South Beach takes up its southernmost two miles and is glittered with eye-catching Art Deco gems and boutique hotel. Take in the posh shops and restaurants of St. Armands Circle or hit Sarasotas quiet, white-sand North Lido Beach. Stay at theDunes Resorts, the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool. It has no shortage of historic sites, three military bases, and tons of restaurants and bars. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. Penn Hills is more family-friendly with a good school system and plenty of historic homes. 1 most LGBTQ-friendly city last year. The Windsor building, dubbed the Edie Windsor Building, in the TownShores 55+ condominium complex, is home to dozens of lesbian singles and couples. LGBTQ Americans Are Less Likely To Be Homeowners. Rochester is the third-largest city in New York and home to a fabulous and flourishing LGBTQ+ community. Mount Dora offers a small town vibe where everyone knows your name. Located in Minneapolis Cedar-Riverside neighbourhood (known locally as The West Bank), this nonprofit resource offers a wealth of knowledge for travellers curious about LGBTQ+ culture and history. Do a quick search online for "gay-friendly travel," and you'll find the usual suspects New York City, From longtime LGBTQ+ escapes like Provincetown to the charmingly crooked streets of Eureka Springs, these places combine big-city perks like chic restaurants and acclaimed museums and theaters with small-town charm and inclusive communities. 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. Atlanta hosts Ladyfest ATL, a feminist, art and punk music festival, which is a lot of fun. Disclaimer: Most gay-friendly cities in Florida are quite diverse, and neighborhoods can change dramatically in just a few short blocks. 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. Photo: kolderal/Getty Images. West Palm Beach has more than 40 miles of beaches, plenty of shopping, and while relatively small, there is still some gay nightlife. Here's a list of up-and-coming queer communities in the South.. You may have noticed that Tallahassee has a reputation for being particularly lesbian-friendly, and that may stem from the fact that between 1905-1947 FSU was a women-only institution, and was one of the largest women-only universities in the country! You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. Required fields are marked *. , when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. Located in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, this Victorian spa town has a long history of promoting tolerance. Speaking of the theme parks, what started as a small group of gays and lesbians dressing in red and spending the day at Walt Disney World in 1991 has grown into one of the largest gay pride events in the world, attracting over 150,000 gay and lesbian travelers to Orlando on the first Saturday of every June. One such business is the Sunny Tampa is close to the popular beach towns of St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Dunedin. The upscale luxury community of Coral Ridge offers a good mix of multi-million-dollar homes with less expensive condos. Its filled with hip shops and on-trend restaurants. Pompano/Pompano Beach is more affordable area close to Wilton Manors. Queer icons like Andy Warhol, Gertrude Stein, and Willa Cather have all called Pittsburgh home at one point, and the arts scene is still thriving today, with the Warhol Museum and the contemporary art museum the Mattress Factory. Over the last several decades, the uber-queer Five Pointsforms the hub of what is, without question, the most gay-friendly area of Jacksonville. Provide a Few Fierce Surprises. The city has everything from street performers to colourful buildings, mountains to beaches and happy hour bars through to lovely independent bookshops. As an LGBTQ+ person, when Im looking for a city break, Im looking for somewhere I can be myself, and in that case, I like to opt for progressive LGBTQ+ friendly cities with a rich history and plenty to see and do. Outside of museums, youll find that Fort Lauderdale has some of the best beaches in the United States, making it the perfect place to spend a week (or two) relaxing either as a solo traveller, couple or family. This tour is hosted by a Portland local and lasts roughly two hours. Here youll find countless incredible items from LGBTQ+ histories, such as an original printing of Dr Aldred Kinseys research and donations from prominent LGBTQ+ celebrities. The town even has a touch of LGBTQ nightlife at Bambusa Bar and Grill. All 50 Sex Scenes on 'Orange Is the New Black' Ranked! Mardi Gras is, of course, the biggest annual event in New Orleans. 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. Wilton Manorshas many city ordinances in place that extend equal benefits to the LGBTQ community along with protections against discrimination in both employment and family-oriented affairs. Many LGBT active adults have heard of the retirement community The Villages located about an hour northwest of Orlando. Countless museums, theatres, public art exhibits, and parks are scattered through the city, providing an endless amount of things to do during your trip. While the city as a whole has remained politically and socially conservative, gay-friendly locals work to keep the vibrant city life alive and eclectic. Atlanta offers welcoming spots for LGBTQ+ folks across the city. The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Best Place to Live, What a Budget of $300,000 or Less Will Get You in 10 Cities Across the Country, 6 Affordable Islands You Can Actually Live On, 10 Best Cities for Antique & Flea Market Lovers, 10 People On What Its Really Like to Leave NYC for a Smaller City, Bloomington / Photo Courtesy of Visit Bloomington, Copyright 2010-2023 Livability - Journal Communications, Inc, 5 Surprisingly LGBTQ-Friendly Small Cities, Human Rights Campaign 2017 Municipal Equality Index, The Western Montana LGBT Community Center. So where are the hottest gayborhoods? 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 Mad Myrnasis the areas gay bar and cabaret, and hosts a variety of events including drag shows, dance parties andDrageoke! The Big Easy of New Orleans, Louisiana, is an incredible queer-friendly city filled with history, fantastic culture and an increasingly popular LGBTQ+ scene. You can expect to get around five inches of it during June, July, and August. Thats why the Realtor.com data team sought out the nations most affordable gay meccas. It's a different world when juxtaposed to the rest of South Carolina; it challenges the state's reputation for intolerance (i.e.., Ted Cruz's upcoming Death to Gay's Rally). It's also home to a thriving and family-friendly LGBT We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. The final Midwestern city on this list, Minneapolis, is an excellent choice for LGBTQ+ travellers looking for a long weekend getaway filled with history and culture. The Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC) is an LGBTQ-Youth support space that provides community events, workshops, heath services, free counseling and more to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer kids and their allies ages 13-24. This event began in 1972, and what started as a bon voyage party has transformed into a six-day event. QORDS hosts workshops on social justice, consent, and gender, and offers fun outings like dance and plant identification hikes. Las Vegas is one of the top destinations in the countryfor LGBTQ+ travellers, with the second largest population of LGBTQ+ residents in the United States. MEI nondiscrimination score: 30 out of 30 points. Ivanhoe Village District is a colorful bohemian community where youll find some fabulous antique dealers as well as a couple of laid-back neighborhood bars. Wilton Manors, Florida. 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. Web On the count of three, about 50 gay couples kissed their partners in the public square of a small town in the Ozark Mountains. The artsy, college town is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Aside from mosquitoes and those pesky hurricanes, who wouldnt want to be surrounded by water and sun the majority of the year. After the obligatory beach time, visit the, for drinking and dancing. It also has a growing LGBTQ community. Huntington, West Virginia. Palm Miamis oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove, is also its greenest, still full of the lush hammocks that cover the Groves sleepy streets. 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. 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. The island is only 4 miles long by 1 mile wide, so its pretty easy to find a gay-friendly neighborhood! And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. For younger LGBTs, QORDS, a queer summer camp for youth, welcomes people from around the nation to gather. In fact, about half of Leon Countys residents possess at least a college degree, and has the most highly educated population in all of Florida. Safety and an accepting community are two of the most important considerations of gay home buyers, according to a report last month by Freddie Mac and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, an organization of real estate professionals. About 45 minutes south, youll find the intercoastal city of St. Augustine also known as The Souths Little Secret. Soft sand, gentle waves, and warm smiles greet you in this delightful seaside town. WebWith a perfect score of 100 on the HRC Municipal Equality Index (MEI), Brookings is an excellent example of a small gay-friendly city worthy of your tourist dollars. The burb of Gulfport is a bohemian village of pastel bungalows, artists, eclectic shops and outdoor cafes on the Boca Ciega Bay. 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. A turnkey Colonial built in 1930 and located right near Salem State University runs about $480,000. While theres no designated gayborhood in Virginia Beach, the ViBe Creative District is an artsy cultural hub. Therefore, accommodation availability and costs increase dramatically. That changed only in mid-February of this year when President Joe Biden directed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to expand the interpretation of fair housing laws to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. Charming and quaint, Dunedin is a historic, small town with a big-city mindset just north of Clearwater. Only about half are homeowners compared with about 65% of the general population, according to the report. While relaxing is often at the top of most travellers lists on a visit to Palm Springs, theres still plenty to see, do and explore. If youre looking to escape the big city, these awesome (and unexpected) places are ready to welcome you. 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. This quaint town in Lake County is a rainbow diamond in the rough. Then sing your heart out at theFront Porchpiano bar and hit upMaine Streetfor drinking and dancing. Quaint and charming, cultured and European, St. Augustines history is quite alluring to LGBT travelers. Check your syntax! With over 6% of its population being LGBT, Tampa has a perfect score on HRCs Municipal Equality. Its secluded think dunes and sea oats and 22-acre north Lido Park looms like a forest above. With the growing LGBTQ community, we added a Naples and Marco Island travel guide to road trip experiences. Browse over 140 LGBTQ-owned businesses (also found in neighboring Douglas), swim and kayak atOval Beach(widely hailed as one of the countrys best), and climb to the top ofMount Baldheadfor sweeping views. Yet many small towns across the USA are just as welcoming. Columbia, Missouri. Wilton is home to a large number of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses and even has a gay strip mall:Shoppes of Wilton Manors. This is the best but also the busiest time to visit the city. All of them have good housing stock, plenty of things to do, and prices that are still (relatively) within reach. Big cities like San Francisco are known for being LGBTQ-friendly, but if you're looking for a change of pace, these unexpected small cities and towns deserve a second look. Being active, outdoorsy and openly queer is not unusual when living here. However, youre also perfectly positioned to be within walking distance to the citys major sights and attractions, including museums, galleries and theatres. In 1988 the city elected Broward Countys From an ever-increasing sports scene to a historic hot roasted nuts shoppe no, seriously. Home toAlaskas Pride organizationandIdentity Alaska,the states primary LGBTQ support group, Anchorage creates an atmosphere of acceptance for its queer residents with a parade that boasts an attendance of over 10,000. LGBT folks living in the South are responsible for the blossoming queer communities, and they need support. Famously considered the gay capital of Florida, Fort Lauderdale has one of the highest concentrations of same-sex couples in the country, along with its lower-profile neighbor Wilton Manors, our No. Besides the beaches, there are plenty of things to do here. Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach, Red Tide in Florida: What You Need to Know, Tampa EDITION, The Newest Luxury Hotel Near Amalie Arena, Suit Up with Style: The Perfect Tuxedos for Women and Nonbinary Individuals, SpringHill Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland, Quench Your Thirst On The CoolCraft Beverage Trail, The Best Events in Miami During Rainbow Spring, The Most Popular LGBTQ-Friendly Resorts in Fort Lauderdale, Must-Visit Miami Michelin Star Restaurants, Your Guide To The Best Gay Bars In Tampa Bay & Surrounding Areas. The city has a strong LGBTQ+ community well represented in politics and an incredible pride festival in June which was recently ranked among the top ten pride festivals in the country by USA Today, attracting more than 350,000 people annually. 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. San Francisco is one of the most quintessential gay cities in the United States, packed full of great things to see and do. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. For a list of LGBTQ-friendly real estate professionals in Florida, click here. 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. In Dallas, Youth First Texas, a non-profit organization, is committed to providing social services, education, and activities for LGBT youth. Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers with more than 30 gay bars and an extensive range of gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodation options. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destinationso wecan make updates to our recommendations. For more information, visit rainbowfamilyvillagesfl.com. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA One of the country's largest gay events is Southern Decadence, which is hosted annually by the great city of New Orleans. Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles! Wynwood, the citys artistic hub, has more of a gay-friendly hipster vibe, overflowing with vibrant restaurants, artwork, clothing stores, breweries, and club and dance venues, among a variety of other retail options. Unsurprisingly given how progressive Boston is, there are plenty of annual LGBTQ+ events in the city and many gay-friendly and gay-owned businesses. Diversity celebrations take place throughout the year with a multitude of festivals, parades, drag shows and dance parties. Providences PrideFest, which attracts more than 100,000 people every June, has been postponed to later this year because of the COVID-19pandemic. Many LGBT couples in town reside in this historic neighborhood, which has its own small fenced-in dog beach. Web12 Small Towns Known for Being LGBTQ-Friendly. The queer clubs in the city may be the most diverse in the South; there are western-themed, bear, Latino and gender-queer bars. Things in this historic town have become considerably more tolerant since the days of the Salem witch trials. While Christopher Park contains two historical statues commemorating these riots that changed the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the world. It would be wise to use a local gay REALTOR to help you find your next home in just the right area! WebThe NW 39th Street Enclave in Oklahoma City is considered to be the largest gay district in not just the Great Plains, but also among the central regions of the entire country, Stay at the gay-ownedPineapple Inn Bed and BreakfastorWishing Well B&B, and dont miss a show at the renownedBucks County Playhouse, which has staged original plays and musicals (including world premieres from Terrence McNally and Neil Simon), revivals, and concerts since 1939. Most college towns tend to be more progressive, open and tolerant, and the small college town of Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is no exception. The center of Long Beachs gay scene is located along Broadway, between downtown and Belmont Shore. Hood, and close to many orchards and U-pick farm stands, the intimate and beautifully appointed Old Parkdale Inn is a lovely, gay-friendly B&B thats ideal if youd prefer a quieter, more countrified setting. For our complete LGBTQ guide to Delray, check out our Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. 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. Bars serving the LGBTQ community are located downtown, though there are more to choose from throughout the city. Portland is another fantastic LGBTQ+ friendly city worth visiting either as a solo traveller, couple or family. 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. Is Discrimination To Blame. WebArgentina is socially liberal compared to most of its neighbors it was the first country in South America to legalize gay marriage in July 2010, and the ruling also included full Combined, the two cities have more than 200 gay-owned hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, according to the states tourism bureau, and more than 1 million LGBTQ travelers visit every year. 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. With 14% LGBT population, this walkable suburb with a small-town atmosphere is dubbed the countrys Second Gayest City (second only to Provincetown). The gayborhood of Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, lies just south of neighboring LGBTQ-friendly town West Palm Beach. And it borders the most beautiful lakes in the state. After the obligatory beach time, visit theOgunquit Museum of American Art, see a show at theOgunquit Playhouseand enjoy Maines famous lobster atBarnacle Billys. Pinellas Arts Village 4th Saturday Block pARTy! The Visit Bloomington website offers anLGBTQ Visitors Guideas a tip-of-the-hat to the LGBTQ community which has helped shape the citys culture. Senior Advice ranked West Palm Beach the #2 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. Fort Lauderdale is a featured destination in our Gay Florida Road Trip Guides. The Precinct DTLA is one of the most well-known gay hangouts in Los Angeles. The city has a mix of musician/artsy folks, Southern belles, yogis, and snow birds who flock to the ocean. Median home list price: $449,000*. Saugatuck and Douglas, two small beach towns, are popular destinations for gay and lesbian travelers, and frequently lauded as some of the most gay-friendly small towns in the country. Many people consider gay life in Tally boring. There are several other LGBTQ-owned businesses in Lake Worth, although owners may not be as out and proud as they are in Wilton Manors. Members of the LGBTQ community can work and live comfortably in every neighborhood of this city as there is no gay neighborhood instead, the entire town is considered inclusive and safe for all residents. Key West is colorful and Miami is flashy but Sarasota is sophisticated and artsy, and has developed a loyal gay following, thanks to it being Floridas cultural capital. Sarasota Countys ever-growing arts and cultural scene, along with its international mix of residents and visitors, fosters that kind of open, diverse atmosphere. Tamastslikt Cultural Institute by WorldFoto / Alamy Stock Photo Pendleton Thanks for subscribing! The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. 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. This longtime LGBTQ+ hotspot offers scenic bike rides, inclusive bars and restaurants such as the, , and picture-perfect beaches. Palm Springs is a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. Floridas population includes an estimated one million LGBTQ community members (This estimate doesnt account for tourists and may not fully account for snowbirds). Median sold price: $374,249. Queer as Folk kind of put Pittsburgh on the gay map, says Brian Larson, a sales specialist with Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Pittsburgh. Aside from the enormous Gay Pride Parade that brings out thousands of LGBT tourists on Memorial Day weekend, residents in the area will tell you that everyday life is a bit stricter. While most of the Florida Panhandle is pretty conservative, Tallahassee is solid blue. Mount Dora is artsy, beautiful and surprisingly super gay! For a magical experience, visit during December forNight Of The Luminaria, when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We're Cora & Helen, the founders of Inside Our Suitcase. Senior Advice ranked Tampa the #10 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. The rest of the year, however, this relatively conservative small city in the Florida panhandle has a small and quiet, even discreet, gay community. While big cities like San Francisco and New York have been long-renowned for their thriving gay scenes, theyre also notoriously expensive places to buy a home. Once ranked by The Advocate as one of the Top 5 Emerging Cities of Gay and Lesbians, Jacksonville boasts a healthy LGBT community and is one of the largest cities in Florida. A college town at heart, Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a state school with more than 30,000 students. Philadelphia is an increasingly queer-friendly city and an unlikely candidate on this list. 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. WebThe 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, South Carolina are top Boston, Massachusettss diverse and inclusive culture, makes it one the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States. 1. , the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool. In 2019, Fort Lauderdale passed a law that protects the citys LGBTQ community from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Alaskamay not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for a queer-friendly city to call home, butAnchoragescores well on theHuman Rights Campaign 2017 Municipal Equality Index(MEI). South Beach has been gay enough for long enough for its gayness to seep into every aspect of the entire neighborhood. And some of the small cities that are emerging as LGBTQ centers might come as a big surprise. If you visit Atlanta, check out southern Fried Queer Pride, it's a southern queer, music, and art festival that tends to highlight queer trans people of color. This charming and fun-filled city is ideal for those looking for a hometown where they can really beoutwhen they are out and about. However, it has some surprisingly queer-friendly spots and an increasing number of LGBTQ+ annual events, including OutFest and Philly Pride. Gay men are more likely to get paid less than heterosexual men, according to research from UCLAs Williams Institute. 1. She previously worked for CBS News, Bloomberg TV, and NY1. Explore, connect, and party in the sunshine state using our gay Florida travel guides. WebWilton Manors: South Floridas Most Famous Gayborhood Where to Go in LGBTQ-Friendly Dunedin Gulfport, Fla. - Quirky, Quaint and Welcoming to All Tampa's Gay Bars & Clubs: Introducing the GaYbor District Grand Central District & Grand Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, Fla. Out and About in St. Petersburg and Clearwater LGBTQ Travel in Key Try another? Wilton Manors, FL. Gulfport is Tampa Bays Gay Margaritaville. 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.