Here it is, that day of the year most of us dread: “Valentine’s day”. This is possibly the least popular holiday or event -I don’t even know what to call it- among most people.
If you’re single, it’s that date that reminds you that you’re alone or reminds you of an ex or a recent heartbreak. If you’re in a relationship, you’re under a lot of pressure to figure out what gift to get to your partner (considering all the effort into the perfect gift was invested almost a month ago during Christmas). And finally if you’re that person who doesn’t care about Valentine, regardless of your relationship status, it’s frustrating enough to see those cheesy balloon hearts and teddy bears and all sorts of nauseating gadgets everywhere you look.
Having said that, now there’s another level of complication: How to celebrate Valentine’s Day if you’re gay and living in a not so open-minded country such as Lebanon. First I should say that for us gay girls, it is a lot easier than gay guys, I presume… Our culture is somehow more accepting of seeing 2 girls looking their best, having dinner in a cozy romantic restaurant on Valentine’s Day. People usually assume they are bffs, just out for dinner and gossip. However 2 guys in a romantic place is frowned upon. So let me stick to gay girls: my area of expertise.
What I noticed among my vast circle of Lesbian friends is that most of them do not like to go out in public for dinner. Valentine’s day brings a certain intimacy that you might not feel very comfortable doing in public. That’s understandable; however like I said if you do want to enjoy a fancy dinner at a romantic restaurant, do not shy away. Chances are the lights will be dimmed and the others are also on dates so they won’t waste time looking at you. Choose a small table in the corner so you can be as close as possible to your partner and hold hands from time to time.
For those Lesbians who already live alone, they usually opt for a romantic dinner at home. Chances are one of you knows how to cook, if not, just order in. But I do recommend cooking for your partner; it’s the most fulfilling feeling ever. Even if you’re not the best cook out there, your partner will be impressed and it’s far more romantic and intimate than having sushi delivered (let’s face it, you will order sushi)
If you neither want to be in a restaurant nor at home, I suggest you book a room in a hotel or a chalet in the mountains (in Faqra or the Cedars). Again you might think it is awkward arriving to a hotel with another girl. It is feasible… If it’s a big 5 stars hotel I recommend one of you to wait in the lobby while the other checks in. They never ask for the name of the person coming with you…trust me…I know. But if you don’t want to take that risk of being recognized in the lobby by a cousin or a family friend, a chalet is the safest way to go. There is no lobby, one of you picks up the key and no one really notices who gets in and who gets out.
Finally to those of you who won’t be in the mood for romance and want to spend the night partying and dancing with your partner, you need a place that’s not only gay friendly… let’s face it, you need a gay bar where you can be comfortable and be all touchy feely with your partner. In that case I suggest Life Bar because it’s mainly Lesbian oriented.
Regardless of what you choose to do on Valentine’s Day, do as you please. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you… Love isn’t a copyright for straight people.
THE L BLOG 