EDGE Chicago

One of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBT rights, Taiwan hosts the largest LGBT event in Asia. A country in rapid transition, what you see today will be vastly different in another ten years. Or as the motto has it: "The time for Taiwan is now."

As the Chinese proverb has it, "Don’t listen to what they say. Go see." The Portuguese rechristened Taiwan "Formosa," meaning "beautiful island." Check out these photos of some of Taiwan’s charms.

Look no further than Aruba for a Caribbean getaway filled with sun, sandy beaches, and local flavors. You’ll be shouting "Mi stima Aruba!" (I love Aruba) in no time.

With its sandy beaches, quaint white washed buildings and bustling nightlife, Puerto Vallarta certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s friendliest cities. And the locals strive to keep it that way!

One of the top ten most-visited cities in the US, New Orleans was recently ranked second in the nation for gay friendliness. As our guide, Miss Jeanie, told us upon our return to the Crescent City, "You love New Orleans - and she’ll love you right back."

I arrive in Key West, Florida, with the haughty air of most first-time visitors from residences they imagine to be much more cosmopolitan. But less than 24-hours after touchdown, I am sitting on a rooftop patio in a deck chair with my pants off enjoying a margarita.

This tiny Dutch island is an oasis of gay friendliness in the Caribbean, a paradise of varied topography, hotels, restaurants, charming locals, all far from the usual tourist traps & cliches of the region.

"You’re a teacher, a guider. You transmit energy. You also have a deep connection to the spirit world, to spirits," says spiritual adviser Leon Pelletier, as he analyzes a Polaroid of my aura.

The LGBT community will own Las Vegas once again as Gay Nights Las Vegas, presented by MGM Resorts International, raises the neon rainbow flag for an indulgent four-day party weekend August 4-7.

Two years after then-President George Bush signed legislation to end America’s ban on HIV+ travelers entering the country, China has announced the end of a similar ban.