Dubai has rapidly become one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. More and more businesses are moving to the region and a lot is going on there right now.
I visited Dubai in December and thought it was an interesting place. Specifically, I spoke to several Muslims about their views on many controversial and liberal issues. While the Middle East often gets painted as a region with heavy discrimination ranging from poor women’s rights to laws punishing rape victims, locals’ responses often shocked me.
“We don’t mind men wearing makeup here – it’s common. We also don’t discriminate against gay couples because many of the rules or restrictions we impose on them are applied to straight couples as well, such as zero tolerance of public affection.” said one woman at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding.
Ben has written several posts on traveling to places where LGBT people typically aren’t welcome. In my opinion, everyone should make their own decision whether they want to support such an economy or not.
This brings me to a recent viral story about famous transgender model and YouTuber Gigi Gorgeous.
On August 10th she shared a brief story on her Instagram, stating that she had been detained in Dubai upon landing after a flight from Toronto. She just gave us the full backstory in a video on her YouTube channel where she explained that the immigration officers had refused to accept her passport. She ended up spending a total of five or six hours at the airport because she was not allowed in the country (men who “impersonate” women can get up to a year in jail there).
According to Gigi, she had been looking forward to visiting Dubai for many years and had arranged to meet some important people there. Upon understanding that she was being denied entry because of her gender identity, she suffered a “panic attack” and wanted to leave Dubai as soon as possible.
Ultimately, she ended up catching a flight to Stockholm, a polar opposite place on the equality spectrum.
This whole story sounds like a mess. I’m so sorry that Gigi had to experience something like this. Gay and lesbian people often travel to the Middle East with discretion and don’t run into any problems, but clearly being transgender adds to the complexity. Gigi apparently knew that transgender people were not welcome in the Middle East, but she had not expected it to be this “scary” she said, as she urged her transgender viewers to “never come to Dubai.”
I sympathize deeply with Gigi, but I wonder what the future will hold for Dubai and Emirates as they continue to grow and globalize. There has to be room for everyone if they want The West to view them as equal.
On the other hand, the top comment on Gigi’s video draws an interesting parallel: “It’s okay. Because you also don’t allow people to your country as soon as you hear them speak Arabic in the airport and if you do, you’ll get beaten and kicked out. Even if you were a kid. Oh yes, it happened! So you should thank God you weren’t abused although you white people always talk about how ‘Muslims are abusive’ but turned out it’s the opposite.”
I want to hear what you guys think about this situation. Does the glamorous facade of Dubai hide a dark side filled with discrimination, or is this just another type of bigotry like that toward Muslims in The West? Should Gigi and other transsexual people just stay away from Dubai, or should we be putting pressure on places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha to liberalize if they want to keep our business and have us visit?
I give my condolences to all who have suffered discrimination. Any muslim who has suffered such horrific treatment I have never condone such behavior. Furthermore, on the other end of the spectrum someone who is part of the LGBT should have been properly notified before booking flight. Someone should be informing and restricting such transportations if a nation does not agree with the LGBT rights. I do feel for Gigi. Though it is a dream...
I give my condolences to all who have suffered discrimination. Any muslim who has suffered such horrific treatment I have never condone such behavior. Furthermore, on the other end of the spectrum someone who is part of the LGBT should have been properly notified before booking flight. Someone should be informing and restricting such transportations if a nation does not agree with the LGBT rights. I do feel for Gigi. Though it is a dream it may have to postpone until the country's culture evolves. With such statements as theses listed in the example paragraph below. From the person who wrote this clearly has bitter animosity and speaks as if they too have been abused. If that so, I too am deeply sorry. No one should ever be apart of a hate crime. If what one does is not hurting themselves or someone else then it should not matter. It still seems though that some people have forgotten that the true enemies are not individuals of a nation but rather that of ALL leaders who are merely puppets for the ones running everything. Leaders are the the kings and queens on a chess board and everyone else are the pons. The real rulers are those play the chess pieces at their disposal. Do not forget no one is born with hate that is something learned and pressed into our subconscious at the most important times of our brain development (a form of brain washing as you will). Along with every countries propaganda (which hardly anyone ever bothers to research themselves... oh how so easily are people fooled for one always seems right until another comes along and questions it). With that said you have people turning unto nations and hating without researching. Everyone claiming victim, you get responses to people expressing their experience and others retaliating like so below:
“It’s okay. Because you also don’t allow people to your country as soon as you hear them speak Arabic in the airport and if you do, you’ll get beaten and kicked out. Even if you were a kid. Oh yes, it happened! So you should thank God you weren’t abused although you white people always talk about how ‘Muslims are abusive’ but turned out it’s the opposite.”
Be the bigger person stop the hate let a person express themselves. I support all to speak on their own experience not on that of others unless you are closely related or affiliated to a dear one who has been directly acted against. In which case, speak for the more that do the more we can bring to light of the hate that needs to stop. Lets kill hate with kindness. Someone has to be the bigger person. So Gigi I send my love your direction and hope you can find happiness and peace.
For anyone who is curious. I am a woman who owns my own business and have Islamic men speak down upon me in my own native country because I was not of their culture and made death threats and spoke unspeakable things and tried to attack me. Fortunately for me my father and brothers raised me well and I took 5 men down. In turn I am sure that was a bruise to their ego and they spoke against me for not allowing them to attack me all because they did not like how I dressed in my own country. I believe you need to adhere to the customs of each country one visits. Basically "when in Rome". I do not hold their actions against them for one of my best friends is from a small country outside of there and another close friend that came from Iraq. I get a long famously with them and when I am in their home I respect their customs as they do mine. Clearly I always try to make sure they are as comfortable as possible as they do the same for me when I visit. We have an evolve understanding the hate is not with each nation but rather with the leader.
Again to all who have suffered a hate crime no matter where you are from or even those who have had close family or loved one suffer I give my condolences and wish only blessings of the greatest magnitude. Even the hate that was acted against me I send prayers they gain an understanding and seek only to do right in this world and to know who are the true enemies of this world and it is not each other.
Love and light
Machiavelli
OMG, sorry gigi. Im pre op 22 yr old transwoman from south Africa. Im waiting my passport to be altered from male to female in order for me to avoid troubles in UAE. I have travelled hassle free to alot of countries_singapore,malaysia,japan,China,hong Kong,new Zealand with current passport (male) . I always carry documents from my endocrinologist,psychiatrist stating my gender,why my passport say male. Im very feminine ,passable as women. My passport never raised any questions...
OMG, sorry gigi. Im pre op 22 yr old transwoman from south Africa. Im waiting my passport to be altered from male to female in order for me to avoid troubles in UAE. I have travelled hassle free to alot of countries_singapore,malaysia,japan,China,hong Kong,new Zealand with current passport (male) . I always carry documents from my endocrinologist,psychiatrist stating my gender,why my passport say male. Im very feminine ,passable as women. My passport never raised any questions or those i traveled to, don't really care but i can't take any rusks with middle east countries unless im applying to be sent in jail. I cant wait to have new passport female so that i visit dubai.
I guess we only hear these issues when they happen to white westerners. Darker people, latinos, muslims, get similar treatment when arriving to the USA and we never hear of them. I often transit MIA Airport, when I go from London to Buenos Aires, and sometimes I feel like I have to thank the immigration officer for the privilege of allowing me to transit... believe me I would never do it if British Airways was...
I guess we only hear these issues when they happen to white westerners. Darker people, latinos, muslims, get similar treatment when arriving to the USA and we never hear of them. I often transit MIA Airport, when I go from London to Buenos Aires, and sometimes I feel like I have to thank the immigration officer for the privilege of allowing me to transit... believe me I would never do it if British Airways was cheaper direct.
This whole episode sounds like a search for 15 minutes of fame, it was a bit obvious that this would happen.
@Jane
I stand corrected.
Dubai is a world heritage site filled with hard working indigenous peoples who treasure and respect their rich history which surrounds them everyday. The shopping is a good value and mostly done at small, locally owned boutiques which are run by secular atheists.
@Chung Wei
As an expat who grew up in the UAE, your comment couldn't be further from reality. I grew up with plenty of culture, exposure, and authentic experiences. I grew up with an open mind, knowledge of diversity and cultures and without bias and prejudice.
Honestly, I'm glad we don't have expats like you, you wouldn't contribute anything but your ignorance.
@Robert Stuart
"My husband and I refuse to go to any country that have discriminatory laws against us. It just isn’t worth the risk. Plus we don’t want to be supporting their economies."
1. Your semi-poor bank account does NOTHING to boost the economy in the UAE. You think the rich locals need you? Bye felicia.
2. "Discriminatory laws against us", ahhh, the definition of white priviliage. If you were to avoid countries with discriminatory...
@Robert Stuart
"My husband and I refuse to go to any country that have discriminatory laws against us. It just isn’t worth the risk. Plus we don’t want to be supporting their economies."
1. Your semi-poor bank account does NOTHING to boost the economy in the UAE. You think the rich locals need you? Bye felicia.
2. "Discriminatory laws against us", ahhh, the definition of white priviliage. If you were to avoid countries with discriminatory laws, France would be out of the book as well as a dozen "western" countries. But why should that bother you?
I suggest you take you, your wife, the 3 dollars you guys own, and play musical chairs with the number of seats you'll have to take.
@Chung Wei
Don't forget, it's also for people who were failures back home and/or nobodies...but in Dubai, they get to be part of the "elite", even though they couldn't cut it back home.
"@Andre – the sooner you let go of your petty envy of American exceptionalism the better you’ll feel."
@Dave - Haha yeah because you know exactly what I believe.
I reluctantly find myself in Dubai for work, multiple times a year. I don't understand the appeal to the place. Of course I think many people feel that way, I've never met a real traveler that adores it. I find it is filled with Russian Billionaires, girls with or looking for sugar daddies, and the vapid/social climbing. Basically a paradise for people who aspire to be Kardashians of the next Gaddafi. The place has been...
I reluctantly find myself in Dubai for work, multiple times a year. I don't understand the appeal to the place. Of course I think many people feel that way, I've never met a real traveler that adores it. I find it is filled with Russian Billionaires, girls with or looking for sugar daddies, and the vapid/social climbing. Basically a paradise for people who aspire to be Kardashians of the next Gaddafi. The place has been completely cleansed of indigenous culture, history, and anything remotely authentic. Its truly a giant shopping mall (and an overpriced one at that) with an occasional dose of right wing Islam thrown in just to make things "better".
My husband and I refuse to go to any country that have discriminatory laws against us. It just isn't worth the risk. Plus we don't want to be supporting their economies.
Discrimination like this is just "tribal" behavior. No one should ever think that it is always the other guy who discriminates. I have been with blacks openly hate whites. I have had lunch in San Francisco with a Vietnamese American who took a great deal of pleasure in pointing out to me the "Chinese" in the restaurant. I have even seen Jews in San Diego not let a stranded motorist use the telephone because he...
Discrimination like this is just "tribal" behavior. No one should ever think that it is always the other guy who discriminates. I have been with blacks openly hate whites. I have had lunch in San Francisco with a Vietnamese American who took a great deal of pleasure in pointing out to me the "Chinese" in the restaurant. I have even seen Jews in San Diego not let a stranded motorist use the telephone because he was driving a Volkswagen.
Stupid behavior but it will not change until both parties are more respectful of the views of others. Remember: Respect does not mean you have to agree or like someone.
American exceptionalism...now there is an oxymoron...
"Having said that I wonder why, if she knew that it’s a place that the transgender community is unwelcome would she take the risk to go?"
The same reason that Jewish lady tried to fly Kuwait Airways. Attention, and possible $$$ from a lawsuit.
People need to understand, Dubai may be an old culture, but the UAE is still a new country, relatively speaking. True, it may not be as open or liberal as...
"Having said that I wonder why, if she knew that it’s a place that the transgender community is unwelcome would she take the risk to go?"
The same reason that Jewish lady tried to fly Kuwait Airways. Attention, and possible $$$ from a lawsuit.
People need to understand, Dubai may be an old culture, but the UAE is still a new country, relatively speaking. True, it may not be as open or liberal as the West is, but taking into account where Dubai was 40 years ago - heck, taking into account where it was 20 years ago - it has made quite a bit of progress. And it is still an ongoing progress. True, some areas still need work, but Dubai as a whole is rather open and liberal.
@Andre - the sooner you let go of your petty envy of American exceptionalism the better you'll feel.
"...and don't even get me started about the Jews." BTW, most other countries (including Europe,) don't have the same freedoms as US. See America first.
This guy has visited 24 countries... Is that meant to be an achievement. For a travel blogger that would be less than the minimum in my opinion
"Dark side filled with discremenation?" Seriously?! May be you should be more open minded and understanding of different cultures and religions. May I remind you that gay marriage was not accepted legally in major parts of the western worlduntil very very recently. And to say such a thing about a country with a very different culture just shows your self-rightous narrow mindedness. Should we label USA with the same because prostitution is illegal while it...
"Dark side filled with discremenation?" Seriously?! May be you should be more open minded and understanding of different cultures and religions. May I remind you that gay marriage was not accepted legally in major parts of the western worlduntil very very recently. And to say such a thing about a country with a very different culture just shows your self-rightous narrow mindedness. Should we label USA with the same because prostitution is illegal while it is accepted and legalized in many other parts of the western part? Oh, the USA needs to legalize prostitution if it wants they want the rest of the Western world to view them as equals! (just to use your own logic).
Pathetic!
The folks who say this is "discrimination plain and simple" haven't thought this through. Most western countries (yes, even America) will re-issue your passport after gender reassignment (ie, once your birth certificate is also modified). If you're traveling on a document that says male, yet are dressed as a female, you will have problems. Anywhere. Before entering a country there must be reasonable belief that the person presenting her/himself at immigration is the person listed...
The folks who say this is "discrimination plain and simple" haven't thought this through. Most western countries (yes, even America) will re-issue your passport after gender reassignment (ie, once your birth certificate is also modified). If you're traveling on a document that says male, yet are dressed as a female, you will have problems. Anywhere. Before entering a country there must be reasonable belief that the person presenting her/himself at immigration is the person listed on the travel document. This is our law in the US as much as their law in Dubai.
So, yeah. Agree with dxb immigration officers on this one.
Who is the hell is the guy, this isn't industry news.
Are you just letting any old drivel get posted on the blog these days?
You keep assuming that the UAE want the west to conside them an equal but really they just don't care. They don't need the business of a few LGBT people, and as you said, LGBT people still come to the country despite all this.
And whoever commented on her video is spot on - I'm not even Muslim and I've been kicked off a flight, interrogated by American immigration (despite having global entry) etc....
You keep assuming that the UAE want the west to conside them an equal but really they just don't care. They don't need the business of a few LGBT people, and as you said, LGBT people still come to the country despite all this.
And whoever commented on her video is spot on - I'm not even Muslim and I've been kicked off a flight, interrogated by American immigration (despite having global entry) etc. So don't say that the UAE need to change when the problems are worse on the other side - just you don't have to face them so you don't know. There are far more Muslims being uneccesssarily harrassed that LGBT people being stopped at UAE airports
If you're violating the laws of a country, expect there to be repercussions for violating those laws, no matter if your sexual bits are concave, convex, or somewhere in-between.
/Definitely would like to see less of this type of article on the blog.
I feel like we in western societies artificially sit high and mighty when we judge situations like this when we really shouldn't. Speaking specifically about America, because that's where I reside, we have a major political party platform that includes a repudiation of same-sex marriage and a statement suggesting that children raised in "traditional" homes are "healthier." We have people getting thrown off of planes and detained without proper due process because they look a...
I feel like we in western societies artificially sit high and mighty when we judge situations like this when we really shouldn't. Speaking specifically about America, because that's where I reside, we have a major political party platform that includes a repudiation of same-sex marriage and a statement suggesting that children raised in "traditional" homes are "healthier." We have people getting thrown off of planes and detained without proper due process because they look a certain way and speak Arabic. We have people that truly believe that the slogan of a major political party, "Make America Great Again," really means "Make America White Again." I'm not coming after the writer of this article as he said specifically that he wanted to have a conversation, but why do these arguments even come up? We all (every country) have to go through a progression. Some countries are further along than others. Some countries THINK they are further along than others.
doesnt the quoran say being gay is punishable by death?
so arent the muslims who tolerate gays just being bad muslims according to their faith?
Part of their religion is aimed at converting the world to their faith or destroying what is not muslim.
Why would any non muslim want to visit a muslim country?
Why do you think we have already had 2 crusades??
Perhaps the 3rd crusade involves sending refuges out to non believer countries to take over from within.
This is NOT an article for this blog!
Well, when Muslims apply for a US visa, they get under Administrative processing most of the time and that lasts for months if not years if your name was a suspect. Even though you didn't do anything.
Go to the immigration officers in the US after being granted the visa, 99% you'll be detained and sent back on the first flight out because your name is on the list.
Even though the US...
Well, when Muslims apply for a US visa, they get under Administrative processing most of the time and that lasts for months if not years if your name was a suspect. Even though you didn't do anything.
Go to the immigration officers in the US after being granted the visa, 99% you'll be detained and sent back on the first flight out because your name is on the list.
Even though the US embassy cleared it.
Talk about hypocrisy.
Second thing, why is she surprised? A lot of gay and transgenders live safely and yes safely in Dubai, just keep your mouth shut about it.
The immigration officers in Dubai usually won't ask, except if she said it or her passport showed something else then unfortunately yes. She'll be kicked out.
She should be the same sex as on her passport, that's for security purposes.
Assuming it happened in the US, they won't let it go, if you were a female and your passport shows that you're a male.
Please use common sense.
The immigration officers in Dubai did the right thing.
What a well written piece on such a topic. It's great to see the expansion of OMAAT, with the addition of DanTorp! Daniel; where can I read more of your pieces?! I can only see two on OMAAT? Let me know.
Who cares if someone is transgender, gay etc. I don't as long as the person is nice. Full Stop. What Dubai did was blatent unacceptable and is just another reason a democratic government needs to be formed there ASAP as the current system with Tourism just doesn't work.
What is wrong with LGBT people in certain countries? Its stupid. Everyone is different in their own way , but we're all human, so why treat other people fairly and others not?
I used to live in Dubai, and I enjoyed the city, its just I didn't like the discrimination. But that's the Middle East. I do not want to go back. I have had a couple of flights to Dubai with AF, but I just explain to my colleagues that we are lucky we are not in Iran or Saudi Arabia.
Maybe she could have spent a bit less time posting pointless YouTube videos and a little more time researching the far flung destination she was about to travel to for the first time as a transgendered person? If I went to a foreign country and broke their law on entry I would expect trouble to. Why was she going to a country who's laws she didn't agree with?
As long as she was able to squeeze a tiny bit of fame out of this experience- I think she would be happy.
well of course, I was surprised first time I saw you travel to those parts of the world, being gay they can do with you whatever they want, you do not realize how lucky you are to save your life when in Saudia or any other arabic country. They do not tolerate anything but muslim and that picture of Dubai opening up to the world is pure bullshit, they realize they're running out of oil...
well of course, I was surprised first time I saw you travel to those parts of the world, being gay they can do with you whatever they want, you do not realize how lucky you are to save your life when in Saudia or any other arabic country. They do not tolerate anything but muslim and that picture of Dubai opening up to the world is pure bullshit, they realize they're running out of oil so they figured it out to open business and travel to the world but to keep their crazy stupid dark ages laws, try getting into a argument with an arabian man there, you're fault automatically, try to exit the country in Qatar without employees permisson, no way! They take your passport. Try to talk around about your job in Etihad or Qatar airways - you're detained at first and then fired if lucky without jail. When it comes to gays and trans persons they have every single right to do whatever they want to do with them, no rights for those people in those countries.
So we're all going to digress away from the joy of dishing about first class cabins and such.
Ok.
So this Gigi is "famous"? It disgusts me as to what passes for famous these days. This Gigi seems to be just a piece of YouTube trash trying to achieve a feeling of melodramatic martyrdom to compensate for having no meaningful accomplishments in her empty, social media obsessed life.
But now--yet again--we at OMAAT are confronted...
So we're all going to digress away from the joy of dishing about first class cabins and such.
Ok.
So this Gigi is "famous"? It disgusts me as to what passes for famous these days. This Gigi seems to be just a piece of YouTube trash trying to achieve a feeling of melodramatic martyrdom to compensate for having no meaningful accomplishments in her empty, social media obsessed life.
But now--yet again--we at OMAAT are confronted with the issue of gays traveling to the Middle East. This is really getting dreary. Once again: there are *many* gay folk who live & work in the Middle East with zero problems and concerns. I am an openly gay guy with a great job that has me traveling often to Jeddah. And you know what? I love having this experience. I am grateful for having met my Saudi friends. Is it like Berlin or San Francisco? No, of course not. Do I live a closeted life during my extended stays in Jeddah? Nope. Have any Saudis scorned me or threatened me with whippings? Hah! I've been treated only with kindness and respect.
I do realize that there are many deeply entrenched facets of Middle Eastern society which are very ugly. But one only has to watch a Donald Trump rally to realize that the US has its own, equally vile facets.
If you want to boycott the Middle East, sure..go for it. But don't try laying a self-righteous trip on those of us who have come to know and appreciate the region.
Can we all now move on from this tedious subject?
@jon and who's fault is that, Gigi fault for not being prepared.
I have been reading this blog for a long time but this is the first post I disagree with. This is just some drama created by a person who was not prepared, end of story.
@Melissa - If you are so opposed to the rights, respect, and dignity of LGBT people, maybe you shouldn't be reading the website/blog of an openly gay man (or for that matter, the number of others similar blogs by LGBT people)
@ManamaMan - I'm not sure what the Canadian requirements are, but generally changing the gender marker on your passport or other legal documents can be a time consuming and expensive process, something that not...
@Melissa - If you are so opposed to the rights, respect, and dignity of LGBT people, maybe you shouldn't be reading the website/blog of an openly gay man (or for that matter, the number of others similar blogs by LGBT people)
@ManamaMan - I'm not sure what the Canadian requirements are, but generally changing the gender marker on your passport or other legal documents can be a time consuming and expensive process, something that not all trans people, especially transwomen, who face a number of barriers such as employment discrimination. In the US, while the federal government under the Obama administration does allow a gender transition in your passport but before that you need a new ID that resembles your current appearance (which not all states do and even if you do...DMV + cost), proof of legal name change (also a process), AND a physician's statement.
Now perhaps Gigi is being too attention seeking and should have been more attentive/careful of the rules in Dubai, but the legal process to match your legal documents with your gender identity isn't exactly the easiest or affordable.
@WR
Exactly. All you hear from these social justice warriors is how Islam isn't about hate, and "not all muslims are like that" but they won't go near any of these countries unless they can hide out in a resort, and they sure won't be visiting any areas with a large Muslim population like East London.
But Will Smith told me that Dubai proves Islam isn't bigoted or repressive!
This article and most of the media coverage are very misleading. The bottom line is that her passport showed gender to be Male and she evidently went out of her way with immigration to insist that she had to be treated as Female. The issue was the gender mismatch, not the transgender identity itself. It would be no different of she showed up with a passport saying her name was Joe but insisted her name...
This article and most of the media coverage are very misleading. The bottom line is that her passport showed gender to be Male and she evidently went out of her way with immigration to insist that she had to be treated as Female. The issue was the gender mismatch, not the transgender identity itself. It would be no different of she showed up with a passport saying her name was Joe but insisted her name wasn't actually Joe. And it would happen anywhere in the world if there was a passport data mismatch. Also, she was not detained. She was simply asked to come back with a valid set of documents for entry (viz. ones that match her actual gender identity). If she were detained, we wouldn't be seeing Instagram pictures of her hugging and crying at Dubai airport. Believe me, even the nice cells at Dubai airport are very different!
There is no issue with transgender persons who have legally reassigned their gender entering the UAE. There is also no issue with legally married gay couples. I even know of someone who sponsored their legally married gay partner for UAE residence.
Time for Lucky et al to rethink their twisted philosophy. It's an amazing display of mental gymnastics to convince yourself that boycotting Chick Fil A and Wal-Mart is morally righteous, while visiting oppressive hateful countries is all in the name of enlightenment and love (as long as there is 1st class service of course)
If you are going to travel anywhere, it is up to YOU to read about the laws first have it be prescription meds, trans, gay or some religion.
This looks more like publicity than anything else. As a gay traveler, I am always checking local laws first and make sure to follow them or I simply don't go there. You are a guest to that country and not someone there to change laws.
I don't know if that video was supposed to make me feel sorry for her or what, but holy fuck that woman is unaware of how to be a normal person. You need a fucking bodyguard to go to the UAE? Your bodyguard and fucking personal assistant? I bet you your "bodyguard" stayed because he believed he'd be getting paid and she's like lol nope you just get one hour shmuck. By the time she...
I don't know if that video was supposed to make me feel sorry for her or what, but holy fuck that woman is unaware of how to be a normal person. You need a fucking bodyguard to go to the UAE? Your bodyguard and fucking personal assistant? I bet you your "bodyguard" stayed because he believed he'd be getting paid and she's like lol nope you just get one hour shmuck. By the time she got to the comment about scrambling a private jet, my god this woman is a fucking cunt.
@h.t amen
Instead of travelers traveling to see different cultures, i see a trend where travelers are traveling expecting to take their cultures with them. It doesn't work that way buddy. If you are heading somewhere that forbids a certain act, stick to it or just stay away. Simple.
I say well done Dubai for sticking to your guns and not bowing to what is NOT your culture.
I don't get why this is a topic on this blog.. Anyway my thoughts are that gigi was just looking for trouble, she probabilly knew that in the uae, religion prohibits this.
The problem with these kind of people is that the media, this article included, has given them the exact attention they seek.
This person wasn't detained. This person government issued ID did not reflect the person standing in front of the immigration officer. Period.
I am saddened that this type of article is on OMAAT. Look if the passport was fixed then there would be no problem. Many of us who have been...
The problem with these kind of people is that the media, this article included, has given them the exact attention they seek.
This person wasn't detained. This person government issued ID did not reflect the person standing in front of the immigration officer. Period.
I am saddened that this type of article is on OMAAT. Look if the passport was fixed then there would be no problem. Many of us who have been to Dubai realise that all lifestyle choices are accepted in their respective zones. Whether straight or not.
This person is a sad sad sad person who hopefully no one will recall in a few years.
Not judging her choices but going to Dubai being a transgender is very similar to that stupid guy that went to North Korea and stoles the flag in the hotel. You are looking for trouble. Just avoid these places if you feel you don't fit in.
These counties will never change and perhaps they shouldn't. Their values are shaped by the Sharia codes of Islam, not by the liberties exposed by the western values a small part of the world attempts to export, or even impose, on them. The Emirates are not liberal democracies and while members of the UN, refuse to recognize the UN's Charter of Human Rights (which one sometimes wonder if the US even subscribes to, particularly when...
These counties will never change and perhaps they shouldn't. Their values are shaped by the Sharia codes of Islam, not by the liberties exposed by the western values a small part of the world attempts to export, or even impose, on them. The Emirates are not liberal democracies and while members of the UN, refuse to recognize the UN's Charter of Human Rights (which one sometimes wonder if the US even subscribes to, particularly when the Senate rejected ratifying the UN's declaration vis a vis people with disabilities). As for my fellow Torontonian s/he should smarten up about the ways of most of the world. While Canada may begin to record gender on passports in a fashion that serves his/her interests, this may pose issues when trying to enter a great number of countries. LGBT(Q)s should boycott those countries that don't really want them (though may desire their $s). There are many more interesting counties to visit where one's gender persuasion is fully accepted, or at least tolerated. I have no desire to visit the Gulf emirates where modern day slaves build the equivalent of today's pyramids!
Didn't her passport have her sex listed as F? It sounded like she did have it corrected to show F or X after renewing her passport; but if that correction didn't involve a passport re-issuance, then the odds for problems rise substantially.
People with X for sex in their passports have been granted entry at DXB this year.
But this being Dubai, if she's annoyed the wrong person, then the right person with the right...
Didn't her passport have her sex listed as F? It sounded like she did have it corrected to show F or X after renewing her passport; but if that correction didn't involve a passport re-issuance, then the odds for problems rise substantially.
People with X for sex in their passports have been granted entry at DXB this year.
But this being Dubai, if she's annoyed the wrong person, then the right person with the right connections can easily enough make sure she wouldn't be deemed admissible to the UAE.
So the question comes down to whether there was a perceived travel document irregularity; or if she had annoyed the wrong person prior to arrival at DXB; or if she has hoodwinked her audience by not truthfully sharing all the relevant details that led up to the claimed denial of entry.
There's a real issue with LGTBQ-phobia in Dubai too, such that it doesn't rule out the possibility of this incident truly being yet another ugly example of the bias faced by the transgender while traveling -- whether or not this YouTube personality truly encountered such this time.
I believe this is a travel related news story.
Before I step foot in a new country, I check out their laws in regard to "gays" and how it works in public/private society before I go. You have to be smart and aware when traveling to countries that harbor extreme views.
What a stupid cow (as we say back in England)....truly "Gigi apparently knew that transgender people were not welcome in the Middle East" and...
I believe this is a travel related news story.
Before I step foot in a new country, I check out their laws in regard to "gays" and how it works in public/private society before I go. You have to be smart and aware when traveling to countries that harbor extreme views.
What a stupid cow (as we say back in England)....truly "Gigi apparently knew that transgender people were not welcome in the Middle East" and yet she still went. She knew what was going to go down...its all for PR, smells very political. The public face of the Middle East does not play these games...and her urging her "viewers" to never go, well that means nothing.
I have ZERO sympathy for Gigi. She comes off as an attention seeking wannabe. I am sorry for any trans person who is shamed/humiliated and it must be awful to experience this. Another Cluster B Personality type! - she fits one of the 4.
I must say, one of the comments I just read left me smh...we see it all over Weho. The gay community is very unhealthy and rudderless in many ways...and there is no true voice or advocate with common sense that has a proper platform.
I fully support LGBT rights here in the U.S. I must say though... holy f***... You'd think she was a soldier in Vietnam watching her buddies be blown to smithereens. Panic attack? Really? And wouldn't anyone who's told they can't enter a country want to leave ASAP... given that the alternative is to hang at the airport.
Oh please. People are expecting the UAE to be free in the western sense are mistaken. They don't have an elected legislature, they don't have press freedom, they cannot even stage a demonstration. The only country in the region with a hint of a free society is Kuwait, the rest are plain dictatorships.
She had to go to Dubai to get a controversy out of being trans? That's where she chose to do this? Anyway, it's telling that in her video she's noting all these people in the airport bending over backward for her ("my security," a woman also there to help) and a restaurant that opened "just for us" -- what a horribly inhospitable place! -- before she could get on a private jet and escape the...
She had to go to Dubai to get a controversy out of being trans? That's where she chose to do this? Anyway, it's telling that in her video she's noting all these people in the airport bending over backward for her ("my security," a woman also there to help) and a restaurant that opened "just for us" -- what a horribly inhospitable place! -- before she could get on a private jet and escape the bounds of unimaginable hell she was currently stuck in (nice brows, babe.) Unfortunately, it causes me to wonder if she'd rather have gotten into the country and been arrested for impersonating a woman instead.
Alright. I suspect my opinion will generate heated responses. But, here goes. As a gay man, I fully respect and support someone's right to correct his/her gender.
The problem is simply that the person is presenting himself of herself as the opposite sex of what their legal document (passport, birth certificate) shows. That justifiably arouses suspicion, particularly, in this day and age where people demand heightened security (e.g., at airports) and are quick to...
Alright. I suspect my opinion will generate heated responses. But, here goes. As a gay man, I fully respect and support someone's right to correct his/her gender.
The problem is simply that the person is presenting himself of herself as the opposite sex of what their legal document (passport, birth certificate) shows. That justifiably arouses suspicion, particularly, in this day and age where people demand heightened security (e.g., at airports) and are quick to blame if someone passes through security without scrutiny. The Dubai airport security was entitled to question the transgender person.
Imagine if someone posed as the opposite sex to disguise himself/herself and was a terrorist, but the airport security did nothing. Then, people would blame the airport security for not doing anything.
What happened in that Orlando nightclub? This is just looking for trouble, IMHO.
My husband and I just flew Etihad to Abu Dhabi and were asked twice before we even got on the plane if we were brothers and there were no problems when we told them the truth. They were amused because they thought we were twins and had bet each other that we were, so it was more of an "OMG, I can't believe it!!!" than anything else, it was never about us being gay. They...
My husband and I just flew Etihad to Abu Dhabi and were asked twice before we even got on the plane if we were brothers and there were no problems when we told them the truth. They were amused because they thought we were twins and had bet each other that we were, so it was more of an "OMG, I can't believe it!!!" than anything else, it was never about us being gay. They absolutely could not have been kinder to us. In fact, on the plane, I was seated a few rows in front of my husband and the stewardess accidentally brought me his dinner because he had gone to the galley to order then say back at his seat. She brought it to my seat because she confused us, so when I told her the error, she was SO embarrassed, but not at all because of us being gay. We didn't have a single hostile moment for being gay the entire time we were in the UAE and we were there visiting my gay brother (my real brother, not just one who looks like my brother) who lives there as an expat.
I only have one question. Shouldn't you have some resemblance to the photograph in your passport? If she had a photograph as she looks now they wouldn't have guessed!
As someone who's known Gigi since she was VERY young (we were neighbors), she's always been the attention seeking, 15 minutes of fame kind of person. The fact that she called TMZ herself to report this, shows her mentality. She wanted media attention, she thought she could name and shame. However at the end of the day, this isn't 'murica. If you want guns, LGBT (and whatever letter comes next) rights and other things, go...
As someone who's known Gigi since she was VERY young (we were neighbors), she's always been the attention seeking, 15 minutes of fame kind of person. The fact that she called TMZ herself to report this, shows her mentality. She wanted media attention, she thought she could name and shame. However at the end of the day, this isn't 'murica. If you want guns, LGBT (and whatever letter comes next) rights and other things, go back. Respect a country's laws and customs cause every country has the right to have them. Don't like it? There are HUNDREDS of other countries to visit.
P.S.:
This phrase: "LGBT people". What about men that sleep with 2 women? They have equal rights too. LOL
accidentally*
Did I accident go to a different blog? Why is this posted on OMAAT?
There's always a mental hospital for Gigi. Going to Dubai and pretending to be a woman is a definite ticket to a psychiatrist.
This article feels like it might be from a high school newspaper
This is such a sad story and I really feel sorry that Gigi had to go through that, it must have been both scary and degrading. Having said that I wonder why, if she knew that it's a place that the transgender community is unwelcome would she take the risk to go?
As a black female, if I knew that there was a place that black people were not welcome I couldn't imagine many situations...
This is such a sad story and I really feel sorry that Gigi had to go through that, it must have been both scary and degrading. Having said that I wonder why, if she knew that it's a place that the transgender community is unwelcome would she take the risk to go?
As a black female, if I knew that there was a place that black people were not welcome I couldn't imagine many situations that would actually result in me going there. It's not about condoning discrimination it's just about being realistic that there are countries that still hold views about certain lifestyles. Is it fair? Of course not. Unfortunately many things in life aren't.
Better luck on your next trip Gigi!
Add this to the mix and you'll have a party in the comments section.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gay-couple-humiliated-after-emirates-staff-ask-if-they-are-brothers-a7083571.html
Somehow I'm starting to believe that OMAAT is happy with all the traffic these discussions may generate, can't say that I'm happy about that, but the blog is yours to run.
As a gay man I'm all for equal rights, and when I travel I understand that each country has a different set of rules and I respect that. Now for Gigi to go to Dubai to meet "Important people" and get detained I'm not too sure I get it. Why would you put yourself in the middle of this knowing that Dubai isn't very trans friendly? There has to be better places to meet these...
As a gay man I'm all for equal rights, and when I travel I understand that each country has a different set of rules and I respect that. Now for Gigi to go to Dubai to meet "Important people" and get detained I'm not too sure I get it. Why would you put yourself in the middle of this knowing that Dubai isn't very trans friendly? There has to be better places to meet these "Important people" other then the middle east. Just sounds like a story to get your 15 minutes of fame.
Just stay away. They have deep rooted hatred for lgbt people and will NEVER change. Giving money and makeup on a pig won't change the fact that it's a pig.