Patti LuPone’s Gay Cruise Ship Blocked (Again) From Entering Egypt

Key Points:

• The LGBTQ+ cruise ship Scarlet Lady, featuring Patti LuPone, was denied entry to both Turkey and Egypt, with Egyptian authorities blocking the ship from entering their waters at the last minute despite prior approval.
• Patti LuPone expressed shock and frustration over Turkey's ban on the cruise, highlighting that the ship is "full of gay men" and emphasizing her commitment to perform for the passengers despite the setbacks.
• The Egypt stop was added to the itinerary after the Turkey ban, but Egyptian officials have not provided a reason for denying entry; Turkish authorities cited societal and moral objections to the LGBTQ+ event organized by Atlantis Events.
• Passengers and observers noted the broader implications of the bans, pointing to the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ communities in Turkey and Egypt, where such freedoms and opportunities are limited.
• The Scarlet Lady cruise, which began on July 5 and ends in Italy on July 15, was marketed as an all-gay voyage through iconic Mediterranean destinations, featuring entertainment and events tailored for the LGBTQ+ community.