In the relatively conservative Caribbean, few islands have developed reputations as gay travel havens, but Curacao - a nation since 2010 that was before that, until the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles - has for several years developed into a highly gay-welcoming tropical getaway.

This island nation of about 150,000, which lies just off the northern coast of Venezuela, has steadily developed a GLBT following among both Dutch nationals and those from other parts of Europe and North America. The island also has created Curacao Gay Pride, which is held over several days in late September in the capital city of Willemstad - it's now in its fourth year, and the dates for 2016 are September 26 through October 2.

Curacao Gay Pride comprises several days' worth of events, including a Pride Opening Event at Wilhelmina Park on Monday, September 26, and parties the next day, Tuesday, at the Water Club Bar and Lounge inside the chic, gay-friendly Floris Suite Hotel - this swanky property is the host hotel of Curacao Gay Pride.

Read the full story, originally published on August 28, 2016, on about.com.