The view from my suite at the Meliá Caribe Tropical in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. That would be the Caribbean Sea just behind the trees, about a five minute walk away. But first a shower and a nap.
On assignment here for five days and will report from the 2011 Black Diaspora MSM Conference. HIV/AIDS experts from across the Americas and the Caribbean are in the Dominican Republic to discuss the epidemic among Black gay and bisexual men in their respective nations, as well as advances in treatment, policy and prevention.
More on the conference starting tomorrow, as well as regular posts and csome ontent on gay/bi men in the Caribbean. Make sure you follow my Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.
WORK. IT. OUT. ROD!!!
Posted by: Carlos | 31 March 2011 at 17:09
One of the places on my "bucket list"! What beautiful photos! in person...it must be fantastic!
Posted by: Duane Johnson | 31 March 2011 at 18:07
YOU ARE SO LUCKY, ROD! PLEASE SEND SOME MY WAY PLEASE!!!!
Posted by: Distant Lover | 31 March 2011 at 19:22
This is great, you are traveling the MFing world and representing. I love it.
Posted by: WEBB | 31 March 2011 at 22:02
Enjoy the island.
Posted by: Curio | 31 March 2011 at 22:49
Enjoy the conference, and the resort Rod! I was there at Melia last Labor Day for DR Inferno and had a blast! If you have an opportunity, take advantage of one of the off-resort excursions...you won't be disappointed!
Posted by: dancehard | 01 April 2011 at 00:07
Don't Dominicans discriminate against black people, whether they are Dominican or not? In fact, I remember a story on the Internet within the past six months of a Dominican bar/eatery that had a sign posted that said that no blacks are allowed.
The largely mulatto/mixed race Dominicans are notorious for discriminating against the black Haitians on the basis of race. And my understanding is that they feel superior to the Haitians on the basis of race.
Why is the 2011 Black Diaspora MSM Conference meeting in such a place? I know that many in the Dominican Republic are heteroflexible (That is, they will be gay for pay--if the price is right.) and I know that many "black" countries of the Caribbean are homophobic (like Jamaica). But the anti-black Dominican Republic?
Since you are apparently there as a journalist, please find out. Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted by: Dean | 31 March 2011 at 20:43
Posted by: Dean | 01 April 2011 at 01:40
And a better location for a meeting of black gay HIV experts in the Caribbean would be ... Jamaica? Where?
Dean, you are obsessed around race and skin color. I only see your name in comments when it is something negative and obsessive around race, like is Obama or Kamala Harris biracial or black. And defending Cris Brown
Apparently the D.R. govt was welcoming to a large international group of black gay AIDS policy experts. Most nations in Caribbean would not be. Unless you are going to raise tens of thousands to host a meeting and fly people in, STFU.
Congrats Rod. No go kick some butt as usual.
Posted by: Former COGIC | 01 April 2011 at 06:28
Rod,
I do hope you get a chance to make it into Santo Domingo, if only for one night and party at J-Deez, Eucliptus (if it hasn't changed hands) and sit out for a late night/early morning snack at Paco' on El Conde. In the meantime, have some great fun in the sun. Former COGIC, thanks for your response to Dean.
Posted by: Brien | 01 April 2011 at 07:34
keep up the good work
Posted by: Joseph Reaves | 01 April 2011 at 08:01
Congrats Rod, looking forward to your reports.
Posted by: Otis | 01 April 2011 at 10:22
Isn't it always about the Dominican Republic and the delicious stories you dare not to tell? Rum and cokes all around.
Posted by: Troy | 01 April 2011 at 10:40
Dean: Please share if you know of a better location in the Caribbean that is Black gay friendly and will send an official rep from the govt. And also share your $100,000+ check to fly in and room 50+ people. Otherwise, say no more. -RM
Posted by: Rod Mc | 01 April 2011 at 16:54
Mouth wide shut! Snap!
You go Rod!
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 02 April 2011 at 16:57
wow!
u r a rock star!!!
enjoy!
Posted by: ALICIA BANKS | 02 April 2011 at 22:39
What a great view! Hope you have a great time!
Posted by: Spencer | 03 April 2011 at 01:45
I have been to the Dominican Republic about seven times. I love it there. Also my ex and now best friend is from San Pedro de Macoris, and he has worked in more than one luxury, all-inclusive hotel in Punta Cana.
I am glad that this conference is taking place. It is important and necessary. I hope the results are beneficial for so many of our black gay brothers.
My ex is a dark skinned Dominican, and he has discussed with me in detail how dark skinned Dominicans are the victims of prejudice by lighter skinned Dominicans.It has happened to him a number of times, including a few times when we were together.
Again I am glad this conference is taking place, and I am glad it is in the Dominican Republic. It is important. And, Rod, if you get the chance to visit the Colonial Zone, I know you would enjoy that too. An inexpensive and favorite restaurant of ours in the Colonial Zone is called Dumbo. I love their rice and beans.
One final note. It would be nice to hear from some gay Dominican men.
Posted by: Jerry | 03 April 2011 at 08:10