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I am a 30 y/o gay guy from California. I have made a lot of money and am thinking of taking a year or two off from work to just get away from big city life and the pressures associated with my work. I am considering renting a place in Alaska for six months to a year, ideally getting in a lot of alone/writing time. I am wondering what the gay scene is like in Alaska and where the best place to stay may be. I am not really into the gay scene as most people see it (not hugely into fashion, drinking and/or partying), but getting some dates here and there, and making some new friends would be ideal.
I am pretty sure I am going to rent a place in Barrow for three months, probably June, July and August (the whole midnight sun thing). I think I'm safe in assuming there are no gay people up there...but I would love any info on Barrow anyone can provide. It just seems like a fascinating place.
Lastly, I know Alaska is fairly conservative. I don't scream "gay", but most people would most likely be able to tell just by the way I talk (the voice gives it away). I am really into camping, sports (skiing), hiking, and those type of things. Do I have any reason to be concerned for my safety any where in Alaska, especially the bush?
Beone, read up on Eskimo culture as Barrow in primarily Eskimos. There is no homosexuality there. I mean, like it is unheard of. Truth!
Believe it or not, I dated an Eskimo guy for awhile in Chicago who was FROM Barrow, which is the only reason I know this. After we broke up, I did some reading up on the culture out of curiosity....maybe if I had done the reading before, we might still be together...ha! I always get things bass ackwards!
Make sure YOU will be a happy camper there before you go...just a thought.
So I take it you are a gay male yourself? Interesting - I guess if one did discover they were gay, they would need to leave Barrow to lead a life. I don't care about Barrow not having any gay people. The whole point of this potential sabbatical is to have a good amount of time to myself (in terms of no dating, relaxing a lot, learning, etc), although I would very much like to meet locals. So, that is what the three months there will be all about.
The one thing that concerns me about Barrow is my safety. I mean, maybe I am being ridiculous here, but you never know. For example, it's a possibility I could go into a business, speak and have it known all over town that I am gay. I am originally from small town Wisconsin, so I know that in a town the size of Barrow everyone knows your business and every one knows who is and who is not from town. Bashings have happened recently in the Castro District of San Francisco (close to where I live), so if it can happen a few blocks from "the gayest four corners in the world" (the intersection of 18th St. & Castro St.) it can happen any where. Safety is a concern for me in bush Alaska.
I am excited about the possibility of going. I am just in the early planning stages and just may head to Barrow and not any other parts of Alaska (although I would like to). I'm not sure yet - there are a lot of possibilities and I want to spend a big chunk of time in Europe. But my desire to go to Alaska has stemmed from some bizarre fascination I've recently developed for Barrow.
Okay, no, I am not gay but a straight woman in my 60's who is seeking to settle somewhere, find a nice guy and make his life a living hell for the next 20 years...haha! Joking...except for the part about finding a partner.
I would NEVER worry about being bashed by Eskimos as they are a most peaceful society. Really, please start reading up on Eskimo culture as you will be surprised at how loving and peaceful and sharing they are (remember, they share their wives in the igloos according to folklore). They really are a very beautiful culture.
If you were my son or brother, I would say go, personally.
I am in Anchorage right now looking and finalizing a job. I have meet several gay men and a lesbian couple. They all live here and seem very happy. Didn't have any complaints about the city when we were talking. My husband and I have found that the people here are very kind. Of coarse I have only been here a week to. I had some questions because my best friend and her girlfriend wanted to come up, and I want them to be up here. Been friends with her since grade school, and if my husband and I ever have kids we want her and her partner to be the godparents if anything were to happen I want them to be close by.
big difference between the mentality of Anchorage--with it's influx of the lower 48 coming up to Alaska--and the native only Barrow, which is made up almost totally of Eskimo.
big difference between the mentality of Anchorage--with it's influx of the lower 48 coming up to Alaska--and the native only Barrow, which is made up almost totally of Eskimo.
Anchorage is much more cosmopolitan than Barrow.
I am not concerned about the natives. I am more concerned about non-natives. Not concerned - that's a poor choice of words, but I want to make sure I am not at risk. Anyone who hears me talk would likely pick up on the fact that I am gay, even though they may not by my physical appearance....well I am good looking and have nice hair, and wear nice clothes...and I'm rambling.
I know you didn't mean that to be funny, but you are hysterical!
Beone, I am not sure how many non-Eskimos there are in Barrow.
If you don't start doing your homework, I may have to beat you up myself...do it!!!! And that is an order....haha!
LOL tootsiewootsie... a woman with a stern hand and a sense of humour! if ever i were to become straight and date a woman... she'd have to be like you!
i'm just being nosey... no input at all... good luck beone!
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I am a straight woman last I looked...
egone is talking about Barrow...
