When you think of LGBTQ+ friendly cities, there are the obvious answers that come to mind. Places like San Francisco, New York City, Portland, Philadelphia, Palm Springs and Chicago often top the list. But there are cities all around the country that are stepping up and out for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. These five cities received perfect scores in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), meaning they have some of the strongest protections and policies for the LGBTQ+ community in the country.
Olympia, Washington
When you think LGBTQ+-friendly and Washington, Seattle may come to mind. However, just an hour southeast is the state’s capital and birthplace of the Riot Grrl music movement. Olympia has officially been a sanctuary city since February 2025 and offers a vibrant arts scene. Olympia offers LGBTQ+ health services, youth and elder services and support, and even an LGBTQ+ supportive choir.
Things you can do in Olympia:
- Stroll around town and you’ll find the queer-run Stone and Steel Barbershop collective, where you can get a fresh cut.
- Check out a poetry reading and say hi to the resident cats at the Orca Books Cooperative.
- Get a workout in at the queer-minded strength training gym, Alliance Athletics.
Salt Lake City, Utah
If you’re surprised to see Salt Lake City on this list, it’s time to get caught up. SLC has become a booming LGBTQ+ city, with several LGBTQ+ bars, queer-owned businesses and a Pride festival that dates back to 1990. You’ll find a robust lineup of events happening year-round, Pride flags waving from businesses downtown and SLC even has its own LGBTQ+ Chamber.
Things you can do in SLC:
- Fill up on Mediterranean fare and enjoy a drag brunch at the queer-owned Laziz Kitchen.
- Enjoy an adventure through Salt Lake’s stunning landscape with the Outdoor Mavens.
- Shoot some pool or sing a tune at Club Try-Angles, where the motto is “gay all day, everyday.”
- Pick up a copy of the latest QSaltLake Magazine.
Cincinnati, OH
Affectionately known as the Queen City, Cincinnati has been quietly building one of the most robust queer communities in the Midwest.
In a state that has rolled back trans protections at every turn, the Cincinnati City Council earmarked $500,000 over two years to support transgender youth mental health—funding nine organizations including legal clinics, youth support groups, and a trans youth-run digital magazine.
The city’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and the adjacent Northside are home to a thriving cluster of queer-owned businesses, bars, and gathering spaces.
Things you can do in Cincinnati:
- Grab a drink and catch a drag show or gay bingo night at Tillie’s Lounge, a queer-owned bar and patio in the heart of Northside.
- Check out Midwestern Lesbian, a community platform and resource hub showcasing local LGBTQ+ organizations and events.
- Try on vintage clothes from the 60s to the early aughts at one of the queer-owned Crystal Prophecy Vintage’s pop ups.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Steel City is getting some much-deserved love as the setting for the wildly popular series, The Pitt, but those in the know have been celebrating Pittsburgh for years. There’s no shortage of LGBTQ+-owned and friendly businesses in Pittsburgh, and it even has its own LGBTQ+ publication, QBurgh, created by longtime Pittsburgh residents Jeff Freedman and Jim Sheppard.
Things you can do in Pittsburgh:
- Check out local art and sip on a dairy-free latte at the recently opened The Soft Spot, A Sapphic Café.
- Get inked at the queer-owned PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) Tattoo shop.
- Snack on a hand-made bagel with Fig and Honey schmear at the certified kosher Pigeon Bagels.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, affectionately known as ABQ, has been quietly building one of the most welcoming queer communities in the region. The city is home to the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, a queer film festival, and the New Mexico Out Business Alliance, which supports and promotes LGBTQ+-owned businesses across the state. The city boasts plenty of queer-owned businesses, from the Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. and even Pink Pony Soft Serve ice cream.
Things you can do in Albuquerque:
- Stop into The Range Café, a queer-owned local staple right on historic Route 66, and fill up on treats made with New Mexico’s signature green chili.
- Catch a night of dancing, karaoke, pool, and drag and burlesque performances at Sidewinders Bar & Grill.
- Pick up a unique gift at Vintage Vault, a queer-owned antique shop that’s become a beloved fixture of ABQ’s LGBTQ+ community.