By Miss Bouvèé
Queerly Yours South Florida
Queer culture is alive and well around the world. I have traveled many times before, but this time seemed extra special after the era of anti-drag and anti-trans laws which have had a whirlwind of emotions in our state of Florida.
As you may or may not know, I recently co-headlined a cruise with Adventure Bears down the River Rhine alongside my dear friend Jennifer McClain. On that itinerary, we took little pieces of South Floridian culture (and actual residents who also were on the cruise) into historic cities along the famous river! We found quite quickly that our little Island City and its surrounding areas are part of a vast worldly queer culture just waiting for us to unite and enjoy our rainbow, globally!
Of course, we knew that what we have currently on our homefront is quite special, but it was amazing to see it existing so fully and openly in other areas of the world. From leather and lace to open relationships to monogamy; the parties were vibrant, inviting, accepting, and empowering. When I tell you that the entire city of Amsterdam got into Pride, I mean it! From every canal to canal, on every building and in every historic square; there were flags, flyers, and information on what to do on the 3-day event.
I would be remiss if I didn’t admit my envy. There I was at the footsteps of the historic palace, and later at the footsteps of the city hall, around the corner from a loving cathedral . . . could this ever happen where we live? The tone was celebratory of equality, rather than a fight for it. Could that day ever come for us in the USA? I sure hope so. There was cultural diversity, gender diversity, love, openness, and acceptance; the language we spoke universally was Queerness.
I encourage you to travel as much as you can to these cities that love and accept you, but do not take for granted what we have here also. South Florida doesn’t just dream of a world the way it could be, it insists on living in a world the way it should be. There’s no place like home.
Follow Miss Bouvèé on instagram @missbouvee
Lipstick Lightning Round
Q. What was your favorite city on your trip with Adventure Bears?
A. Strasbourg was quite lovely. Its history of German and French ownership shows all over the city.
Q. Favorite food on the trip?
A. Traditional Tarte Flambee; it’s a very thin crust type of flatbread with cream, onion, and ham. SO GOOD!
Q. Gayest experience on the cruise?
A. Well, I was in a club in Amsterdam and I went to go presumably upstairs to the bathroom. It was just a very large open dark room. Use your imagination.
Q. How was it on a riverboat cruise?
A. AMAZING! Talk about cruising in style and leisure. DO IT!!!
Q. What’s your best international travel tip?
A. Apple air tags on your bags 🙂
