Until the legislation catches up to San Antonio’s progressive spirit, its LGBTQ+ residents continue to find ways to share their experience. “We have these blue dots in Texas,” says Kennedy “But when they’re surrounded by a red environment, the impact of conservative evangelicalism and an overwhelmingly white, rural Christian culture bleeds into how you view and what schools teach you about yourself.” Medical services are so lacking for trans people that many wait six months or more, or else travel to Austin, for gender-affirming care. Still, Maddie Kennedy, Thrive’s director of community affairs/development, tells me, “Statewide barriers exist that we can’t overcome.” For example, changing a name or gender marker is costly and time consuming within the state. On June 18, for the first time, the city’s tourism department will host a Pride parade and festival front and center on the city’s iconic Riverwalk. Down the street, Luther’s stages a variety of shows, including an all-ages drag brunch on Sunday.įiesta itself has spawned nearly a dozen gay-run or -friendly events, paving the way for Pride San Antonio, a weeklong community celebration in June, as well as October’s San Antonio LGBT International Film Festival.
Besides the Pegasus, the city’s gay bars include longtime dance club the Bonham Exchange, and Sparky’s Pub, an English-style tavern beloved for its happy-hour drink specials. While many of the original clubs from the 1970s have closed or changed hands, LGBTQ+ culture has flourished. Five years later, it installed the most visible expression of its support for the community: the Rainbow Crosswalk, at the intersection of Evergreen Street and Main Avenue, in the heart of the LGBTQ+ district. In 2013, the city passed a landmark nondiscrimination ordinance that aligned its policies with those of Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston. One-third of those age 16 to 24 identify as transgender, nonbinary, or nonconforming. Thirty-six percent identify as bisexual or pansexual, 30 percent as gay, and 19 percent as lesbian. According to a 2020 report co-authored by Stone, San Antonio has a growing population of racially diverse, primarily Latino, LGBTQ+ residents. If you ask anyone in Austin about which gay neighborhood to visit or stay in, they will tell you, “Gay neighborhood? No need…this whole city is gay-friendly”, which is pretty accurate from our experience – though as with any city some areas are better to stay in than others!Īre you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city.The LGBTQ+ community has grown by leaps and bounds since Nixx first made a splash on the pageant and drag circuit. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend getting in touch with a local gay realtor. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you'll ever need to know about your new city. No surprises or awkward conversations necessary! And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. Gay-friendly Attractions in Austin Texas.Gay Austin Guide: The Essential Guide To LGBT Travel In Austin Texas.Not to mention all that live music! All of which fuses to make Austin a weird and fabulous gay holiday destination no matter where your interests lie! YEE-HAW! There is a lot to love here with diverse communities, a thriving calendar of gay events, multiple gay bars and club, and more attractions than you could ever see in one visit. Gay Saunas and Gay Bath House Austin TX.Gay-friendly and Gay Hotels in Austin Texas.
The Austin tourism scene is booming on multiple fronts thanks to Austin’s reputation as the ‘live music capital of the world,’ its unique mix of cowboys and hipster, innovative food scene, and abundance of outdoor leisure activities.
Massive events such as the Austin City Limits Festival and South by Southwest (SXSW) have helped put Austin on the map.