7 U.S. Cities for Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride All Year Long
The rainbows are here, and while LGBTQ+ Pride season always marks the return of summer, this June it marks the return of more community merriment, too. For many the pandemic has been a long stretch void of face-to-face quality time with far-flung friends. More than that, we’ve been separated from our favorite places, whether that’s a historic Cape Cod beach, sophisticated Southern hitching post, colorful coastal retreat, or sparkling metropolis.
So now that we’re breaking out our luggage again, where are our hearts leading us? For queer travelers, a few cherished destinations stand out for being rich in LGBTQ+ heritage and culture, where nothing can take the place of the real-life, in-person community spirit.
All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Nelson Ndongala/UnsplashNew York City
New Yorkers have generally remained cautious about pandemic risks, so expect some strategic mask-wearing around town (especially on public transit). But mostly, the city’s bustle is back, and locals and visitors are eager to get the summer fun started. The West Village remains the city’s dynamic queer hub, with iconic Stonewall Inn, Henrietta Hudson, Julius’, Cubbyhole, and other favorites all open with indoor and, for many, revamped outdoor spaces. NYC Pride returns in person the last week of June under the theme “Unapologetically Us,” along with the June 25 annual Dyke March, and June 26 Heritage of Pride march and PrideFest street fair in the Village. But every borough in NYC has its own LGBTQ+ events, so check out city-wide Prides and other happenings in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Harlem. A distinct Queer Liberation March also is planned for June 26 as a peaceful protest to channel the early 1970s Stonewall protests, and evade corporate sponsorships.
Amber Kipp/UnsplashKey West
The easy-breezy vibes sparkle in Key West, where rainbow flags fly high, blowing in LGBTQ+ visitors for hot tropical getaways. The country’s southernmost city has long drawn free-thinking eccentrics and artists, be they writers, painters, musicians, or drag queens. The annual Pride Parade arrives June 5, again led by a 100-foot-long section of the original 1.25-mile “Sea to Sea Diversity Flag,” which, during the 2003 parade, covered the entirety of Duval Street. (Fun fact: Sections of the original Key West Diversity Flag are used in other Pride marches around the world, including New York City and Orlando.) There are dozens more Pride events around town, many hosted by local queer-owned and -allied establishments that are out-and-proud all year, including 801 Bourbon, Aqua, the Gardens Hotel, and LaTeDa Hotel and Piano Bar.
Chris Henry/UnsplashPhiladelphia
LGBTQ+ pride runs deep in Philadelphia, where some of the country’s very first homosexual civil-rights protests began in 1965, four years before New York City’s 1969 Stonewall uprising. Today, downtown Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood” carries on the legacy, complete with historical markers and streets named for local queer heroes. June 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia Pride, under the theme “PHL Pride 50: Our Community, Our Joy.” And this year’s new team of organizers, PHL Pride Collective, who are purposefully working on greater inclusivity for trans folx and people of color. The city is eager to welcome back queer travelers, with dozens of LGBTQ+ events ahead, from art pop-ups and a fun run; to a Bollywood dance night, Juneteenth family picnic, and free concerts. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy exhibit at the Michener Art Museum in nearby Doylestown.
Eric Ward/UnsplashSan Francisco
The LGBTQ+ living legend that is San Francisco re-delights travelers with every visit. Whether it’s the Castro—sometimes called the “LGBTQ+ capital of the world”—or the Mission District, or any other fabulous neighborhood, equality and inclusion are woven into the city’s fabric. The return of San Francisco Pride this year flashes back to the swinging 70s with the theme, “Love will keep us together.” After a tough past two Pride seasons, expect vivacious Bay Area crowds to bring loads of rainbow-tinted love to the Market Street route on June 26. But even if you can’t join the festivities, find year-round queer history at the GLBT Historical Society Museum, following steps of the Rainbow Honor Walk, sipping cocktails at the Castro’s historic bars, or taking in a show at the iconic Castro Theatre.
Jansen Miller/UnsplashChicago
What locals know, visitors soon find out: Chicago has one of the most active LGBTQ+ communities in the country. Anchored by the action along North Halsted Street, the Northalsted/Boystown neighborhood is where visitors can tune into local queer culture, plus memorable gay-owned restaurants, shops, and clubs. There you’ll also find the Legacy Walk, a mile-long series of bronze markers with ever-changing memorial plaques commemorating LGBTQ+ artists, athletes, leaders, and other world-shapers. Chicago Pride blows into town for the two-day festival June 18 to 19, and parade June 26—where attendees will likely spot Chicago Mayor (and 2019 parade honorary grand marshal) Lori Lightfoot, the first LGBTQ+ Black woman to serve as mayor of a major U.S. city.
Denis Tangney Jr/GettyProvincetown
All the fond memories of Provincetown will flood back now that the town is operating at full capacity for the season. And it’s just the ticket to soak up Cape Cod through summertime, where LGBTQ+ travelers can take their pick of whale watching, beach picnics, dune tours, arts festivals, drag bingo at the Crown & Anchor, and of course, the Boatslip’s weekly Tea Dance. LGBTQ+ theme weeks organized by the Provincetown Business Guild mix up the tourist population all summer and into fall, including Bear Week, Family Week, FanFair 2022 (Transgender Week), and Women’s Week. Across Ptown’s venues, catch stellar cabaret, comedy, and stage shows at the Provincetown Theater, Art House, and other venues; and don’t miss luminous special events with Mx Justin Vivian Bond and drag star Nina West. Be sure to pack smart and splashy for August’s “Monsters, Myths & Legends” Carnival theme.
GettyHouston
Houston’s LGBTQ+ openness earned the spotlight back in 2010 with the election of Mayor Annise Parker, the first out lesbian leader of a major U.S. city (her two-term tenure concluded in 2016). And with more than a million revelers annually, Houston Pride is the nation’s fourth-largest Pride celebration, a rank befitting America’s fourth-largest city. This year brings scores of zesty events through June, including a pub crawl, pool party, runway fashion show, and diverse lineup of festival performers and DJs. The city rolls out the rainbow carpet to visitors all year long via its very own My Gay Houston website, sharing tips on gay-friendly businesses in neighborhoods like Montrose, Midtown, and Downtown.
.jpeg)
