In Laos it is illegal to market my bar as gay or put a rainbow flag outside. We have gay staff and attract a mixed crowd of both local and western gays each evening. There are quite a few gay owned bars in Luang Prabang but Lao Lao Garden is the most well known because of various reference to it in online gay resources like Utopia. Are there any gay places in Luang Prabang you recommend? Everyone around me knows I’m gay, but as long as I don’t shout out loud about it, then everything is fine. It can be problematic though for some to gain employment in government or other high status sectors if they are openly gay as there are no anti discrimination laws. Now the social media apps have made this a lot easier. 2/F, 29 Jalan 4/93 (off Jalan Lombong), Kuala Lumpur. Their male masseurs are known to be friendly, skilful, and not hustling for tips.
However, there were no gay places so it was hard to meet other guys. Sempurna Avenue offers good, professional massages in a comfortable, modern setting in KL, equipped with sauna and café. I was really lucky to have a very accepting family and group of friends, which made it very easy for me. Somphorn posing in white What’s it like growing up gay in Laos? One friend in particular was told to leave the house and never come back, but he has now managed to resolve his issues with his family after almost a decade! I do have friends who had a more negative experience when coming out to their families. I was very fortunate to be accepted by everyone around me. I lost my father from a young age so I never really knew him. My mother said she always suspected I was different and was very accepting, as were all my siblings. I came out to my family when I was around 20 years old. Yes, all my family and friends know I’m gay. Channel your inner Lara Croft as you sashay your way through the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, explore the vibrant nightlife of Phnom Penh with a group of fabulous like-minded men, immerse yourself in the serenity of Luang Prabang and try a few exotic culinary discoveries …barbecued spider anyone?įind out more Are you out to your friends and family? Every November, our friends at Out Adventures organise a fabulous gay tour through Laos and Cambodia.