As June approaches, the USA gets ready to celebrate Pride Month, with parades, LGBTQ+ festivals, and inclusive experiences. There is something for all travellers under the bright umbrella of the United States of America. Here is our guide to inclusive travel, year round in the destinations we represent.
New Orleans
Every June, events that unify and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community can be found throughout New Orleans. Parades, parties, fundraisers, and community events exemplify the welcoming culture for which the city is known.
New Orleans has always championed arts and culture, fostering a lively gay social scene and drawing many LGBTQ+ artists and performers to the French Quarter, home to Café Lafitte in Exile, one of America’s oldest gay bars. The longest running gay event, the Fat Monday Luncheon, kicked off in 1949, and the oldest gay social organization, the Steamboat Club, was launched in 1953.
New Orleans Pride Weekend this year is 07 – 09 June 2024. One of the most exciting traditions is PrideFest, a block party hosted outside The Phoenix Bar on Elysian Fields. PrideFest and the parade are free to attend.
Southern Decadence occurs every year over Labor Day Weekend at the start of September, and is the largest LGBTQ+ event in New Orleans. The celebrations last through the day and night, with lively parties and parades. While the street parties are free, the weekend passes offered allow entry to exclusive events.
New Orleans & Company is very excited to return to Brighton, UK this year as the destination sponsor for Brighton & Hove Pride, set to take place on 03 August. This event is widely acknowledged as one of the biggest and best Pride events and festivals anywhere in the world.
For more information: LGBTQ New Orleans
New England
New England’s scenic landscapes, inclusive accommodations, and progressive attitudes make it a haven for all travellers seeking authenticity, acceptance, and memorable experiences.
Ogunquit, Maine is a small beach community with a reputation for being exceptionally friendly to all those who visit. Ogunquit is easily accessible and is home to many LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and resorts. Every June, Maine’s communities unite to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride with a festival.
From vibrant cities like Boston and New Haven to quaint coastal towns there’s a spectrum of welcoming spaces tailored to diverse identities. For almost a century, gay and lesbian travellers have made their way to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Today, the tip of the Cape draws its energy and spirit from members of the LGBTQ+ community who come here year after year, some for the first time, and many who stopped counting long ago.
New England also leads the country in welcoming and accommodating LGBTQ partners and their families. The Pointe Hotel at Castle Hill Resort in Vermont sometimes hosts LGBTQ-themed events, creating opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and forge meaningful friendships.
For itinerary ideas: Celebrate Diversity
Boston
Boston is known for its inclusivity. As the capital city of the first state in the USA to legalise same-sex marriage, Boston stands proud, accessible, and welcoming. The city boasts one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations on the East Coast with neighbourhoods such as the South End and Jamaica Plain offering a good variety of nightlife. Boston remains one of America’s most LGBTQ+ friendly cities and has a large queer community itself.
Boston’s LGBTQ Past walking tour traces the gay and lesbian culture that flourishes today. This tour is presented in partnership with The History Project, a nonprofit organization that documents, preserves, and shares New England’s LGBTQ+ history.
Boston Pride For The People will celebrate Pride Month on 08 June this year. Events include a parade and festival which combine to create a collective city-wide celebration.
A year round highlight is the Drag Brunch at Summer Shack every Saturday, featuring stellar entertainment and themed drag acts including the Barbie Drag Brunch, Beyonce Renaissance Drag Brunch, and the Rihanna Drag Brunch.
LGBT Boston | Nightlife, Events, Walking Tours & Transportation (meetboston.com)
Tenneseee
The Annual Nashville Festival and Parade is the largest LGBTQ+ event in Tennessee and kicks off on 22 June with the free Nashville Pride Parade. This year, the Equality Main Stage entertainment line-up will feature Billy Porter amongst others. Additionally, the Knox Pride Festival is an open celebration of music, entertainment and speakers focused on promoting equality and the inclusion of all people.
Dolly Parton famously stated that Dollywood is a place for all families and for everyone. The Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration at the theme park, runs this year from 15 June – 11 August. The park is awash with colour including flying kites and rainbow pool noodles suspended overhead and surrounded by technicolour trees.
See local information and events: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville
Mississippi
Biloxi, Gulfport and Coastal Mississippi offer an inclusive environment in a beautiful setting. Visitors can head to LGBTQ+ bars like Sipp’s in Gulfport, and Just Us Lounge, located within walking distance of Beau Rivage which is a melting pot of the area’s diverse and welcoming LGBTQ+ community.
In Jackson, the fourth annual 5K colour run will be held on 08 June: an inclusive, fun race that honours LGBTQ+ individuals and allies as it raises money for LGBTQ+ causes. On 28 September, MS Capital City Pride, an LGBTQ+ Community Building and Advocacy Organisation serving the Jackson Metro Area are hosting ‘It’s Pride Y’all’.
For more information for events on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, including the eight annual Equality Fest in Biloxi, please see here.
San Antonio
San Antonio has a vibrant LGBTQ+ culture that has blossomed in the city, an evolution that stretches back to the 1950s, when drag shows arrived. Luther’s stages a variety of shows, including an all-ages drag brunch on Sunday.
San Antonio’s Pride celebrations are as colourful as they are inclusive. June is full of events honouring and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. At Otro Bar, people can enjoy the “Y’all Means All” cocktail throughout the month of June in celebration of Pride. San Antonio also hosts LGBTQ+ International Film Festival in October.
Pride San Antonio celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with the Pride Bigger than Texas Festival and Parade. Typically held at the end of June, this event highlights the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community and raises money for local charities.
For more information on LGBTQ+ in San Antonio
Tucson
Tucson Pride returns to Reid Park in Midtown on 28 September. The annual Pride in the Desert Festival takes place at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Centre. This year’s theme is Together we Rise. Tucson Pride was formed in 1976 by the Tucson Lesbian and Gay Alliance and is Arizona’s first and oldest LGBTQ+ pride organization and one of the oldest LGBTQ+ Pride organisations in the USA.
Tucson’s progressive culture and relaxed, live-and-let-live attitude have made the city one of the country’s most gay-friendly places to live or visit. Plan your visit to Tucson.
Ends
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Caroline Donaldson-Sinclair, PR Account Director: caroline@ttmworld.co.uk
For Meet Boston, Discover New England, and Visit San Antonio
David Venables, Senior PR Account Manager: david@ttmworld.co.uk
For Explore Louisiana and Tennessee Tourism
Billy Greening, PR Account Manager: billy@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Mississippi, New Orleans & Company, and Meet Boston
Anisha Hegde, PR Account Executive: anisha@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Tucson
Kirsty Dillury, Owner / Chief Communications Officer (CCO): kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk
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