LGBTQ: Austin

Austin certainly lives up to its motto of “Keep Austin Weird” when it comes to its LGBTQ inclusivity. Unlike most cities that tend to have a certain area where the gay community likes to congregate, the Texas capital has managed to integrate the community into the mainstream.

You won’t find much of a so-called gay district here, but you’ll find plenty of gay bars, restaurants and activities scattered all throughout the city. If finding a drink and dancing is your primary concern, be sure to stop by Oilcan Harry’s in the Warehouse District. It’s the busiest gay dance bar in town. For something a little less rambunctious, you can check out Rain, also in the Warehouse District.

For good eats make your way to Kerbey Lane Café, a popular and gay-friendly eatery with some great coffee and bites. There’s also Santa Rita, if you’re a fan of Mexican food.

The annual Austin Pride event occurs each year in June or August and is the largest in Texas. You can also check out Queer Bomb, an alternative to Pride that comes around each June as well. During the middle of March the city also throws the GAYbiGAYGAY Festival, billed as the gay equivalent of South by Southwest. It features gay bands along with food and beer.

Austin is a highly inclusive city that is certainly welcoming to all members of the LGBTQ community, and you should have no trouble finding things to see and do here.