Friday, June 6, 2025
As Pride Month 2025 unfolds, it’s the perfect time to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s journey, especially with the 10th anniversary of the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage across the U.S. From the historic Stonewall Uprising in New York City’s Greenwich Village to the vibrant Castro district in San Francisco, many U.S. neighborhoods are steeped in LGBTQ+ history. These areas continue to be essential hubs for queer culture, activism, and community. Whether you’re interested in visiting iconic landmarks, queer-owned businesses, or vibrant LGBTQ+ events, these neighborhoods provide a rich cultural experience that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s past, present, and future. Here are some of the best destinations to explore during Pride Month 2025.
Greenwich Village, New York City
Often hailed as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, Greenwich Village was the site of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. Today, visitors can pay homage at the Stonewall National Monument and explore historic sites like Marie’s Crisis Café, a piano bar that has been a staple since 1929. The neighborhood continues to be a vibrant hub for queer culture and activism.
Washington Square West, Philadelphia
Known colloquially as the “Gayborhood,” this area became a focal point for LGBTQ+ rights in the 1960s. In 2007, Philadelphia Mayor John Street dedicated 36 rainbow street signs to formally acknowledge the neighborhood. The city is also home to Giovanni’s Room, the oldest LGBTQ+ and feminist bookstore in the country.
Bloomington, Indiana
Home to the Kinsey Institute, founded in 1947 by Alfred Kinsey, Bloomington has long been a center for research on sex, gender, and reproduction. The city consistently earns high marks on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, reflecting its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.
Dupont Circle has been a significant site for LGBTQ+ activism, hosting the first gay rights picket at the White House in 1965. The neighborhood continues to be a center for queer culture, with numerous LGBTQ+ owned businesses and cultural institutions. However, recent discussions have raised concerns about the potential closure of Dupont Circle Park during WorldPride 2025 festivities, causing uncertainty among community leaders and local businesses .
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Dubbed the “gay capital of the Ozarks,” Eureka Springs boasts a significant LGBTQ+ population and a history of progressive policies. In May 2015, the city council unanimously passed an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender expression, just over a month before the United States legalized same-sex marriage. The town offers LGBTQ+ owned retreats and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Northalsted, Chicago
Formerly known as Boystown, Northalsted is Chicago’s premier LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The Legacy Walk, the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ+ history museum, runs along Halsted Street, honoring LGBTQ+ heroes and history. The area is also known for its vibrant nightlife and community events.
Ogunquit, Maine
One of the first towns in the country to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance to protect LGBTQIA+ people, Ogunquit is a charming seaside town that has long been a haven for queer visitors. The Ogunquit Playhouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, focuses on uplifting artists and administrators of all backgrounds.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Known for having the largest number of same-sex households in the U.S. per capita, Provincetown has been a longtime vacation haven for the LGBTQIA+ community. The town is bursting with queer events throughout the summer and offers a plethora of queer-owned shops and establishments along Commercial Street.
The Castro, San Francisco
With a queer history dating back to the 19th century gold rush, San Francisco’s Castro district is a vibrant center of LGBTQ+ life. The Castro Theatre, established in 1976, and the legacy of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay officials ever elected in the United States, continue to inspire visitors and activists alike.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is one of the most queer-friendly cities in the Midwest, with a significant Pride celebration every year. Civil protections based on sexual orientation were enshrined in a city ordinance back in 1992. Jim Obergefell, lead plaintiff in the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling that legalized same-sex marriage, even led the Columbus Pride Parade in 2015.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Pride Month 2025, these neighborhoods stand as testaments to the resilience, activism, and vibrant culture of the LGBTQ+ community. Visiting these areas offers more than just a trip; it provides an opportunity to honor the history and contributions of queer individuals and to support ongoing efforts for equality and inclusion.
