Reflections on 2022 Mpox, USA same-sex marriage rights, Ecuadorian guest house, UK student pride

Issue No. 33 - January 2023

Carnival 2023 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 14 – 25 February 2023

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Have a pink and wonderful ‘23. A lot happened last year. If we unite, the LGBTQ+ communities can achieve so much…

The end of one year and the start of a new one is always a time for reflection. In December 2022 the LGBTQ+ communities won a major victory in the United States with President Joe Biden’s signature, hardly dried on the page, to the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA), placing into firm law the right of same-sex couples to have their union recognised across the whole of the United States.

The RFMA finally recognises same-sex marriage in federal legislation across the country rather than relying on the whims of nine unelected and predominantly conservative Supreme Court judges who could decide to overturn earlier pro-same sex marriage decisions made by judges at any time, as they did with abortion choice. See our in depth article on what the RFMA does and doesn’t do.

In 2022, we also saw the Monkey Pox out-break, now known as ‘MPox’. Thankfully, cases among men who have sex with men aka ‘MSMs’ appear to be declining in Western countries after a surge in the middle of 2022. How-ever, MPox has not gone away and MSMs should engage with their local health services to see if they qualify to be vaccinated. The UK-based LGBT Foundation has some great advice and other useful links.

On an incredibly positive pink note, we at PinkUk are still running our 15% discount deal on our banner ad and premium listings for independent businesses or other LGBTQ organisations they can reach people who may be more receptive to planning leisure time after the seasonal festive frenzy. More info and code. It goes without saying that we wish you an amazing and PINK 2023. We value your feedback on our listings and how we provide information. Feedback. Finally, we also have a lively article from Ivysociete.com on escorting and how it has changed.

Best wishes from the team at PinkUk xxx
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Special listing offer

We’ve got a sale on:

We are offering a 15% discount on venue Premium Listing, don't forget the images on the Premium Listings can now be 4 * larger than the free listing. See our terms for venue listings for all the other benefits.

Not only that, we are also offering a 15% discount on Banner advert.

Use this code: Jan2023. This offer is from today and ends on the 31st January 2023.

Featured venue: Casa Del Merman at the Gay Montanita House, Ecuador

In Latin America, often the most impressive resorts are not loudly promoted enough in the UK. This little gem in Ecuador looks just the business if you are interested in warm equatorial weather in a Spanish-speaking location. The owners say that they are showing a new concept in LGTBQ+ travel accommodation. They say they are “taking a beautiful, clean, 20 room, hostel, and adding a resort-style pool area. The heated pool is in and is clothing optional.

Plenty of lounge chairs and hammocks around the pool to chill or get some sun on your buns!”. Well, that’s sold it for us. There are lots of activities in the area, surfing, sunning, hiking, bicycling, or learn Spanish, Yoga and more. Yummy.

More info about Casa Del Merman

Featured event/pride: Student Pride 2023

2023 has arrived and that means it’s time for National Student Pride, which takes place 10—12 Feb. 2023 in London.
The organisers say they’re opening doors to LGBTQ+ young people to help develop their skills and kick-start their careers with the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ inclusive careers fair.

More info about Student Pride 2023

Prides/LGBTQ+ events

So far, for this new year, we have 77 pride festivals listed in the UK and 348 LGBTQ+ prides events in 38 countries worldwide for 2023. Keep us posted if you have a pride festival or event that needs promoting.

See all the prides/LGBTQ+ events we have in January, Add an LGBTQ event to PinkUK

We have 3,320 LGBTQ+ venues listed in 76 countries. Add a venue to PinkUk

Scene, recently relaunched with its fabulous new print copy. We are proud to support them.  See their latest edition. 
Scene is the top UK, free to read, online, LGBTQ+ magazine.