COVER

Hong Kong

Gay Games 11 will finally be held in Hong Kong from November 3-11, 2023, a year later than originally planned, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Guadalajara, Mexico will serve as co-host for travelers unable to trek to Asia.) The Games are viewed as an important marker for the city’s queer community, and will include sports like swimming, sailing, dodgeball, fencing, tennis, and martial arts. This will be the first Gay Games in Asia.

ASPEN, COLORADO

This stunning town, located in Colorado’s scenic Rocky Mountains, is a great choice for hikers much of the year, but it really comes into its own in the winter months, with some of the country’s best ski resort (including nearby Snowmass). Many queer travelers aim to visit during the popular Aspen Gay Ski Week, which usually takes place during the month of January each year.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful, secluded and stunning places on Earth, and it is also one of the most welcoming, friendly and inclusive too! In French Polynesia, no laws against samesex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity and LGBT travelers are afforded all the same rights as heterosexual people. Beautiful Bora Bora is perhaps one of the most luxurious destinations on earth. The concepts of gender identity here are also very different to western culture, and Tahitian culture actually recognizes a third gender called ‘Rae Rae’ – meaning ‘men who are raised as women’. This makes this a perfect destination for everyone in the community, being especially perfect for same-sex couples looking for a romantic getaway, wedding or honeymoon destination where they can be open about who are.

Mexico

Mexico continues to be a top destination for queer travelers. The country’s tourism department (SECTUR) reports 3.5 million LGBTQ+ visitors annually. The beachside resort town of Acapulco first gained an international queer contingent in the mid-20th century as a magnet for Hollywood celebs. It has recently experienced a resurgence and now its LGBTQ+ scene and businesses are luring more queers back to the region. It’s gaining a reputation as a gay party town with Las Vegas-style drag shows, techno nightclubs, and beachside dancing.

The capital of Jalisco, Guadalajara, is often called the “Gay Capital of Mexico” due to its embrace of the queer community. It is among the most LGBTQ-accepting in Latin America (Mexico City also ranks in the top five). Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city and offers diversity in food, cultural, and entertainment options. Its gayborhood is in the historic center of the city, where parties spill into the streets most nights. Come during February to experience the local Carnival.

The Riviera Maya destination of Playa del Carmen features white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. There are three gay beaches here: Mamitas Beach, Coco Beach, and Xangrila Beach.

Becoming known as the “Mexican San Francisco,” Puerto Vallarta features some of the most beautiful beaches in the LGBTQ-embracing state of Jalisco. The city’s Romantic Zone is a popular spot during the day and locals and tourists mingle at buzzy queer clubs nearly every night of the week. During Pride (celebrated here in May), the neighborhood becomes one big block party. Puerto Vallarta offers many activities for those who want to have more adventurous experiences, including day trips to Punta de Mita and nearby Marietas Islands, where the diversity of birds and sea life has earned it the nickname of “the Mexican Galapagos.”

We want to thank our exceptional care teams for your hard work, dedication and compassion which, once again, have earned Eisenhower Health recognition from U.S. News & World Report. In addition to being named a Best Regional Hospital, we were recognized for high quality care in the following categories:

• Aortic Valve Surgery

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Colon Cancer Surgery

• Diabetes

• Heart Attack

• Heart Bypass Surgery

• Heart Failure

• Hip Fracture

• Hip Replacement

• Kidney Failure

• Knee Replacement

• Lung Cancer Surgery

• Pneumonia

• Spinal Fusion

• Stroke

We look forward to another year of caring for the Coachella Valley and to adding new treatments and services to enhance your care and comfort. Our gratitude goes out to the many community members who choose Eisenhower to help them get well and stay well. Thank you, one and all — you are the inspiration for what we do.

Learn more about our accreditations and recognitions at EisenhowerHealth.org/Awards