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. You can expect to get around five inches of it during June, July, and August. To make sure these cities are really LGBTQ meccas, each place had to have its own Pride celebration festival. South Beach has been gay enough for long enough for its gayness to seep into every aspect of the entire neighborhood. For younger LGBTs, QORDS, a queer summer camp for youth, welcomes people from around the nation to gather. 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. A college town at heart, Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a state school with more than 30,000 students. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We're Cora & Helen, the founders of Inside Our Suitcase. It is rumored that the population of Gulfport is over 50% LGBTQ. Besides the beaches, there are plenty of things to do here. Explore, connect, and party in the sunshine state using our gay Florida travel guides. 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 main street is the Drive (aka Wilton Drive), where shops and restaurants alike proudly display their rainbow flags. 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.. In fact, Atlanta has such a large, active LGBTQ community that it hosts two major pride events, Atlanta Pride and Atlanta Black Pride. Austin is home to an LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, an international drag festival, and several pride parades, including Queerbomb, an anti-corporate alternative to the main event. While a tad more on the conservative side than Fort Lauderdale and Miami, West Palm Beach earned a perfect score on last years Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index which measures how inclusive laws and services are for LBGTQ people who work and reside there. The city is also home to the only LGBTQ+ museum in America and is steeped in significant LGBTQ+ history, from the Stonewall Riots to the historic Chesapeake Bank at 14th and U Street. Soft sand, gentle waves, and warm smiles greet you in this delightful seaside town. Pinellas Arts Village 4th Saturday Block pARTy! Web12 Small Towns Known for Being LGBTQ-Friendly. The MEI examines how inclusive a citys municipal laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live there. To come up with this list, the Realtor.com data team found states that had at least 2.5 married or co-habitating same-sex couples per 1,000 residents using U.S. Census Bureau data. Stroll along the southern end of St. Pete Beach through the Pass-a-Grille area that stretches 22 blocks where the gay community hangs out. The Heights (Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights and Tampa Heights) are all gay-friendly hipster hoods in Tampa with historic bungalows, both large and small. Another hot, up & coming, yet affordable LGBT-friendly neighborhood is North Andrews Gardens. Palm Published on September 5, 2020. 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. Brookings, South Dakota. Brookings, 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. However, dont let this put you off as the entertainment and activities during this time are world-renowned and well worth the hassle (and cost) to experience at least in our opinion. And unlike New York and Los Angeles, the city of Philadelphia is also relatively affordable, making it perfect for a budget long weekend away. And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. The gay-owned Paradiso Restorante, an Italian favorite, is another LGBTQ crowd pleaser and has been around for over 20 years! Whether youre in search of a beachside bungalow, an LGBTQ-rich community or a skyrise with waterviews in the city, Florida provides options for all who choose to live here. Nashvilles annual pride event takes place in June and features some of the best live entertainment from the entire United States pride scene with previous headliners including; Lizzo, Betty Who and Salt N Pepa. Well, everything. It was recently recognized by Thrillist as the most gay-friendly city 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 This three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home there is listed for $239,900. The fun-loving southernmost city is selected repeatedly as Best Gay Resort Town by readers of Out Traveler magazine. There is no shortage of events for members of the queer community to attend. Senior Advice ranked Tampa the #10 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. 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. Then sing your heart out at theFront Porchpiano bar and hit upMaine Streetfor drinking and dancing. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay. For many, Florida is the retirement dream. But where? St. Pete is much calmer than the party atmosphere of Miami. Buy buyers can snag a three-bedroom historic home in nearby Belmont Heights that is on the market for under $1 million. Fort Lauderdale is a featured destination in our Gay Florida Road Trip Guides. >. The upscale luxury community of Coral Ridge offers a good mix of multi-million-dollar homes with less expensive condos. Many of those fine homes still stand today and provide a deep sense of history and pride for the area. It's also home to a thriving and family-friendly LGBT The all-Lesbian Resort encompasses 50 acres and features 278 home and RV lots. In other words, if youre looking for tolerance, culture and diversity, youre no longer limited to major metropolises. However, if you have time to head further afield, be sure to check out the nearby Wine Country. and a fantastic art scene. North Beach is poised to become one of the hottest gay neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. The queer clubs in the city may be the most diverse in the South; there are western-themed, bear, Latino and gender-queer bars. Take your pick of LGBTQ-owned accommodations like, and saunter down Commercial Street for hip art galleries, terrific seafood restaurants, and popular hangouts like the. Austin is easily one of the mostgay-friendly places in America, with an incredible LGBTQ+ community. However, if you miss Pridefest, dont worry as there is another fantastic 4-day LGBTQ+ festival, Denver OutFest, held in October. 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. Diversity celebrations take place throughout the year with a multitude of festivals, parades, drag shows and dance parties. Being active, outdoorsy and openly queer is not unusual when living here. This college town has not one, but two annual LGBTQ festivals: PRIDE Summerfest and PRIDE Film Festival. And while lesbians tend to earn more than heterosexual women, most still earn less than either gay or heterosexual men. Some decided to stay and build a laid-back life in Vilano Beach, Matanzas Bay, or the San Savinoneighborhood of St. Augustine Shores. This longtime LGBTQ+ hotspot offers scenic bike rides, inclusive bars and restaurants such as the, , and picture-perfect beaches. Long Beach isnt what most people would quite call affordable. Aside from mosquitoes and those pesky hurricanes, who wouldnt want to be surrounded by water and sun the majority of the year. 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. WebHere's a list of up-and-coming queer communities in the South. All of them have good housing stock, plenty of things to do, and prices that are still (relatively) within reach. MEI score: 100, Population: 122,000. 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. Its also one of the few dog-friendly condos in the area. The celebrations begin on 12th night, and end on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and while travel prices during this time rise significantly if you have the chance to attend we highly recommend doing so. Queer as Folk kind of put Pittsburgh on the gay map, says Brian Larson, a sales specialist with Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Pittsburgh. Huntington, West Virginia. With a score of 85 out of 100, Anchorage deserves a closer look. Not officially sanctioned by Disney, the annual event has attracted a growing number of LGBT families with children. 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. And some of the small cities that are emerging as LGBTQ centers might come as a big surprise. 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. If it is your wish to live in the gayest city in Florida, make Wilton Manors your next home. The gayborhood of Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, lies just south of neighboring LGBTQ-friendly town West Palm Beach. And should you miss both of those, then youll still be able to find a wide range of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs (the majority of which are located in either East Colfax Avenue or South Broadway) throughout the city open seven nights a week. Tamastslikt Cultural Institute by WorldFoto / Alamy Stock Photo Pendleton 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. A haven of counterculture and the birthplace of Starbucks coffee. The citys annual Pridefest is held in June and has one of the largest attendance rates of any pride event in any city in the United States, with more than 200,000 people flocking to the Mile-High City for the incredible 4-day event. We scoped out five small cities across the country that are earning a reputation for being LGBTQ-friendly with their growing queer populations and wide range of inclusive events, businesses and social environments. Denver has an incredibly vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a range of diverse nightlife scattered throughout the city. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. And as a result, many LGBTQ+ people from nearby regions are moving here due to its increasing LGBTQ+ population and the wider support from the cities community. The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque, has become increasingly popular with LGBTQ+ tourists over the past couple of years. 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. The famously gay beach Sebastian Street Beach is located in Fort Lauderdale Beach, and is part of the pedestrian-friendly strip on a barrier island home to many hotels, shops and restaurants. MEI fair law enforcement score: 22 out of 22 points. Take in the posh shops and restaurants of St. Armands Circle or hit Sarasotas quiet, white-sand North Lido Beach. It's clear, this southern city is progressing quickly.. Notwithstanding the consistent bigotry that saturates the legislature and state party politics, Dallas is a city of encouragement and hope for queer Texans. There are 200 miles of biking and hiking trails to explore, and Lake Mendota offers kayaking and fishing. While Christopher Park contains two historical statues commemorating these riots that changed the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the world. Seattle is a fantastic city to visit as an LGBTQ+ person. You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. 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. Bloomington, home to Indiana University, offers another LGBTQ-friendly oasis in the Midwest. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. 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. The highly educated and progressive city is one of the gay-friendliest in the Midwest. 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. , which has staged original plays and musicals (including world premieres from Terrence McNally and Neil Simon), revivals, and concerts since 1939. The adjacent gayborhood is Kenwood, with its streets lined with Craftsmen-style cottages from the 1920s. Floridas population includes an estimated one million LGBTQ community members (This estimate doesnt account for tourists and may not fully account for snowbirds). Same-sex couples can be seen walking down the street holding hands without fear in this unique Southern town that dares to take a stand against prejudices that still exist in the surrounding region. 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. Most tourists come to Albuquerque as part of a day trip from the nearby, more popular city of Santa Fe. And, if you like yoga, Jessamyn Stanley, a black, queer, femme, and fat identified yoga instructor. The Paradise Island Convention and Visitors Bureau has been making strides in their marketing efforts to make the Naples/Marco Island region more welcoming to LGBTQ people. 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. Its close to the beach, so real estate is pricey here. Popular neighborhoods for LGBTQ people are Middleton, a few miles west of downtown Madison. Visit one or several, and youll find thriving LGBTQ-owned businesses, cozy B&Bs, rustic retreats, stunning beaches, rolling hills, historic sites, and quirky shops all within easy reach of major cities. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. Tennessee Charming and quaint, Dunedin is a historic, small town with a big-city mindset just north of Clearwater. Durham also hosts North Carolina Pride and is home to Duke University, which just opened a transgender center on campus. With 14% LGBT population, this walkable suburb with a small-town atmosphere is dubbed the countrys Second Gayest City (second only to Provincetown). A Republican stronghold, Naples still manages to attract a healthy dose of affluent gay and lesbian travelers every beach season. One of our favourite things to do during our recent trip to Portland was the free walking tour. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Sin City is home to dozens of gay bars and nightclubs, including Peppermint Club, inside FireSky Resort & Spa and Vista Lounge at AQUA by Westgate Las Vegas. One might not instantly think of Floridas Panhandle as gay-friendly or welcoming due to its ultra-conservative nature. Things in this historic town have become considerably more tolerant since the days of the Salem witch trials. Most notable include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the worlds largest rotating tramcar and the Indian Canyons, which are home to stunning desert views and wildlife. Head over to the Tin Roof on Sundays to cheer on your favorite drag queen during the Battle of the Divas. And having visited the city several times and choosing to get married here, we can very much see why. Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers 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. In 2019, Fort Lauderdale passed a law that protects the citys LGBTQ community from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. 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. (ID: 42), Island City Stage Presents I Wanna F#%*ing Tear You Apart by Morgan Gould, History Fort Lauderdales Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change Broward County presented by UKG Photo Exhibit, Meet Author John Bailey at History Fort Lauderdales Florida Scribes & Stories, onePULSE Topgolf Celebrating Common Ground. Is Discrimination To Blame. Alongside an extensive range of LGBTQ+ owned businesses to support during your travels. This city is perfect for those seeking a place that offers plenty of acceptance and fun, along with the outdoor adventures Alaska is known for. Stay at theDunes Resorts, the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool. Sunny Tampa is close to the popular beach towns of St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Dunedin. Median home list price: $449,000*. Mad Myrnasis the areas gay bar and cabaret, and hosts a variety of events including drag shows, dance parties andDrageoke! Yet many small towns across the USA are just as welcoming. LGBTQ Youth Support. Photo: kolderal/Getty Images. Assisted living costs are low compared to national figures, and home healthcare costs are average, while the overall cost of living is low compared to national averages. In 2012, the Broward County school district became the first in the nation to recognize LGBT History Month. The heart of the gay community, where all the best bars are located, is in midtown, around the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street. There is also a list of queer social events to attend including the citysPride Film Festival, a three-day event that has been around for 14 years. Unsurprisingly then youll find a range of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels in San Diego, with the majority concentrated in the Hillcrest neighbourhood. 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. Homes there are not cheap, though, with a newly built, two-bed, 2.5-bath condo listed at $1.9 million. 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. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown. There are unique neighborhood vibes to suit your preferences. A four-bedroom, two-bath midcentury home here costs about $400,000. This quaint town in Lake County is a rainbow diamond in the rough. Mount Dora offers a small town vibe where everyone knows your name. The state capital of Rhode Island is home to fewer than 200,000 people, but it still has a thriving gay scene. Although some festivities may still be virtual, or a bit more muted than in past years, there are still plenty of reasonsand opportunitiesto dust off that rainbow flag and get ready to kiki across the country. WebThese Gay-Friendly Cities Have Lots to Offer LGBTQ BuyersIncluding Affordable Homes. With its increasingly luxurious hotels, exciting nightlife, and rich culture, Tampa is quickly catching up to the east coast cities of Miami and Palm Beach. Median sold price: $374,249. An organization called Gear, Gender Education Advocacy Resources, that sponsors a Transgender Helpline. The latest U.S. Census figures report that Asheville has 83 percent more gay and lesbian residents than an average American city. Advocate named Tampa the 19th gayest city in the US in 2017, Business Insider ranked it the 3rd gayest city for queer singles, and Tampas cost of living is 3% below the national average, and Tampas purchasing power is 22.7% higher than in NYC, making it an affordable and fun city. Given the left-leaning slant of the city, its surprising that Tallahassee doesnt have a more visible gay population. 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!) Pride festivities arent the only gay-friendly events throughout the year either. 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. If youve either done or ruled out the other cities on this list, then Albuquerque may well be the wildcard youve been looking for. Aside from delicious food and beautiful beaches, Charleston, South Carolina is a slick city rich in tradition and history with an increasingly visible LGBT population. There are over 100,000 residents that live in this self-contained community filled with golf courses, and access to more goods and services than youd find in a regular city of that size. Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh has built a reputation as a gay-friendly community since Recommended lodging options include Casa Crayola, a colorful collection of casitas 1. 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. For a magical experience, visit during December forNight Of The Luminaria, when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. Thats why the Realtor.com data team sought out the nations most affordable gay meccas. A popular escape from Washington D.C., Lost River welcomes you with rolling hills, forested retreats, and several LGBTQ-owned businesses such as theGuesthouse Lost River, a visitor favorite since 1982. Miamis oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove, is also its greenest, still full of the lush hammocks that cover the Groves sleepy streets. Its very kumbaya in terms of live and let live.. In 1988 the city elected Broward Countys first openly gay official and the current City Commission has a gay majority. The city has a booming queer and trans population and is home to the southern Comfort Conference. Median gross rent: $1,227. If you are more interested in new construction in the suburban areas of Tampa Bay, you may want to try Wesley Chapel in Pasco County or the more affordable of area of Riverview. One reason is a sexual orientation wage gap. If you like to be social, then check out the Triangle Connection, the towns LGBT Social group. It has no shortage of historic sites, three military bases, and tons of restaurants and bars. Not only is it the biggest metropolis in the United States, but it has a substantial history of LGBTQ+ advocacy and community. LGBTQ folks want an equitable experience, says Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. WebThis gay-friendly, hilly town of cobblestone streets lies about 180 miles north of Mexico City.