“Who practices hospitality entertains God himself.” — Proverb

Hurricane KatrinaLewis Routh and his long term partner lived in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina devastated the region. This is their story about how they lost everything but found kindness and hospitality through the queer community in Galveston Island, Texas. This experience gained them a new life, a new business and an innovative way for the LGBT community to meet others and save money in the process. These are his words…

Hurricane Katrina had wiped us out — financially and emotionally. Like thousands of others in New Orleans, we had lost everything but our lives. But the storm had also brought us an epiphany: Even in this violent world, almost all people are inherently good, caring and interesting people.

Four days after the hurricane, in dirty clothes, having had minimal food, even less sleep and no bathing, we limped into Galveston Island , Texas in the last rental car available — a 2005 Cadillac DeVille. It’s hard to look like you need assistance when you’re driving a new Cadillac!

We knew no one in Galveston — had never even vacationed there — but we knew if we found the gay community, we’d find a safe harbor.

The gay community of Galveston opened up their hearts and homes to us, giving us shelter in the homes of total strangers, clothes, food and other necessities. More importantly, they knew we needed to take our minds off the tragedy. We were given theatre tickets, free meals at local restaurants, free computer and Internet use, free drinks, massages, hot tub soaks — anything that might help heal our traumatized emotions.

Allow me a side note here: Our federal government has never recognized my partner and I as a legally defined couple. Even after 30 years of living together, we were considered “roommates” at best. Now, however, we had finally attained the recognition of being “one household,” only so FEMA wouldn’t have to provide financial assistance to each of us as individuals. You see, we temporarily became a “legal couple” only when it was financially advantageous to the government.

The whole event anyway, from disaster to recovery, brought a more personal and positive change in our lives. This change wasn’t like the hurricane– ­Ã‚ ­ immediate, fast and furious ­, here for an hour, then gone. It was more like the rising flood waters following the storm– gradually, slowly but unflinchingly covering our world.

We realized that by staying with the LGBT residents of the community we were able to appreciate Galveston , both as a city and as an historical beach culture, far better than we ever would have, had we stayed in a hotel.

The proverbial light-bulb switched on: When we travel and stay in the homes of LGBT hosts, the personal rewards quickly surpass the financial savings on accommodations– we experience what life is really like in that locale, in that culture, through their daily routines, their idiosyncrasies and their stories. And we learn that sharing our experiences with each other makes us all richer. We instantly gain new friends, have a personal tour guide and concierge, and we simply have more fun! The same enrichment comes from being a host to travelers. It’s a classic win-win situation.

After a year and a half of financial and emotional recovery, my partner and I have returned to our beloved New Orleans. And we’ve decided to offer, as a “thank you” for the hospitality of the gay community in Galveston, an Internet-based worldwide LGBT travel club called Hospigaiety Clubâ’ž ¢, where for a small annual fee, members can travel and stay in the spare bedrooms of other members, save lots of money and become better people in the process. We currently have members in over 30 countries. So come join the club, then “Stay at home… all over the world.”