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Published on September 5, 2020. San Diego is a great place to be gay. This city is known for the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, affectionately referred to as the LGBTQ+ communitys Smithsonian. From longtime LGBTQ+ escapes like Provincetown to the charmingly crooked streets of Eureka Springs, these places combine big-city perks like chic restaurants and acclaimed museums and theaters with small-town charm and inclusive communities. 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. The gay-friendliest beach is on County Road 399, two miles past the Gulf Islands National Seashore sign. Aside from the enormous Gay Pride Parade that brings out thousands of LGBT tourists on Memorial Day weekend, residents in the area will tell you that everyday life is a bit stricter. Sample delicious vino and support equal treatment for all at. Buy buyers can snag a three-bedroom historic home in nearby Belmont Heights that is on the market for under $1 million. The state capital of Rhode Island is home to fewer than 200,000 people, but it still has a thriving gay scene. The annual Hampton Roads PrideFest, which includes a boat parade, has been moved to September this year, but there are still plenty of things to do during Pride Month. Photo: kolderal/Getty Images. This progressive and liberal haven in the heart of Texas sees cowboys, politicians, gays, hipsters, artists, and musicians all live, work and play here in harmony. The upscale luxury community of Coral Ridge offers a good mix of multi-million-dollar homes with less expensive condos. The only thing missing in Mount Dora is a pride parade or festival, butCome Out with Pride OrlandoandOne Magical Weekend at Disneyare less than an hours drive away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We're Cora & Helen, the founders of Inside Our Suitcase. WebThe NW 39th Street Enclave in Oklahoma City is considered to be the largest gay district in not just the Great Plains, but also among the central regions of the entire country, Since then, our pride festivals have grown year over year into something that has really kind of been a destination.. >. 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!) WebHere are 24 large, small and medium-sized cities that offer an excellent combination of affordability, culture, community and LGBTQ friendliness. For younger LGBTs, QORDS, a queer summer camp for youth, welcomes people from around the nation to gather. We then leverage that expertise to develop city rankings for a range of topics including small towns, college towns and our annual Top 100 Best Places to Live. With the growing LGBTQ community, we added a Naples and Marco Island travel guide to road trip experiences. Do a quick search online for "gay-friendly travel," and you'll find the usual suspects New York City, And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. With its high end shopping, five-star restaurants, the beach, all while still living in a residential neighborhood that is a tightly-knit and well-organized gay community. But Pensacola Beach has long been a refuge for land-locked gay Southerners looking for a beach getaway especially during the Gay Memorial Day holiday weekend. Charming and quaint, Dunedin is a historic, small town with a big-city mindset just north of Clearwater. Here's a list of up-and-coming queer communities in the South.. Las Vegas is one of the top destinations in the countryfor LGBTQ+ travellers, with the second largest population of LGBTQ+ residents in the United States. It also has a growing LGBTQ community. Dont leave town without catching a glimpse of the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, hunting for ghosts at the, This LGBTQ+ oasis offers easy access to Sonoma Countys world-renowned wineries plus plenty of in-town treats. The heart of LGBT St. Petersburg is the historic Grand Central District featuring more than 70 GLBT-friendly businesses, including antique stores, home dcor galleries, salons, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Unsurprisingly given how progressive Boston is, there are plenty of annual LGBTQ+ events in the city and many gay-friendly and gay-owned businesses. Lakeshore, for example, is a popular gayborhood. Or, if closer to downtown is more your thing, the artsy and hip All Saints neighborhood, is quirky, fun and very gay-friendly. The all-Lesbian Resort encompasses 50 acres and features 278 home and RV lots. WebSaugatuck is one of Michigan's most LGBTQ+-friendly small towns, with more than 100 businesses either owned by or catering to the LGBTQ+ crowd. All of them have good housing stock, plenty of things to do, and prices that are still (relatively) within reach. Web11 gay-friendly small cities in big red states. 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. Many LGBT couples are not out. There is, however, a growing LGBT presence here. Those looking to put down roots can scoop up a two-bed, two-bath condo in the artsy downtown neighborhood near campus for under $675,000. 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. 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. Outside of museums, youll find that Fort Lauderdale has some of the best beaches in the United States, making it the perfect place to spend a week (or two) relaxing either as a solo traveller, couple or family. Members of the LGBTQ community can work and live comfortably in every neighborhood of this city as there is no gay neighborhood instead, the entire town is considered inclusive and safe for all residents. With a youthful community supported by the University of Montana a progressive liberal arts school an array of gay-friendly bars and restaurants can easily be found. Unlike some larger cities, there isnt one primarily gay neighborhoodbut that means theres more room to spread out. This natural phenomenon can affect the. Many overlook tropical freshwater lakes and preserves. Given the left-leaning slant of the city, its surprising that Tallahassee doesnt have a more visible gay population. There are unique neighborhood vibes to suit your preferences. WebWilton is home to a large number of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses and even has a gay strip mall: Shoppes of Wilton Manors. And if you are hoping that many of your friends will visit after you move to the Orlando area, the proximity to the all the theme parks wont hurt. However, if you miss Pridefest, dont worry as there is another fantastic 4-day LGBTQ+ festival, Denver OutFest, held in October. Over the last several decades, the uber-queer Five Pointsforms the hub of what is, without question, the most gay-friendly area of Jacksonville. Tamastslikt Cultural Institute by WorldFoto / Alamy Stock Photo Pendleton Historic Old Northeast was the first developed in St. Petersburg. Denver has an incredibly vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a range of diverse nightlife scattered throughout the city. Finally, we sorted the list by the median list price of a home in May and limited our list to just one destination per state to ensure geographic diversity. 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. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. 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 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. This longtime LGBTQ+ hotspot offers scenic bike rides, inclusive bars and restaurants such as theShipwreck LoungeandBubalas on the Bay,amazing whale watching, and picture-perfect beaches. 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. During this time, youll go through Portlands artsy and quirky neighbourhoods, as well as the trendy Alberta Street, where youll explore queer businesses and murals, all while learning more about local culture. After the obligatory beach time, visit theOgunquit Museum of American Art, see a show at theOgunquit Playhouseand enjoy Maines famous lobster atBarnacle Billys. WebHere's a list of up-and-coming queer communities in the South. Pinellas Arts Village 4th Saturday Block pARTy! WebThe 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, South Carolina are top Its secluded think dunes and sea oats and 22-acre north Lido Park looms like a forest above. One of our favourite things to do during our recent trip to Portland was the free walking tour. Annual pride celebrations in Las Vegas are held in October and include an LGBTQ+ Film Festival, The Rodeo Parade and a street festival on Fremont Street. For a list of LGBTQ-friendly real estate professionals in Florida, click here. Alongside an extensive range of LGBTQ+ owned businesses to support during your travels. The center of Long Beachs gay scene is located along Broadway, between downtown and Belmont Shore. 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. West Hollywood is the home of the LGBTQ community, as well as a plethora of clubs and bars. When we think of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, big cities often come to mind. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Fort Lauderdale has long been known as Floridas Gay Capital and supports the LGBTQ+ community with consistently progressive politics and an incredibly supportive community. And if all that wasnt enough, youll also find several queer-owned businesses and annual LGBTQ+ events here. Elena Cox is a data journalist for Realtor.com. Lake Worth is home to the Compass Gay and Lesbian Community Center for Palm Beach County. Downtown Tampa features swanky high-rise condos in Channelside, Harbor Island and upcoming Water Street. MEI fair law enforcement score: 22 out of 22 points. Bars serving the LGBTQ community are located downtown, though there are more to choose from throughout the city. Salem has a small gay scene and only one gay bar, but it has a popular Rainbow Pride parade (moved to September this year) as well as other events throughout the year, including the Salem Art Fair and Festival in July, the Salem Film Festival, and the Salem Lit Fest. Its very kumbaya in terms of live and let live.. While theres no designated gayborhood in Virginia Beach, the ViBe Creative District is an artsy cultural hub. You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. And, if you like yoga, Jessamyn Stanley, a black, queer, femme, and fat identified yoga instructor. , which includes wine tastings, drag brunches, pool parties, and other festive events. This Is Why LGBTQ+ Americans Are Less Likely To Own Homes, How President Biden Plans To End LGBTQ Housing Discrimination. Besides the beaches, there are plenty of things to do here. 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. Stay at theDunes Resorts, the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool. Seattle is a fantastic city to visit as an LGBTQ+ person. For many, Florida is the retirement dream. It's clear, this southern city is progressing quickly.. Gay Neighborhoods Of Atlanta. 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. LGBTQ+ events occur regularly in the city, the most notable being the Orlando Come Out With Pride festival in October, attracting more than 185,000 people annually. That number is even lower for LGBTQ people of color, who are more likely to experience housing discrimination. However, if you cant visit during the celebrations, dont worry, as the LGBTQ+ community in Las Vegas host a range of events for the local community and worldwide travellers year-round. Not officially sanctioned by Disney, the annual event has attracted a growing number of LGBT families with children. The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Best Place to Live, What a Budget of $300,000 or Less Will Get You in 10 Cities Across the Country, 6 Affordable Islands You Can Actually Live On, 10 Best Cities for Antique & Flea Market Lovers, 10 People On What Its Really Like to Leave NYC for a Smaller City, Bloomington / Photo Courtesy of Visit Bloomington, Copyright 2010-2023 Livability - Journal Communications, Inc, 5 Surprisingly LGBTQ-Friendly Small Cities, Human Rights Campaign 2017 Municipal Equality Index, The Western Montana LGBT Community Center. Until just recently, only 23 states, Washington, DC, and certain cities legally protected gay couples seeking housing. And for those who already call this state home, its the perfect place to reside. Known for its great shopping and dining on Fifth Avenue, world-class golf courses, with more than a hint of cosmopolitanism, Naples is not necessarily known for being a gay hotspot. Disclaimer: Most gay-friendly cities in Florida are quite diverse, and neighborhoods can change dramatically in just a few short blocks. As an LGBTQ+ person, when Im looking for a city break, Im looking for somewhere I can be myself, and in that case, I like to opt for progressive LGBTQ+ friendly cities with a rich history and plenty to see and do. The upscale riverfront community of San Marco is slightly less gay-centric than Riverside or Avondale, but its got plenty of quaint shops and some of the best restaurants in the entire city. 5 Southern Cities with Thriving Queer Communities, Being a southern, queer, trans man isn't easy. Head over to the Tin Roof on Sundays to cheer on your favorite drag queen during the Battle of the Divas. Located on the cusp of New Yorks Finger Lake region, the city is the perfect stop on an East Coast road trip or as a stand-alone long weekend destination. This charming and fun-filled city is ideal for those looking for a hometown where they can really beoutwhen they are out and about. Madison is so gay friendly that finding out where a gay neighbourhood starts and ends is somewhat impossible, while the number of gay bars to choose from is so extensive that you may just have to extend your trip to visit them all! Yet many small towns across the USA are just as welcoming. Palm Springs is a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. To make sure these cities are really LGBTQ meccas, each place had to have its own Pride celebration festival. That changed only in mid-February of this year when President Joe Biden directed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to expand the interpretation of fair housing laws to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBTQ Youth Support. Jay Wilks, the events organizer, told the crowd to do MEI nondiscrimination score: 30 out of 30 points. 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. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown. 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. For a more affordable option, a single-family home near downtown is currently listed at $349,900. LGBT folks living in the South are responsible for the blossoming queer communities, and they need support. While relaxing is often at the top of most travellers lists on a visit to Palm Springs, theres still plenty to see, do and explore. WebWhat neighborhoods in Nashville are the most gay-friendly? Its officially Pride Month, and after more than a year in lockdown, its time to celebrate! Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. Ocean Beach is, in our opinion, the most popular with the LGBTQ+ community and is located along the Great Highway. But those interested in putting down roots can snag a three-bed, 1.5-bath Colonial in the desirable Broadway-Armory Historic District, west of downtown, for under $400,000. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destinationso wecan make updates to our recommendations. Plus the area is fun and the beaches gorgeous! 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. , which has staged original plays and musicals (including world premieres from Terrence McNally and Neil Simon), revivals, and concerts since 1939. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. San Francisco is one of the most quintessential gay cities in the United States, packed full of great things to see and do. Is Discrimination To Blame. Median home list price: $449,000*. With 4.1% of the population identifying as LGBTQ, Orlando has a well-established gay community and several popular gentrified neighborhoods such as Winter Park, Lake Eola Heights and Colonialtown. 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. Palm The city has a booming queer and trans population and is home to the southern Comfort Conference. Dj vu! The town even has a touch of LGBTQ nightlife at Bambusa Bar and Grill. When choosing accommodation, consider LGBTQ-owned inns likeTwenty Shore, and theDragonfly Guest House. 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. During the festival, the cost of visiting Austin can be 2x to 5x, with many accommodation options selling out months in advance. Pride festivities arent the only gay-friendly events throughout the year either. Countless museums, theatres, public art exhibits, and parks are scattered through the city, providing an endless amount of things to do during your trip. So with such a widely diverse population, what isnt there to love? 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. The city has received a perfect 100-point score on the Human Rights Commissions Municipal Equality Index for the past six years. A college town at heart, Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a state school with more than 30,000 students. When it comes to gay-friendly places for the senior set, a new national ranking shows what most South Floridians may already know. They are presented While many travellers choose to visit this pocket of the Sunshine State for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, theres plenty more this incredible city has to offer, including a vibrant nightlife scene, fine dining and upscale shopping malls. Sunny Tampa is close to the popular beach towns of St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Dunedin. All sites are especially designed to accommodate manufactured homes or RVs in a natural setting. Try another? Portland is another fantastic LGBTQ+ friendly city worth visiting either as a solo traveller, couple or family. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Famously considered the gay capital of Florida, Fort Lauderdale has one of the highest concentrations of same-sex couples in the country, along with its lower-profile neighbor Wilton Manors, our No. There are no gay bars. The Big Easy of New Orleans, Louisiana, is an incredible queer-friendly city filled with history, fantastic culture and an increasingly popular LGBTQ+ scene. This three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home there is listed for $239,900. However, a recent poll found that 4.3% of the citys population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. and a fantastic art scene. Atlanta hosts Ladyfest ATL, a feminist, art and punk music festival, which is a lot of fun. Palm Springs, California. Poinsettia Heights is centrally located, walkable, close to Wilton Drive, the beaches, and a little something for everyone, larger, more spacious, million-dollar homes, pool homes, both waterfront and non-waterfront. LGBTQ folks want an equitable experience, says Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. Within the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, there more than 100 gay-owned businesses, including bars and clubs, cafes and coffeehouses, award-winning hotels and guest houses, and there are many up and coming LGBT-friendly neighborhoods, including: Hallandale Beach, Pompano Beach, Sea Ranch Lakes and Lauderdale Lakes. The GaYBOR District is a coalition of gay and gay-friendly businesses that began on the west end of Tampas historic Ybor City neighborhood is now a 10-year-old presence in this former cigar-rolling, Latin immigrant enclave. 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. 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. If you like to be social, then check out the Triangle Connection, the towns LGBT Social group. OutCoast.com Explore LGBTQ Florida is a digital magazine and Florida travel blog that highlights Floridas LGBTQ-inclusive destinations and businesses. San Francisco also boasts a vibrant street art scene, fantastic cuisine, and many unique LGBTQ bars, clubs and annual events, including the famous Pride parade that takes place during June and dates back more than 50 years. About 15 miles south on the main road to Mt. Only about half are homeowners compared with about 65% of the general population, according to the report. Atlanta's population of queer people of color makes it unique from other cities. We sold everything we had to travel the world in 2017, got married in Orlando, FL in 2019 and discovered family travel in 2021. We already have this email. 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. With over 6% of its population being LGBT, Tampa has a perfect score on HRCs Municipal Equality. Brookings, South Dakota. Its close to the beach, so real estate is pricey here. Thats why the Realtor.com data team sought out the nations most affordable gay meccas. Its proximity to national forests, rivers and lakes makes this small, inclusive town the perfect place for individuals looking for easy access to ample outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and more. And having visited the city several times and choosing to get married here, we can very much see why. The artsy, college town is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Mount Dora offers a small town vibe where everyone knows your name. There are a few bars that have gay nights, but thats it so if having a big gay scene is important to you then Tallahassee will probably be a disappointing place to call home. The historic neighborhoods of Riverside and Avondale are filled with gorgeous tree-lined streets, adorable Craftsman-style bungalows, riverfront mansions and numerous distinctive shopping districts. Relax in the onsite pool, jacuzzi, and saunas, then check out the gay-owned, , which has an eclectic collection of antiques, clothing, and locally-made goods, followed by cocktails and dinner at the LGBTQ-friendly, With eye-popping dunes, stunning beaches, 19th-century homes, and art galleries galore, the Art Coast of Lake Michigan doesnt disappoint. Gay men are more likely to get paid less than heterosexual men, according to research from UCLAs Williams Institute. So, whether youre looking for a same-sex getaway or a solo vacation in the United States, these are our top picks when it comes to LGBTQ+ friendly cities. The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque, has become increasingly popular with LGBTQ+ tourists over the past couple of years. Its residents regard Madison as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States. Theres no denying that Florida is one of the most beautiful places to live. WebBest LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA Photograph: Shutterstock 1. The Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC) is an LGBTQ-Youth support space that provides community events, workshops, heath services, free counseling and more to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer kids and their allies ages 13-24. The citys rep as the Hollywood of the South has helped bring in a more glamorous and artsy vibe as of late, and theres plenty of gay-friendly businesses to choose from. At the end of the month, a Pride Kiki is planned at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Here youll find countless incredible items from LGBTQ+ histories, such as an original printing of Dr Aldred Kinseys research and donations from prominent LGBTQ+ celebrities. Lauderdale Lakes features gated condo communities and is a must-see neighborhood if you want to be close to the action, but are on a budget. If you want to live downtown Fort Lauderdale, then Victoria Park is the neighborhood for you! Inside Our Suitcase is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. It has no shortage of historic sites, three military bases, and tons of restaurants and bars. Be sure to contact us if you have a question or for more information. Philadelphia is an increasingly queer-friendly city and an unlikely candidate on this list. Seattle is well-known for its rain. Home of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is another fantastic place for LGBTQ+ travellers to visit. There you will find an impressive list of gay-friendly restaurants, bars, coffee houses and stores. After the obligatory beach time, visit the, for drinking and dancing. It is rumored that the population of Gulfport is over 50% LGBTQ. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. Durham also hosts North Carolina Pride and is home to Duke University, which just opened a transgender center on campus. The main street is the Drive (aka Wilton Drive), where shops and restaurants alike proudly display their rainbow flags. It would be wise to use a local gay REALTOR to help you find your next home in just the right area! Its a place that seems to have something for everyone. Their well-known gay neighborhoods are South End, Savin Hill, and Melville Park. 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. This is the best but also the busiest time to visit the city. 3. The city has a strong LGBTQ+ community well represented in politics and an incredible pride festival in June which was recently ranked among the top ten pride festivals in the country by USA Today, attracting more than 350,000 people annually. Ivanhoe Village District is a colorful bohemian community where youll find some fabulous antique dealers as well as a couple of laid-back neighborhood bars. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay. Countless bands started here, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. While the city of Rochester is LGBTQ+ friendly, we recommend staying in the Park Avenue region of downtown during your trip. Times are changing, and now those seeking the more relaxed pace of life found in smaller cities and towns have a variety of options to choose from. 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. Wilton Manors, FL. In April, Jane Castor was elected Tampas first openly gay mayor. A ruby slipper in a red state, Eureka Springs inclusive spirit, and dozens of LGBTQ-owned businesses make it the gay capital of the Ozarks. Sample, , swoon at gorgeous Victorian buildings, and get lost in charmingly crooked streets. 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.