Lair Davis

Why Costa Rica?

There are lots of reasons why I’ve chosen to retire in Costa Rica. Here’s one, as demonstrated in a short news story published in the country’s major newspaper last September:

“The Child and Adolescence Tribunal this week awarded custody of a 10-year-old boy to Luis Gerardo Mairena, the transvestite who raised and cared for him after his mother abandoned him.

“The Child Welfare Office (PANI) also had recommended the boy remain with Mairena.

“According to Mairena, the boy’s mother was a former friend and roommate of his.  She gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. She left suddenly, taking only the girl. Allegedly, she was unable to care for the boy, who was suffering from malnutrition and regular convulsions.

“When the boy turned four, the mother returned to claim him, but then brought him back to Mairena a few months later. The boy has since gone on to live a normal life and is currently in fourth grade.

“According to PANI, Mairena and the boy have a strong bond and a healthy relationship.”

How many of these United States would permit a 10-year-old boy to be adopted by a transvestite?

There were no demonstrations in Costa Rica by rightwing religious ravers or rightist radio rodents when this decision was announced, either.

They are celebrating GLBT Pride in Costa Rica this weekend. There will be no march, but hundreds of gay people will gather in the Plaza de la Democracia to celebrate — for only the second year. I wish I were there already. I WILL be there for next year’s fiesta! As they say, “Pura Vida!”