According to the Human Rights Campaign, 29 states in the U.S. do not have laws protecting LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination of sexual orientation in 2024. While creating safe meetings has always been a top concern for event planners, it’s up to you to choose a destination that gives all attendees confidence in their decision to attend.
Prioritizing LGBTQ+-friendly destinations is a great way to openly demonstrate your commitment to hosting inclusive events. Looking for options? Here’s a list of LGBT-friendly cities that champion diversity and embrace the queer community through progressive values and anti-discrimination laws.
What does it take to create a truly inclusive space where all attendees feel safe, respected, and celebrated? A big piece of the puzzle involves choosing your event’s destination and venue wisely. Reasons to choose LGBTQ+-friendly destinations for your conference, event, or seminar include:
If you are looking to send a powerful message of inclusion and support to all attendees, choose your event’s destination wisely. Research cities (like the ones in this article) that not only offer safe communities but also back their social attitudes with LGBTQ+ policies.
Keep reading to find a curated list of our city suggestions.
Did you know that many people consider San Francisco to be the LGBTQ+ Capitol of the World? Known for acceptance and equality, San Fransisco has transformed into a vibrant, safe, and inclusive city choice for meetings and events.
“You can see LGBTQ influence in our history, in trailblazers like Harvey Milk, the fight against AIDS, and the fight for marriage equality,” states San Fransisco Travel. “You can see LGBTQ influence in our present, in the creative ways we support and champion each other, in the flags that dot many of our small businesses. And you can experience and celebrate alongside the LGBTQ community at our many local icons, festivals, and bars.”
From its rich history rooted in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights to its queer-friendly culture, San Francisco provides a supportive environment for hosting memorable and inclusive conference experiences for everyone who attends.
New York City isn’t just a vibrant metropolis; it’s also a great choice for event planners who want a diverse setting for their next conference or seminar. Renowned for its rich history of LGBTQ+ activism and its thriving queer culture, New York City offers an unmatched atmosphere filled with plenty of activities and sights to see.
"New York is a place where history, food, music, art, culture, and people of all backgrounds come together in a vibrant melting pot," states I Love NY. "New York has thriving LGBTQ communities, rich history, and it remains one of the most welcoming places for LGBTQ visitors in the world."
If you’re looking for new ways to support your team’s diversity goals, New York City features an array of gay-owned businesses, attractions, event venues, and more. You’ll also experience a multitude of LGBTQ+ events, including the legendary NYC Pride March, which commemorates and celebrates NYC’s diverse community.
Named “Most Welcoming City of 2017” in the Best of Gay Cities, New Orleans offers a vibrant culture with plenty of lively festivities for attendees to enjoy. This captivating city not only celebrates individuality but also exemplifies warm hospitality and open-mindedness in a place where all people feel celebrated and respected.
“For 300 years, New Orleans has been a mecca for everything decadent and alive,” states New Orleans.com. “It’s a place where music, art, history, food, and people of different ethnicities, nationalities, and sexual orientation mix and mingle.”
Explore the famous French Quarter, visit numerous inclusivity-friendly establishments, and enjoy some of the best LGBTQ-friendly tourism in the United States. One highlight is the ‘Lavender Line,’ the beginning of the LGBTQ+ section of Bourbon Street. New Orleans is also home to Café Lafitte’s in Exile, one of the oldest gay bars in the U.S. Event planners can rely on this city's welcoming atmosphere and unique cultural charm to create a memorable experience for attendees.
Photo Credit: Visit the USA
Located in the heart of southern Wisconsin, Madison is a progressive and welcoming city, making it a top choice for event planners looking for a fresh city for hosting events. Wisconsin’s capital is known for its vibrant museums, restaurants, outdoor activities, arts scene, and iconic UW campus. Madison is also home to many LGBTQ+-friendly organizations and businesses.
“LGBTQ+ pride is a year-round thing in Madison,” states Visit Madison. “...We’re a city known for its progressiveness. We recognize there’s lots of work to be done, and we’re proud that LGBTQ+ owned-and-operated businesses (and LGBTQ+ friendly businesses) continue to flourish here.”
Madison supports LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance throughout the city. The annual OutReach Magic Festival, for instance, showcases local queer performers, vendors, games, and activities for all ages. Madison is also located in Dane County, which announced in June of 2023 that it is now a sanctuary for trans and non-binary people.
Chicago, a dynamic and diverse metropolis in Illinois, is a go-to choice for event planners seeking a safe and inclusive environment for meetings, conferences, and events. Here, you’ll find a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that celebrates PRIDE year-round. Chicago’s long history of progressive activism has transformed it into a unique and welcoming place for all gatherings.
“Chicago has a way of making everyone feel welcome,” states Choose Chicago. “Our LGBTQ+ communities, friendly residents, diverse nightlife, and year-long Pride celebrations make us one of the most inclusive cities in the country.”
Every year, Chicago proudly hosts the Chicago Pride Parade, a four-mile procession that draws enormous crowds. Attendees can also enjoy the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives in Rogers Park, which contains rotating exhibits that cover everything from local drag icons to queer sports groups. Choose Chicago for a welcoming atmosphere that upholds equality and celebrates people from all backgrounds.
Photo Credit: Choose Chicago
Known for its progressive values, the city of Boston has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to inclusivity and acceptance. The city embraces its LGBTQ+ community with many inclusive establishments, organizations, and events spread throughout its neighborhoods.
“As the capital city of the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage, Boston stands proud, accessible and welcoming,” states Meet Boston. “The city boasts one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations on the East Coast. In recent years, one would be hard-pressed not to find a rainbow flag proudly hanging from homes and businesses in just about any neighborhood in the city.”
If you are an event planner actively seeking a city with comprehensive laws that protect individuals from discrimination, Massachusetts fits the bill. In Boston, you’ll find legal safeguards for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors alike. Choose Boston for your next event to support a welcoming atmosphere and showcase your team’s commitment to inclusivity.
Photo Credit: Architects.org
Orlando is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community (the 3rd largest in the USA) and has become a symbol of resilience and unity in the state of Florida. This city continues to be a prime choice for conference planners and event professionals alike, thanks to its strong commitment to inclusivity and its celebratory atmosphere.
“A highly inclusive destination, Orlando has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ tourism dating back to the original Gay Days in 1991,” states Visit Orlando. “Orlando has even earned a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index, which measures the LGBTQ+ inclusiveness of cities' laws, policies, and services."
Orlando features a wide variety of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, clubs, bars, and restaurants. One highlight is the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which features live theater, ballet, opera, comedy, and more downtown. SAK Comedy Lab is another popular attraction with shows that encourage heavy audience participation.
Photo Credit: Queer in the World
Known as one of the most trans-friendly cities in the United States, Portland is a great choice for planners who want to host their events in a progressive city. Portland is known for its open-mindedness, commitment to diversity, and celebrations of inclusion.
“Visitors to Portland can experience huge LGBTQ+ Pride parades, drag performances, queer film festivals, dance parties, and more,” states Visit Portland. “Portland’s queer community includes a Guinness World Record-holding drag queen, gay dance clubs and sports leagues, community organizations, and dozens of LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Portland was also the first major city to elect an openly gay mayor (Sam Adams in 2008).”
If your event planning team is looking to host a more inclusive event in Oregon, check out the Oregon Pride in Business (ORPIB), the chamber of commerce for LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Portland. Here, you can connect with people and resources that strategically support local queer-owned and operated businesses.
Known as a hub for acceptance and equality, Denver is a city that supports a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. The city's strong commitment to warm hospitality makes it a top option for event professionals who want attendees to feel safe, respected, and celebrated at their events.
“Denver's laid-back, welcoming nature and vibrant nightlife make it the true queer center of the West,” states Denver.org. “Denver attracts members of the LGBTQ+ community from all over the West and the world, resulting in a well-established LGBTQ+ nightlife, welcoming queer neighborhoods, queer-friendly hotels, and numerous annual events that draw huge crowds.”
Looking to support diversity and inclusion at your Denver-based event? Consider offering a self-guided audio tour to teach attendees about Denver's LGBTQ+ history. This GPS-led app on Apple iTunes and Google Play guides listeners through LGBTQ+ landmarks right from their smartphones—a unique off-site activity to offer at events.
Photo Credit: CPR.org
Washington, D.C. has been labeled one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in the entire world. Here, you’ll encounter diverse neighborhoods and plenty of inclusive businesses and establishments. Additionally, the city is home to numerous LGBTQ+ organizations and advocacy groups that continuously support the community.
“The nation’s capital is a dynamic, exciting LGBTQ+ community filled with a never-ending list of things to see and do,” says Washington.org. “The District is home to people and preferences from every color of the rainbow. Tour historic LGBTQ+ sites, grab a drink at the best gay and lesbian bars in the city, rock out at Capital Pride and so much more.”
As you plan your event, consider incorporating LGBTQ-friendly activities and organizations into your agenda. We suggest starting with researching LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Washington D.C. and hiring them to support your event needs. Your attendees will appreciate your intentional support of these caterers and attractions.
Photo Credit: American Progress
If you're an event planner looking to learn more about being a great ally, browse the following list of LGBTQ+ resources to inspire you. The following websites contain a variety of guides, strategies, tips, training, and more to help you plan your most inclusive event experiences yet.
Are there any resources you have used that we should add to this list? Leave a comment to let us know! We're always looking for more great websites to share with our event planners.