By Michelle Talsma Everson, May 2019 Issue.
Photos Courtesy of Calvin Goetz and Jeremy Kraut-Ordover
If you want to ask what Calvin Goetz and Jeremy
Kraut-Ordover’s upcoming travel schedule is, you need to be willing to sit down
a minute to take it all in.
At the time of our interview (early April),
they were talking about Iceland to celebrate a birthday then a visit to Fort
Lauderdale, Florida in May. In June, they’re headed to New York for the 50th
anniversary of Stonewall, where they’re excited to join millions of other LGBTQ+
folk and allies in memory and celebration. “There’s going to be something like
three million people there!” says Calvin. Then, in July, they will globetrot to
Prague and Amsterdam with a work stop for Jeremy in Slovakia. In October, it’s
off to Nashville for a work trip (the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project
for Habitat for Humanity).
“And I think that’s all we have planned
right now but we might be missing or adding something,” Jeremy says, taking a
breath.
While the couple has only been together for
a little over a year, during that time they have been to six countries, three
continents and two island nations. Busy and career-focused, these aren’t last
minute trips; their travels are planned out well in advance and are often part
vacation, sometimes for work, and all of the time to have quality time
together. Calvin, the founder and financial adviser for Strategy Financial
Group, is based in Phoenix; and Jeremy, the vice president of individual giving
at Habitat for Humanity International, is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
“We both work our butts off so we want to
take time to see the world,” Calvin says. “With Jeremy being in Atlanta, these
trips are often planned out months or a year in advance.”
“Traveling together is actual focused,
connected time … if you want to work on your relationship, stay in a hotel room
together,” Jeremy adds with a laugh.
The two met while traveling in Puerto
Vallarta, Mexico, where they connected over shared interests and a zest for
embracing life at its fullest. The resort town will always be a favorite spot
for them because that’s where they found love, Calvin says. Jeremy was already
used to traveling for work quite a lot, so embracing travel to them just made
sense.
When asked if they’ve done any LGBTQ+
focused travel, the two mention their time on cruises hosted by Atlantis
Events, known as the world’s largest producer of gay and lesbian cruises and
resort vacations. Both saw the cruises as chances to make other friends from
across the globe and joked that they planned matching outfits.
“He had to talk me into that [the matching
outfits] but we had an incredible time,” Jeremy says. “If you go on an Atlantis
cruise or trip, leave your pre-conceived notions at the door.”
“Told you so,” Calvin says with a laugh.
When traveling as a gay couple, especially
overseas, Jeremy says that “the best thing to pack is a sense of humor.”
“It’s important to be aware of the home
country’s customs, traditions and laws,” Calvin shares. “We don’t ever want to
hide who we are but at the same time, in some places, we are aware of our
behavior in some places more than others.”
Jeremy shares how, on one international
trip, when the front desk clerk realized it was two men sharing a room, they
tried to change the room from one bed to two. “We told them one king bed would
work fine,” he says. It was a small moment, but one that encouraged them both
to learn to “embrace the reality of the country you’re in,” Jeremy explains.
What about work and life back at home when
they travel? Calvin has a 12-year-old French bulldog named Madeline who is very
particular and set in her ways who he arranges housesitting for so her schedule
isn’t interrupted. And, since they both plan out their travels well in advance,
they are able to plan work accordingly. With Jeremy working for Habitat for
Humanity International, often travel will also coincide with a work event.
“There’s something inspiring about when you
travel,” says Jeremy. “It makes you want to continue to see more of the world,
but not necessarily on the typical tourist route.”
When it comes to their travels, what are
some items they can’t live without? Jeremy says pre-workout supplements help
him adjust to multiple time zones while a multiport USB charger is a must-have
for his electronics. Calvin won’t travel without his earplugs, a sound machine
app, and an eye mask.
“Traveling helps to provide a greater
perspective of how fortunately and privileged we really are here in America and
how many opportunities we really do have,” Calvin shares.
“It helps me to remember that people are people are people; it breaks down stereotypes,” Jeremy says.
Travel Tips for LGBTQ+ Couples &
Families
Tips Courtesy of the U.S. Department of
State, Bureau of Consumer Affairs
“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and
intersex (LGBTI) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad,”
according to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consumer Affairs. “Laws
and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal
protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally
recognize same-sex marriage. More than seventy countries consider consensual
same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.”
Some tips for safe travel include:
• Before you
travel: Research your destination, update your passport, consider buying travel
insurance and consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (see
the website below for more details on the program).
• While you are
there: Remember the laws of the country you are in, be cautious of potentially
risky situations, watch out for entrapment campaigns, and be wary of newfound
“friends” who may be criminals.
• If you need help,
contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. “The nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate may be able to help if you run into problems overseas, especially if
you feel you cannot approach local police or have had difficulties already,”
according to the state department.
To learn more travel safety tips for LBGTQ+
travelers, visit
travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbti.html.
