loveball, the marketing motto is gaining momentum. It is also a growing gay travel trend, with straight-friendly cruises and destinations chosen over exclusively gay spots. It’s comforting to know when you walk into any of these places – gay, straight, bi, whatever – you won’t be greeted by the stink eye.