The city has received a perfect 100-point score on the Human Rights Commissions Municipal Equality Index for the past six years. The adjacent gayborhood is Kenwood, with its streets lined with Craftsmen-style cottages from the 1920s. The Visit Bloomington website offers anLGBTQ Visitors Guideas a tip-of-the-hat to the LGBTQ community which has helped shape the citys culture. Not only is this city incredibly progressive and welcoming to the LBGTQ+ community, but its also home to some of the most incredible food (seriously, the BBQ restaurants here are to die for!) Well, everything. Provide a Few Fierce Surprises. Scoring an impressive 100 on the MEI,Bloomingtonis a progressive college town that takes pride in its reputation as an LGBTQ-friendly location. Located on the southern tip of St. Petes Treasure Island, among the string of barrier islands that extends along the Gulf of Mexico to the west of St. Petersburg, Sunset Beach is famous for its strip with beachfront bars and its Sunday beach parties. The annual Hampton Roads PrideFest, which includes a boat parade, has been moved to September this year, but there are still plenty of things to do during Pride Month. However, if youre looking for an extended break in the city, then we recommend visiting during the International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place annually during the first two weeks of October. Long Beach isnt what most people would quite call affordable. However, if you cant visit during the pride festival, dont worry, as the queer love lives on in the city throughout the year in the host of incredible gay bars and clubs. The camp counselors teach song-writing, how to play and how to form a band. While theres no designated gayborhood in Virginia Beach, the ViBe Creative District is an artsy cultural hub. Just a bit farther south, youll find yourself in Coral Gables, another lush, old-money neighborhood with an understated gay presence. Median home list price: $449,000*. The queerest friendly spot or Gayborhood in Philadelphia is Washington Square West, an area packed to the brim with gay bars, clubs, restaurants and shops. The Miami neighborhood of Little Havana is the spiritual and cultural core of Miamis Hispanic community, hosting Gay8 Festival, the largest Hispanic LGBT Festival in the United States attended by over 60,000 people. WebThese Gay-Friendly Cities Have Lots to Offer LGBTQ BuyersIncluding Affordable Homes. The charming island is also known for its white sand, pink shells, humble attitude, and beautiful waterfront homes. When it comes to gay-friendly places for the senior set, a new national ranking shows what most South Floridians may already know. While most of the Florida Panhandle is pretty conservative, Tallahassee is solid blue. WebThe 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Towns and Cities in the U.S. Although there isnt a specific street or community that is home to a plethora of LGBTQ residents, if youre looking for a laid back, mature community, and living in an LGBTQ hot spot isnt a top priority, were confident youll feel at home in Naples/Marco Island. And if all that wasnt enough, youll also find several queer-owned businesses and annual LGBTQ+ events here. A haven of counterculture and the birthplace of Starbucks coffee. Poinsettia Heights is centrally located, walkable, close to Wilton Drive, the beaches, and a little something for everyone, larger, more spacious, million-dollar homes, pool homes, both waterfront and non-waterfront. Homes there are not cheap, though, with a newly built, two-bed, 2.5-bath condo listed at $1.9 million. Galena, Illinois There arent LGBTQ+ bars or clubs in this Midwestern town, but its welcoming vibe, This vibrant foodie and shopping town isnt a gayborhood by any stretch, but you can still find drag queens and a gay bar in Delray Beach, which places it on our list of LGBTQ-friendly towns. Many overlook tropical freshwater lakes and preserves. And it borders the most beautiful lakes in the state. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. WebThough larger Arizona cities like Phoenix and Tucson are also known for being LGBTQIA+ friendly, Tempeh was the only city in this state to earn a perfect score from the HRC. With antique shops, wineries, a rich arts scene, and rustic charm, this small town along the Delaware River is a popular weekend escape from New York and Philadelphia. Your email address will not be published. Downtown Tampa features swanky high-rise condos in Channelside, Harbor Island and upcoming Water Street. Its close to the beach, so real estate is pricey here. Mad Myrnasis the areas gay bar and cabaret, and hosts a variety of events including drag shows, dance parties andDrageoke! This area is connected to the business district via Market street, and once youre there, youll never be more than a few steps away from your next cocktail, a slice of pizza or cute outfit. some of the most famous LGBTQ+ historical sites in this city, ranked among the top ten pride festivals in the country by USA Today, Boston is a fantastic place to travel to as an LGBTQ+ person. Bloomington, home to Indiana University, offers another LGBTQ-friendly oasis in the Midwest. The MEI examines how inclusive a citys municipal laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live there. The upscale riverfront community of San Marco is slightly less gay-centric than Riverside or Avondale, but its got plenty of quaint shops and some of the best restaurants in the entire city. This quaint town in Lake County is a rainbow diamond in the rough. For a list of LGBTQ-friendly real estate professionals in Florida, click here. There you will find an impressive list of gay-friendly restaurants, bars, coffee houses and stores. Festivities started Saturday at MJs Tavern, a gay watering hole in nearby Norfolk. Mount Dora offers a small town vibe where everyone knows your name. In fact, Atlanta has such a large, active LGBTQ community that it hosts two major pride events, Atlanta Pride and Atlanta Black Pride. Tuxedos have long been a classic wardrobe staple for men, but in recent years, women and nonbinary people have been breaking gender norms by rocking, AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Center, Alewife Craft Beer Bottle Shop & Tasting Room, Arcade Monsters Lido Beach St Armands Circle, Berkshire Hathaway Florida Properties Group, Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Fernandina Beach Pride Parade &Festival at Central Park, Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, Greater Ft. Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center, Historic Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown, Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Ctr, an IHG Hotel, Hotel Melby Downtown Melbourne, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Hyatt Regency Orlando, Windermere Ballroom 9801 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819, ICE HOUSE Chalk Festival '3D Illusion Museum', Lake Park Black Box Center for the Arts @ The Kelsey Theater, Lee County, FL Library (Fort Myers Regional Downtown), LGBTQ Resource Center Gulfport Public Library: Catherine Hickman Theater, Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa (MCC Tampa), Museum of Discovery and Science Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University Orlando Campus, Online Facebook Event @ DTSP:Saved by Streaming, Orange County Convention Center North Hall B, pin Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection, pin The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, Playalinda Beach/Holiday Inn Titusville-Kennedy Space, Rainbow Room at the Nauti Parrot Dock Bar, Renningers Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center, Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano, Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve, Rosen Event Center on the Rosen JCC Campus, SpringHill Suites By Marriott Amelia Island, St. Matthew's Tavern at the Orlando Beer Garden, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Sunset Green Event Lawn at The Keys Collection, Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts, Thanksgiving Art & Crafts Festival Tarpon Springs, The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, The Out-of-Door Academy Middle & Upper School Lakewood Ranch, The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, The ZOO Studios & Event Space-Us Artists Group,LLC, Treasure Bay Golf, Tennis & Recreation Center, University of Miami Shalala Student Center, 01marAll Day07Miami Winter Party Festival, 02marAll Day12Florida Strawberry Festival, 02marAll Day02aprIsland City Stage Presents I Wanna F#%*ing Tear You Apart by Morgan Gould, 03marAll Day05Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, 05mar2:00 pm5:00 pmDrag Queen Brunch Sunday, 05mar5:00 pm9:00 pmPride Music and Art Festival, 08mar6:00 pm10:00 pmPride Night at The Central Florida Fair, 10marAll Day31History Fort Lauderdales Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change Broward County presented by UKG Photo Exhibit, 11mar12:00 pm5:00 pmManatee Pride Festival, 12mar12:00 pm6:30 pmGulfport Pride, Peace & Love Festival, 18mar1:00 pm3:00 pmMeet Author John Bailey at History Fort Lauderdales Florida Scribes & Stories, 18mar(mar 18)7:00 pm19(mar 19)12:00 amMasquerade: The Sevens, 24mar6:00 pm10:00 pmonePULSE Topgolf Celebrating Common Ground, 25mar10:45 am4:00 pmTampa Pride Street Festival, 25mar4:00 pm6:00 pmTampa Pride Diversity Parade. South Tampa is a more upscale neighborhood and nearby Hyde Park, a small neighborhood with high-end bungalows. Theres also an active theater scene, with the annual Pride Theater Festival held in summer and the Pittsburgh International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in the fall. A turnkey Colonial built in 1930 and located right near Salem State University runs about $480,000. Boston, Massachusettss diverse and inclusive culture, makes it one the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States. Lets take a look: The gay community in Pittsburgh offers an intertwined hometown feel, which is why it was chosen as the setting for Queer as Folk, the groundbreaking Showtime series of the early aughts. To learn more about the region, check out the Mount Dora Road Trip Guide. Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers Atlanta hosts Ladyfest ATL, a feminist, art and punk music festival, which is a lot of fun. Jay Wilks, the events organizer, told the crowd to do You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. Providences PrideFest, which attracts more than 100,000 people every June, has been postponed to later this year because of the COVID-19pandemic. The Windsor building, dubbed the Edie Windsor Building, in the TownShores 55+ condominium complex, is home to dozens of lesbian singles and couples. WebSaugatuck is one of Michigan's most LGBTQ+-friendly small towns, with more than 100 businesses either owned by or catering to the LGBTQ+ crowd. Because of its proximity to the ocean, real estate here can get a bit pricey. Tropical Shores is a hidden gem of a neighborhood just off Old Southeast and is truly a treasure. In North Fort Myers, the Resort on Carefree Boulevard is a place where new friends are waiting to share your favorite pastimes, where neighbors look out for each other, where you can thrive in a tropical paradise. They have regular drop-in hours where youth are able to relax, do And with home prices rising just about everywhere, its more important than ever to find places that are not only gay-friendly but also budget-friendly. Best LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA, There arent LGBTQ+ bars or clubs in this Midwestern town, but its welcoming vibe, historical sites, lush countryside, and inviting LGBTQ-owned inns, such as the, , make Galena a real charmer. And while Austin isnt the cheapest city to visit in the USA, its not expensive either, provided that youre not travelling during the peak season, which for Austin specifically is going to be during the South by Southwest festival. Many LGBT couples are not out. There is, however, a growing LGBT presence here. Here's a list of up-and-coming queer communities in the South.. Youll find some of the most famous LGBTQ+ historical sites in this city, including the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park. Recently, Larson has worked with transplants from Los Angeles and other people who can work from anywhere. And unlike New York and Los Angeles, the city of Philadelphia is also relatively affordable, making it perfect for a budget long weekend away. Philadelphia is an increasingly queer-friendly city and an unlikely candidate on this list. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Big cities have long been the go-to places to live for members of the LGBTQ community looking for an enjoyable and inclusive place to call home. Missoula, Montana. The fun-loving southernmost city is selected repeatedly as Best Gay Resort Town by readers of Out Traveler magazine. Gay clubs abound in Madrid, including Boyberry, La Kama, Barbanarama, El Bulldog, and Ricks. Relax in the onsite pool, jacuzzi, and saunas, then check out the gay-ownedLost River Trading Post, which has an eclectic collection of antiques, clothing, and locally-made goods, followed by cocktails and dinner at the LGBTQ-friendlyLost River Grill. Penn Hills is more family-friendly with a good school system and plenty of historic homes. This event began in 1972, and what started as a bon voyage party has transformed into a six-day event. They are finding places like Pittsburgh where they can actually have quite a lavish lifestyle as far as homes go compared to other markets like San Francisco, Larson says. Given the left-leaning slant of the city, its surprising that Tallahassee doesnt have a more visible gay population. The gay-owned Paradiso Restorante, an Italian favorite, is another LGBTQ crowd pleaser and has been around for over 20 years! The burb of Gulfport is a bohemian village of pastel bungalows, artists, eclectic shops and outdoor cafes on the Boca Ciega Bay. Known for its great shopping and dining on Fifth Avenue, world-class golf courses, with more than a hint of cosmopolitanism, Naples is not necessarily known for being a gay hotspot. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown. Unlike some larger cities, there isnt one primarily gay neighborhoodbut that means theres more room to spread out. It would be wise to use a local gay REALTOR to help you find your next home in just the right area! This longtime LGBTQ+ hotspot offers scenic bike rides, inclusive bars and restaurants such as theShipwreck LoungeandBubalas on the Bay,amazing whale watching, and picture-perfect beaches. There are unique neighborhood vibes to suit your preferences. The Florida Keys, in general, are gay-friendly, however gay transplants have been relocating and vacationing in the island paradise of Key West since the early 1970s. Theres no denying that Florida is one of the most beautiful places to live. Diversity celebrations take place throughout the year with a multitude of festivals, parades, drag shows and dance parties. Dunedin has a hip little downtown, a pedestrian-friendly Main Street, Scottish heritage and a gay nightlife destination that draws crowds. This tiny city has a vibrant LGBT community space called Compass, which aims to educate the public on LGBT issues.. Its proximity to national forests, rivers and lakes makes this small, inclusive town the perfect place for individuals looking for easy access to ample outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and more. Times are changing, and now those seeking the more relaxed pace of life found in smaller cities and towns have a variety of options to choose from. Atlanta is the epicenter of the gay South, and members of the LGBTQ community have flocked there from more conservative towns and states for decades. 1 most LGBTQ-friendly city last year. 42. Wilton Manors, FL. The region is highlighted by colorful artwork and murals that meticulously cover the walls of many edifices. Dont leave town without catching a glimpse of the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, hunting for ghosts at the, This LGBTQ+ oasis offers easy access to Sonoma Countys world-renowned wineries plus plenty of in-town treats. Named the second gayest city in America by the Williams Institute in 2010, this subtropical locale has just 12,600 residents but managed to score 100 on the MEI. Iconic sights here include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island, and Chinatown. However, if you miss Pridefest, dont worry as there is another fantastic 4-day LGBTQ+ festival, Denver OutFest, held in October. The city's laws offer some anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Brookings, South Dakota (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) Covington, Kentucky Covington is situated on the south bank of the Ohio River and has the Licking River on In other words, if youre looking for tolerance, culture and diversity, youre no longer limited to major metropolises. However, the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and the fight for equality far surpasses the borders of Boston as the state of Massachusetts as a whole was the first in the United States to legalise same-sex marriages and the first to elect an openly gay representative back in 1974. Fort Lauderdale is a featured destination in our Gay Florida Road Trip Guides. Founded in 1998,The Western Montana LGBT Community Centeris located in Missoula and runs an array of support groups and events where LGBTQ residents are welcomed and can find support and connect with others. Is Discrimination To Blame. Durham also hosts North Carolina Pride and is home to Duke University, which just opened a transgender center on campus. Gay men are more likely to get paid less than heterosexual men, according to research from UCLAs Williams Institute. South Tampa is a If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. The GaYBOR District is a coalition of gay and gay-friendly businesses that began on the west end of Tampas historic Ybor City neighborhood is now a 10-year-old presence in this former cigar-rolling, Latin immigrant enclave. With 4.1% of the population identifying as LGBTQ, Orlando has a well-established gay community and several popular gentrified neighborhoods such as Winter Park, Lake Eola Heights and Colonialtown. This progressive and liberal haven in the heart of Texas sees cowboys, politicians, gays, hipsters, artists, and musicians all live, work and play here in harmony. A Republican stronghold, Naples still manages to attract a healthy dose of affluent gay and lesbian travelers every beach season. Provincetown, MA. If the idea of living in Big Sky Country appeals to you, thenMissoulais the perfect place to relocate. We wouldnt be surprised. Annual pride celebrations in Las Vegas are held in October and include an LGBTQ+ Film Festival, The Rodeo Parade and a street festival on Fremont Street. Recommended lodging options include Casa Crayola, a colorful collection of casitas Columbia, Missouri. Dubbed the LGBTA Main Street for The West Coast of Florida, the 12-block area offers a fun mix of shops, bars and restaurants. Relax in the onsite pool, jacuzzi, and saunas, then check out the gay-owned, , which has an eclectic collection of antiques, clothing, and locally-made goods, followed by cocktails and dinner at the LGBTQ-friendly, With eye-popping dunes, stunning beaches, 19th-century homes, and art galleries galore, the Art Coast of Lake Michigan doesnt disappoint. However, a recent poll found that 4.3% of the citys population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Photo: kolderal/Getty Images. With antique shops, wineries, a rich arts scene, and rustic charm, this small town along the Delaware River is a popular weekend escape from New York and Philadelphia. Then we looked at cities in these states that received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaigns annual Municipal Equality Index, where the LGBTQ advocacy group assesses equality in cities policies, laws, and services. It also has a rich theater and music community, an LGBTQ community center, and the groundbreaking Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. Bonus: For those looking for more exciting nightlife, Boston is just 15 miles northeast. Quaint and charming, cultured and European, St. Augustines history is quite alluring to LGBT travelers. And having visited the city several times and choosing to get married here, we can very much see why.
