The British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands are among the more gay welcoming islands in the Caribbean, but are not without resistance and secret lives. For the most part they lack the conflict and drama found on other islands which discriminate or criminalize same-sex activity. Throughout most Caribbean islands, even though homosexuality is legal, there are varying degrees of native Afro-Caribbean homophobia which can make life uncomfortable for gay citizens and tourists. However, most of it is silent and invisible and most tourists will hardly notice.
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main Caribbean islands of Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, along with the much smaller but historically distinct Water Island, and many other surrounding minor islands.
Gay life: The actual word “gay,” is virtually unheard. Rather, it is said a man has “sweetness.” To be inflammatory, he can be called an “anti-man.” The word lesbian is never used; “bulla man,” is the local term, something akin to dyke. Bulla is the softer name, but has been so totally appropriated by females in general that the meaning has blurred. Relations between the LGBT community and the rest of the island population is laid back; live and let live.
Name: Virgin Islands, U.S.
Population: 108500
Capital: Charlotte Amalie - Pop. 20000
Area: 346 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: English
Religion: Christian
Status of Homosexuality: Legal
Telephone Country Code: 1340
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