Looking for somewhere over the rainbow? Experience South Florida. A city that paints with all the colors of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. All are represented and welcome in Fort Lauderdale.
It is no coincidence that the city has the highest concentration of families of same-sex couples in the country. Or that it welcomes 1.5 million LGBTQ+ travelers annually, which corresponds to about US$ 1.5 billion in economic benefits.
What LGBTQ+ Will Find in Fort Lauderdale
Want proof? start visiting Wilton Manors, a thriving gay neighborhood among Greater Fort Lauderdale's 31 counties.
Wilton Drive
Here, the rainbow flags fly high along the Wilton Drive (also known as “the Drive”), a mile-long main street lined with trendy shops, characterful restaurants, cafes, specialty bars and travel agencies like Freedom Travel that cater specifically to the gay community.
To the Moon Marketplace
It is home to unique places like the To the Moon Marketplace , a candy shop stocked with every vintage candy imaginable, and Bubbles and Pearls, an oyster and champagne spot for royalty from the Top Chef , chef Josie Smith-Malave.
Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar
There is also the Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar , a pillar of the community known for its drag shows, low-price drinks (hello, $ 4 Long Island Iced Tea Thursdays) and laid-back atmosphere.
Shops
Across the street is yet another niche retailer rock hard, an adult entertainment store that sells harnesses, leggings, whips and everything you need for a visit to Ramrod, the hardcore leather bar nearby.
quieter neighborhoods
Aside from the loud, proud noise of the Drive, the rest of Wilton Manors intentionally flies under the radar as a quieter residential neighborhood of spruced up single-family homes, reinvented 1950s duplexes, and new construction dotted along labyrinthine waterways.
It is a place where same-sex couples can plant roots and start families without living under scrutiny or fear of being perceived as “different”, a sanctuary where trans-identified individuals can shop at the local supermarket and dine at places like Rosie's Bar & Grille no giggles or looks.
Fort Lauderdale beaches
Of course, welcoming LGBTQ+ living isn't restricted to Wilton Manors — it encompasses all of Fort Lauderdale.
Look Fort Lauderdale Beach, where the action focuses on Sebastian Beach, the most popular of Fort Lauderdale's three gay beaches.
Contrary to the gay reputation of “Muscle Beach” from Miami, here the swimwear and bikini scenes are shared between the fit and the plus, the smooth and the furry – and equally celebrated.
For visitors, the accommodation options on the beach include hotels of major brands allied to the community. LGBTQ+, like W Fort Lauderdale, to a dozen clothing-optional gay inns, including the Grand Resort & Spa and the Worthington Resorts , a collection of three B&Bs under a management team.
LGBTQ+ Culture
It's true that not all LGBTQ+ people want to fly the rainbow flag and/or have sexuality define them.
But broad community and public support speaks volumes in creating safe spaces. Home to the largest US LGBTQ+ lending library in the Stonewall National Museum and Archives is a testament to Fort Lauderdale's commitment to culture.
hosting the Southern Comfort Annual Conference, the biggest conference annual trans in North America, signals acceptance of the trans community.
Consistently achieving a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index, which examines non-discrimination laws and municipal services, indicates Fort Lauderdale's suitability for inclusion.
By recognizing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and nurturing a welcome mantra, Fort Lauderdale shows us that there really is a destination beyond the rainbow that embraces everyone under the sun.
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