The Paradox of Gay Men As Tourists: Privileged or Penalized?

The belief that gay men are intensive holidaymakers is examined within the context of citizenship and inclusion in society. It is argued that the idea of gays as being economically privileged and as intensive tourists is based on a restricted database. In addition, the tourism patterns of gay men are examined and it is concluded that there are a number of issues that inhibit full participation in this leisure sphere. It is argued that the perpetuation of views of intensive and frequent holidaymaking has had undesirable consequences, including perceptions of gays as "privileged" but also distraction of gays from the pursuit of "equality" in other spheres and the attainment of full citizenship.