I recently took a little trip to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Mexico with my girlfriend and a friend of ours.  A warm break to recharge the batteries.  This has been a destination for me and my family for the last 9 years.  The past two years I have gone with my girlfriend.  Travel now has the added risk of me being not just a woman, but a gay woman.  I have not yet learned how to entirely relax with this added layer, but I have been able to have moments.

As it turns out, there seems to be a small gay scene in Ixtapa/Zihua.  Last year we stumbled upon a drag show in Zihua near Zorro’s bar.  Years ago I had a drunk lesbian (Mexican) kiss me at at the same Zorro’s bar – quite suddenly, and I met another american Lesbian after dodging the first one. ( Unfortunately I was not attracted to either of them, so my sexual awakening had to wait till I was already married.)  This year we noticed little clusters of not-so-in-the-closet gays and lesbians – during the day and during the night in both Zihua and Ixtapa.  Seeing this was a relief.  I wasn’t so nervous to touch my girlfriend, be a bit less restrained.  We still would only hold hands when it seemed we were alone or in safe company – but it was something.

So I would like to encourage all you gay travellers to check out Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.  Make it a little more gay.  I’d like to see some more hand holders next time I visit.