Broadway star Patti LuPone has expressed her outrage after discovering that an LGBTQ+ cruise, which she is set to perform on, has been barred from docking in Turkey. The announcement came just ahead of the cruise’s departure, prompting LuPone to share her feelings of disbelief and anger on social media.
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On July 3, the veteran performer took to Instagram to explain her shock upon learning that the Virgin Voyages ship, Scarlet Lady, would not be allowed to berth in Turkey due to the identities of those on board. “A ship — a magnificent ship — full of well-heeled gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board,” she stated. Despite her frustration, LuPone confirmed her intention to proceed with the voyage, which runs from July 5 to July 15, stating, “I am furious, but I am sailing, as the ship will make other ports of call.”
LuPone’s upcoming performance on this cruise is part of a wider event organised by Atlantis Events, a company known for catering specifically to LGBTQ+ travellers. The cancellation of the Turkish stop represents an unprecedented move in the company’s 36-year history, according to its president and CEO, Rich Campbell, who voiced his concerns to CNN over the implications of a country selectively restricting access based on the demographics of its visitors.
“The fact that they are choosing who can visit and who cannot is astonishing and troubling,” Campbell remarked. He also shared that the port in question, Kuşadası, would not accommodate the cruise due to the presence of a “gay group” on board. This decision raises broader questions surrounding Turkey’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights and the impact on tourism.
In a statement provided by the authorities in Turkey’s Aydın province, officials firmly rejected the idea of welcoming the cruise, denouncing it as not fitting within the “moral values” of their society. They expressed that there was “absolutely no possibility” for the group’s visitation, labelling them as associated with behaviours at odds with Turkish cultural norms.
The ten-day cruise is marketed as an exclusive all-gay journey from Athens to Venice, featuring stops at some of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after destinations, including Mykonos, Santorini, and Dubrovnik. Initially set to include Istanbul, the revised itinerary has now replaced Turkey with new stops in Cairo, Egypt, and the Greek island of Crete.
Despite the significant change in plans, Campbell affirmed that Atlantis Events intends to remain non-political, insisting their focus lies solely in providing enjoyable experiences for their guests and respecting the cultures they encounter. “We are not there for anything except to spend money, have a good time, take tours and be incredibly respectful to every culture we visit,” he stated.
As the cruise heads toward its alternate ports, the incident highlights ongoing discussions regarding the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals in various countries. The decision to deny entry based on sexual orientation starkly contrasts with the welcoming atmosphere Atlantis Events aims to foster within its cruises.
Patti LuPone’s reaction underscores the frustration many feel towards discrimination based on sexual orientation, particularly in environments that should celebrate diversity and inclusion. Her commitment to perform for the passengers reflects both an act of defiance against prejudice and an unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.
As the Scarlet Lady prepares to set sail, the cruise’s participants are left to confront both the joys of their journey and the realities of a world where acceptance is not guaranteed. While alternative ports provide new opportunities for adventure, the shadows of exclusion remind all aboard of the ongoing battles for equality and recognition that still persist today.