San Francisco, California
San Fran is one of the most iconic gay meccas in the entire USA. Teeming with queer history and culture, the city boasts the Castro and the Mission districts, both recognized as two of the most vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in the nation. San Francisco also hosts one of the largest Pride festivals in the US, along with other high-profile gay events like the Folsom Street Fair. To this day, the Golden Gate City lives up to its name as a haven for queer folks looking to find their tribe in a new place. Population-wise, San Fran’s queer community makes up 6% of the city. That’s larger than the national average of 5.1%! Residents are also very accepting, with only 12% opposing non-discrimination laws. We can’t mention San Fran without a shoutout to its Bay Area neighbor, San Jose. This Silicon Valley city may not have all the bells and whistles of San Francisco, but it’s got a near-perfect equality index score of 97/100 and an incredibly welcoming population.
Hartford, Connecticut
The small capital of Connecticut is surprisingly queer-friendly. What this demure city might lack in bars and nightlife, it more than makes up for with its welcoming and supportive residents. The city has one of the highest approval ratings for same-sex marriage and 213% more PFLAG chapters per capita than the national average. Even Expedia.com named Hartford one of the most “exciting LGBTQ-friendly cities around the world!” If you’re interested in seeing what gay life is like in a smaller city, Hartford is the place to go! About 4.6% of Hartford residents identify as LGBTQ+, putting it on par with or ahead of even bigger cities like Chicago (4.1%) and NYC (4.5%).
Palm Springs, California
This sunny SoCal town is America’s “gay retirement village.” With just over 45,000 residents, Palm Springs is one of the smallest cities on our list, but this desert oasis is a gay tourist hotspot. Located just 2 hours from LA and San Diego by car, its desert hiking, golfing, boutique hotels, and laid-back atmosphere attract LGBTQ+ visitors from all over the world. There is a large gay population, and as a sunny town with a slower pace of life, it’s also a great place to retire. There are plenty of cool gay bars if you need a night out, but most people flock to Palm Springs for daytime sun and fun. Consider looking at one of its several gay resorts for a fun weekend getaway!
Provincetown, Massachusetts
P-Town is a tiny but mighty destination for LGBTQ+ tourists. This small resort town at the very end of Cape Cod has a year-round population just shy of 3,500, but each summer, it becomes a premium destination for gay tourists from around the Northeast and beyond. The town is known for its unique art scene (it hosted an isolated artists community in the 60s), drag shows, accepting community, sunshine, sand, and of course, nightlife. Provincetown isn’t only enjoyable in the summer, though. Try visiting in the off season to experience equally great queer attractions and entertainment without all the crowds.
Los Angles, California
LA is a top destination for LGBTQ+ folks to see and be seen. West Hollywood (more commonly known as WeHo) has got to be one of the gayest neighborhood in the States, with about 40% of its residents identifying as queer in some way. The LA gay nightlife scene is possibly unmatched, with a diverse array of bars and clubs that are always well-attended. The City of Angels is also a great place to find and connect with fellow gay transplants from other parts of the country. While a few may be more interested in chasing followers and clout, most are there to live life to the fullest with a vibrant gay community! There’s no shortage of LGBTQ+ support from the people of LA, too. Los Angeles’s Pride Parade is one of the most well-attended in the country—146,000 came in 2022!
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a magnet for all misfits, including America’s queer folks. The city is fiercely supportive of LGBTQ+ rights and people, and it’s especially attractive to creatives and artists. There’s no single gay district or neighborhood because the entire city is welcoming and accepting. The Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and Pride Northwest are just two examples of the City of Rose’s perpetual gayness. Portland is committed to LGBTQ+ wellbeing and boasts 119% more LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per capita than the national average. The state of Oregon is also incredibly gay, with a whopping 8% of the population identifying as LGBTQ+.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago boasts the oldest official “gayborhood” in the country. This Midwest metropolis’s Northalsted neighborhood (affectionately nicknamed Boystown) is full of vibrant gay bars and restaurants, queer-friendly shops and businesses, and The Legacy Walk (a tribute to famous LGBTQ+ figures from around the world). Plus, the city hosts major events and festivals like Chicago Pride, Marketdays, and International Mr. Leather that draw gay visitors from around the country (and the world). If the heart of Boystown isn’t your scene, don’t fret. Many of Chicago’s residential neighborhoods, like Andersonville on the north side, are queer-friendly and have a vibrant social scene as well. No matter your vibe, there’s a Chicago gayborhood for you! Plus, the citizens of the city are also extremely welcoming and non-discriminatory toward LGBTQ+ people. The city has 38% more PFLAG chapters than the national average, and 15% of its residents oppose non-discrimination laws (that’s 21% under the national average).
New York City, New York
The home of Broadway is one of America’s gayest cities (shocking!). Queer-friendly neighborhoods are in no short supply, with areas like Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and Hell’s Kitchen being longtime safe havens for gays. The city is also home to the famous Stonewall Inn, where the modern gay liberation movement was born. The Big Apple has also hosted World Pride, the largest Pride celebration in the world, in 2019, cementing its status as a gay-friendly metropolis. Plus, NYC is just a short journey away from Fire Island, a notable gaycation getaway (and very inclusive community) that draws thousands of gay tourists each summer. The City That Never Sleeps may be gay-friendly, but it does present some challenges. There are 65% fewer LGBTQ-affirming healthcare providers and 38% fewer PFLAG chapters per capita than the average metro. However, the city is huge by American standards and always has a friendly place for LGBTQ+ residents and travelers to go.
San Diego, California
This SoCal metropolis has been an LGBTQ+ destination since the 1950s. Back then, venues like Bradley's and Blue Jacket lured gay travelers from all over the country. These days, a modern and vibrant gay scene maintains that tradition (Gossip Grill, a lesbian-owned hot spot, is a standout for both tourists and locals). With no shortage of things to do and a progressive local and state government, San Diego remains a welcoming haven for LGBTQ+ folks from around America and the world. San Diego’s residents support non-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage at higher rates than the national averages. Everyone is welcome! What do you think are the gayest cities in the US? Share your thoughts and see what others think in our “Best gay-friendly cities to live in the US” forum.
Las Vegas, Nevada
What happens in Vegas gays in Vegas. Who can resist the lights, sequins, showgirls, and glam of Sin City? Las Vegas is a party oasis in the Mojave Desert that boasts 90% more gay bars than the average city and 214% more annual pride events than the average metro area. If you’re looking for a truly Vegas gay experience, check out “The Fruit Loop” on Paradise—a collection of bars and clubs mixed with strip malls, perfect for both partying and purchasing. If you’re worried about state politics, Nevada has a state equality score of 40.5. That’s 143% higher than the national average of 16.7!
Seattle, Washington
It may rain a lot in Seattle, but the sun shines when it comes to pride. Seattle’s gayborhood is concentrated in Capitol Hill, just east of downtown, with rainbow crosswalks, bars and restaurants, and other LGBTQ-owned businesses. It doesn’t much matter where you go, though—there are gay-friendly establishments in pretty much every part of town! Plus, the city has not one but two annual Pride celebrations and the largest LGBTQ-identifying men’s and women’s choruses in the world. Both Seattle and the state of Washington have above-average equality scores, with Seattle getting a perfect 100/100.
Austin, Texas
This gay gem glitters brightly in the heart of the Lone Star State. Texas may not have a great reputation for LGBTQ+ rights, but the city of Austin isn’t afraid to keep things queer! Oilcan Harry’s is the oldest gay bar in town, and the downtown warehouse district has a variety of bars and clubs for any Austinite looking for a night of gay fun. All in all, this progressive city’s welcoming residents and thriving restaurant, music, and bar scene are perfect for any gay person wanting to experience the best Texas has to offer. Austin may not be the first place you think of when you picture gay getaway cities, but it has a perfect Municipal Equality Score of 100/100, ensuring all residents are protected from discrimination by law.
Columbus, Ohio
America’s 15th-largest city has no shortage of gay things to do. Columbus’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community is concentrated in the Short North and Clintonville neighborhoods, featuring gay pubs, art galleries, coffee shops, community centers, and an annual gay and lesbian theater festival. Clintonville is especially inclusive and is a strong lesbian hangout. And, if you’re wondering how the rest of the city feels, the Columbus area is one of the top spots in the country for per-capita donations to LGBTQ+ political causes. You could say this gay city puts its money where its mouth is! Columbus’s population is about 5% LGBTQ+. While the state of Ohio is fairly conservative on gay rights, the city itself has a perfect municipal equality score (100/100).
Denver, Colorado
Denver is a diverse hub for queer tourists and locals in the West. Although there’s no dedicated gayborhood, the Capitol Hill area is recognized as the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene, boasting numerous gay bars and businesses and hosting Denver PrideFest each year in Civic Center Park. The bar scene is not to be trifled with—there are 103% more gay bars here per capita than the average American city! Denver also has 25% more LGBTQ-affirming health care providers than the national average, and its residents fiercely support same-sex marriage, making this one inclusive mountain town!
New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA is a surprising queer paradise in an otherwise conservative state. New Orleans has a reputation as a party city, and doesn’t discriminate against anyone taking part in the festivities—including LGBTQ+ folks. The city is famous for its parades, many of which showcase queer people having fun and being downright raunchy. You’ll also find the nation’s oldest continuously running gay bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, in the famous French Quarter’s Lavender Line. New Orleans doubles as a haven for queer people in Louisiana, which doesn’t have a great track record for gay rights. It’s a place of celebration and debauchery, no matter who you love! Did you know New Orleans has the most pride celebrations per capita in the whole country? It also has the most gay bars per 100,000 residents!
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta attracts LGBTQ+ folks from all over the South who want to be themselves. It’s the South’s most metropolitan city and a destination for both queer southerners looking for a more accepting city, as well as tourists who want to experience all that “Hotlanta” has to offer. There’s no concentrated gayborhood, but most bars and attractions are clustered in the Midtown area (just beware that you’ll need a car and a designated driver to make the most of a night out). Though Atlanta doesn’t have as many gay bars or pride events as other cities of comparable size, it has a perfect municipal equality score, making it an accepting city for people from all walks of life.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The City of Brotherly Love has something for every LGBTQ+ traveler. The gayborhood is largely centered in Midtown Village (from Chestnut to Pine streets between 11th and Broad streets). You may not think of Philly when you hear “gay destinations,” but LGBTQ+ tourism has been on the upswing thanks to a big marketing push from the city. Rainbow street signs, vibrant LGBTQ-owned bars and businesses, and annual events like the Philadelphia Pride March & Festival, Philadelphia Dyke March, and OURfest (celebrating National Coming Out Day) make this a must-see! The City of Brotherly Love takes their name seriously. Like many towns on this list, it has a perfect 100/100 when it comes to its municipal equality index score.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee blends Midwest down-to-earthness with queer nightlife. The biggest city in Wisconsin boasts an eclectic LGBTQ+ community, with gay-friendly neighborhoods and bars in the Walker’s Point and downtown areas. The city runs the gamut of gay bars from chic martini lounges to beer-focused sports bars. Queer locals tend to be highly supportive of the scene and fast to embrace newcomers. Milwaukee has 50% more gay bars per capita than the average city, plus Wisconsin has a higher state equality score than the national average.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is a city dedicated to progress and equality. About 5% of the population identifies as LGBTQ+, and the city boasts a perfect municipal equality score as well as an NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) chapter, showcasing Baltimore’s support of LGBTQ+ rights and businesses. The city also has 26% more LGBTQ-affirming healthcare providers than the national average. This support, coupled with a booming queer nightlife scene centered around the Mount Vernon neighborhood, makes Baltimore a fun and surprising entry on our list!
Sacramento, California
The capital of California celebrates Pride all year round. Lavender Heights (a gay district in the Midtown area) hosts numerous LGBTQ-owned businesses, bars, clubs, restaurants, and queer community centers. And, annual events like Sacramento Pride and the Rainbow Festival show the city’s (and state’s) dedication to celebrating their vibrant gay community. The city also boasts a welcoming population where only 17% of residents oppose non-discrimination laws (11% below the national average) and only 26% oppose same-sex marriage (4% lower than average).
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