The acronym LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning, plus all other identities along the gender and sexual orientation spectrum. LGBTQ+-friendly cities are those in which the community has a positive, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere. In this article, we’ll look at the best LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States and all the reasons why you should visit.
Benefits of Visiting LGBTQ+-Friendly Cities
Visiting an LGBTQ+-friendly city can be a fun and unique experience for anyone. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, you’ll find a plethora of exciting opportunities to explore in these cities. Not only will you find plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants and bars, but you’ll also find a variety of events and activities created specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. Plus, there are plenty of LGBT-friendly accommodations to choose from.
Ranking of LGBTQ+-Friendly Cities
Let’s take a look at the top 10 LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States.
#1: New York City, New York
Overview
New York City is the most popular city for the LGBTQ+ community in the United States. It is home to the world’s largest Pride parade and many other LGBTQ+-friendly events and activities.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
New York City is a great place to explore the history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community. Some of the must-see sights include the Stonewall Inn, the Christopher Street Pier, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.
LGBTQ+ Events
New York City is also home to many annual LGBTQ+-friendly events, such as the NYC Pride Parade, the OutCinema film festival, and DragCon, a convention celebrating drag culture.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
New York City is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#2: San Francisco, California
Overview
San Francisco is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and it is still one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its vibrant Castro District is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The Castro District is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the GLBT History Museum, the AIDS Memorial Grove, and the Pink Triangle Park.
LGBTQ+ Events
San Francisco is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration, the Frameline International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, and the Folsom Street Fair.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
San Francisco is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#3: Seattle, Washington
Overview
Seattle is an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its Capitol Hill neighborhood is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The Capitol Hill neighborhood is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the Seattle Metropolitan Community Church, the Seattle LGBT Community Center, and the Pride Parade and Festival.
LGBTQ+ Events
Seattle is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the Seattle Pride Parade and Festival, the Seattle Queer Film Festival, and the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Seattle is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#4: Austin, Texas
Overview
Austin is an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its Warehouse District is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The Warehouse District is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Freedom Parade.
LGBTQ+ Events
Austin is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the Austin Pride Parade and Festival, the Austin Queer Film Festival, and the Austin Erotic Arts Festival.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Austin is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#5: Atlanta, Georgia
Overview
Atlanta is an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its Midtown neighborhood is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The Midtown neighborhood is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the Atlanta Pride Parade and Festival, the Atlanta Queer Literary Festival, and the Atlanta LGBT Film Festival.
LGBTQ+ Events
Atlanta is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the Atlanta Pride Parade and Festival, the Atlanta Queer Literary Festival, and the Atlanta LGBT Film Festival.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Atlanta is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#6: Chicago, Illinois
Overview
Chicago is an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its Boystown neighborhood is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The Boystown neighborhood is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the Chicago Pride Parade and Festival, the Chicago Queer Film Festival, and the LGBT Hall of Fame.
LGBTQ+ Events
Chicago is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the Chicago Pride Parade and Festival, the Chicago Queer Film Festival, and the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Chicago is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#7: Portland, Oregon
Overview
Portland is an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its Pearl District is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The Pearl District is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the Portland Pride Parade and Festival, the Portland Queer Film Festival, and the Oregon Queer Archives.
LGBTQ+ Events
Portland is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the Portland Pride Parade and Festival, the Portland Queer Film Festival, and the Portland Queer Comedy Festival.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Portland is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#8: Los Angeles, California
Overview
Los Angeles is an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its West Hollywood neighborhood is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The West Hollywood neighborhood is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the Los Angeles Pride Parade and Festival, the Outfest Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives.
LGBTQ+ Events
Los Angeles is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the Los Angeles Pride Parade and Festival, the Outfest Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and the Trans Pride LA.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Los Angeles is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#9: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Overview
Minneapolis is an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its Loring Park neighborhood is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The Loring Park neighborhood is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the Twin Cities Pride Parade and Festival, the Minneapolis Queer Film Festival, and the Transgender Memorial Garden.
LGBTQ+ Events
Minneapolis is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the Twin Cities Pride Parade and Festival, the Minneapolis Queer Film Festival, and the Trans March.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Minneapolis is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
#10: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Overview
Philadelphia is an increasingly LGBTQ+-friendly city. It is home to several Pride events throughout the year, and its Gayborhood neighborhood is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
LGBTQ+ Sights to See
The Gayborhood neighborhood is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, including the Philadelphia Pride Parade and Festival, the William Way LGBT Community Center, and the Philadelphia Dyke March.
LGBTQ+ Events
Philadelphia is the host of several major LGBTQ+ events each year, including the Philadelphia Pride Parade and Festival, the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference, and the Philly Black Pride Festival.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Philadelphia is full of LGBT-friendly accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
Conclusion
The United States is home to many LGBTQ+-friendly cities. From New York City to Atlanta, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to explore in these cities. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, you’re sure to find something to make your trip memorable.
Further Resources
For more information on LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States, visit: