Editor’s Note June 2022: Travel should be inclusive and accessible to everyone. That’s why Away is proud to partner with IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association: a global organization that promotes equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism around the world. Visit IGLTA.org for even more LGBTQ+ friendly destinations as well as travel safety guides, trip planning resources, and more.
In his interview for the fifth issue of Here Magazine, Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness discusses the sometimes harsh realities of traveling as a gay man. Even though the world is now more accessible than ever, certain communities remain vulnerable to discrimination at home and abroad, he says. But for every hostile environment, there’s another vibrant queer community waiting to welcome LGBTQ+ visitors and allies alike.
Whether you’re queer and looking to build community or you’re just interested in supporting queer businesses around the world, we want to help empower you to explore. Below, guides to queer life in some of our favorite cities, from London to Los Angeles.
A Queer-Life Guide to Austin, Texas
We tapped local queer/trans performance artist p1nkstar to share all her favorite aspects of queer life in Austin, from businesses to patronize to the absolute best queer-friendly nightlife.
A Queer-Life Guide to Boston, Massachusetts
Saadia (they/she) is a software engineer, portrait photographer, and a social justice activist, born and raised near Boston. Read more about her favorite aspects of and places to experience queer life in Boston.
A Queer-Life Guide to Chicago, Illinois
Ari Bendersky, a journalist and video producer based in Chicago, details his guide to queer-friendly Chicago, from the best neighborhoods to hang out in, to the ultimate nightlife must-visits.
A Queer-Life Guide to London, United Kingdom
Amber Fryer, a freelance creative and the former head of design for Amazon Pride UK and EU, shares her favorite aspects of queer life in her hometown, from the best experimental hair salons to emblematic arts and cultural institutions.
A Queer-Life Guide to Los Angeles, California
Miles Griffis is a Los Angeles-based writer covering the arts, entertainment, and queer adventure travel. Follow the link for his ultimate guide to queer life in LA.
A Queer-Life Guide to New York City
Hilton Dresden, a queer writer, illustrator, and performer based in Brooklyn, shares the best of the best in New York City’s multifaceted LGBTQ+ culture.
