The 10 Best Cities for LGBTQ+-Friendly Millennials and Gen Z
Millennials and Gen Zers are the two largest and most influential generations. These young adults have grown up in a time of rapid social change and continue to break down barriers as they enter the workforce, launch new businesses, buy homes and more. As millennials and Gen Zers begin to find their place in the world, many are choosing where they want to live based on what’s important to them. And having a sense of safety, acceptance, and opportunity is something that these generations demand when choosing where to plant roots. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, this sort of city might be exactly what you’re looking for. A place with welcoming residents, safe neighborhoods, access to public transportation, and even outdoor activities like hiking or biking trails can all play an important role in making your home feel like home. Here are some cities that meet these criteria:
Austin, TX
Austin is a creative, inclusive, and innovative city. It has been named the “best place to live” by both Forbes and U.S. News & World Report, and it is the only city in Texas to make it onto the list. In the LGBTQ+-friendly community, the city’s Pride Festival is the largest in the Southwest. There are also several LGBTQ+ organizations and safe spaces in Austin, including the Austin Pride Foundation, the Transgender Education Network of Texas, and Out Youth. Austin also has a strong economy and is known for its high median income.
Boston, MA
Boston is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States. It is home to the second-largest LGBTQ+ population in the country, behind New York City. Boston has been a major site of LGBTQ+ rights and culture since the 1950s and is home to various annual LGBTQ+ events, like the Boston Pride Walk in June and the Boston Trans Pride in October. You can also find a wide variety of LGBTQ+-friendly organizations and safe spaces in Boston, including Trans Lifeline, Fenway Health, and the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth.
Denver, CO
Denver is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country. It’s home to the largest Pride Festival in the Rocky Mountain region (and even has a Ski and Snowboard event!), as well as a Drag Race event called Drag World. In an annual poll about LGBTQ+ life, Denver took the top spot in terms of quality of life, social acceptance, and general well-being. It was also ranked in the top 10 for affordability, livability, and career opportunities. Denver is also home to many LGBTQ+ organizations, including Out Front Colorado, Youth on the Edge, and One Colorado.
Houston, TX
Houston has consistently been ranked as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in America. It has a large LGBTQ+ community and hosts its own Pride Festival every October. Houston is home to various LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Montrose Counseling Center and the Legacy Community Health. It’s also worth mentioning that Houston is one of the best cities to launch a start-up.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is the perfect example of a city that has grown in diversity, acceptance, and culture since the Golden Age of Hollywood. It is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country, and it is home to the LA Pride Festival, one of the largest in the nation. Los Angeles is also home to several LGBTQ+ organizations and safe spaces, including the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Montreal, QC
Montreal is ranked as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world. In fact, it is the only North American city to make it onto the list of the top 10 globally, alongside cities like Paris and São Paulo. Montreal is home to the Montreal Pride Festival every August, as well as several LGBTQ+ organizations, like La Centrale and Fierté Montréal.
New York City, NY
New York City is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world. It is home to the NYC Pride March, which is one of the largest Pride parades in the world. NYC is also home to several LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Center for LGBTQ Youth and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.
Ottawa, ON
Ottawa is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in North America. It is home to the Ottawa Pride Festival, which is the largest festival of its kind on the continent. Ottawa is also home to several LGBTQ+ organizations, including Outlet, Capital Pride, and Rainbow Refugee.
Orlando, FL
Orlando is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Florida, and it is home to a significant LGBTQ+ population. It is also the home of the Orlando Pride Festival, the second-largest Pride event in Florida. In addition to this, Orlando is home to several LGBTQ+ organizations, such as Orlando Health and the Orlando Women’s Festival.
Toronto, ON
Toronto is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Canada, and it is home to one of the largest Pride Parades in the country. In 2018, the Toronto Pride Parade was the second-largest in the world, after the New York City Pride Parade. Toronto is also home to several LGBTQ+ organizations, including the 519, the Women’s Health Research Institute, and the YouthCO.
Conclusion
There are many great cities to choose from if you’re looking to move to an LGBTQ+-friendly environment. Depending on your personal needs, there is likely a city that meets all of your criteria. When choosing a city, it’s important to consider safety, access to public transportation, cost of living, and the availability of LGBTQ+ organizations in the area. A city that is LGBTQ+-friendly means that it has a large queer community, a welcoming attitude towards queer people, and a variety of LGBTQ+ events and venues in the area. It’s also important to consider whether or not a city has a thriving nightlife and social scene, since queer people often like to go out and have fun.
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