Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Massachusetts' Provincetown (on Cape Cod) and
Delaware's Rehoboth Beach. Even Maine has a gay beach destination: Ogunquit.
In the South, there's always steamy 'Hotlanta.' In Florida, Miami and the 'Conch Repub-
lic' of Key West support thriving gay communities, though Fort Lauderdale attracts
bronzed boys and girls, too. Of course, everyone gets their funk on in New Orleans. In the
Midwest, seek out Chicago and Minneapolis.
Attitudes
Most major US cities have a visible and open GLBT community that is easy to connect
with.
The level of public acceptance varies nationwide. In some places, there is absolutely no
tolerance whatsoever, and in others acceptance is predicated on GLBT people not 'flaunt-
ing' their sexual orientation or identity. Be aware that bigotry still exists here. In rural areas
and conservative enclaves, it's unwise to be openly out, as verbal abuse and even violen-
ce can sometimes occur. When in doubt, assume that locals follow a 'don't ask, don't tell'
policy. Following a Supreme Court ruling in 2013, same-sex marriage is now legally re-
cognized at the federal level, and 16 states (including many in the Northeast) have so far
legalized same-sex marriages.
Resources
The Queerest Places: A Guide to Gay and Lesbian Historic Sites
, by Paula Martinac, is
full of juicy details and history, and covers the country. Visit her blog at
queerest-
Advocate
(
www.advocate.com
) Gay-oriented news website reports on business, politics,
arts, entertainment and travel.
Damron
(
www.damron.com
)
Publishes the classic gay travel guides, but they're
advertiser-driven and sometimes outdated.
Gay Travel
(
www.gaytravel.com
) Online guides to dozens of US destinations.
Gay Yellow Network
(
www.gayyellow.com
) Yellow-page listings for over 30 US cities.
Out Traveler
(
www.outtraveler.com
)
Has useful online city guides and travel articles to
various US and foreign destinations.
Purple Roofs
(
www.purpleroofs.com
) Lists gay-owned and gay-friendly B&Bs and hotels.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
Australia
(
www.smartraveller.gov.au
)
Canada
(
www.voyage.gc.ca
)
