The Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Small Towns in America: What Research Shows

While LGBTQ+ groups in large cities frequently garner notice, many small towns across America provide open and accepting environments. Based on current research and data analysis, this article seeks to throw light on the small communities in the US that are most accepting of LGBTQ+ people.

We can celebrate the thriving communities that exist outside of urban hubs and draw attention to the progress made towards LGBTQ+ equality by investigating these hidden gems.

Bisbee, Arizona

The mountainous hamlet of Bisbee, Arizona, may be of interest to LGBTQ+ tourists interested in the background of queer culture in the United States. Even though there are just 5,000 people living there, Bisbee has developed into an artistic haven where LGBTQ+ culture is thriving.

Additionally, Bisbee residents should mark their calendars for the Lingerie Pub Crawl, which takes place every summer and features the LGBTQ+ community converging into downtown in their finest lace and leather undergarments, and the “Drag Yourself to Brunch” drag show, which takes place every second Saturday at the Bisbee Grand Hotel.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

For LGBTQ+ tourists looking for a little art, culture, and history, New Hope, Pennsylvania, is the ideal destination. New Hope today enjoys a stellar reputation as one of the most rainbow-friendly towns in the Northeast because to the efforts of LGBTQ+ non-profit New Hope Celebrates, which promotes local queer-friendly businesses and stores

The Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Small Towns in America What Research Shows — Image By: Visit Philadelphia

LGBTQ+ guests can enjoy year-round LGBTQ+ activities while lodging at one of the town’s gay-owned inns, such as the Pineapple Inn Bed & Breakfast.

One of the highlights is the annual High Heel Drag Race, which takes place in October and involves competitors racing to carry a pumpkin up a hill while sporting extremely high heels. In addition, New Hope has a distinct past.

Guerneville, California

Even though there is a lot to offer in many Californian communities, LGBTQ+ travelers may wish to consider Guerneville, which is only 90 minutes outside of San Francisco.

To get an idea of how forward-thinking the town is, all you have to do is glance at the entrance sign of the Rainbow Cattle Company saloon. Opened back in 1979, Rainbow Cattle Company is the hub of Guerneville’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, with a massive, illuminated rainbow adorning the entrance.

Try the gay-owned and gay-focused R3 Hotel, Bar, and Restaurant if you need somewhere to stay after your crazy night at the saloon (it’s also straight-friendly, of course!). or The Woods, a hotel run by gay people that even has a pool where clothes are optional.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Any LGBTQ+ traveler’s ideal road trip through the United States must include a stop at Blue Ridge, Georgia, with its apple orchards, easily accessible waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views.

Additionally, Blue Ridge has gained notoriety recently for being a hidden refuge for LGBTQ+ tourists. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted in 2019 that Blue Ridge has one of the state’s largest concentrations of LGBT couples and an increasing number of businesses owned by gay people.

Lost River, West Virginia

There’s no greater LGBTQ+ sanctuary than Lost River, West Virginia, for the hiker in you. One well-liked spot is the gay-owned Guesthouse Lost River, a former hunting lodge that has been converted into a bed and breakfast.

It has 30 private acres with breathtaking views of the George Washington National Forest’s high peaks.

In 1982, Bob Dillard, an out gay businessman from Lost River, bought the Guesthouse. Since then, it has changed owners, and Gary and Jesse Halpern-Robinson are the current ones running it.

To Conclude

These little towns across America offer distinctive and accepting environments, even though large cities frequently draw recognition for their LGBTQ+ communities.

These hidden treasures highlight the progress made towards LGBTQ+ equality and the different communities that exist across the country, from the historic charm of Bisbee to the lively arts scene of New Hope and the breathtaking natural beauty of Guerneville and Blue Ridge.

The friendliness and inclusivity that these tiny communities have to offer can be experienced by visitors who explore these locations.

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