Concerns about being treated well on vacations with gay significant other...

Has anyone else on here ever been worried or concerned about facing homophobia, and being treated badly/less good, by hotels, restaurants, etc. when you go on vacation or on dates? What was your solution?

As a related question, did you have issues shopping for expensive jewelry for your significant other (esp. if you want to go together)? I had such a bad experience at Tiffany's a few years ago, I am hesitant to ever go back.

I wouldnt go back anywhere if you had bad service. I guess they didnt need your money to begin with.

I think we have came a long way from handling the movement, but there is still a ways to go. Not everyone has or will except it, (Im sorry. This is your choice not theirs and you have a right to be who you are.)

Im sorry for your struggles.

I worry about it every time we travel but so far we've had no bad experiences with hotel or restaurant staff. Some of the problems we've had were from everyday people. We were holding hands and walking around the mall in Albuquerque and some stupid teen got in my face and started yelling homophobic slurs at me. If it wasn't for the gf I would have knocked her block off (She's the calmer of the two of us). But other then that the hotel staff and restaurant people have been nothing but nice to me and my gf but it's still something I worry about regardless of all of the good experiences because there's always that first time but I try not to let it kill the fun.

Again, we've had nothing but good experiences when it comes to jewelry shopping. The gentleman that helped us make my engagement ring treated us no different than a straight couple. He took the time to explain everything and try different diamonds with the band we chose. We've been to various jewelry places and other then a few odd stares from older women they haven't denied us serves.

I know we've been lucky because I hear stories all the time about people getting mistreated. If I were you I'd never go back to Tiffany's but that's just me. There are plenty of jewelry stores that you can take your business to and you should find one that is willing to treat you both like human beings.

I have had issues a lot of the time getting service at restaurants but not necessarily because I was with a man but being perceived as transgender or a transvestite. And some ignorant people will perceive it as you're even that much more gay even though I'm not even gay and gender expression has nothing to do with it. I just am really feminine and when I get dressed to go out to eat out I get my make up nail high heels leggings hair done jewelry etc... I have had some servers refuse me especially back when I was a kid with family back in Mi. But of there's a problem with any place I'm a client that I feel I was mistreated in such a way I will talk to a manager and leave. There have been times when someone was disrespectful more due to ignorance. I just corrected them of it wasn't meant out of malice.

In our, wife and mine, hometown I've always been uncomfortable expressing who we are, a couple. But when we've left or town I feel more able to outwardly express myself. I've never had bad service, but I do worry about it a lot.

I am not gay, I am straight, so I will never have to deal with this discrimination. But as an ally, I would say that even though it sucks, I would consider a lot where to go. Very religious or old-fashioned countries, such as Tunisia or a lot of Southern American countries are probably not a good idea. If you want to go to one of those countries, you should probably hire an apartment or book a room in a private/remote resort. The staff are usually cool about it, you bring them their paycheck after all, but I have friends who have had unpleasant experiences with service workers (cleaners, drivers etc.) and with random people in the street. All in all, you shouldn't let small-mindedness ruin your vacation, though. You are entitled to live your life and love who you want.

If you want a "safe" place to go, albeit expensive, come to Scandinavia. I'm Norwegian and no one lifts an eyebrow if same-sex couples hold hands or show other public signs of affection in the street (except for maybe full-on make-out sessions, but that also goes for different-sex couples, so that's more a general thing). Europe in general is probably good, at least as long as you avoid Eastern Europe, they are the least gay friendly in Europe (no offense intended to anyone).