These U.S. cities are safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, based on new HRC data
These cities are safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, according to new data from the HRC.
Mark
The current presidential administration is dedicated to rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ people and erasing our fight for equality, forcing many queer American travelers to ask themselves for the first time: Is it safe for me to go there?
But it’s a question we don’t have to leave to guesswork, thanks to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index. The comprehensive and nationwide assessment, which recently released its 2025 report, examines cities’ LGBTQ+ policies, laws, and services, and gives them a score out of 100.
While not all these cities are in blue states, these scores reflect work done at the municipal level, revealing hidden gems in otherwise red areas that are not only welcoming and accepting of LGBTQ+ visitors but putting up a fight against the forces that be.
As Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, explained in a statement, “There are still more of us who support equality than those who do not — and I commend each and every city that fought against tall odds to show their continued support of our community.”
Below, we dive into five cities that earned top scores from the HRC for their measures to ensure LGBTQ+ equality — and some might surprise you.
1. Portland, Oregon
This is a big “DUH” to anyone who’s ever visited Portland. Naturally, a city that prides itself on its weirdness is both a socially accepting and politically protected place for LGBTQ+ visitors.
Although Portland doesn’t have a specifically gay district, it’s a destination filled with cool art, great food, friendly people, and a vastly diverse LGBTQ+ community with many lesbian and trans-run businesses.
Eagle Portland
Like your favorite pair of jeans 835 N Lombard St · Portland, OR 97217(503) 283-9734
Website
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2. Lexington, Kentucky
While Kentucky does not have the best record when it comes to LGBTQ+ equality, Lexington remains a haven for queer visitors looking to experience a taste of the Bluegrass State, and scored the HRC’s highest possible marks for the work its done to counteract its state’s politics.
Visitors can expect a small but tight-knit queer community, devoted to its openness and history. In fact, one of the city’s most beloved spots — The Bar Complex — was recognized by the Kentucky Historical Society as the “oldest continuous LGBTQ gathering place” in the state, with queer patrons visiting as far back as 1939.
3. Miami, Florida
Don’t let Florida’s reputation fool you; Miami is as welcoming as ever. As the HRC noted, the city has openly LGBTQ+ elected and/or appointed leaders, law enforcement that respectfully engages with the queer community, and laws to protect inclusive workplaces.
Of course, the most fun place to be is South Beach, Miami’s go-to gayborhood. Although you can’t go wrong at any of its free-flowing bars, which tend to close around 2 a.m., nor on the beach.
Palace Bar & Restaurant
Every queen needs a castle 1052 Ocean Dr · Miami Beach, FL 33139(305) 531-7234
Website
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Surprise, surprise! Despite its state’s conservative policies, Salt Lake City received a perfect score from the HRC, which noted its “innovation in pushing back” against state-level laws by adopting official city flags representing its LGBTQ+, trans, and Black communities. This city knows how to stick it to the man — and give its visitors a darn good time!
As far as the gay scene goes, it’s not all Housewives and ski weeks, although that’s a big part of it! From bars, clubs, and, yes, the world-famous Gay Ski Week, Salt Lake knows how to have fun. But you’ll want to go out early; the state’s strict liquor laws mean bars close by 2 a.m.
Club Try-Angles
Late nite gay haven 251 W Harvey Milk Blvd, E 900 S · Salt Lake City, UT 84101(801) 364-3203
Website
5. San Antonio, Texas
Another red state surprise: San Antonio. While Austin tends to get all the shine as Texas’s sole progressive blue dot, the Alamo City earned a perfect score for testing the limits of its state’s restrictive laws.
LGBTQ+ visitors will find Southern charm and comfort go hand-in-hand at the city’s numerous gay bars and clubs, not to mention in its delicious (and authentic) restaurant scene.
Bonham Exchange
Voted best LGBTQ+ dance club in town 411 Bonham · San Antonio, TX 78205(210) 224-9219
Website
Read the full list of cities scored on the HRC’s Municipal Equality Index here.
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