Qatar is once again in the news, after a Qatar Airways manager has been jailed in the small Gulf state for the past few weeks. This reportedly came after some sort of a police sting operation, so let’s go over the details of what we know.
In this post:
Gay Qatar Airways manager reportedly jailed in Doha for weeks
44-year-old dual British and Mexican national Manuel Guerrero Aviña has reportedly been jailed in Doha since February 4, 2024, and this has been confirmed by the relevant consulates. His family is just now going public about this arrest, in hopes that international attention to this case will lead to action being taken for him to be released.
Manuel moves to Doha all the way back in 2017, so he has lived there for over seven years. He started his career at the oneworld airline as a Manager of Product Development, and in June 2023 was promoted to Acting Head of Product Development and Service Design.
He had extensive aviation experience prior to that, having worked at British Airways, Lufthansa, and Star Alliance. He really worked his way up, as he started his career as a flight attendant at British Airways.
So, how did this manager suddenly get arrested? According to Manuel’s brother, he was baited by police in Doha through gay dating and hookup app Grindr:
“Qatar police used a false Grindr profile to contact Manuel and invite him to participate in a meeting with other people from the LGBT community in the city of Doha. Manuel was supposed to meet a person he thought he had arranged an appointment with on the night of February 4 but instead encountered police officers who were waiting to arrest him arbitrarily.”
According to his brother, police planted drugs on Manuel, so he’s being held on drug possession charges:
“During the arrest police planted a quarter of a gram of methamphetamines on him to incriminate him for the crime of drug possession and as of today he remains unjustly imprisoned.”
He also claims that while in custody, police have tried to get him to reveal contact details of other members of the LGBT community:
“From the moment of his arrest, he has been the victim of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment as well of act of psychological torture. Authorities tried to force him to identify in his telephone contacts other members of the LGBT community as well as forcing him to witness the suffering of other detainees while they were whipped. He has been threatened, isolated, deprived of food and sufficient water because of his sexual orientation and health condition.”
Perhaps worst of all, Manuel is HIV positive, but has been denied access to the medication that he needs to manage that:
“He has been denied the right to a lawyer and has been forced to sign documents in Arabic without a translator to assist him. Even worse, he has been been prevented access to antiretroviral medicines he needs to be able to live with HIV, which constitutes an act of torture and puts his life at risk.”
This is an awful situation…
Make no mistake about it, this is a terrible situation, especially as Manuel is reportedly unable to get the medication that he needs to manage his HIV. Intentionally denying someone lifesaving medicine is cruel and and inhumane.
This is a good reminder that while visiting or even working in Gulf states like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates works well for a vast majority of people, there are exceptions. When things go wrong, you have very few rights, and that’s really tough — this is the prime example of that. Things are great, until they aren’t.
While Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are generally considered to be among the more progressive countries in the region, it sure seems like Qatar has been in the news a bit lately for things along these lines, while that’s not a story you often hear out of the United Arab Emirates.
What seems especially heinous here is that he was reportedly baited via Grindr, and then the police planted drugs on him, so that they could arrest him based on that. If that’s how this played out, that’s just next level monstrous.
One other thing worth pointing out is that Qatar generally won’t issue work permits to HIV positive people (which is ridiculous, but that’s a whole different story). So presumably he contracted HIV after moving to the country, since he would have had to undergo a medical exam back in 2017. Presumably he has gotten his medication from outside the country, which isn’t too hard to do when you have flight benefits and work for a global airline. Is the country now trying to “punish” him for that, or what? Ugh…
Qatar is trying to elevate its global profile, and increase its number of visitors. It sees what’s happening in Dubai, and wants in on the action. Qatar, if that’s the goal, these kinds of stories don’t help with that. You want to stay out of the news for things like this, because it certainly doesn’t help with making people more interested in visiting. Yet all too often, Qatar can’t help itself, like when Australian passengers were strip searched back in 2020…
Bottom line
A Qatar Airways manager has reportedly been jailed in Doha for the past several weeks. He’s HIV positive, and has been denied access to the medicine that he needs to be able to stay healthy. According to the man’s brother, he was baited by police through Grindr, and when he met up with them, they planted drugs on him, and arrested him based on that.
If the details here are as presented, then this is absolutely heinous.
And now Sam Chui published a video about Qatar Airways. of course not paid
I really wish Ben would stop writing these articles unless he also looks at the criminal nature of polygamy in the USA. He may have problems if he attempted to obtain a work permit in Dubai and sought to bring his husband but their men with multiple wives can only obtain immigration benefits for the first wife and would be forced to leave all others behind.
This is an OUTRAGE that such HUMAN RIGHTS are being violated. Clearly their opinions, cultures & beliefs are both inferior and wrong, we should free the people from their repressive government.
What about the rights of polygamists in the USA? In the middle east one is free to marry up to four women but in the USA this is prohibited. This is an OUTRAGE of HUMAN RIGHTS.
I don't believe a word of this backstory. This guy obviously has a very tainted background.
1) You aren't supposed to fool around on such an app when being in a middle eastern country, that's already insane.
2) How is he still in the country and entered there while having HIV? If you get diagnosed as a foreigner, then they would usually expel you. He clearly lied to authorities.
3) Why on earth...
I don't believe a word of this backstory. This guy obviously has a very tainted background.
1) You aren't supposed to fool around on such an app when being in a middle eastern country, that's already insane.
2) How is he still in the country and entered there while having HIV? If you get diagnosed as a foreigner, then they would usually expel you. He clearly lied to authorities.
3) Why on earth is someone who is HIV+ on a hookup app? That's grotesque!
4) The drug plant story is definitely false, it's much more likely someone with such a checkered background has his own drugs, so no need to plant any.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!
Wait... do you think that HIV+ people can't date? What?
Girl, GRINDR isn't a dating app.
Maybe @mandy is not as naive as you think she is, and using the term "date" was merely a euphemism. But even if you replace "date" with "f|_|cK", she still has a point. Are you suggesting that HIV-positive people should be banned from a hook-up app? First, you never know the IST status of your hook-up (whether straight or gay meeting apps), which is why safe sex and condoms exist. In the gay community, where...
Maybe @mandy is not as naive as you think she is, and using the term "date" was merely a euphemism. But even if you replace "date" with "f|_|cK", she still has a point. Are you suggesting that HIV-positive people should be banned from a hook-up app? First, you never know the IST status of your hook-up (whether straight or gay meeting apps), which is why safe sex and condoms exist. In the gay community, where the prevalence of ISTs and HIV might be higher, it is always better to assume that the person you are meeting with has something, and therefore safe sex is good practice.
Now, with the progress of antiretroviral therapies, HIV people, if taking their meds properly, achieve a zero viral load, and are undetectable and untransmittable (they cannot infect anymore anyone). Other STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea are way more infectious.
Your comment (3) is therefore very discriminatory towards HIV people. They are normal people who can live normal lives, date and hook up as much as everyone else (in safer countries of course, other than the ones we are talking about here).
I don't disagree with your other points. In the end, the guy knew very well and yet kept on playing with fire. He had to get burnt sooner or later.
Wow. Still amazes me how clueless straight people are about STIs and modern medicine...and the prejudices they still hold. I don't want to assume the kind of person you are and want to give you a chance to become educated. But you're making it hard...
And yet, you lavish praise on the ME3.... with their corrupt and evil regimes...
anybody with principles would avoid them...
The whole middle eastern 'gay' thing is so fu*ked up it's unreal.
I am gay and lived in Saudi for a year for work. I had resigned myself to basically a year of misery and just told myself 'just think of the money'.
Jeez was I wrong! I do not think I have EVER had so many blatant sexual approaches from men ANYWHERE else as I had in Jeddah.
Here's the thing....the locals have...
The whole middle eastern 'gay' thing is so fu*ked up it's unreal.
I am gay and lived in Saudi for a year for work. I had resigned myself to basically a year of misery and just told myself 'just think of the money'.
Jeez was I wrong! I do not think I have EVER had so many blatant sexual approaches from men ANYWHERE else as I had in Jeddah.
Here's the thing....the locals have a completely different view of 'being gay' to 'messing around with other guys'. I know it sounds weird but you have to experience it to understand it. 'Living a gay life' = NOT ok. 'Messing around with guys sexually' = everyone seemed to be at it!
I was spending huge amounts of the time in the amazing gym I joined in Jeddah and it was obviously male only. Honestly, it was like being in a gay club. The local guys were also much more likely to approach a non-local for 'messing about' as way way more likely there would be no family connections.
I made loads of gay friends in Saudi. They would go to London or Barcelona for a month at a time regularly, live entire gay lives outside Saudi and then return and live life on the down low.
Self loathing, oppression and hatred are the same, no matter how you dress it up...
One thing is clear. If you relish that part of the world and practice an LGBTQ+ lifestyle, Israel might be your best bet. Despite the image Israel hosts public LGBTQ parades and Tel Aviv is a party city.
I am not sure the Israeli Government wants this image.
Despite what image? Tel Aviv has been one of the prime LGBT destinations in "Eurosphere" for at least a decade and it's something local tourism agencies used a lot to promote it, so I don't think the government minds it.
This is an important reminder for those who ignore laws in these countries because "they aren't really enforced." It was risky for this guy to live and work there. It is risky to travel there. I'm not a fan of the knee-jerk "let's boycott them" mentality of those upset over someone's latest transgression; however, I also think it's important whenever you are choosing to spend money to think about the values of the companies you...
This is an important reminder for those who ignore laws in these countries because "they aren't really enforced." It was risky for this guy to live and work there. It is risky to travel there. I'm not a fan of the knee-jerk "let's boycott them" mentality of those upset over someone's latest transgression; however, I also think it's important whenever you are choosing to spend money to think about the values of the companies you are giving business to. I've never liked the ME carriers and never given them business. It isn't just the anti-gay thing, but the whole litany of discriminatory practices and labor abuses. You vote with your wallet, and while I'd like to think that this might cause certain travel bloggers to reconsider how reviews of certain national airlines are presented, I know that it won't.
" the laws are really enforced..." until they are, and they want to make an example, and a flagrant foreigner is just the example they want to make... Next stop for you nuts is Russia ---- what could possibly go wrong ???
I want to share my first hand experience in Qatar. I lived there for a few years up until recently. I am not out and I don't do any lifestyle you guys are thinking of or referring to. Except a small number of Western expats, there is really no lifestyle. Even those western expats do things quite discreetly, mostly at their own compound or apartment. There is no gay bar or anything related to it....
I want to share my first hand experience in Qatar. I lived there for a few years up until recently. I am not out and I don't do any lifestyle you guys are thinking of or referring to. Except a small number of Western expats, there is really no lifestyle. Even those western expats do things quite discreetly, mostly at their own compound or apartment. There is no gay bar or anything related to it. So keep your judgment to yourself before you make an awful comment about this person. But the reality is that many engage in gay sex secretly, not just expats but the locals and arabs all included. When I first arrived, I really naively assumed it did not exist and i had to be very careful. Gradually, I realized most people do not care, especially the western expats. The reason is because they have "powerful" embassies or employers in the country, so they can get away with these things. But what was the most surprising was that even arabs who claim they are straight would be interested in doing gay stuff with expats. They have this very weird sense of sexuality, which they do not talk about or maybe even think about. So my bed activities increased as I lived there longer, and I became less careful because I never had any issues and I had amazing fun, and I learned that my employer can protect me quite well because Qatari government doesn't wanna have a bad international publicity, so there were a lot of flexibility on their side. They care about two things: your nationality and your employers. If these two are "powerful" are powerful, you could get away with many things in Qatar. At least that was the case until the world cup.
While I lived there I met with some people from online, most of them are for fun because they are ok with having fun but relationship is just impossible, or they do not consider that as an option. But I made two or three very good friends as well. Again, you will never know they would be into m4m actions if you just see them. One was tunisian and we never had anything sexual between us but we remained close friends. He always said I had to be careful because the police tricks gay people and imprison them and he knew some people in the police. First, I kinda thought that would be ridiculous but eventually I realized that actually happens to the people who do not have the powerful passport and employer, mostly arabs like egyptians or africans and south asians. The problem is that no one protects them when they get into these troubles: embassy staff are homophobic and they cannot tell their family either. So the police know that, and I think they targeted them previously if they had to do it. But I am not sure to what extend they did it before the world cup. While I didn't experience it personally, from other incidents like alcohol or drug related that I knew it actually happened, I knew the police trapping could actually happen. I was not worried about it much because I felt protected because of my employer. Actually, I was more worried about giving a bottle of alcohol to my friend than having gay sex because the former wouldn't create a bad publicity for Qatar, so my employer would be less helpful if i got caught.
However, I felt like things have changed since the world cup. For one thing, now Qatar doesn't care much about the international reputation as the world cup is over. The conservative community always existed in qatar but they were patient with many things because they really valued the world cup. Now there is nothing they worry about, they can easily push their conservative agenda. I keep hearing from friends that the government currently does not know which direction they should go, and actually the tension has increased internally. I am not sure if this is true but I keep hearing it from multiple sources. On a personal note, I recently visited Qatar on a transit but I had a really weird experience on grindr. Someone threatened me to report to the police after secretly recording me when I had sex with him if I did not pay him. This never happened before because, well, the police did not really care and I even had sex with a police guy from morocco before and never got into trouble. In another incident, someone on grindr said "we're gonna get you" when I said I was not interested in him on grindr after exchanging photos. It was a weird comment as if he worked for the police...Anyway, it could be just two incidents within 3 days of my visit but given what I heard from friends there, I would not be surprised if the police became a lot more active these days in this regard. I mean it probably existed for years to africans, asians, and arabs but either it is spreading more to the western expats or this one incident got unlucky. It could be that the police did not know if he had the british passport because he looked like an arab or they thought he was mexican etc. In any case, I wouldn't be surprised if the police implanted drugs to him, simply based on my personal knowledge of how they do things.
Or you could simply follow the law and stop violating the rules in a country you're a guest in. It boggles my mind why people who are hell bound to live their hedonistic lifestyle choose to work in these countries and take their money but don't have the respect to adhere to their laws.
Why, for the love of everything holy, would you be stupid enough to put yourself in a situation where the life you choose to live could result in prison, or worse? Not only that, but further put yourself in a situation where you are using what it likely and "illegal" app that a 5th grader could create a fake profile on? I want to feel bad for him, but just can't really do it. You have to think with the big head, not the little one.
exactly, there are plenty of 10 story building, block walls and Chop Chop Square conveniently located near you !
To be honest, you have given them a massive pass for years because they have a good hard and soft product. Many have pointed out that you overlook or brush aside their human rights abuses. You continue to fly, and praise them, even though you knew that the money goes into a system that is well documented to abuse the rights of women, foreign workers, and restricts freedoms. Your lukewarm post on "The Ethics of...
To be honest, you have given them a massive pass for years because they have a good hard and soft product. Many have pointed out that you overlook or brush aside their human rights abuses. You continue to fly, and praise them, even though you knew that the money goes into a system that is well documented to abuse the rights of women, foreign workers, and restricts freedoms. Your lukewarm post on "The Ethics of Flying Qatar" was weak, and I think you know it.
Its funny that it isn't until they come for us (I am also gay), you speak up so strongly. The old saying "First they came for the..........and no one spoke up, Then they came for me and no one was left to speak for me." I choose to speak for others.
I like you and your blog, but you have a massive blind spot in areas like this and its hurting people. Your coverage of them has given them free advertisement and helped fill their coffers. I think an ethical person would find that troubling.
Thanks for pointing this out!
Lucky/Ben has always been very indulgent of those Middle East airlines, praising their products, all while being LGBT and knowing fully well what those countries can actually do to us.
I have chosen to never give my hard-earned money and business to those companies because their countries/governments are still dangerous for me and my family. As a father happily married to my husband with two awesome kids, I would...
Thanks for pointing this out!
Lucky/Ben has always been very indulgent of those Middle East airlines, praising their products, all while being LGBT and knowing fully well what those countries can actually do to us.
I have chosen to never give my hard-earned money and business to those companies because their countries/governments are still dangerous for me and my family. As a father happily married to my husband with two awesome kids, I would never feel safe even transiting in those countries despite all the feedbacks that everything is fine... until it is not. Just because the laws are not enforced and because the countries are more progressive doesn't mean the law will never be enforced. I don't want to be the statistical exception to whom an example is to be made.
This is definitely not right what has happened, but how far does one go in terms of boycotting? The unfortunate reality is that its pretty hard to boycott literally everything in the world in modern times. You could find faults in plenty of company's and/or governments worldwide. I mean those considering boycotting QR, would you consider boycotting all the countries/governments that are supporting Israel and complicit in the genocide in Gaza? I bet the answer...
This is definitely not right what has happened, but how far does one go in terms of boycotting? The unfortunate reality is that its pretty hard to boycott literally everything in the world in modern times. You could find faults in plenty of company's and/or governments worldwide. I mean those considering boycotting QR, would you consider boycotting all the countries/governments that are supporting Israel and complicit in the genocide in Gaza? I bet the answer for many of the posters here is no.
Not sure I buy the drug planted card being played to entrap him, but the GCC countries -- including the UAE -- have an awful history of playing dirty games to entrap and to try to coerce confessions of guilt and to try to grab and punish others by doing so.
Be careful about what kind of online presence you have. Even otherwise, just your photo -- and it doesn't even have to be a...
Not sure I buy the drug planted card being played to entrap him, but the GCC countries -- including the UAE -- have an awful history of playing dirty games to entrap and to try to coerce confessions of guilt and to try to grab and punish others by doing so.
Be careful about what kind of online presence you have. Even otherwise, just your photo -- and it doesn't even have to be a photo of you -- being out there online or with various commercial and government databases accessible to government actors can make it more likely you are at risk of problems from questionable actors. Those questionable actors being those who may hate you for you being you or your way of conducting yourself; those who may hate you for whom or what you love; those who may despise you for your principles and way of defending them.
@Lucky, are you still OK w flying Qatar? Maybe update your previous post?
https://onemileatatime.com/ethics-flying-qatar-airways/
Now let's book ourselves a QR flight because they have a better champagne on board. #hypocrites
..pyjamas and amenity kit..and a great suite..blah blah...yup that is hypocrite indeed!
First, I hope the guy has got the urgent help he needed from the British or Mexican Embassy etc. Second, hopefully they let them take his medicines. Third, again lessons to be learned. There are places where your sexual orientation is publicly tabu. You should inform yourself if it is worth the risk of imprisonment for the sake of traveling there etc.
I would not generally tell somebody how to live their liives. Some...
First, I hope the guy has got the urgent help he needed from the British or Mexican Embassy etc. Second, hopefully they let them take his medicines. Third, again lessons to be learned. There are places where your sexual orientation is publicly tabu. You should inform yourself if it is worth the risk of imprisonment for the sake of traveling there etc.
I would not generally tell somebody how to live their liives. Some places in this world still have prejudices against all kinds of gays and profoundly believe that gays cause illness and immorality. Nobody wants to live in a society, country etc. in which you have a target on your back.
Sadly to say, always be vigilant and sensible in your ways when travelling abroad. When travelling in their country, their rules apply! Just ask yourself if you really need to travel in such areas where your personality/-yourself is not wanted. There other choices..always!
I’ll be interested to see if this results in Ben praising Qatar Airways less. At the moment, his reviews of the carrier (which is owned by Qatar’s tyrannical, bigoted government) are glowing, and make virtually no mention of said government’s inhumanity.
Also, those of you spouting the old “their country, their rules” hogwash disgust me. I hope I never get so callous as to predicate my empathy for someone on whether they happen to have been born in a free country.
This is so awful :(
Not uncommon for gay people in Qatar to have issues especially if people are transgender. Weird though you don't hear about police planting drugs on all those other people. Somehow it seems like there is more to the story especially when it comes to the drugs. In addition, this guy chose to live there. I don't feel a whole lot of sympathy if he is running around Qatar pursuing this lifestyle. Their laws and cultural/religious...
Not uncommon for gay people in Qatar to have issues especially if people are transgender. Weird though you don't hear about police planting drugs on all those other people. Somehow it seems like there is more to the story especially when it comes to the drugs. In addition, this guy chose to live there. I don't feel a whole lot of sympathy if he is running around Qatar pursuing this lifestyle. Their laws and cultural/religious beliefs are very well known. He should have lived somewhere else if he wanted to engage in this conduct. Play stupid games win stupid prizes.
i think you are being super judgmental. These things happen a lot more than you know but people just do not know because it is not picked up regularly. I think there was a change in the government direction after the world cup, so even if you don't do the lifestyle you are referring to, one can get into trouble in qatar these days
As an HIV+ reader of this blog, I regret to have read the ignorant comments here. It is sad, hurtful, and shows how much more work there is to educate the public.
Some of the comments here about HIV are vile and display an almost impressive combination of sheer ignorance about HIV - how it’s best treated, managed and combatted - together with more than a dash of homophobia.
I can't give too much details since this kind of things are supposed to remain private and I'm definitely not proud of the situation, which should have more suited to Reddit than OMAAT.
It seems extremely obvious but don't engage in (gay) sex in a QR Lounge. I was guiltily tipsy due to some Veuve Clicquot Millésimé Champagne glasses. Had some soft fun with a QR handsome employee after some eye contacts in what...
I can't give too much details since this kind of things are supposed to remain private and I'm definitely not proud of the situation, which should have more suited to Reddit than OMAAT.
It seems extremely obvious but don't engage in (gay) sex in a QR Lounge. I was guiltily tipsy due to some Veuve Clicquot Millésimé Champagne glasses. Had some soft fun with a QR handsome employee after some eye contacts in what he said is a remote area without cameras. I was so worried about the hypothetical cameras issues, but he insisted saying he perfectly knew the Lounge. Both consenting of course.
I wrongly felt at that moment that nothing could happen to me since I was a French Full fare First Class Pax.
After that, this employee disappeared from the Lounge whereas he was supposed to end his shift a few hours later.
The other employees I was talking to -- who were so friendly and lovely dramatically change their tone all of a sudden, which made me understood
some of them knew or hinted to some extent what happened. They remain very professional yet very cold.
Luckily, I had my flight to Paris without any issue, but I couldn't see anymore this employee and hope he was not fired or deported. I better realize now I was definitely unconscious.
People like you should have their passports impounded. Absolutely disgusting, shameful behavior. That guy has probably not just been fired but was jailed for this offense.
I think we need to respect their Middle Easternness. It is a woke form of western imperialism to make these Eastern religious lands accept the modern western and liberal ways.
Very strange story. I don’t think we’ve heard the whole story. I’ll pass on Qatar. Unless there is a fire sale on AA PHL DOH RT for $700. Egypt seems more promising. They have invested in their infrastructure and tourism.
He lives in a state that outlawed sex between the same sex. A rational person would know not to go on sites for a one night stand.
The thing that disturbs me the most is that he is HIV positive and thus is risking two things spreading his strain to others, while risking getting infected by another strain. For him to continue to have sex knowing he's infected is wrong. Sorry you have a disease and its your responsibility to prevent the spread.
Ever heard of condoms, mate? There is so much that is wrong with your entire post, I didn't know where to start. Get informed and think first before you post garbage like this.
I know lots of people who are called oops because daddy believed in condoms.
Don’t get too disturbed, that might have been true 10+ yrs ago for sure but times change. Once on the current antiretrovirals HIV positive people are at virtually zero ability to spread the virus….been that way for a few years now
Yea I don't know we can assume that he is taking medications like that. Being that he would likely hide his HIV status I can't imagine he is routinely going through customs with those types of meds or filling them in Qatar.
It’s actually addressed in the article….he was on medication (which are the antiretrovirals which bring viral load to undetectable and untransmissable) and is being denied them.
You're very ill-informed, the HIV medication makes it impossible to spread the virus as it's indetectable + there are also condoms of course. And HIV- gay men who don't use condoms these days take prep, which is highly efficient to prevent any infection anyway. Have you opened a newspaper since 1990?
Think your knowledge of HIV, how its spread and how its treated stalled out in th 90s and as few others have pointed out do some research before posting shite like this and not making yourself look like a bigger fool than you just have.
@skedguy..pls. inform yourself and be aware of how you convey your opinion. Having HIV does not mean you are a walking killer and not allowed to find someone to love. It is really disturbing when ppl. comment without knowing the facts first.
This is not a personal attack and you are not the enemy here..but such states and authorities like Qatar who generally see the worst in the LGBQT instead of taking real efforts...
@skedguy..pls. inform yourself and be aware of how you convey your opinion. Having HIV does not mean you are a walking killer and not allowed to find someone to love. It is really disturbing when ppl. comment without knowing the facts first.
This is not a personal attack and you are not the enemy here..but such states and authorities like Qatar who generally see the worst in the LGBQT instead of taking real efforts to know what the real matter is and how to solve or approach it without sacrificing one,s individuality and privacy.
Are you posting from 1987? Because if not, you might want to read up on modern HIV medication.
I personally like how the majority of the comments are sensible and in a way personal. I feel a great sense of symphathy to the LGBTQ community here and it should be like that. Learn to be tolerant and open to others. Sure it is not easy to maintane and commit whole heartedly to one's conviction everytime. We are humans and always have flaws. Nobody is perfect. Just give some thoughts, if spending your money...
I personally like how the majority of the comments are sensible and in a way personal. I feel a great sense of symphathy to the LGBTQ community here and it should be like that. Learn to be tolerant and open to others. Sure it is not easy to maintane and commit whole heartedly to one's conviction everytime. We are humans and always have flaws. Nobody is perfect. Just give some thoughts, if spending your money or giving indirect support to such countries or cultures really reflect who you really are and wants to be. It always start within us.
Regarding all the comments about drugs changing everything; Drugs are not absolute. We all read and expect things work as depicted in TV commercials. I can assure you there are batches that don't work as well and counterfeit issues. There are usually not reported publicly because the perfect image is better.
Moe,
That’s why condoms are still a necessity even if someone is on ART therapy as there are other STIs to worry about….no one has suggested that such drugs absolve someone from also using a condom, gay OR straight
Both sides here are wrong.
Anyone who expects countries in the area to behave rationally wrt LGBT+ issues is naive. Qatari authorities demonstrated this during the the world cup when they freaked out over people wearing *gasp* rainbows on their clothing!
The Qatari authorities are wrong for. obvious reasons. LGBT* people have always existed, and this animosity is ridiculous.
And Ben is bonkers for even reviewing products and services in this area. He explains how...
Both sides here are wrong.
Anyone who expects countries in the area to behave rationally wrt LGBT+ issues is naive. Qatari authorities demonstrated this during the the world cup when they freaked out over people wearing *gasp* rainbows on their clothing!
The Qatari authorities are wrong for. obvious reasons. LGBT* people have always existed, and this animosity is ridiculous.
And Ben is bonkers for even reviewing products and services in this area. He explains how he's a respectable gay but that won't really protect him.
Certainly an awful situation but he knew this going into it and decided to move to there anyway. I think there is more to the story that is missing. Generally speaking police don't just perform such an operation without some cause or reason. Consider how many other people use those types of apps and it is not like you hear about people getting cornered like he did on a routine basis.
These countries have their rounds of "morality policing". Add in concerns about illicit drugs being used or spread by online dating app users to encourage other activity that the authorities find objectionable, and unfortunately there is a risk from participating in activities in such areas even when there was no such risk from participating in some such activities elsewhere.
Not winning on this terrible spam filter. I tried to post a link to a similar story to the one Ben wrote about that occurred just a few weeks back. Gay Qatar flight attendant, trumped up charges, abuse by security forces, absence of procedural justice, but the post got deleted, so, take my word for it, virtually the same thing happened in November to another man. This is far from an isolated incident.
You really ought not to end there kinds of stories with The Bottom Line. As they say - FAFO. He knew the rules and chose to endorse them with his presence in that situation ...
I had 2 Transit on Doha...ONLY
But its bad hearing that.......
The power if money!!
I just posted a link to a story very similar to this that occurred in Qatar just a few weeks ago. Gay flight attendant, drummed up charges, no procedural justice, abuse by security forces, deportation. Guess you can’t post links here, because the post disappeared. Take my word for it, it happened, was reported in the global news media.
It might be worth noting that this is the second such case within a few weeks. There’s variation in terms of the trumped up charges, but similar degrees of abuse. https://inews.co.uk/news/i-was-deported-for-wearing-tinted-moisturiser-qatars-new-lgbt-crackdown-2759088
I have an upcoming award business class flight to Doha and feel disgusted to go on the trip.
Why? Did you just discover today how things work in the Muslim world?
Disgusted, yeah right. If you you really feel that way , you should have canceled the trip already.
just to stir the pot a little further, why is it that there is such a reverence for East Asian airlines for whom a middle aged woman will never survive as a flight attendant for most of them?
If human rights in employment practices matter, then the issue is hardly just LBG.... It is about providing an opportunity for people to fully development themselves and leave when they are ready.
Couldn’t agree more.
Are you really equating active human rights violations to mildly sexist business practices?
If so, then you need to come at the whole of the corporate world because they all engage in active sexism/lookism based on people's appearance. Obese people are less likely to get hired by their thinner counterparts with equal qualifications. Somethings are just realities in life. I didn't take you to be one of those lib-cucked SJWs that cry about every small...
Are you really equating active human rights violations to mildly sexist business practices?
If so, then you need to come at the whole of the corporate world because they all engage in active sexism/lookism based on people's appearance. Obese people are less likely to get hired by their thinner counterparts with equal qualifications. Somethings are just realities in life. I didn't take you to be one of those lib-cucked SJWs that cry about every small "microaggression" they face.
I am not a SJW but the point remains that there are systematic humans rights including near 100% elimination of paths of opportunity for medium aged women.
The reason why some of the Middle Eastern airlines have such high turnover is that they pay their employees low by western standards and then treat them bad. those airlines are happy for someone to work for a few years, send back money to their family in...
I am not a SJW but the point remains that there are systematic humans rights including near 100% elimination of paths of opportunity for medium aged women.
The reason why some of the Middle Eastern airlines have such high turnover is that they pay their employees low by western standards and then treat them bad. those airlines are happy for someone to work for a few years, send back money to their family in poorer countries, and then leave for a few years.
The entire Middle East has been built on that principle which is not unlike the cruise industry.
as has been noted, we all get to vote where we spend our money - and we directly do so saying that we don't care about the values of a company - which go far beyond just employee rights.
We as westerns might put sexual preference discrimination at the top of the list but it only affects a relatively small percentage of total works. Low pay and lack of ability to advance, esp. for a woman, affects far larger percentages of the workforce.
You can´t talk about Thai Airways. Took probably 10 business class long distance flights with them in 2023 and probably 8 out of 10 flights I had a super professional, friendly flight attendant in her late 50´s serving me. Always prefer these over the cute early 20´s girls who are mostly clueless.
Just be careful in your travels through these countries
Given that Qatar Airways has a pretty good reputation as far as its planes and service go, and competitive pricing, and since I fly primarily One World I would normally opt for Qatar when flying from LA to the Middle East and Africa; however, after hearing stories like this one, I will avoid Qatar like the plague and stick with British Airways and other carriers.
Bottom line is that we have a choice every...
Given that Qatar Airways has a pretty good reputation as far as its planes and service go, and competitive pricing, and since I fly primarily One World I would normally opt for Qatar when flying from LA to the Middle East and Africa; however, after hearing stories like this one, I will avoid Qatar like the plague and stick with British Airways and other carriers.
Bottom line is that we have a choice every time we book a flight and airline, and why would I want to support an airline and country that so viciously discriminate against and entrap its very own seasoned employees and residents? No thank you.
Qatar - Hopefully you'll wake up and take much better care of your own. Until you do so, I'm not stepping onto one of your planes.
I respect your saying this. And many others will also. But the reality is there are millions right behind you that don’t care and will see Q Suites for a low redemption to Maldives and scream, “Yay!” Indignation these days lasts about 20 minutes.
Mark,
BA is owned by IAG which in turn the largest shareholder at 25% is Qatar….. So now if you are serious in your convictions no IAG airlines for you!
British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, LEVEL, IAG Loyalty and IAG Cargo - IAG
Biggest shareholder of IAG... QATAR AIRWAYS... So if you don't want to fly Qatar because of this story (assuming it is true), I get it. But if you don't want to be a hypocrite, you can't fly British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus as well.
Own shares in IAG is different than managing and controling the airline group.
Doesn't everyone who gets arrested claim the drugs were planted? This story is shocking and appalling, if true. It is true Qatar has a brutal negative track record with the LGBQT+ community. However, it does not mean the story is true.
I would like more independent reporting to confirm the many accusations and, if true, share in the outrage.
I ask this respectfully to all of the bloggers who gush over Qatar Airways and Doha, Will you continue to fly them and review their hotels in light of your disgust over actions like these?
I’m asking asking for a friend.
The sad reality is that the screams of injustice and indignation will be forgotten in a week or two when QR J offers a huge release of space from the U.S. Suddenly, Q...
I ask this respectfully to all of the bloggers who gush over Qatar Airways and Doha, Will you continue to fly them and review their hotels in light of your disgust over actions like these?
I’m asking asking for a friend.
The sad reality is that the screams of injustice and indignation will be forgotten in a week or two when QR J offers a huge release of space from the U.S. Suddenly, Q Suites is the best business class in the world.
Watch Jon Stewart “explain” this on his “Russia” episode regarding their amazing subway stations. Tyranny and fascism can get you some pretty nice subway stations…(and airlines).
Yes, they will. In about a year from now Ben, who himself is part of the LGBT community, will post his trip review in QSuites and talk about how great the food and service is, without any mention of these human rights violations. Completely hypocritical and disgusting.
Well said!!!!!!! I couldn't agree more! There seems to be no limit to this hypocrisy!
Ben should really stop flying these airlines, and promoting their products, and taking their advertising dollars.
He's not "engaging in dialogue" between a gay person and a Middle Eastern government. He's not changing any hearts or minds. Ben is not a political or cultural leader, nor does he run in those circles. He's sitting on an airplane, eating their food, and giving them thousands of dollars for the privilege. He's enriching their regime and...
Ben should really stop flying these airlines, and promoting their products, and taking their advertising dollars.
He's not "engaging in dialogue" between a gay person and a Middle Eastern government. He's not changing any hearts or minds. Ben is not a political or cultural leader, nor does he run in those circles. He's sitting on an airplane, eating their food, and giving them thousands of dollars for the privilege. He's enriching their regime and rationalizing their treatment of his own kind.
As a gay Westerner, some things are more important to me than luxury or revenue from ad clicks.
As a Gay man myself..... I am inclined to agree with you. While I applaud Ben visiting countries I would NEVER consider... I would remind my LGBTQ younger generation that MY generation changed a corporate landscape by boycotting Coors Beer and Florida Orange Juice...
@BradStPete, it takes people on the inside and outside. As part of that same group, maybe a couple years younger as I was a pre-teen for Anita's BS... Having visible LGBTQ people on the inside of corporations was as important as the boycotts and protests. I'm not suggesting that people should go do what this guy did -- be on Grindr in Doha -- but things don't change if they don't SEE us and call us friends and family.
LOL... talking about beer boycotts, how did that work out for Bud Light and AB? :D
Go look at InBev's share price history. They're fine
Ironic Qatar is so strict on homosexuality when Qatari men are some of the most frequent customers of rent boys in London, surprising when you consider how small Qatar is population wise.
They are hypocrites. As soon as they visit Europe, partying, drug taking, and escorts. I knew someone who worked at the Dorchester Hotel in London and had some many stories about what went on in the suites to the extent that once the guests left, the rooms had to be refurbished. And so much paraphernalia found under the mattresses.
Then as soon as they get back home, it’s business as usual condemning the immorality of the western lifestyle and family values.
After seeing what has gone on in the US with the de facto support for Trump in so many corners, I am not sure the Gulf Arabs are hypocrites anymore than anyone else. Sure, I too may find it very questionable that you get Arab royals who defend or say silent about "morality policing" closer to home for them and then go need a bunch of STD tests and treatment when they are in the...
After seeing what has gone on in the US with the de facto support for Trump in so many corners, I am not sure the Gulf Arabs are hypocrites anymore than anyone else. Sure, I too may find it very questionable that you get Arab royals who defend or say silent about "morality policing" closer to home for them and then go need a bunch of STD tests and treatment when they are in the US and Europe since they got hit by those or other problems perhaps due to illegal drug use on top of who knows what else.
The Gulf Arabs are part of "go along to get along" crowd when in their own backyard and then play elsewhere, perhaps because they know the risks are not the same when abroad as when closer to home. But this isn't unusual. A lot of vacationers -- more so men than women, but increasingly both -- from the US tend to partake in riskier behavior while on vacation a flight or two away from home than while in their own neighborhood. The risk behavior profile of people is sort of contingent upon where they are and under what conditions they are where they are, so what you note is sort of the typical "humans being humans".
Don't forget that the state of Qatar is a major shareholder in IAG. I hope the LGBTQI+ readers of the blog enjoy their flights on BA and Iberia!
On the other hand, BA and Iberia are not guilty of the same conduct or repression as Qatar. Yes, they may own a big stake of IAG, but the airlines themselves better respect the rights of their passengers and staff and the countries that host them would not allow these forms of disgusting discrimination.
People confuse what should be fair and right to what is reality in other parts of the world. Using an app like Grinder in a place Qatar is dangerous. In fact, using an app to hook up for sex (and not just gay sex) has an element of risk. The big difference in that in the US, most of Europe and Australia a report of a crime against a gay man would get due attention,...
People confuse what should be fair and right to what is reality in other parts of the world. Using an app like Grinder in a place Qatar is dangerous. In fact, using an app to hook up for sex (and not just gay sex) has an element of risk. The big difference in that in the US, most of Europe and Australia a report of a crime against a gay man would get due attention, not so in other countries. Gay men do not go on Grinder to find friends, they go on Grinder for sex hook ups.
There is always more to the story! Do some research and see how many people try to bring Drugs to Middle Eastern Countries. Mostly Pakistanis, Nigerians, and other African countries. Countries in the ME (including Indonesia, Singapore,Malaysia,etc) have very strict Laws when it comes to Drugs. Death is a common punishment.
Quite possible there were Drugs involved. No one goes out looking for Gays to prosecute. This Drug Deal Gone Bad becomes story if...
There is always more to the story! Do some research and see how many people try to bring Drugs to Middle Eastern Countries. Mostly Pakistanis, Nigerians, and other African countries. Countries in the ME (including Indonesia, Singapore,Malaysia,etc) have very strict Laws when it comes to Drugs. Death is a common punishment.
Quite possible there were Drugs involved. No one goes out looking for Gays to prosecute. This Drug Deal Gone Bad becomes story if you involve the words "GAYS" and "Grinder".
Qatar is a Beautiful Place to visit. NO CRIME! you can go out in the middle of the Night, walk around Doha at Night, no one is going to Bother you. Try that in Gay Mecca of USA aka San Francisco or Oakland.
Arresting and beating innocents is a crime in Qatar. Planting drugs is a crime in Qatar. Refusing consular services is a crime in Qatar. Having a party is not a crime. Note that in this story on this blog, there is no allegation of any unlawful sexual acts. Perhaps you've read such allegations elsewhere, which would make an excellent rebuttal to my points. As far as I can tell, the only allegation of criminal conduct...
Arresting and beating innocents is a crime in Qatar. Planting drugs is a crime in Qatar. Refusing consular services is a crime in Qatar. Having a party is not a crime. Note that in this story on this blog, there is no allegation of any unlawful sexual acts. Perhaps you've read such allegations elsewhere, which would make an excellent rebuttal to my points. As far as I can tell, the only allegation of criminal conduct is possession of meth. In the circumstances, the claim that the cops planted it is enough for reasonalbe doubt in my mind. Perhaps you disagree and find the claim of police brutality and criminality unbelievable. I find it plausible.
There are sooo many totally clueless people in this forum it is shocking.
The biggest users of drugs in this region are LOCALS and yes as it is a lucrative business many guys from poorer countries do try to smuggle them into these Middle East countries. Would there be no market, there would be no business.
I do travel to the region as a gay man for more than 20 years and also...
There are sooo many totally clueless people in this forum it is shocking.
The biggest users of drugs in this region are LOCALS and yes as it is a lucrative business many guys from poorer countries do try to smuggle them into these Middle East countries. Would there be no market, there would be no business.
I do travel to the region as a gay man for more than 20 years and also do work in healthcare. This means I do know a lot of health professionals around the region and where ever I go the 4 biggest problems among the locals are 1.) alcoholism 2.) abortions 3.) drug abuse and addiction and 4.) HIV. So how does that happen if they are all dry, have no sex before marriage, never take drugs and never have unprotected gay anal sex?? I have also never seen bigger gay scenes via apps as in countries like Saudi-Arabia, the UAE and Oman among others. Especially as a western visitor you get flooded with locals who do want to meet you. Stunning is, that the majority of these guys have never heard of safe sex, prep or antiviral pills. So for all these "frequent travellers" who better should stay home in the bible belt then to judge others educate yourself before you write all these ignorant, uninformed and hateful comments. And if you are not informed that HIV in the meantime is better treatable, with less complications than for example diabetes please shut up and write about topics that you perhaps comprehend.
Qatar is spending fortunes on marketing and enjoys a reputation which is totally different than the reality. A good friend of mine was arrested and deported after 10 years living in Qatar. He had an apartment which he owned and a car and a filled bank account. He lost it all after being arrested on immoral activities at 2 am in his apartment. He was not hiding being gay and felt secure after 10 years,...
Qatar is spending fortunes on marketing and enjoys a reputation which is totally different than the reality. A good friend of mine was arrested and deported after 10 years living in Qatar. He had an apartment which he owned and a car and a filled bank account. He lost it all after being arrested on immoral activities at 2 am in his apartment. He was not hiding being gay and felt secure after 10 years, but all ended in one night. He was arrested, interrogated and beaten and tortured for 3 weeks before being send home to a third country as his home country was no longer in diplomatic relations with Qatar. The country is using pretexts like the sexual orientation to get rid of people they don’t like. It’s a police state.
One day Ben is going to jailed by one of these countries (Qatar/UAE/Saudi) for simply being gay or jewish. Hell cry for the US consulate to intervene. Until then he will continue to advertise for these airlines
You have weird (but oddly-detailed) fantasies.
If someone is in trouble in Qatar, the UAE, Saudi they would seek help from the embassy. Consulates are normally diplomatic outposts in secondary cities. Embassies are in the capitals. Ben reviews all airlines, even some of the most obscure. If he were so concerned with advertising dollars he would not be brining this to the attention of his readership.
It won't be because of being Jewish. It's unlikely even for just being gay. For engaging in homosexual activities in the place or seeking them while in the place, that is where the risk is. Technically, the risk is also there for unmarried people engaging in or seeking sexual activities with others while in the place.
What I found interesting is that there are some places where the AirBnb hosts even indicate that couples are...
It won't be because of being Jewish. It's unlikely even for just being gay. For engaging in homosexual activities in the place or seeking them while in the place, that is where the risk is. Technically, the risk is also there for unmarried people engaging in or seeking sexual activities with others while in the place.
What I found interesting is that there are some places where the AirBnb hosts even indicate that couples are not welcome to stay there unless they can show proof of being married. Sort of amusingly, they don't seem to say anything about homosexual couples and only ask sometimes when it comes to some heterosexual groups.
Absolutely true to the point!
Figured this post would show how toxic your commenters are, Ben.
Know it's an open forum but maybe take some time to think about why you keep attracting people like this.
I believe that the reason for Qatar's HIV negative requirement for visas is to protect its population from transmission of the disease. Due to the culture, HIV was not (and still isn't) a prominent disease in the population of Qatar going back to when oil was discovered. In order to maintain that, they have the HIV negative requirement.
Also, contrary to popular belief, there are a number of homosexuals in the Middle East. This is...
I believe that the reason for Qatar's HIV negative requirement for visas is to protect its population from transmission of the disease. Due to the culture, HIV was not (and still isn't) a prominent disease in the population of Qatar going back to when oil was discovered. In order to maintain that, they have the HIV negative requirement.
Also, contrary to popular belief, there are a number of homosexuals in the Middle East. This is partially due to the segregation of genders in society (to prevent inproper relations between them). However, one consequence of that is that males begin doing things with one another. I wouldn't necessarily call these people "gay" (it's not that they are only attracted to their own gender, rather its just them getting what they can). Medical professionals in the region are aware of this. As a result, the governments policy of an HIV negative test for foreign workers helps ensure the disease does not spread within its population. If it were to spread, the people who get the disease will not be treated well by family members or society. As a result, I personally completely support the negative HIV requirement for foreign workers.
Keep in mind that it is their country, and theoretically they are able to set whatever rules they wish for foreigners wishing to earn money on their lands. We may not agree with all of them, but this is their country.
A "number of homosexuals in the Middle East"? A number? There are as many gay people in the middle east as anywhere else, but laws in certain countries mean it's very much under the radar. Look at countries like Lebanon - a rich source of gay men LOL!
Now, as you say Qatar is a sovereign country. But a better way to stop the spread of HIV is with drugs like PrEP which basically mean HIV is untransmittable. Rather than, I dunno, gay dating app stings.
@W, it's impossible to get a residency permit in any Middle Eastern country with any chronic disease. It's not about protecting the community, it's about keeping healthcare costs down.
That strategy only works if all the Qataris are kept at home too! You're not really making a great flex with this "explanation."
If a community at higher risk for a certain disease spread is pushed underground, it creates a bigger public healthcare problem. Qatar is not doing itself any favor with regard to protecting the public in the country from STDs spreading by not being accepting of sexual minorities engaged in mutually consensual sexual acts with other adults. Even the extended Qatari royal family has some members who are not heterosexual and I am pretty sure that...
If a community at higher risk for a certain disease spread is pushed underground, it creates a bigger public healthcare problem. Qatar is not doing itself any favor with regard to protecting the public in the country from STDs spreading by not being accepting of sexual minorities engaged in mutually consensual sexual acts with other adults. Even the extended Qatari royal family has some members who are not heterosexual and I am pretty sure that the current Emir hasn't forgotten that.
I mean it's Qatar.
I am baffled by the amount of people that still stay there knowing how oppressive and deceitful the country is.
World Cup 2022 comes to mind. A country I will not visit, nor an airline I would fly.
Qatar is based for not tolerating the 2 main attack vectors of HIV and thereby protecting its population+visitors:
1 Tough stance against injectable drugs.
2 Tough stance against high-risk sexual practices that are not even serving any reproductive function.
1. You know modern drugs mean HIV is essentially untransmittable yes? If you want to "protect" your country from HIV allowing access to those drugs is far more effective then doing random dating app stings.
3. HIV infections are down 60pc from their peak - that drop has NOT been achieved by prosecuting gay men
2. The majority of HIV infections globally are among heterosexuals, so take your dog whistle "not even serving...
1. You know modern drugs mean HIV is essentially untransmittable yes? If you want to "protect" your country from HIV allowing access to those drugs is far more effective then doing random dating app stings.
3. HIV infections are down 60pc from their peak - that drop has NOT been achieved by prosecuting gay men
2. The majority of HIV infections globally are among heterosexuals, so take your dog whistle "not even serving any reproductive function" homophobia back to the 1980s where it belongs.
Max: do it for pleasure, not to conceive. That's nearly everyone's policy worldwide, so therefore it's government policy nearly everywhere. If you think it's immoral to engage in pleasurable sexual behaviour that doesn't reproduce offspring, you need to live in a closed religious community. You're surrounded by women on the pill, men with vasectomies, naturally infertile people, men having sex with men...
1 only works if these drugs are reliably taken, which often is not the case/people are being dependent on their positive counter part taking it.
2 False, apart from drug needle sharing, it's mostly the LGBTQP+-crowd thats disproportionally positive. The worst being covert bisexuals who do transmit it into heterosexual groups.
@Max, you have no clue what you're talking about.
Is it possible that this guy brought drugs to the Grindr meeting? Still, unless you're flying to an African country with little air connectivity except to Doha and Dubai, fly Western European airlines or Singapore Airlines.
When I flew from the United States to India, I chose Singapore Airlines along with a short rest in Singapore for jet lag.
I've been a regular traveller on QR for the last 10 years. The first time I took the DOH-SIN flight in the then brand new Q-Suites was a revelation. However after my last trip "down under" in January, I have decided enough is enough, and won't be flying with Qatar in the future. No big single reason, just a fair number of small reasons which, when added together, made me question my former loyalty to...
I've been a regular traveller on QR for the last 10 years. The first time I took the DOH-SIN flight in the then brand new Q-Suites was a revelation. However after my last trip "down under" in January, I have decided enough is enough, and won't be flying with Qatar in the future. No big single reason, just a fair number of small reasons which, when added together, made me question my former loyalty to them. There are lots of great alternatives on most routes. They may not offer the Q-Suite but they will give greater peace of mind. So fcuk 'em.
This is the most informative comment. This one incident isn't big enough to influence most. The instant-boycott crowd was already boycotting all ME carriers and the rest were mildly uneasy with the moral stature of Qatar and its flag carrier. But for some, this was one of many straws piled on the camel's back. This is why Ben's advice to QR is on the money.
my answer is simple. STOP GIVING THESE PEOPLE YOUR MONEY. Let them rot in their sandcastles when they run out of oil.
In the case of Qatar, it’s not oil that is the big money — it’s natural gas.
Ben, I think the selling of OMANs A330 would be a better post. Must be a slow day in Miami.
Then maybe you should start your own blog, instead of trying to control what other people do.
Based on the responses, plenty of people find this post fascinating, for various reasons.
The reason is very obvious....
@ cbchicago -- Not a slow news day at all, just a story that I think is worth covering. What did I miss with Oman Air's A330s being sold? A while back I covered that the airline will stop flying its A330s as of March, though is there an update that I missed?
Google. Oman retiring A330
@ Cbchicago -- When I Google that, I find the post I wrote a while back:
https://onemileatatime.com/news/oman-air-shrinking-retiring-a330/
Please let me know what I'm missing!
Many gay people go to or transfer in DOH. This is quite important news.
Have to commend you for bringing this to light. A lot of people would not want to annoy the Qatari Airways gods.
And this is so disgusting. I wish people boycott this airline.
What does Qatar Airways have to do with what police did to one of their employees on his own time?
Ask their publicist.
if you know being gay is not tolerated in Qatar, why work in Qatar? 97% of the world population are NOT homosexuals.
Nonsense.
"There are no homosexuals. There are homosexual acts, which are perfectly natural. If they weren't, it wouldn't be possible to perform them." - Gore Vidal
I love QATAR airways products! I don't know the truth of this case. I am a proud hetrosexual and I can’t imagine homosexual lifestyle. it’s very disgusting but I wish no harm what soever for homosexuals.
Don't worry. If your face is anything like your attitude, you won't ever have to fear the gays bothering you about anything....
Manveer, please let us know of all the challenges you have had to overcome being hetreosexual that has made you so "proud". I'm interested to hear of the discrimination and bullying you've received from friends, family and workplaces because of your "very disgusting" sexuality which you have no power to change. And of the anti-heterosexual laws you've campaigned against.
this comment is not cool. REPORT function doesn't work. REMOVE
What's disgusting, Manveer, is that you actually typed this out, thought about it, and hit "Post". Do you enjoy judging others and spreading hate? You should be ashamed.
Not really a travel related story.
Entirely a relevant story for the readership of this blog. In fact, I can't even imagine how you conclude that.
Absolutely true! Ben,s articles are mostly now of this caliber
The endless pursuit of monetary gain, material pleasures (think endless fawning over Qsuites) or both makes Westerners compromise core principles of democracies and human rights. Qatar is an active collaborator in global terror, financing and hosting Hamas and its billionaire leaders, and playing dirty games with Iran. The UAE is not Qatar.
Time to wake up or own it.
I don't know your citizenship, but for almost any, there's a glib retort. We're all aware of the ills of Qatar, including their abuse of gays and women, cheap/slave labour for the World Cup, mistreatment by QR of foreign staff, especially the gays. It would not be at all difficult to assemble heartwrenching stories of injustice at the hands of officials on the payroll of the Governments of Canada, USA, UK, France, Germany, etc. The...
I don't know your citizenship, but for almost any, there's a glib retort. We're all aware of the ills of Qatar, including their abuse of gays and women, cheap/slave labour for the World Cup, mistreatment by QR of foreign staff, especially the gays. It would not be at all difficult to assemble heartwrenching stories of injustice at the hands of officials on the payroll of the Governments of Canada, USA, UK, France, Germany, etc. The argument in favour of boycotting, cutting all ties with a country, not flying their flag carrier etc., is tempting and it offers moral satisfaction to the boycotter. But there is a reasonable argument for reacting differently to these stories. Ben has defended his non-boycott approach to such matters many times and perfectly cogently. You'll find the content in the archive. He's made it clear that he understands and respects the contrary view, as do I, though I respectfully disagree. I'm openly gay and I would fly QSuites if it was available for my route.
The idea that one shouldn’t travel through Qatar for moralistic reasons is beyond ridiculous. Where would it end? Should we not travel in areas that have the death penalty? What about abortion? Press freedom? If you wish to think like that you will have to just stay home.
I couldn’t even stay home. Respect for liberal democracy and acceptance of minorities of various sorts seems worse now in the US than 30 years ago. And when the Courts catch up with the public attitude shift? Well, I am reminded of the old line about how no constitution can protect liberty and freedom when it dies in the hearts of the people.
So let's review. A gay man working in a country were homosexual acts are punishable by jail time or maybe even death, went on a gay sex app for a night time meeting and got arrested.
yeah like many in tha country, without incident. My Saudi friend explained to me "Grindr® works perfectly well in Jeddah". Next you'll be advising gay people not to have sex "just to be on the safe side".
if you are HIV positive you should not, Except if you are in a committed relationship
Time to boycott Qatar, right Lucky?
The topic of boycotts has been covered on this blog. Commenters write how shocked! shocekd! they are that Ben is openly gay, but doesn't trash QR and actually flies them. Ben has explained himself to death about this. I'm openly gay and I endorse Ben's view and his position. The argument is: the world progresses more if people talk to their adversaries, than if they punish them. many take the opposing view and before you...
The topic of boycotts has been covered on this blog. Commenters write how shocked! shocekd! they are that Ben is openly gay, but doesn't trash QR and actually flies them. Ben has explained himself to death about this. I'm openly gay and I endorse Ben's view and his position. The argument is: the world progresses more if people talk to their adversaries, than if they punish them. many take the opposing view and before you explain why the punitive response is better, relax, we already know all the arguments. We haven't failed to understand them, we understand them and respectfully disagree. there are two schools of thought on the issue. One option is to write your own blog, work hard over decades to compete with Ben's, achieve equivalent readership and argue the opposing view.
Yeah, talking to adversaries has CLEARLY helped Qatar change it's views and policies...this case being a good example of it lol
Terrible story, but one thing strikes me as odd. As Ben mentioned you can't get a work visa in Qatar if you are HIV posiive. But work visas need to be renewed after three years at the latest, and then another medical exam is required. This means his last medical must be from 2023.
He might not have concealed that he is HIV positive. With good medication, the virus is not always detectable. If he used to bring in his medication from overseas and decided to lie in the medical exam, the locally taken blood test would most likely not have revealed his HIV positivity to Qatari authorities.
You are completely wrong! Even if you have undetectable levels of viral loads you will still show as positive in the screening tests and there is no way to avoid that.
The tests check for antibodies to the virus, not the virus itself.
Anyone that is HIV+ - undetectable or not - will have antibodies in their blood.
Looks like a case of literal FAFO.
But guys, it's ok; Qsuites is the best J product in the sky.
QR has one of the top 3 Business Class hard and soft product, it's a fact.
The State of Qatar is yet playing a very ambiguous game: massively lobbying major Out Gay Av-Geeks western influencers ; while sometimes jailing or intimidating gay people there.
It's the same ambiguity which consists of funding Hamas and hosting its leaders on its sole ; while making itself vital for the Israeli hostages release, as well as for the...
QR has one of the top 3 Business Class hard and soft product, it's a fact.
The State of Qatar is yet playing a very ambiguous game: massively lobbying major Out Gay Av-Geeks western influencers ; while sometimes jailing or intimidating gay people there.
It's the same ambiguity which consists of funding Hamas and hosting its leaders on its sole ; while making itself vital for the Israeli hostages release, as well as for the US-Taliban negociations.
A fundamentaly pernicious State with an immense Soft Power. Why couldn't they easily corrupt gay prominent AvGeek influencers to buy their silence with free/huge discounted J tickets when they officially corrupted -with crystal clear evidences- many UE parliament members?
As a French proud gay, I'll definitely think twice before buying again a QR ticket.
There is a critical moment when one should value its core values with the Q-Suite appeal.
This goes to show the corruption of some Middle Eastern countries and the threats they pose to the rest of the world. Qatar and other nearby nations aren't free countries, and people should know that and understand the risk before going.
They can do whatever they want because they know they can just get the gay travel bloggers to fly their airlines and talk about how they are the best in the world.
I think this is just due to their religion, period. There is nothing more or less.
If you don't really understand their religion, you probably don't understand why that happened.
Probably it's a good idea to keep your profile very low if you are that kind of sexual orientation against their religion when you visit the country, or just don't go...
Eh, many other religions aren't doing so well with the gays either (see Christians in the US).
This is a ridiculous comparison. No one is jailed for being gay in the USA.
Then why do thirteen states still have sodomy laws on the books in case the Supreme Court overturns Lawrence v Texas? Given a chance, the fundies would love to jail us gays again in the US.
Not ridiculous at all. Religions are anti-gay. And notice that in the QR case, the guy wasn't jailed for "being gay", he was jailed for meth possession, which he claims is trumped-up. Could the same thing happen in Alabama, to an effeminate UA flight attendant on a layover in Mobile?
true the christian govt officials here don't imprison queer folks, they just villainized them until they're beaten to death by other christians even if they're kids
@Eric given all the anti-queer legislation being offered and promoted in the US, give it sometime before being gay is something you can be jailed for...
I totally agree with Yan's comment. You need to have a proper understanding of the religion in order to understand why these laws exist or why they are enforced in the way that they are. If you do not have that understanding, you will have a very different perspective, and you would see these events as very provoking and unjust (which is a point of view I can understand living in the U.S.). However, I...
I totally agree with Yan's comment. You need to have a proper understanding of the religion in order to understand why these laws exist or why they are enforced in the way that they are. If you do not have that understanding, you will have a very different perspective, and you would see these events as very provoking and unjust (which is a point of view I can understand living in the U.S.). However, I would advise that if you are of that sexual orientation, keep a low profile and be aware of the laws of each country you go to.
Keep in mind that every country has the right to make and enforce laws. Qatar's laws are heavily influenced by religion, and Homosexuality is not allowed in Islam. And the region has strict punishments for breaking laws to deter people from breaking them, which does work. People who have been to Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. can tell you how safe the country is. You can literally leave your car unlocked and the keys inside and go into a store and no one will steal it.
@W, you should have stopped at the end of your 1st paragraph. But the 2nd paragraph ???
Please re-examine your post and think about the difference between 'religion' and 'morality'.
Fitting up some unsuspecting individual for a 'crime' - is neither 'religiously' or morally defensible.
Yet, here you are defending a 'religion' (yeah, I can accept your right / belief there) and then you try to 'use' that religion to equate / defend...
@W, you should have stopped at the end of your 1st paragraph. But the 2nd paragraph ???
Please re-examine your post and think about the difference between 'religion' and 'morality'.
Fitting up some unsuspecting individual for a 'crime' - is neither 'religiously' or morally defensible.
Yet, here you are defending a 'religion' (yeah, I can accept your right / belief there) and then you try to 'use' that religion to equate / defend laws, using a marshmallow link.
The blatant lack of 'morality' to enforce religiously inspired laws speaks not of a 'religious' belief, but only of a corrupt or self-serving community. That is a *very^ wide gap to jump ....
Way too much victim blaming in this article. I think it is good to point out we only have one side of the story, and cannot prove the family member's assertions. But the bullet point part is just irresponsible. The comment section for an article like this was bound to go off the rails, but you just helped the process by starting the gross speculation.
For those confused by the "bullet point part," the post has been updated, removing the section I objected to. I think the updated version removes the parts I originally called victim blaming. Thanks Ben.
I read this headline thinking Qatar Airlines had something to do with his arrest. Misleading headline.
Isn't "misleading" at all. You just have sh!t reading comprehension.
Nowhere does it say nor imply that QR had anything to do with his arrest.
I always wonder why the aviation community loves Qatar airways so much. It’s a despotic country that treats people horribly. How about queers for Palestine and Qatar Airways.
There is further questions although these countries are not nearly as bad we relish the products of Singapore Airlines and Emirates for example but they have no human rights for their country or their staff. We want social justice but we allow and endorse other countries...
I always wonder why the aviation community loves Qatar airways so much. It’s a despotic country that treats people horribly. How about queers for Palestine and Qatar Airways.
There is further questions although these countries are not nearly as bad we relish the products of Singapore Airlines and Emirates for example but they have no human rights for their country or their staff. We want social justice but we allow and endorse other countries terrible treatment of others.
That’s a sweeping statement on Singapore… “no human rights”! Have you lived there or have you read a few articles and applied them to every aspect of life? It may have some practices you disagree with but to say there are “no human rights” is ridiculous. I urge you to adopt a more critical mind when reading stuff online.
Stories like this gross me out, no matter how good the damn airline is. I understand that countries like Qatar have their own culture and attitudes towards things like homosexuality and that's their right, but If you want to participate in the "world community" or to be looked at as a major travel hub or destination there are certain baseline levels of respect for human rights you should have to adhere to. For example, not...
Stories like this gross me out, no matter how good the damn airline is. I understand that countries like Qatar have their own culture and attitudes towards things like homosexuality and that's their right, but If you want to participate in the "world community" or to be looked at as a major travel hub or destination there are certain baseline levels of respect for human rights you should have to adhere to. For example, not arbitrarily terrorizing the workforce you're desperately trying to import to help you achieve that hub/destination status.
I also think it's worth noting that Qatar in particular seems to have this attitude even above and beyond the rest of the Gulf countries. Even as a visibly gay man visiting the UAE I felt welcome so long as I didn't engage in PDA or anything excessive like that. Even during my layover in Qatar it felt like transiting through a police state. Speaking with local gay friends living in Dubai, the UAE, and Oman they all said that Qatar is worse than even Saudi in this respect. Hard pass from me.
The story of true is abhorrent and the government should do everything they can to release him
That said, going on Grindr in any country like that is beyond stupid.
On the contrary, transiting DOH has never been an issue so am unsure why you allude to saying it felt like a police state. Passengers and staff from all over the world. Some employees were very flirty however I know to be careful.
Will a review of some new Qsuites route follow this post? J/k, I know it isn't, since you've basically reviewed every middle eastern premium product.
When will you stop promoting and giving business to countries that have the absolute worst record on the planet when it comes to women's and gay's rights? I don't fly to China because I don't want to support them, I don't fly through the ME either. What will have to happen for you to grow some conviction?
100% this.
@ Mantis -- Fair point, and perhaps it's a topic that's worth addressing more broadly in a post. But let me share a few thoughts here.
First of all, I'd hardly say that a country like the UAE (since you're talking about Middle Eastern carriers more broadly) has among the worst records on the planet when it comes to gay rights. There are a countless number of other countries with worse records. How often are...
@ Mantis -- Fair point, and perhaps it's a topic that's worth addressing more broadly in a post. But let me share a few thoughts here.
First of all, I'd hardly say that a country like the UAE (since you're talking about Middle Eastern carriers more broadly) has among the worst records on the planet when it comes to gay rights. There are a countless number of other countries with worse records. How often are gay people arrested in the UAE simply for living their lives? Compare that to what has been going on in countries like Tanzania and Uganda, for example.
And speaking of that, I think that's an area where we're maybe not giving some Gulf countries enough credit. A vast majority of people living in the UAE are ex-pats, and most of them are coming from countries with fewer economic opportunities.
For example, wouldn't you think that a gay Tanzanian moving to the UAE would have more ability to live their life freely in the UAE than back at home?
If we're going to view Gulf countries purely through an American or Western European lens, then you're absolutely right, they're way behind the times, as we'd view it. But a majority of the world's population doesn't live in those countries...
UAE might not openly enforce such laws, but they are on the books if they ever want to enforce them. You have no rights there, you are at their mercy. Qatar is obviously more aggressive in their enforcement. So let's not give the entire ME a pass just because some countries like the UAE don't aggressively enforce the ideals that their government and majority of citizens actually believe, solely because at the moment it is...
UAE might not openly enforce such laws, but they are on the books if they ever want to enforce them. You have no rights there, you are at their mercy. Qatar is obviously more aggressive in their enforcement. So let's not give the entire ME a pass just because some countries like the UAE don't aggressively enforce the ideals that their government and majority of citizens actually believe, solely because at the moment it is in their best interests not to.
As far as the Tanzanian example: you are not a poor gay Tanzanian escaping oppression to somewhere slightly less oppressive with more economic opportunity, and neither are the vast majority of gay people that choose to either work in oppressive ME countries or choose to give their money to their state controlled airlines. That's a non-sequitur. They might not have a choice, you do.
@ Mantis -- I'm curious, where do you draw the line as to what airlines you'll fly, and what countries you'll visit?
You mention Tanzania and Uganda, what about Russia? And I don't get the fuss about q suites. Cramped and claustrophobic in my view and ground service is poor with water.
The ME countries are spending an inordinate amount of money modernizing their image with best-in-class airlines, skyscrapers, luxury resorts, and shopping centers. However, when all of the hype is peeled away, they remain the same - intolerant, hypocritical, and unable to adapt to the world they so desperately want to be a part of. All that glitters is not gold.
Wow, Lucky, that is some rationalizing just to keep flying in Emirates first class and living it up in luxurious suites at hotels in the UAE.
Your comment suggests these Gulf Arab countries are as repressive and intolerant as ever. In various ways, they are actually more open and accepting than they were 30-60 years ago. They are authoritarian regimes, but they are not the same as they used to be.
@Mantis,
So then do you boycott the US carriers, for being from a country that utilizes c@pital pun!shment... and if not, then why?
This article is riddled with homophobia please rethink it. What is the point of playing both sides when one side is an undemocratic homophobic regime. I literally think less of you and this site for this homophobic article.
I had to read the article again to see the "riddled with homophobia" claims. You quite honestly sound like you are just looking for a reason to be offended. Try harder
You do know that Ben is gay, right?
Was it really worth leaving Lufthansa or British Airways if he did so voluntarily from either place?
@ Tim Dunn -- For better or worse, a large part of the appeal of the Gulf carriers is that people can typically get major promotions and pay increases by moving there. But yeah, I share your question...
It's the better run on quicker and bigger savings that gets people to move there from all over. Given the choice of being a young person making $60,000 per year or the equivalent in Sweden, Germany, the UK, the US or Canada or doing so in Qatar, you can bet that the savings potential in 10 years is much greater in Qatar -- and the taxation regime better too for those not subject to global taxation based on citizenship.
Agreed not all facts are known. That being said these countries are very behind the curve and anyone that takes a job there needs to be mindful. Responding to a Grinder post? Probably not a good idea in the Middle East. Grinder is not a "social app" (even if it's owners claim so).
"oneworld"
You’re still partially trying to justify his arrest, surely as Qatar police or Qatar Airways would do. Your comment about gay and drugs is so unreal.
@ Tom -- I'm not at all trying to justify his arrest? I think it's pretty clear what my perspective is, and I'm doing my best to provide a balanced take.
It's absolutely possible (and probably even likely) that the police planted drugs on him. However, one has to leave open the possibility that there might be more to that:
-- If I were caught with drugs in Qatar, I'd probably also claim they...
@ Tom -- I'm not at all trying to justify his arrest? I think it's pretty clear what my perspective is, and I'm doing my best to provide a balanced take.
It's absolutely possible (and probably even likely) that the police planted drugs on him. However, one has to leave open the possibility that there might be more to that:
-- If I were caught with drugs in Qatar, I'd probably also claim they were planted, because I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life in jail there
-- If the police's MO in Qatar was to plant drugs on gays in order to be able to arrest them for their sexuality, you'd think you'd hear more of those stories, no?
I've been a big fan of your blog since the beginning, but you sure make it sound that hooking up in Grindr involves drugs:
"since he was baited on Grindr, is it possible that he actually brought the drugs with him?"
Tom is right, it sounds tone deaf and a almost what you see from alarmist homophobic publications.
@ Expresswayvisual -- Thanks for reading, and I'm sorry, I can see how it came across that way (and it certainly doesn't represent how I feel). I rephrased the post a bit to hopefully make that part clearer.
My point wasn't to suggest that people hooking up through Grindr necessarily do drugs, but rather my emphasis was intended to be on the "baiting" part. I could see police trying to bait people into bringing drugs...
@ Expresswayvisual -- Thanks for reading, and I'm sorry, I can see how it came across that way (and it certainly doesn't represent how I feel). I rephrased the post a bit to hopefully make that part clearer.
My point wasn't to suggest that people hooking up through Grindr necessarily do drugs, but rather my emphasis was intended to be on the "baiting" part. I could see police trying to bait people into bringing drugs to a certain location where they're meeting, so they have something they can easily arrest them for. I'm not saying that happened here, but I can see how that could happen in general.
@Ben--I have to ask about your use of question marks. I've noticed some puzzling ones over the years. For instance, there's this line above: "I'm not at all trying to justify his arrest?" And in an earlier post, you wrote, "I’m honestly confused by his confusion?" Is this an American thing or just a quirk? I'm genuinely unsure.
@ Malc -- You're better at grammar than I am. It's certainly not technically correct writing, but it's intended to be more informal or conversational.
In the sentence you highlight above where I responded to someone by saying the following:
"I'm not at all trying to justify his arrest?"
I guess I'm writing in the same way I would speak it, which is a questioning tone to what was said, since I disagree...
@ Malc -- You're better at grammar than I am. It's certainly not technically correct writing, but it's intended to be more informal or conversational.
In the sentence you highlight above where I responded to someone by saying the following:
"I'm not at all trying to justify his arrest?"
I guess I'm writing in the same way I would speak it, which is a questioning tone to what was said, since I disagree with the conclusion, but am open to learning from and accepting how others feel.
Maybe it only makes sense in my head, and I'll be more cognizant with my use of question marks.
@Ben--That makes sense. Thanks for explaining.
I didn’t read it that way ?? Try reading it again as you lack comprehension skills.
I think someone here needs to look into what has gone on with drug seizures at DOH airport since the post-pandemic travel boom took off. Unfortunately, some drug seizure patterns can mean that even beyond the airport some people end up being much more subject to scrutiny than would otherwise have been the case.
Exactly what part of it is "unreal?"
Illicit drug use is so high in gay hookups and orgies, that the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center Group did a study on it, published by the NIH and entered into the National Library of Medicine; which concluded that more than half of all-male 1night stands, orgies, and non-relationship encounters involving penetration, involve stimulants or depressants, excluding alcohol...
Exactly what part of it is "unreal?"
Illicit drug use is so high in gay hookups and orgies, that the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center Group did a study on it, published by the NIH and entered into the National Library of Medicine; which concluded that more than half of all-male 1night stands, orgies, and non-relationship encounters involving penetration, involve stimulants or depressants, excluding alcohol and OTC-available products.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11547613/
This isn't to cast judgment on them, it's just to say that your faux outrage is completely misplaced and nonfactual.
Gay males (in the USA at least) engaging in no-strings hookups, do so with drugs more often than they don't. Fact.
And most important to this context: nowhere did anyone here say all men do it, he simply said it was possible. Which is also true.
Shocking. I suppose they indcluded alcohol and poppers in this list, to "sex it up". (See what I did there?)
Or..... you could just read what was expressly written in the post, and see that they didn't.