Cuenca, Ecuador, is quietly emerging as one of South America’s most welcoming and culturally rich destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, offering safety, inclusivity, and vibrant local queer life far from the typical travel circuit.
When most queer travelers set their sights on South America, the spotlight inevitably falls on cities like Buenos Aires, Bogotá, or Rio de Janeiro, celebrated for their massive Pride parades and established LGBTQ+ nightlife . Yet, tucked high in the Ecuadorian Andes lies Cuenca—a colonial-era city that defies expectations and quietly welcomes queer visitors with genuine warmth and understated pride.
Cuenca’s pastel-hued facades, UNESCO-listed historic core, and thriving expat community draw a steady stream of international newcomers. But what’s newly coming into focus is the city’s rise as a haven for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking an alternative to the region’s larger, more publicized queer destinations .
Ecuador’s progressive 2008 constitution was the first in the world to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive society . Since then, the country has legalized same-sex marriage and offers a legal path for transgender people to change their gender on official documents . While the capital Quito and the port city Guayaquil have more visible LGBTQ+ nightlife, Cuenca’s unique blend of safety, manageable size, and cosmopolitan spirit makes it stand out for queer travelers seeking connection and community rather than crowds .
Cuenca is consistently ranked among the safest cities in Ecuador, and its large expat population—many of whom are North American retirees and digital nomads, including many openly LGBTQ+ people—has helped foster a more open, tolerant city culture . The city’s relatively small size means that queer visitors often find themselves welcomed into local circles, with locals and expats mingling at cultural events, art galleries, and in the city’s many cozy cafes.
Cuenca may not have a sprawling gayborhood, but it has a number of spaces where LGBTQ+ people gather and thrive. Regular social meet-ups, such as monthly queer coffee nights and arts events, are organized by community groups like “Cuenca LGBTQ+” and the Ecuadorian Foundation for LGBT Rights . These gatherings offer a welcoming entry point for travelers seeking connection and up-to-date insights on local happenings .
Local bars like La Guarida—an independent cinema and arts venue—host inclusive film screenings, drag shows, and open-mic nights, drawing a diverse crowd of queer locals, expats, and allies. During the city’s annual Pride celebrations each June, the streets fill with rainbow flags and music, culminating in a vibrant parade through the historic center—smaller than those in major cities, but imbued with a sense of community and courage unique to smaller towns .
Cuenca’s café culture is as warm as its people. At Café de Nucallacta, you’ll find queer creatives and activists discussing local politics over espresso, while the riverside greenways host impromptu gatherings of LGBTQ+ youth. The city is also home to several queer-owned businesses, from artisan bakeries to bookstores, which have become quiet pillars of community safety and support .
Beyond its queer spaces, Cuenca’s cultural wealth is a draw in itself. The city is famous for its blend of Spanish and indigenous Cañari heritage, visible in its grand cathedrals, lively markets, and the intricate Panama hats woven in the surrounding countryside. The city’s art scene is flourishing; the Museo de Arte Moderno regularly features work by queer and trans Ecuadorian artists, while street art throughout the El Vado and San Sebastian neighborhoods explores themes of gender, migration, and resistance .
Food lovers can savor Ecuadorian specialties—like hornado and fresh ceviche—at LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants such as Goza Espresso Bar, where rainbow stickers in the window signal a safe and welcome space for all. Nightlife in Cuenca is low-key but lively, with bars like Wunderbar and Café San Sebas hosting drag karaoke, salsa nights, and themed parties open to everyone .
According to local activist Ana Lucía Vázquez, “Cuenca’s queer community is small but strong, and people look out for each other here. We may not have the numbers of a big city, but we have visibility—and that makes a difference” . Local organizations run workshops on queer history, safe spaces for transgender people, and outreach to rural LGBTQ+ youth, reflecting a commitment to both visibility and intersectionality.
Travelers report that being openly queer in Cuenca is met with curiosity and, more often than not, respect. While some rural attitudes remain conservative, the city’s younger generation is leading a quieter revolution in acceptance—an evolution visible in public art, Pride events, and the embrace of queer travelers from around the world .
Cuenca’s emergence as a queer-friendly destination is propelled by a unique combination of legal protections, a vibrant cultural scene, and the visible presence of openly LGBTQ+ locals and expats . Unlike larger, more touristic cities, Cuenca offers queer travelers the chance to participate in—and contribute to—a growing community where every Pride flag unfurled and every drag show staged is a testament to the city’s ongoing transformation.
For those seeking connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging amid the Andes, Cuenca stands ready to welcome you with open arms and open minds.
Forget the usual suspects—Rochester, New York is quietly becoming the Northeast’s sparkliest emerging LGBTQ+ destination. With a robust local queer community, affordable living, and a fresh wave of inclusive events, this city is poised to charm travelers with its authenticity, creativity, and off-radar allure.
Ask most LGBTQ+ travelers where they’re headed for their next big adventure and you’ll hear the names of major hubs: New York City, San Francisco, Provincetown. But let’s get real—sometimes the most dazzling queer energy bubbles up where you least expect it. Rochester, New York, tucked between the thunderous rush of Niagara Falls and the cosmopolitan buzz of Toronto, has been quietly brewing a queer renaissance that’s finally ready to be uncorked. Once the industrial heart of upstate New York, Rochester’s granite bones now cradle a vibrant, intersectional LGBTQ+ community, an arts scene that rivals the big cities, and a cost of living that lets you actually live—and play—without mortgaging your future to do it .
Let’s talk numbers. Rochester’s LGBTQ+ density comes in at nearly seven percent, ranking it among the top 15 gayest cities in America—a fact that’s been recognized by both The Advocate and Business Insider in their national rankings. But what really sets Rochester apart is affordability. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center hovers around $900 a month, and overall costs minus rent for a single person run about $900 a month as well . That means more room in your wallet for drag brunches, gallery openings, and midnight cocktails at bars where everyone knows your pronouns.
Rochester’s queer scene isn’t just about rainbow flags and dance parties . It’s intersectional, feminist, and proudly trans-inclusive. The city’s LGBTQ+ resource center, The Out Alliance, has expanded programming to include support groups for transgender people, nonbinary folks, and queer youth, while the Trillium Health center offers gender-affirming care and HIV prevention services in a welcoming environment . Local queer-owned businesses—think vegan cafés, tattoo studios, inclusive gyms—form a web of support that’s as practical as it is celebratory.
Rochester is an artsy town with a punk heart. Home to the Eastman School of Music and a dense layer of galleries, theaters, and DIY event spaces, the city’s creative scene is infused with LGBTQ+ talent. The Memorial Art Gallery’s annual Queer Makers Market brings together transgender artists, drag performers, and queer crafters for a day of unapologetic celebration . The ImageOut Film Festival, one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals in the nation, screens indie films from across the globe and spotlights local trans and nonbinary filmmakers . For those who prefer their art with a side of activism, the city’s murals—many painted by queer artists—celebrate Black, Latinx, and Indigenous LGBTQ+ lives.
Rochester Pride, held every July, is a multi-day celebration that’s grown from a grassroots march into a city-wide festival drawing thousands. The main parade is famously inclusive, featuring floats from drag troupes, ballroom dancers, and advocacy groups for transgender, bisexual, and nonbinary people. After the parade, the city’s nightlife sparkles. Bars like The Avenue Pub and Lux Lounge host drag shows, queer open mic nights, and themed dance parties throughout the year . For sober queers and those seeking alternative scenes, there's a thriving calendar of poetry readings, board game nights, and queer yoga in the city’s leafy parks.
What makes Rochester stand out isn’t just its parties and parades—it’s the real, on-the-ground progress. The city scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, thanks to comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations . City government partners with local organizations to provide ongoing education, safe shelter for queer youth, and direct legal aid for transgender people navigating name changes or healthcare access . In 2025, Rochester announced grants for LGBTQ+ small businesses, including those owned by transgender and nonbinary entrepreneurs, to foster economic empowerment and visibility .
Rochester’s queer history is rich and radical. It’s the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony, and its legacy of social justice activism carries forward in the LGBTQ+ movement. The city’s archives—open to the public—feature zines, oral histories, and photographs chronicling decades of struggle and celebration, from the earliest gay rights protests to today’s intersectional advocacy . Local historian Evelyn Bailey’s work highlights Rochester’s role as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people in upstate New York, especially during the AIDS crisis and the marriage equality movement .
Major LGBTQ+ publications have begun to take notice, with Out Magazine and The Advocate recently spotlighting Rochester in roundups of “America’s Most Unexpected Queer-Friendly Cities” . But ask locals, and they’ll tell you Rochester’s secret is simple: it’s a city built on solidarity, not spectacle. Here, queer travelers aren’t just welcomed—they’re woven into the fabric of daily life, from block parties to boardrooms. The city’s mix of accessibility, activism, and authentic community offers a refreshing alternative to the polished gloss of more famous destinations.
Insider Pro Tips: How to Experience Rochester Like a Local
- Start your morning at Lento Café, a queer-owned spot famous for vegan pastries and pop-up poetry readings .
- Wander through the South Wedge neighborhood, home to indie bookstores, vintage shops, and a weekly queer farmers market .
- Catch a show at Blackfriars Theatre, where LGBTQ+ actors and playwrights headline a season of edgy new works .
- Don’t miss the monthly Queer Board Game Night at PopRoc, a comic shop and café that doubles as a community hub .
Rochester isn’t famous—yet—but it’s got all the makings of North America’s next great LGBTQ+ destination: intersectional advocacy, a sparkling arts scene, real affordability, and a community that feels like family. For queer travelers chasing authenticity, not just photo ops, Rochester is ready to steal the spotlight.
Costa Rica may be known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the ever-present philosophy of pura vida—the “pure life”—but it’s also one of the most progressive and inclusive destinations in Central America when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and culture.
Costa Rica may be known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the ever-present philosophy of pura vida—the “pure life”—but it’s also one of the most progressive and inclusive destinations in Central America when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and culture. With same-sex marriage legalized in 2020 and a growing queer community thriving in both urban and coastal regions, the country offers a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates diversity amid natural beauty.
Costa Rica’s journey toward LGBTQ+ equality has been marked by steady and meaningful progress. In 2020, it became the first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage, a landmark decision that followed years of advocacy and public dialogue. The government has also taken steps to strengthen anti-discrimination protections, support trans rights, and incorporate LGBTQ+ education and awareness into public policy.
This progressive spirit resonates deeply with locals and travelers alike. Whether in the cosmopolitan capital of San José or the relaxed coastal towns, visitors often remark on the country’s sense of openness and acceptance.
My journey began in San José, the cultural and social hub for the country’s LGBTQ+ community. The city’s vibrant nightlife scene includes popular bars and clubs such as Club El Teatro, which has hosted drag shows and queer performances for decades, and La Avispa, one of the oldest gay bars in Latin America.
Beyond nightlife, San José’s art and cultural institutions also reflect queer voices. Local galleries frequently showcase works by LGBTQ+ artists, while community organizations such as Centro de Investigación y Promoción para América Central de Derechos Humanos play an important role in advocacy, education, and social support.
The city’s annual Marcha de la Diversidad (Pride March), typically held in June, attracts tens of thousands of participants from across Central America, filling the streets with color, music, and the unmistakable energy of solidarity and celebration.
I decided to stay at the Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén, located about 15-minutes from downtown. The property offers a luxurious escape that blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by breathtaking views of the Central Valley and the scent of freshly roasted coffee drifting through the air—a fitting introduction to a resort built on a historic coffee plantation. The hotel’s elegant Spanish colonial architecture, with its arched corridors, terracotta tiles, and lush gardens, evokes a timeless sense of place, while the service is warm, genuine, and distinctly Costa Rican.
One of the highlights of the Hacienda Belén experience is its array of immersive, on-property activities. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee tastings, art and cooking classes, and wellness experiences that reflect Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage. The resort’s spa and outdoor pools offer peaceful havens for relaxation, surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds and rustling palms.
Dining at the Marriott Hacienda Belén is equally impressive. Each restaurant celebrates local flavors with international flair—whether you’re indulging in a traditional gallo pinto breakfast, indulging in a fabulous steak dinner at La Isabela Steakhouse, or enjoying a farm-to-table dinner at Hacienda Kitchen. Every meal is elevated by impeccable presentation and the resort’s warm hospitality.
What truly sets this Marriott apart is its authentic Costa Rican soul. It’s luxurious without being pretentious, historic yet contemporary, and perfectly situated for exploring everything from the capital’s museums and markets to day trips into the country’s lush countryside. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a bit of both, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén is the kind of place that makes you feel connected—to the culture, the landscape, and the pura vida lifestyle itself.
If you are looking to venture outside of the city, Costa Rica’s coasts offer some of the most LGBTQ+-inclusive destinations in the region.
Manuel Antonio, on the Pacific coast, has become the country’s unofficial gay beach town. With luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and beach bars that welcome LGBTQ+ travelers year-round, it’s a place where diversity is embraced as part of daily life. Playa Espadilla and Playa Biesanz are particularly popular with queer visitors, offering relaxed vibes, stunning sunsets, and a strong sense of community.
Other destinations such as Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, and Santa Teresa are also becoming popular among LGBTQ+ travelers.
What truly makes Costa Rica unique is the way its pura vidalifestyle extends to acceptance and respect. The phrase is more than a slogan—it’s a reflection of how Costa Ricans approach life: with joy, empathy, and openness. This spirit is palpable in the way locals treat LGBTQ+ visitors—not as outsiders, but as fellow travelers sharing in the beauty of their homeland.
From the bustling boulevards of San José to the quiet beaches of the Pacific coast, Costa Rica offers LGBTQ+ visitors the freedom to be themselves in a setting that’s as breathtaking as it is inclusive.
Whether you’re watching the sunset over the ocean with your partner, exploring cloud forests teeming with life, or dancing at Pride in the heart of the capital, Costa Rica invites you to celebrate pura vida con orgullo—the pure life with pride.
Bisbee, Arizona, is quickly emerging as one of North America’s most welcoming and culturally vibrant destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, offering a blend of artistic flair, historic charm, and an authentically inclusive community ethos.
Bisbee, Arizona, a former mining town perched in the Mule Mountains just miles from the Mexico border, is quietly carving out a reputation as one of North America’s most welcoming and culturally rich destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. While cities like Palm Springs, Provincetown, and Montreal have long dominated queer travel lists, Bisbee’s blend of artistic vibrancy, historic architecture, and genuine inclusivity remains largely under the radar—making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking new horizons.
Bisbee’s story begins with copper—once the lifeblood of this high desert town’s economy. Today, the legacy of boom times is visible in stately Victorian homes, winding alleys, and a downtown dotted with murals and galleries. But Bisbee’s contemporary character is shaped by its transition from mining town to bohemian haven, attracting artists, musicians, and queer folk seeking community and creative freedom.
Walking through historic Old Bisbee, travelers encounter an eclectic mix of vintage shops, coffee houses, and queer-owned businesses. The town’s Rainbow Crosswalks—painted by volunteers from Bisbee Pride—signal both visible support and a commitment to inclusion year-round.
Bisbee’s reputation as a queer-friendly destination is not accidental. For over two decades, local residents have fostered a culture of acceptance, with visible LGBTQ+ leadership in civic organizations, the arts, and education. Local queer historian and activist, Jamie Oliver, notes, “Bisbee is a place where LGBTQ+ people aren’t just tolerated, we’re woven into the fabric of the community”.
Bisbee Pride, held every June, has grown from a grassroots gathering to a multi-day festival featuring drag parades, queer film screenings, and open-air concerts. Unlike larger Pride events, Bisbee’s festival maintains a distinctly local flavor—collaborating with town merchants, artists, and even local churches to ensure all feel welcome.
The town’s hospitality extends beyond Pride Month. The Café Roka, a well-known queer-owned restaurant, hosts regular “Queer Evenings,” which have become a cornerstone of Bisbee’s social calendar, bringing together residents and visitors for music, storytelling, and community-building.
Bisbee’s cultural richness is immediately evident in its thriving arts scene. The local galleries frequently feature works by transgender artists and queer collectives, while the town’s street art reflects a commitment to intersectional activism and visibility.
The Bisbee Royale, a former cinema turned performance space, hosts monthly LGBTQ+ open-mic nights and film retrospectives. Recent events have spotlighted Latinx trans filmmakers and Two-Spirit artists from nearby indigenous communities, deepening Bisbee’s intersectional appeal.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore, from the labyrinthine alleyways leading up to Castle Rock to the hiking trails of nearby Coronado National Forest. Local guides offer “Queer Desert Walks,” focusing on the area’s unique flora, fauna, and LGBTQ+ history—such as the role of queer miners and labor organizers in early Bisbee.
Bisbee’s accommodations further reflect its welcoming spirit. The Letson Loft Hotel and the School House Inn are both queer-owned and have earned accolades for their inclusive policies, rainbow flags, and gender-neutral bathrooms.
Bisbee’s LGBTQ+ residents emphasize the town’s grassroots activism and daily inclusivity. Local trans poet Alex Reyes shares, “Bisbee isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to belong. Our Pride committee works year-round, not just for the festival, but to ensure queer youth and elders have support and visibility”.
The Bisbee LGBTQ+ Resource Center, opened in 2023, provides outreach, health resources, and peer counseling for both locals and visitors. Its “Safe Space” stickers, displayed in storefronts throughout town, assure travelers that queer and transgender people are welcome everywhere in Bisbee.
Bisbee’s queer community is deeply intergenerational. Elders, many of whom relocated after retiring from urban centers, mentor younger activists and artists. This dynamic fosters a sense of legacy and continuity, ensuring Bisbee’s queer-friendly reputation is not just a trend but a lasting transformation.
Bisbee’s rise as a queer-friendly destination is rooted in authenticity, accessibility, and a willingness to challenge norms. Its remote location, affordable cost of living, and strong sense of neighborly solidarity create a haven for those seeking genuine community over commercialized tourism.
Unlike traditional queer enclaves, Bisbee’s welcome is not confined to specific bars or clubs—it permeates every aspect of town life. From its vibrant street art and progressive businesses to its commitment to intersectional inclusion, Bisbee represents the kind of emerging destination where LGBTQ+ travelers can not only vacation, but also contribute, connect, and flourish.
For queer travelers seeking adventure, artistry, and belonging off the beaten path, Bisbee offers a new model—one defined not by what it lacks, but by the richness and resilience of its community.
The life-size wax figure of Lady Diana is presented at Grevin Museum in Paris, France, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A Paris wax museum has unveiled a new figure of Princess Diana in a black dress that has come to be known as her "revenge dress."
A wax museum in Paris on Thursday unveiled a new figure of the late Princess Diana depicted in a black dress that has come to be known as her “ revenge dress,” decades after her tragic death in the city.
The Grevin Museum, one of Europe's oldest wax museums, dressed the life-size figure of the late Princess of Wales in the black, off-the-shoulder, figure-hugging cocktail dress Diana wore to a Serpentine Gallery event in London in 1994. It was the same night that King Charles III — at the time Prince Charles — acknowledged on television that he had been unfaithful with Camilla Parker Bowles.
For Paris, the tribute carried extra weight. Diana died in a car crash in a tunnel by the Seine River in 1997, and the city still draws admirers who leave flowers and notes at informal memorials.
Diana's relationship with Dodi Al Fayed and the crash that killed them immortalized Diana's connection with Paris.
Museum officials told The Associated Press that the Grevin director ordered the likeness after being underwhelmed by its counterpart during a visit to Madame Tussauds wax museum in London a couple of years ago. They noted that the unveiling came on the 30th anniversary of an explosive interview that Diana gave to BBC “Panorama,” which observers say dented the standing of the monarchy and the Queen.
Some observers noted how the museum's newest royal guest was positioned far from wax likenesses of her ex-husband and former mother-in-law.
High heels, a pearl choker at her neck and a small handbag clasped in both hands completed the sculpture. Tabloids later dubbed the outfit the “revenge dress,” and the museum leaned into that symbolism.
French novelist Christine Orban, who wrote “Mademoiselle Spencer,” a novel imagined from Diana’s point of view, said the figure was overdue.
She called the black dress a turning point in Diana’s story.
“The dress is very significant of her liberation because in the royal family, black is only worn for funerals, and then such a sexy dress for a Princess of Wales, well, that’s not common either,” she said. “So she decides to wear her high heels and Louboutins. And to go to the Serpentine Gallery to make an impression, to get photographed.”
Grevin, founded in the 19th century, has long packed its ornate halls with political leaders, artists, pop-culture figures — and, yes, British royals. Diana is the latest in a steady stream of star wattage additions the museum uses to refresh the collection and boost visitors at the site that has attracted some 700,000 annual visitors in recent years.
News of the unveiling filtered through Paris, even before most people had a chance to visit.
“It brought back that night in the tunnel, even though I was a kid then,” said Julien Martin, 38. “Paris never completely let go of Diana, so it made sense that a big wax museum finally did this.”
“I wasn’t even alive but for my generation, she seems like the first modern princess — glamorous, but also vulnerable,” said 24-year-old student Lina Ben Amar. “If tourists come to see celebrities in wax, she is one of the first they will look for.”
Diana will be in good company. Curators set her beside another prominent royal who died in Paris — albeit centuries earlier: Marie-Antoinette.
by Thomas Adamson and Oleg Cetinic
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Düsseldorf, Germany’s artsy city on the Rhine, is quietly emerging as one of Europe’s most welcoming and culturally rich destinations for queer travelers—yet it rarely appears on mainstream LGBTQ+ travel lists.
Tucked between the more famous party capitals of Cologne and Berlin, Düsseldorf has long flown under the radar for queer travelers. Yet, as you step off the train and into the city’s modern Hauptbahnhof, it’s clear that Düsseldorf is not just a stopover, but a destination in its own right—one embracing queer visitors with a blend of German efficiency and Rhineland warmth. The rainbow flags fluttering outside indie bars in the Flingern district and the inclusive signage at local museums signal a city quietly but confidently growing into its queer identity.
Düsseldorf’s reputation as a creative powerhouse is well-earned. The Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, alma mater of artists like Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter, lends the city a progressive edge, and its impact is visible everywhere. From the vivid street art in Bilk to the avant-garde installations at K21 Museum, the arts scene here is both world-class and deeply inclusive. The city regularly hosts exhibitions that center queer voices and challenge heteronormative narratives, such as the annual “Queer Art Düsseldorf” showcase, which partnered with local LGBTQ+ groups to spotlight emerging trans and non-binary artists in 2025 .
Music, too, pulses with inclusivity. Elektro, Düsseldorf’s signature electronic music festival, featured an official queer stage for the first time this year, curated by @QueerBeatCollective—a platform for LGBTQ+ DJs and performers. The event drew hundreds of locals and visitors together, creating a safe, celebratory space that echoed across the city’s riverside parks .
Unlike the throngs of Cologne’s colossal Christopher Street Day, Düsseldorf’s CSD is smaller and more grassroots—but its spirit is just as fierce. In June 2025, over 8,000 people marched through the city center, led by a coalition of queer youth, drag artists, and transgender activists. The event emphasized intersectionality, with workshops on anti-racism in the queer community and panels highlighting the experiences of BIPOC and disabled LGBTQ+ people .
The city’s queer nightlife is cozy yet vibrant. “Queerfeld,” a monthly pop-up party in a repurposed tram depot, is renowned for its all-gender-welcome policy and lineups featuring drag kings, alternative cabaret, and lesbian DJs. At “Rubicon,” Düsseldorf’s longest-running queer bar, regulars gather for open-mic poetry nights and vintage vinyl evenings. These venues are more than nightlife—they’re community hubs where locals offer newcomers tips on everything from the best Turkish brunch in Oberbilk to activist meet-ups at the queer library “Bücherbunt” .
Düsseldorf’s appeal for queer travelers lies not only in its events but in the city’s everyday inclusivity. The city council has installed gender-neutral bathrooms in all public buildings since 2024, and local hotels display visible LGBTQ+ allyship through staff training and partnerships with community groups . The queer-run “Café Rosa” is a favorite brunch spot for both locals and visitors, hosting weekly support groups for transgender people and offering a free lending library of LGBTQ+ literature.
The city’s “Queer Refugee Support” network, founded by local activists, has been recognized for its work in helping LGBTQ+ asylum seekers find housing and legal aid—a testament to Düsseldorf’s intersectional approach .
Düsseldorf’s diversity is striking. Its Little Tokyo enclave, the largest Japanese community in Germany, regularly collaborates with queer organizations for cultural festivals, blending drag performances with sushi-making workshops and anime screenings. The annual “Rheinkirmes” fair, a citywide celebration on the banks of the Rhine, now features a “Pride Day” with dedicated queer spaces and family-friendly drag shows, drawing a visibly mixed crowd from across the region .
For those seeking quieter moments, the leafy Nordpark and the riverside promenade offer places for reflection, picnics, and impromptu queer meet-ups. Local guides from @DusseldorfQueerTours lead walking tours focusing on hidden queer history, from the secret gay bars of the 1920s to contemporary activist landmarks.
Düsseldorf’s charm lies in its balance: it offers a cosmopolitan cultural scene without the overcrowding of more famous queer capitals, and its grassroots community ensures a sense of belonging even for solo travelers. While it may not yet top international LGBTQ+ travel lists, the city’s open-minded spirit, intersectional activism, and vibrant everyday culture make it a haven for queer explorers seeking something authentic and new .
Whether you’re wandering the art-filled streets of Flingern, sipping coffee after sunrise along the Rhine, or marching alongside activists during CSD, Düsseldorf offers a model of how smaller cities can cultivate spaces where all queer identities are affirmed, celebrated, and woven into the city’s creative life.
This feature dives into Burlington, Vermont through a distinctly LGBTQ+ lens, unearthing its vibrant queer culture, storied activism, and effervescent nightlife.
You know you’ve arrived somewhere queerly magical when the first thing you see is Lake Champlain glinting between rainbow flags, the mountains strutting their stuff in the background, and a local in a “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” tee waving you toward the nearest coffee shop. Burlington, Vermont isn’t just a progressive college town—it’s a pocket-sized metropolis with a big, glittering queer oul. Here, activism and artistry intertwine in the historic streets, and every block seems to hum with a sense of possibility.
Before Burlington had bustling Pride parades and out-and-proud nightlife, it was a haven for LGBTQ+ people who didn’t just endure Vermont’s wild winters—they thrived, creating warmth in each other’s company and activism. The city’s first Pride celebration burst forth in 1983, organized by a handful of bold lesbian feminists and a gay men’s discussion group. Three hundred people marched that year, rallying in City Hall Park, led by poet and activist Michiyo Fukaya. As one participant recalls, “It took courage to march in Burlington, Vermont, a small enough place to be recognized and possibly penalized for it.”
Burlington’s activist legacy is storied and fierce. The Redbird Collective, a lesbian commune in the Old North End, hosted legendary singalongs and workshops—community-building that still echoes in the nonprofit HOWL today. Bernie Sanders, then-mayor, championed early LGBTQ+ initiatives, supporting nondiscrimination and self-defense programs for women and girls. The city’s queer history isn’t just about survival; it’s about flourishing in the face of adversity, forging connections, and demanding visibility.
Even in the 1970s and ’80s, the local scene was inventive and intimate: house parties in communal homes, dances at UVM, and the legendary Taj Mahal—a gay bar by night that doubled as an Indian restaurant by day. Discretion was often necessary, but creativity abounded. “We just would get in a car, whichever car could make it…It was a very creative, inventive, supportive time where we saw ourselves as the activists statewide,” one local remembers, recalling how orange juice cans patched up cars to make it to social events in all corners of Vermont.
Today, Burlington’s queer community is as visible as its mountain skyline. The city’s annual Pride Parade is now a jubilant cascade of color, with thousands marching, dancing, and celebrating from Church Street to Waterfront Park. Pride Center of Vermont, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy and support organization, is a hub for everything from drag brunches to support groups to queer art exhibitions.
Queer Black Vermonters and trans folks are increasingly recognized for their leadership and contributions. THRIVE, a program at the Pride Center, spotlights legendary Black queer and trans people—both present and historical—who have shaped Burlington’s culture in ways both subtle and profound.
Burlington’s queer icons aren’t just historic—they’re living, breathing, and typically found sipping espresso, crafting zines, or hosting open mics. Christine Burton, who founded Golden Threads—a pioneering network for older lesbians—remains a beloved elder in the community. Local poets, drag performers, and activists keep the city’s spirit alive, reminding newcomers: this is a place for every letter in the LGBTQ+ alphabet, and for every flavor of self-expression.
Burlington’s nightlife is eclectic, inclusive, and deeply queer. The city’s bars and clubs may not have the neon sprawl of larger cities, but what they lack in size they make up for in heart and hospitality. Must-visits include:
- Drink: A cocktail lounge known for its chill vibe and queer-friendly crowd. Drag shows, themed nights, and spontaneous dance parties are common fare.
- Radio Bean: The city’s bohemian home for live music and poetry, with queer open mics and DJ nights that attract a fabulously diverse crowd.
- ArtsRiot: Equal parts music venue, restaurant, and activist hub, ArtsRiot is the spot for intersectional events, queer art shows, and dance parties that run late and run deep.
- Church Street Marketplace: While technically a shopping district, this pedestrian-only thoroughfare is the city’s social artery. Pride flags ripple from independent bookstores, coffee shops, and local boutiques. Don’t miss Crow Bookshop—an indie haven with a robust queer literature section.
- Pride Center of Vermont: Not just an advocacy org—this is the beating heart of the community. Drop in for a peer-led support group, art gallery opening, or just to find out what’s happening tonight (Instagram: @pridecentervt).
Insider tip: Burlington’s best queer moments often happen off the official calendar. Lakeside picnics, impromptu drag performances at Foam Brewers, and late-night conversations at Muddy Waters café are where the city’s soul shines. Don’t be afraid to ask a local for the “real” party—chances are, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and maybe a homemade maple treat.
What makes Burlington so uniquely queer isn’t just its history or its events—it’s the vibe. There’s a playfulness and warmth to the people here, a sense of solidarity born from decades of activism and celebration. The city is both fiercely progressive and intimately communal. LGBTQ+ folks of all ages, backgrounds, and genders find space to belong, create, and flourish.
Burlington’s activism is woven into daily life. From the first legal civil unions in the nation to ongoing campaigns for trans rights and racial justice, the city’s queer community is never content to rest on its laurels. Instead, there’s a constant, joyful push for greater inclusion and visibility. The local mood is equal parts earnest and irreverent; drag queens in sequins share the sidewalk with community elders and young families, all exchanging nods of recognition and belonging.
To walk through Burlington as a queer traveler is to feel seen, celebrated, and infinitely welcome. This city has always made space for the wild, the creative, the activist, and the outsider—turning difference into its greatest asset. From lakeside sunsets to drag brunches, from storied protests to tonight’s dance party, Burlington pulses with an energy that is both radical and tender.
The city’s heart beats in rainbow, its stories told through laughter and protest, song and solidarity. For every queer soul seeking connection, adventure, and a place where being yourself is not just accepted but adored—Burlington, Vermont is waiting with open arms, maple syrup, and a dance floor.
Pastel-colored buildings line the waterfront, fishing boats bob gently in the harbor and locals sip espresso under striped awnings as church bells echo across the sea. This is Chiavari, a town that captures the laid-back rhythm of the Italian Riviera without the crowds of Portofino or Cinque Terre.
Pastel-colored buildings line the waterfront, fishing boats bob gently in the harbor and locals sip espresso under striped awnings as church bells echo across the sea. This is Chiavari, a town that captures the laid-back rhythm of the Italian Riviera without the crowds of Portofino or Cinque Terre. It is one of those rare discoveries where you pinch yourself to see if it's real.
Chiavari may not make the front page of glossy travel magazines, but it has been thriving for centuries. Founded by the Romans, it grew into a prosperous medieval port and a center for Ligurian trade. Traces of that past are still visible today in its maze of narrow lanes, known as "carruggi," where arched passageways lead to hidden courtyards and tiled piazzas.
Walking through the historic center takes you into another world, where ornate palazzi and faded frescoes sit beside family-owned bakeries and wine shops that have been here for generations. In Piazza Mazzini, locals gather beneath Renaissance arcades to chat about the day's catch or the latest football match, a timeless ritual that has changed little over the centuries.
While nearby Portofino attracts luxury yachts and celebrities, life in Chiavari still revolves around the sea and the seasons. Mornings begin at the harbor as fishermen return with baskets of anchovies and squid, often selling them directly from their boats. The beach, long and sandy by Ligurian standards, fills with locals who swim year-round and sip aperitivo as the sun sets over the water.
This quieter pace makes Chiavari a favorite among travelers who want to experience the Riviera without the crowds, expense and touristy gimmicks. Enjoy breakfast by the water with a cappuccino and freshly baked focaccia, lunch on the promenade and a browse at the weekly antiques market afterwards.
Away from the main streets, small artisan workshops produce everything from handmade leather sandals to traditional macrame lace, a craft passed down for centuries. The town is also known for its "chiavarina," a wooden chair designed in the early 19th century that symbolized Italian craftsmanship.
Art lovers will enjoy ducking into the Museo Diocesano, housed in a former bishop's palace. This museum holds centuries of religious art and rare manuscripts. Nearby, the 12th-century San Giovanni Battista Cathedral, with its bell tower rising above the rooftops, is worth a look.
For a change of scenery, follow the coastal path that leads to the small fishing village of Zoagli, famous for its silk weaving tradition. The views from this trail are spectacular, stretching across the Gulf of Tigullio toward the dramatic cliffs of Portofino Natural Park.
Few things define a place as clearly as its food, and Chiavari's cuisine is a delicious reflection of its history and landscape. The town sits in the heart of Liguria, the birthplace of pesto, and local restaurants serve it as it should be: hand-crushed in a marble mortar, mixed with trofie pasta and topped with a generous helping of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Seafood is central to the menu. Anchovies caught just offshore are marinated with lemon and olive oil, while mussels from the nearby Gulf of La Spezia are steamed with garlic and white wine. Traditional trattorias serve frittura mista, an irresistible mix of fried calamari, shrimp and small fish, served with a squeeze of lemon.
And then there's focaccia. In Chiavari, bakeries bake it fresh several times daily, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Locals eat it as a snack, with coffee at breakfast, or alongside an afternoon glass of Vermentino wine.
Like many Italian towns, Chiavari celebrates the seasons with passion. In summer, events such as the Chiavari Summer Dance Festival fill the squares with sound. Autumn brings olive and wine harvests, marked by small fairs and tastings in nearby villages. But it's Christmas that casts a special spell. The town's cobbled streets glow with lights, markets pop up selling handmade decorations and nativity scenes appear in shop windows and churches.
On Sunday mornings, families gather for long lunches that stretch into the afternoon. In the evenings, locals join the passeggiata, a leisurely stroll along the seafront where life almost seems to stand still.
Chiavari's location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Italian Riviera. A short train ride takes you to the dramatic cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre, while the glamorous streets of Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo are just minutes away. Ferries run regularly along the coast, offering a scenic way to visit Portofino or the art-filled city of Genoa.
For nature lovers, the nearby Aveto Natural Regional Park offers hiking trails through forests, alpine meadows and mountain lakes. And for wine enthusiasts, the hills behind Chiavari are home to family-run vineyards where you can taste local white wines and learn about Liguria's unique winemaking traditions.
The best time to visit Chiavari is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warm and the sea is perfect for swimming. Summer brings lively events and festivals, while September and October offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is quiet but atmospheric, especially around the holidays when the town lights up with decorations and seasonal markets.
Getting here is easy. Chiavari sits on the main coastal railway line, with frequent trains from Genoa, Pisa and La Spezia. The nearest airports are in Genoa and Pisa, which have connections to major European cities. Once in town, most places are walkable, and bicycles are popular for exploring the waterfront and the surrounding countryside.
Chiavari offers a mix of boutique hotels, family-run guesthouses and old villas converted into small inns. Staying in the old town puts you within walking distance of markets, restaurants and the beach, while properties on the hills above the city offer panoramic views of the coastline.
Chiavari has all the elements that make the Italian Riviera so special: beautiful scenery, delicious food and a deep sense of history. Yet it remains refreshingly under the radar, a place hidden from tourists. It is a destination that invites you to slow down, savor the moment and rediscover the joy of simple pleasures by the sea.
Kylie Lang is a lifestyle and travel writer with the British Guild of Travel Writers, living in France. She's the founder of Your Lifestyle Library, a blog where she shares insights on European travel, culture and seasonal living. Her writing is featured in major media outlets, including MSN in the United States, The Daily Examiner, Media Decision, The Good Life France, Travelbinger, Expat Focus and many others.
by Kylie Lang
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Millions of tourists visit the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel each year, yet only a tiny fraction ever step inside the gilded halls of Rome’s most exclusive site: the Colonna Palace.
Millions of tourists visit the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel each year, yet only a tiny fraction ever step inside the gilded halls of Rome’s most exclusive site: the Colonna Palace.
The private home-museum hides in plain sight, spread out in four wings over an entire block in the city center. Its owners cling to their cloistered ways, keeping the baroque palace’s paintings, sculptures, busts, tapestries and 76-meter (249-foot) Great Hall far from most prying eyes. Doors open to small groups, 10 people at a time, guided by art historians for a few hours on Friday and Saturday mornings.
“We cannot have mass tourism. It is not the wish,” said Elisabetta Cecchini, a restorer at the palace, adding that the reason any visitors are allowed is because art dies in the absence of public appreciation. “It is not intended as a museum to be commodified.”
The family’s sitting prince, Don Prospero Colonna, still resides there, granting infrequent approval to hold events like the release of Pope John Paul II’s book in 2005 and the 2018 Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition of Catholic fashion, attended by designer Donna Versace and Vogue magazine’s Anna Wintour. Both marked rare instances of journalists gaining admission.
Claudio Strinati, a former superintendent of Rome's museums, supports the palace’s relative seclusion, calling it “indubitably one of humanity's greatest artistic heritages” and one the family has a duty to protect.
“These were not conceived as tourist attractions,” he said. “Rather, they are made for those who have a certain understanding of history.”
Since the 12th century, the palace has belonged to the Colonnas, part of the “black nobility” — the name for Roman families who remained loyal to the Pope and the Papal State when the Italian army took the city in 1870 to create a unified nation. They hung black banners outside their palaces to show they were in mourning while, within their walls, they held fast to their masterpieces.
For two centuries, the Colonnas have maintained a trust guaranteeing the palace's precious artworks will forever remain there. Princess Isabella Colonna is credited with saving the family treasures. She fled Rome when the Nazis invaded, but not before ordering all artworks be “crammed into a wing of the building whose entrances were then walled up,” Cecchini said. The soldiers failed to find them.
Today, the interior betrays a history of power and privilege. In the Throne Room, a portrait immortalizes Oddone Colonna, who became Pope Martin V in 1417 and made the palace the papal residence for a decade. The Great Hall’s frescoed ceiling depicts the exploits of another Colonna forebear, Commander Marcantonio, who won a 16th-century naval battle that proved a watershed for the future of Europe.
"We can say that the Colonna cannot exist without Rome, but even Rome cannot exist without the Colonnas," Patrizia Piergiovanni, director of the palace’s gallery, said in an internal courtyard dotted with orange trees. “Being one of the great families, they have contributed a lot."
With Princess Isabella’s blessing, the Great Hall, with its masterpieces set amid marble columns and glittering chandeliers, became the set for the final scene in the 1952 classic “Roman Holiday.” Playing a beloved princess herself, Audrey Hepburn addressed the foreign press corps and fielded a question: which city on her extended European tour had she most enjoyed? After some diplomatic equivocation, she stopped short.
“Rome,” she said firmly. “By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live.”
by Trisha Thomas
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Booking.com has garnered positive attention for its sustained commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in travel, bucking a wider trend of industry pullbacks and backlash.
In 2025, the travel sector has confronted increasing scrutiny over LGBTQ+ inclusion, as many companies have retreated from diversity initiatives in the face of political and consumer backlash. According to the “2025 LGBTQ+ Advertising: Marketing in the Quiet Age of DEI” report, 62% of consumers now support brands speaking up on social issues, but there is a marked decline in visible LGBTQ+ representation across advertising and services, falling from 73% in 2023 to 65% in 2025 for all consumers. The report highlights that LGBTQ+ audiences—who wield $3.9 trillion in annual global buying power—hold companies to higher standards, expecting not only marketing campaigns but also substantive, year-round inclusion.
Against this backdrop, Booking.com has reinforced its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, which has earned the company visible praise from advocacy groups and travelers. Unlike some competitors who have limited their inclusive messaging to Pride Month or quietly scaled back policies, Booking.com has continued to publish explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, offer inclusive benefits, and publicly celebrate LGBTQ+ milestones throughout the year.
In a recent statement, Gillian Tans, Chairwoman of Booking.com, said: “Travel is for everyone, and our work to support LGBTQ+ travelers is not seasonal. We believe in the power of visibility and inclusion—not just during Pride, but every day of the year.”
Booking.com’s ongoing visibility and the authenticity of its support have resonated strongly with LGBTQ+ travelers and allies. Social media channels, particularly Instagram , have seen an uptick in engagement from users sharing positive experiences and celebrating the company’s commitment. One user commented: “After seeing Booking.com’s clear year-round support for LGBTQ+ rights, I feel more confident booking my travel with them. It’s not just a rainbow logo—it’s real allyship.”
Advocacy organizations such as ILGA-Europe have also acknowledged Booking.com’s efforts, highlighting its leadership in promoting safe and welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. In a recent press release, ILGA-Europe stated: “Booking.com stands out in the travel sector for its consistent support and for listening to the needs of LGBTQ+ travelers, especially when many companies are pulling back under pressure.”
The contrast between Booking.com’s actions and the broader industry trend has fueled discussions about “rainbow capitalism”—the practice of signaling support for LGBTQ+ rights primarily during Pride Month, without meaningful year-round policies or action. In 2025, skepticism around the authenticity of such initiatives has reached new heights, with job seekers and consumers demanding transparency and accountability. Companies that fail to deliver have faced public boycotts, social media criticism, and declining brand trust.
A key metric for authenticity is whether a company’s support extends beyond marketing, including leadership representation, inclusive benefits, and political accountability. Booking.com’s high ratings on platforms like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index reflect its efforts to maintain comprehensive protections and benefits for LGBTQ+ employees and customers.
Research from IMD suggests that companies with robust LGBTQ+ inclusion policies outperform less inclusive peers, driving innovation and human capital by significant margins. For Booking.com, this has translated into sustained brand loyalty, particularly among younger travelers. Data show that when brands maintain LGBTQ+ inclusion despite backlash, support among Gen Z consumers increases by 57%—a critical advantage in a competitive market.
Kaitlyn Barclay, data director at Do the Werq, notes: “Brands that change their point of view and values based on macro, economic and/or political environments are the ones that are going to look the most performative and stand the chance of losing the most consumer affinity. Representation and inclusive marketing matters, and inclusive groups are demanding it, and the younger generations all demand it more and more.”
While Booking.com has received praise, the travel sector at large faces challenges. The “silent attrition” effect described in the 2025 LGBTQ+ Advertising report warns that the real risk for companies is not only vocal backlash but also the quiet exit of loyal customers who feel betrayed by rollbacks or perceived performativity. When brands scale back DEI efforts, 41% of consumers lose trust, and 39% adjust their purchasing habits accordingly—rates even higher among LGBTQ+ consumers.
As travel brands navigate a complex landscape of political pressure, consumer expectation, and economic opportunity, Booking.com’s approach offers a template for authentic allyship. By sustaining visible, year-round support and listening to community feedback, the company has distinguished itself from competitors, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for LGBTQ+ travelers.
The story of Booking.com in 2025 underscores the broader lesson from recent research: those who invest in meaningful inclusion not only contribute to social progress but also unlock powerful business advantages. As public awareness and accountability grow, the distinction between “rainbow capitalism” and real allyship will continue to define brand success in the travel industry and beyond.
