Queerying Michael Lucas and Why He Wants to Take You to Israel
With recent gay adult films like Auditions 31: Israeli Auditions, Inside Israel and the beautifully-shot Men of Israel, which is not only receiving best picture award-buzz in gay porn circles, but also claims the honor of being the first gay adult film featuring an all-Israeli cast, it’s clear gay porn icon Michael Lucas wants to show us a side of Israel we may not know about.
The proud Zionist and wonderfully outspoken owner of Lucas Entertainment (we sincerely do love him for stirring up the porn industry in way that’s uniquely Michael Lucas) recently announced the opportunity for anyone to come join him in a guided Tour of Israel at the end of May. In speaking with him about the trip for QueerClick (and also a mention in The Advocate), it became clear to me that this wasn’t so much about seeing the locations he filmed guys having sex, but about Michael sharing his passion for a country filled with history, stunning locations and a welcoming attitude toward GLBT travelers.
Michael, I’ve got to ask the obvious: You’ve been busy making big production adult films, but why shift gears now to take on a tour of Israel?
It’s not so much a shift, as it is something extra I’d like to do. It’s no different than how I love to write articles sometimes, and in the same way, I’ve also decided to do a tour of Israel—none of which is directly related to porn. This idea really came to me from so many people emailing me that they’d love to go Israel, but didn’t know how to go about it. And since my first business in Russia was running a successful tourist agency, I do know about what makes a great tour. So while I am organizing the trip here, I am also working with Israel’s biggest tourist agency and working very closely together to come up with the tour you see on our Website.
You know, I’ve received a lot of emails from people who would say that they would love to see Israel, but have no idea how to go about it. So, I decided, “Why don’t I take people with me who want to go?” That’s really how this came about.
Do you think you’d add other tours to gay destinations, say a trip to Fire Island?
You don’t need me to show you Fire Island. You’ll find your way very quickly on your own there. Israel on the other hand, is such an ideal place for a vacation, especially a gay holiday vacation, it’s not yet a typical tourist spot for gay men. You’re not going to be mobbed with thousands of tourists, but can enjoy so many amazing places that are not seen by tourists so commonly. And for me, its such an interesting place. It offers an amazing combination of history, gorgeous architecture, restaurants from all over the world, beautiful beaches, a wild nightlife, natural resorts, shopping. There are so many things to do and see, all in one trip. You can be in urban Tel Aviv and quickly realize you’re in one of the top gay-friendly cities, float in the amazing Dead Sea, spend time with dolphins, or enjoy on one of my favorite nude, gay beaches: Gaash Beach. Once again, I’m doing this because I enjoy introducing people to the country that I truly love. In fact, I have brought many of my friends and models here over the years, and I see this same reaction every time—they fall in love with it. I can’t wait to share it with members of the tour.
Have you had people assume that the tour would be a porn or sex-based trip?
It absolutely isn’t that type of trip. You absolutely don’t need me to find sex in Israel, if that’s what you’re interested in. There are many gay clubs, two gay beaches, and Israeli guys are generally very friendly and curious. And speak English as well.
This trip also is an opportunity to see a cosmopolitan place that’s safe and gay-friendly, as well as meet my Israeli friends who are wonderful, fantastic gay men. My friend Ronen Akerman, the famous photographer will be there, happy to take pictures with you with the handsome Israeli soldiers, if you want. We’ll also have a big dinner hosted by the stars of the Men of Israel; Jonathan Agassi, Naor Tal, Matan Shaley and myself. But no, this trip is about Israel, not about having sex. You don’t need me to find sex!
So is the trip only open to gay men?
Everyone is welcome. The tour is aimed at people who are interested in exploring all of Israel. Gender, age, or body type don’t matter. People seem to be confused about this. I want to travel with a diverse crowd and this trip is absolutely for anyone who wants to see Israel from a unique insider’s perspective.
It might surprise some to learn that Israel is actually a leader is LGBT rights in the world. What’s caused this to develop? What can other countries learn from Israel regarding gay-rights?
This developed because the majority of Jewish people are liberal. In America, 83% of the Jewish population voted for Obama in 2008 and 80% voted for Gore in 2000. So it is no surprise that Israel is ahead of America when it comes to gay rights. Also, Israel is the only nation in the Middle East and Asia to recognize same-sex marriages. There is no “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, as Israeli gay men have been able to serve openly in the army since 1993. Also, gay couples have the right to adopt children. When two gay youths were killed last year in Tel Aviv, Israeli President Shimon Peres marched with gays in the streets of Tel Aviv and gave a rousing speech supporting the gay community to a crowd of over 20,000 Israelis.
While Israel has a rich history, what do you think will be most surprising realization for people who go on this tour?
I think people will be surprised that Tel Aviv is so gay-friendly, modern, and cosmopolitan. Also, they will be excited to see the amazing nightlife and the beautiful, pristine gay beach that is just a few minutes from our hotel. People there are incredibly friendly and speak English. So it’s very easy to meet Israeli guys because they are very amiable and love to chat with visitors.
The tour starts at the Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on May 27th, correct?
Yes, the are two options for people. There’s a shorter excursion that is 9 days and 8 nights priced at $2755. Also there is an option to stay longer and explore the Red Sea and Eilat, which is 12 days and 11 nights for $3790. I am also hoping to have a small group, maybe around 20 people total. If you want to learn more about the itinerary or specific details, I encourage you to read more at http://www.lucasentertainment.com/travel_with_michael/
