by Joey Amato
As a travel journalist, I get to visit some of the most wonderful places in the world. Some of them are best known for their beauty and attractions, while others are known for being LGBTQ meccas: think Palm Springs, P-town, and Fort Lauderdale. Although I love traveling to these destinations, I also like to discover new ones that may not be on everyone’s gaydar. The cities below may surprise you for having a thriving and welcoming LGBTQ community.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City offers all the culture, cuisine, attractions, and amenities you’d expect in a vibrant, modern city. LGBTQ travelers will find several districts worth exploring, a thriving arts scene, exciting outdoor recreation options, plenty of nightlife, and more, with events like OKC Pride Month dotting the calendar throughout the year.
Once a bustling tourist stop on Route 66, the 39th Street District is now home to 45 businesses, including several gay bars and clubs. “The Strip,” as this district is affectionately known, also plays host to one of Oklahoma City’s biggest annual events, the OKC Pride Parade and Festival at the end of June.
Lansing, Michigan
What makes greater Michigan’s capital city a welcoming destination? It might be nightclubs like The Exchange and Esquire Club, neighborhoods like Old Town and REO Town, and a plethora of queer-owned businesses. Numerous LGBTQ events, celebrations, and commemorations are held throughout the year. You’ll find everything from drag brunches to the monthly Suits in the City networking group, LanSingOut Gay Men’s Chorus, the Lansing Area AIDS Walk, Lansing Pride, Michigan Pride, and a thriving community resource center, the Salus Center. The region is also home to many LGBTQ-friendly shopping districts and businesses, and many churches welcome and affirm queer people.
The region has long embraced diversity and inclusion. East Lansing (home to Michigan State University) was the first municipality in the country to ban discrimination in hiring based on sexual orientation, in 1972. MSU was the first campus in the country to offer residence hall, neighborhood-based LGBTQ social and support organizations. This college town is overwhelmingly liberal, progressive, and highly educated, helping the region stand out as one that welcomes diversity of all kinds to live, work, and play.
Grand Junction, Colorado
Located equidistant between Denver and Salt Lake City, Grand Junction is the perfect spot to fuel your outdoor adventure fix. There is no other place in the state where one can experience the intersection of so many prized ecosystems: mountains, rivers, canyons, lakes, high desert, and forests. Seventy-six percent of the area is public land, totaling over 1.5 million acres, so there is plenty of room to explore. Hike and bike year-round on extensive trail networks or discover nature’s trifecta: Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, and Rattlesnake Arches
While Grand Junction is one of Colorado’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation, many don’t know that it is also one of the friendliest places in the state. One of the most frequent comments from visitors is how welcoming the locals are. It’s not uncommon for residents to provide guests with suggestions for trails to hike or for their favorite coffee spot or restaurant. If you are strolling through downtown, don’t be surprised when they look you in the eye, smile, and say hello!
Join in on the local fun at Colorado West Pride’s events, which includes the 12th annual Pride Fest and a week of exciting social happenings, like a family picnic, parade, and festival this fall. Last year’s Pride in Lincoln Park had over 60 booths, with record attendance, so this year’s will continue to grow and attract even larger crowds.
If you’re looking for a truly Western experience, check out JR’s Carriage Service, an LGBTQ-owned business that offers guided horseback tours to see wild horses roaming free on over 36,000 acres in the Little Book Cliffs Range. After you’ve spent some time with the steeds, enjoy a night out on the town at Grand Junction’s very own Good Judy’s, an LGBTQ nightclub where everyone can feel safe, comfortable, and free to express themselves. Every second Saturday of the month, Good Judy’s hosts the longest-running drag show in Western Colorado.
Wilmington, Delaware
Whether you’re traveling with your partner, your friends, or solo, you’ll find a warm welcome in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley. In the city, gay bar and nightclub Crimson Moon features theme nights, drag shows, and DJs for an unforgettable experience. The aptly named The Queen hosts drag brunches starring Delaware’s most fierce and fabulous performers. At the Comic Book Shop, gather with like-minded LGBTQ+ nerds for book clubs and other fun events, or stop by Huxley & Hiro to get some of the latest books and great Delaware memorabilia.
Performing arts lovers have many stages to choose from, but for rarely performed pieces and envelope-pushing topics (or audience favorites like Hedwig and the Angry Inch), grab a seat at City Theater Company, where the Wilmington Drama League produces six to eight shows a year, from Broadway musicals to moving dramas that emphasize themes of diversity and inclusion.
Drag queen bingo and trivia events wreak regular havoc at Liquid Alchemy Beverages in Wilmington. Also don’t forget to stop by for“approachable fine dining” and delicious eats, like the twin bone-in pork chops, at Hamilton’s on Main, which has a very swanky, ever-changing bar theme.
This year’s annual Delaware Pride festival is set for Saturday, June 1, at the Legislative Hall in Dover. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public to attend.
Irving, Texas
Irving offers a range of LGBTQ-friendly attractions that celebrate the vibrant and welcoming community. One notable destination is the Irving Arts Center, which not only showcases a diverse array of artistic expressions but also hosts events and performances that promote inclusivity. Additionally, the city’s annual Pride Festival brings together people from all walks of life, providing a platform for self-expression, unity, and celebration. The queer community in Irving can also find a welcoming space at various bars and establishments throughout the city.
Asbury Park and Montclair, New Jersey
Asbury Park is an iconic Jersey Shore town with a rich history and vibrant LGBTQ community. While it hosts events year-round, summertime is when it comes alive with festivals, concerts, and of course, gorgeous beach days.
The rich history of the city helped to shape it into what it is today, with a thriving queer community, dynamic music scene, and some of the best beaches in New Jersey. As early as the 1930s, Asbury Park had gay clubs, even at a time when LGBT people were widely shunned for who they were. The queer community is also credited for revitalizing the city and making it a place where people could be themselves.
LGBTQ visitors should check out two coveted hotels, The Empress and The St. Laurent Social Club, which are both part of Asbury Park’s spirited party scene. Fuel up at queer-owned eateries, like indoor or outdoor dining at Moonstruck, quick-serve noodles at Pasta Volo, and tasty lunch and breakfast bites at Chat & Nibble. Follow your days on the beach or along the boardwalk with energetic nights on the town at Georgie’s Bar or back at your home base at Paradise (in The Empress) or The St. Laurent.
June 2 marks the 32nd annual Jersey Pride event in Asbury Park. Outdoor activities include a parade, outdoor concert, and festival.
Then head north to Montclair, a suburb of New York City with diverse people and cultures, known for its eclectic arts scene and funky downtown. It’s also a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, having earned a perfect score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign. Visitors looking to spend Pride in Montclair should stay Marriott’s MC Hotel, Autograph Collection (which also earned an HRC score of 100).
For a delicious bite, Miti Miti Latin Street Food in South Orange is a queer-owned restaurant serving South American classics about seven miles away. Spend your nights out on the town at North Jersey’s number one spot for LGBTQ+ people, Club Feathers in River Edge (18 miles away), which has held that title for over 40 years.
Montclair’s 2024 Pride celebrations fall on June 8, the third year for the increasingly popular parade, the largest Pride event in New Jersey in 2023. It continues to grow its year-round programming, including a week of events leading up to the big parade.
