Screenings of out Episcopalian bishop, Gene Robinson’s Sundance-featured anti-bullying film, Love Free, or Die has brought him mostly positive reactions across the country, from big cities to small towns. Now, a screening in an exotic locale – on a cruise ship amid the Greek isles – will take him on a trip of a lifetime with a decidedly friendly audience.
Concierge Travel has organized a voyage with the bishop for the company’s first all-gay European cruise sailing Aug. 25 to Sept. 1.
“This is something special that I hope as many people in our community can join us for,” said Robinson. “It should be a beautiful cruise and a once-in-a-life-time adventure.”
Gene Robinson was the first openly gay bishop inside the wider Anglican Church. He was elected bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire June 7, 2003. Prior to that, Bishop Robinson served as assistant to the bishop for nearly 18 years and has been a voice for civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Working at the state, national and international levels, Bishop Robinson has spoken and lobbied for equal protection under the law and marriage equality.
Bishop Robinson will join Concierge Travel’s first all-gay European cruise and offer guests a Q&A and special screening of his most recent work, Love Free or Die, the bishop’s documentary which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and won the Special Jury Prize. The film follows Bishop Robinson’s personal life and public ministry from the struggle for marriage equality and equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people within the church and society, to the inauguration of Barack Obama as president in 2009.
“We’re so honored and excited to have such an admired figure who is so well-known to the gay community throughout the U.S. and around the world,” said Kim Gustavsson, vice president of sales and marketing at Concierge Travel. “To have such an important icon of the LGBT movement be a part of our cruise experience is a piece of history we’re so thrilled to be able to bring to our guests.”
The Greek Isles and Turkey cruise will depart from Athens and sail to the island of Mykonos. Guests will spend the night in Mykonos; the next day they will visit Patmos before sailing off to Kusadasi, Turkey, near the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Travelers will have a day at sea before visiting Hellenic wonders in famous Greek destinations including Monemvasia and Santorini. Guests will return to Athens for the last leg of the trip.
Concierge Travel’s first all-gay European cruise will sail on the Star Clipper which is billed as “a modern, luxurious sailing ship, 360 feet long, that can comfortably accommodate 170 guests.” The ship features teak decks and two swimming pools. Staterooms start at $1,195 per person based on double occupancy. Airfares, transfers, gratuities and port fees are additional.
