Gloom Trip ✈️: U.S. Stays Tourist Desert? Experts Spill 🍸 the Sad Tea

Honey, the gays aren’t coming! International tourism to the U.S. is drier than a drag queen’s martini on a Tuesday, and experts are gagging that this slump might last longer than a bad Grindr date. While some blame the high dollar (because who can afford a stateside vacation when your coins are meant for wigs and glitter?), we know the real tea: the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country. No shade, but who wants to sashay into a nation that's throwing shade at our community? We’re fabulous, not foolish. Frankly, babes, we're not exactly crying into our rainbow cocktails. Maybe a little dip in tourism will make certain states realize that inclusivity isn’t just good morals, it's good business. After all, we’re not just bringing fierce looks and sharp wit, we’re also bringing serious spending power. Until then, honey, we'll be living our best lives elsewhere, sipping margaritas on more welcoming shores, and sending postcards that read, “Wish you were queer here!” Aurora Borealis (she/her), intergalactic drag superstar: “It’s simple, darling. Treat us like royalty, and we'll bring the gold. Treat us like dirt, and we'll take our glitter elsewhere.” Bob the Drag Queen Jr. (he/him), rising drag prince: “I wouldn’t go anywhere that my heels wouldn't feel safe. I’m putting the ‘high’ in ‘high heels,’ and the ‘no’ in ‘no thanks’ to bigotry.” Denali Ice (they/them), Executive Director of Sparkle & Shine Equality Center: “This downturn should be a wake-up call. We need to fight for inclusive policies not just for the well-being of our community, but for the economic health of our cities and states. Honey, equality is good for everyone’s bottom line.” Story by Crystal Methyd from LGBTQNN, reporting with pride. Sashay away!