years ago from the United States. He is in his early 30s, works in the hotel business and says he knew before accepting a job in Bermuda that "there was little progression here where gays are concerned''.

"I hadn't heard anything negative about Bermuda, but for social reasons I checked Spartacus International Gay Guide (a gay travel guide) to see what my options were and realised I had none. The guide said that Bermuda discourages homosexual activities. "I accepted the job anyway, because being in the hotel business, its always encouraged that you work overseas, and it certainly looks good on a resume to have outside experience. I had only planned to stay a year but it's worked out very well for me here.

"I was fully aware of the fact that there would be nothing other than underground activity, and I don't mean that in a risque sense. I mean there was nothing such as an established place where I could meet other gays.

"After I arrived, I had pretty much decided that even if there were just one or two gays, they were very well hidden. Because of that I didn't go out and socialise for about a year or two. Before I came to Bermuda, I had had plenty of opportunity to play the field, so Bermuda was a bit of a relief, and a change of pace.

"It was a very good opportunity for me to look inward. I made up my mind that this, my homosexuality and trying to meet other gays, was something I couldn't pay attention to at that moment. So I concentrated on other things and spent a lot of time doing summer activities, going to the beach, water sports, and concentrating on work. "About a year later, it was just by chance that I bumped into other people, gay people, who worked in the hotel business or the airline business. Once you meet one or two people, then the doors open right up. I was lucky enough to get invited to a party, and then met more and more people. Every time you meet someone, they introduce you to their friends.

"Now, I have made several very good Bermudian friends. I don't have a lover, because I know my status in Bermuda is part-time. I'm not a social butterfly, but I do every now and again want to spend time with those of my own kind.

"With the law being what it is regarding homosexuals, I really don't think it constrains me from what I want to do. But, psychologically I think it has a very, very adverse affect. It makes me feel like a criminal for being who I am. I know of course that's wrong and I'm not a criminal. I have never done anything wrong, I've never been in trouble with the law. And yet, why in certain circumstances am I being made to feel like a criminal?'' RG MAGAZINE MARCH 1993