“Denial” It’s Not a River in Egypt

By now, every gay man with Wi-Fi has main-charactered the Atlantis Events Middle East Cruise saga. In case you missed it, Atlantis Events — the floating Gay circuit-party — chartered Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady for a 10-day cruise that was supposed to include a Turkish port in Kuşadası/Ephesus. The Turkish government took one look at the guest list and said, “Hard pass.”

Officials in Aydın Province announced the cruise was chartered by “groups known for behaviors that do not align with the structure of our society and our moral values.” Brutal, but refreshingly honest.

Atlantis had visited Turkey 12 times before without drama. So what changed? Was it geopolitics or perhaps the 9 drug-related arrests in Miami while passengers boarded an Atlantis-sponsored vessel earlier this year? We may never know.

Undeterred, Atlantis pivoted to Alexandria, Egypt, but that was a big mistake. With less than 100 miles to go, Egypt ghosted them like a Grindr match who suddenly discovers you’re conservative. No statement, no apology — just turn the ship around, sadistically waving like Anne Baxter in The Ten Commandments. So let it be written, so let it be done.

The meltdown was immediate: Social media erupted with screams of homophobia and racism, which is almost comical. Homophobia in Muslim countries is a well-documented fact. But since the fight for equality in the United States is long since over, this became the perfect soapbox to feign victimhood.

Timing is everything, and as luck would have it, Gen Z’s “Norma Desmond” (Patti Lupone) was aboard. She turned out to be the perfect casting choice to fan the flames from her stage. Iconic, really — the woman whose fame centered on playing an authoritarian’s wife. Now she was aghast to see, first hand, that authoritarians do exist…Off Broadway, of course. The ones she faced did not want a pride parade through the pyramids. The irony is as caustic as her reputation.

Let’s ask the question everyone’s politely avoiding: What was Atlantis thinking booking Muslim-majority countries? These weren’t quirky destination choices — they were places where the state religion and cultural norms have zero interest in rainbow-flag diplomacy. Why vacation somewhere that would jail you for simply existing?

The U.S. Department of State is quite clear with respect to travel advisories in both Egypt and Turkey. “Gay and lesbian individuals face significant discrimination. (Egypt)”. They state that in Turkey: “Gay and lesbian travelers should exercise caution, especially outside major cities. Avoid public displays of affection and be discreet.”

Not exactly Provincetown, is it?

Homophobia in the Middle East is real and often lethal. These destinations should not be on any Gay man’s bucket list. And, I ask, “Why would anyone patronize a country that would jail you for your identity?”

What’s truly odd is the selective outrage. These same Gay men will boycott or cancel a business the moment it’s rumored to be affiliated with conservatives. That triggers a nuclear meltdown followed by pearl-clutching boycotts (sigh).

A Palm Springs Gay brunch favorite, The Tropicale, is currently facing an internet backlash over the owner’s reported Trump support. Yet here we are: the same crowd that won’t set foot in a Chick-fil-A is happily dropping thousands to vacation in countries where they have zero legal protections.

GenZ Gays are unfamiliar with the homophobia that pre-dated the 2000s. And, unfortunately, most of the men who experienced it are gone. But, I’m still here. And I know what it feels like.

In the 1980s, I was denied entry to places simply for being gay. And I lost two jobs because I was told, “We don’t want a gay man in this firm.” Fast-forward to 2026: Same treatment, different agenda. I’ve been ejected from gay bars — most recently Urban Mo’s in San Diego — for simply wearing a MAGA hat. The online gays cheering that ejection are the same ones suddenly hyperventilating because Muslim port authorities waved them off with matching energy.

The bottom line is that in today’s Gay Community, Equality is a Hobson’s Choice. “NoH8, Love, Equality and Diversity” mantras are genuine but ONLY if you subscribe and adhere to a strict school of thought. Step out of line, and you’re jettisoned.

Social media is now flooded with passenger videos decrying Middle Eastern homophobia. One widely circulated clip blames President Donald Trump. Another whines, “Are we too gay to spend money in your country?”

My favorite is Thomas Barker from Miami, Florida. When interviewed by NBC from his stateroom, clearly disappointed by Egyptian Authorities, he lamented: “We spend a lot of time, as gay people, trying to find safe spaces.”

“Safe spaces?” Who’s going to tell him?

What’s even more disheartening is the attention disparity. Social media is overflowing with anger over a missed Cairo shopping spree or Turkish hair transplants while Middle Eastern gays face genuine homophobia in the form of horrific violence. That includes imprisonment up to execution for the crime of homosexuality. However, those atrocities don’t involve retail therapy and Instagram “likes,” so the Alphabet Mafia stays embarrassingly quiet.

Atlantis and its passengers came face-to-face with real intolerance. Will that spark a deeper appreciation for the United States and the freedoms we enjoy here? Only time will tell.