Top 5 Gay Friendly Cities
As diversity has climbed higher and higher on the national list of priorities, the United States as a whole has become more tolerant of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered lifestyles. However, some cities are still more accepting than others. Some are downright celebratory! So whether you’re booking your next vacation or looking to relocate more permanently, be sure to check out these top five, most popular cities for gays!
- Atlanta, GA
- Also known as Hot–lanta, Atlanta easily earns the honorary title of Queer Capital of the South. Whether you’re looking to hit the club scene, stroll through the diverse city streets or attend one of the nation’s largest gay pride parades, there’s no shortage of acceptance and celebration in this neck of the woods.
- Boston, MA
- Capital of the first state to legalize gay marriage, Boston is known for its highly visible Gay–Lesbian–Bisexual–Transgender community. Known for its many universities, walkable streets and European feel, Boston has an active performing arts scene, a breadth of museums, and innumerable chic hotels, restaurants, gay bars, shops, and galleries.
- New York, NY
- New York is such a diverse city, wherein people of all ages and races are so integrated into the culture, that sexuality is often a nonissue. That said, the city still offers many celebratory, gay–specific neighborhoods including Greenwich village, upmarket Chelsea and the East Village. Even Brooklyn is a popular choice for artistic gay individuals and families.
- San Francisco, CA
- Known as the gay and lesbian capital of the world, San Francisco is often first to mind when you think about gay–friendly cities. In fact, the city’s roots as a center for tolerance date back to a time when Navy ships would off–load any suspected homosexuals into the harbor. The city as a whole offers a plethora of gay–friendly destinations and entertainment. The Castro District especially has some of the hottest bars, quaintest boutiques and an abundance of charm and history. Besides the many unique and diverse neighborhoods within San Francisco, the Napa Valley wine country is just a short trip away, with some of the world’s finest accommodations.
- Seattle, WA
- Known for more than just its rain, Seattle boasts the second highest percentage of GLBT in the U.S. Domestic partnerships were legalized in 2007 and the gay–friendly neighborhood of Capitol Hill is famous nationwide. Whether you’re planning to attend the Seattle Pride Festival in June, The Queen City Cruise in August, or Lesbian and Gay Film festival in October, there’s plenty to do any time of year.