The Big Apple’s Rainbow Colors
New York’s diverse social fabric is woven with gay-friendly hotspots worth their weight in gold. Home to one of the
first gay pride parades in the U.S., New York City has a long history of acceptance--and with that, a stellar array
of venues owned and frequented by people of both genders, and gay and straight folk alike. Wander Chelsea’s 8th Avenue,
known as "the boardwalk" and "Boystown," and famous for its abundance of attractive men walking dogs, sipping wine on
cafe patios, and shopping. Come nightfall, follow the scent of cologne and strike-a-pose while club-hopping the strip
along 21st Street. Chelsea boys aren’t the only ones who get to have fun--Park Slope is the stomping ground for female
same-sex couples. Cruise 7th Avenue’s lesbian bookstores and unique clothing shops, and then drop into one of the many
gourmet cheese and wine stores to stock up on the neighborhood’s classic Italian antipasti. Pack up your goods for a
sunset picnic amidst Prospect Park’s rolling hills--designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead of Central Park fame.
Fun Outings in the City of Angels
You don’t have to be a saint to enjoy a City of Angels getaway. Live-and-let-live Los Angeles is an incredibly friendly
spot for vacationers, offering everything from wholesome activities to downright devilish fun. With its flashy bars,
swaying palm trees, and proximity to the famous Hollywood sign, West Hollywood hosts the city’s most active gay/lesbian
scene. In less than two square miles, WeHo boasts Santa Monica Boulevard’s liveliest stretch; fabulous restaurants and
hotels along the Sunset Strip; and a wealth of outdoor cafes and art galleries. And although it’s often referred to as
Boys Town, there are plenty of women here, too. But take an outing beyond West Hollywood’s boundaries, and you’ll find
that other parts of the city offer an equally dazzling array of activities, as pleasurable and/or debauched as you desire.
Where to Find the Fun in San Francisco
One place you can expect to find the community is in the neighborhood known as the Castro, a few compact but colorful
blocks around the intersection of Market and Castro Streets. You’d be hard pressed to find a more gay place in America.
Forget gay bars—they’re a dime a dozen here. In the Castro, it’s all gay all day. Gay hair salons, gay restaurants,
gay dry cleaners, gay CPAs, and gay liquor stores. For many, in fact, setting foot in the Castro for the first time
is a Wizard of Oz moment, where a formerly drab vacation bursts into full (rainbow) color. One thing visitors do notice,
however, once the Emerald City glow fades a little, is that the Castro is fairly male-oriented. For some, of course,
that sounds just about perfect. If you’re looking for the women’s scene, though, head east a few blocks to Valencia Street.
This funkier outer fringe of the Castro/Mission has a strong lesbian/feminist/activist feel. Here you’ll find a number
of beloved institutions that aren’t necessarily lesbian, but which do have a strong following among the sisterhood,
including The Women’s Building community center (18th between Valencia and Guerrero); Osento bathhouse (see below);
and the world-famous Good Vibrations (603 Valencia at 17th), a clean, well-lighted place for adult playthings.
Rolling out the Rainbow Carpet in Fort Lauderdale
More subdued than its Southern neighbor, this gay-friendly beach town boasts 23 miles of sand. If wild throngs of people
and super-hipsters aren’t your scene, check out the festive vibe of gay-friendly Fort Lauderdale instead. This beach
town has one of the highest per-capita gay and lesbian populations in the country and was named one of the best cities
in America by Money magazine. Snorkel in the warm waters of the attitude-free gay beach at the intersection of A1A and
Sebastian, or dare to bare it all on the laid-back sands of Haulover Beach, where clothing is optional. Ogle more famous
masterpieces at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, which boasts a stunning collection of works by Picasso, Dali, Warhol,
Calder and Mapplethorpe. Then, bask in the sunset’s glow aboard a water taxi and toast the good life at dinner along the
chic Las Olas Boulevard.
Letting Loose in London
Going on a London holiday? Well, cheers to you, luv, because you’re about to find that London’s gay and lesbian scene is
luvvly jubberly, the bee’s knees, or, as the Queen says, bloody good. This city arguably has the largest out gay and
lesbian population in all of Europe, and it’s no secret that London likes to party 24/7. And it’s no coincidence that
Soho, the neighborhood touted as the city’s hippest, is its nexus of gay and lesbian activity. While the scene is
concentrated along Soho’s Old Compton Street, you’ll find gay/lesbian-friendly businesses across the city, from pulsing
nightclubs to rollicking theatres.
Chicago’s Gay Scene: Boys Town and Beyond
Hugging the Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago’s waterfront location, spectacular skyscrapers, and cultural offerings
combine to make it a top destination for visitors of all persuasions. The third-largest city in the nation, Chicago
is also home to many long-running gay clubs, and hosts numerous special gay events throughout the year, creating one
of the most dynamic communities around. Summer is popular for Pride and Northalsted Market Days, and winter is a
crowd-pleaser with various choral concerts, benefits, and dances. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with a
distinct personality and unique set of attractions. Boys Town and Andersonville are the two main gay and lesbian
areas. They are located on the north side of the city near the shores of Lake Michigan. Boys Town, also known as
Lakeview, borders the lake and lies between Belmont and Grace Streets--once you see the huge rainbow pillars at
the intersection of Belmont and Clark, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Halsted Street and Broadway are the
best-known streets in Boys Town, and the people-watching is always intoxicating. Home to more than 30 gay and
lesbian bars, clubs, and restaurants, with names like Berlin, Cocktail, Sidetrack, and Cell Block, it’s the kind
of place you could spend many action-packed days.
Key West’s Gay & Lesbian NightLife
Key West’s bohemian live-and-let live atmosphere extends to its thriving and quirky gay community. Since Tennessee
Williams and before, Key West has provided the perfect backdrop to a gay scene unlike that of many large urban areas.
Seamlessly blended with the prevailing culture, there is no "gay ghetto" in Key West, where alternative lifestyles
are embraced and even celebrated. Although restaurants and businesses welcome visitors without discrimination,
nightlife is inevitably nightlife. In Key West, the best music and dancing can be found at the predominantly gay
clubs. While many of the area’s other hot spots are geared toward tourists who like to imbibe, the gay clubs are
for those who want to rave, gay or not. Covers vary, but are rarely more than $10.
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