The seaside town of Blackpool in Lancashire, Northern England, has attracted vacationers for well over 150 years. It became arguably the most popular seaside resort for mill workers and other blue-collar beach seekers following the opening of its train station in the mid-1800s.

Its popularity boomed in the early 20th century, following the arrival of some of its main tourist attractions: the iconic Blackpool Tower (inspired by the Eiffel Tower), the Pleasure Beach theme park, and the Winter Gardens.

The town’s popularity waned in the late 1900s, when people became more tempted by cheap package holidays and plane tickets to Spain and other parts of Europe.

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That said, the town continues to attract millions of visitors each year, even if it’s now a little rough around the edges. It’s become the default destination for weekend bachelorette parties on a budget. It’s also very popular with gay fun-seekers. The town offers almost a dozen LGBTQ bars, with drag particularly popular. There’s a similar number of gay-owned or oriented guesthouses and hotels.

Many of these are clustered around the neighborhood near Blackpool North rail station, where you’ll find street signs decorated with rainbow flags. Here you’ll find rooms starting from as little as $45 a night, with the obligatory cooked English breakfast included for free!

DeLovely Hotel

One of these hotels is Delovely, run by Charlie and Mark. It’s close to the North Pier, the oldest and longest of Blackpool’s three piers.

Charlie grew up in Essex and attended university in York and London. He found working in small independent cafés more fulfilling than the subjects of his degrees, so he pursued a career in hospitality instead.

After moving to Worthing on the south coast, he met Mark online and sparks flew.

Mark worked for the NHS for almost 20 years in Brighton and Worthing, both in hospitals and the community. After Charlie’s mom passed away, the couple moved to Liverpool. Mark continued his healthcare work in the community, and Charlie worked in retail while they renovated their house overlooking Newsham Park.

In 2020, they had what they call “an epiphany” and decided to pursue a dream to run their own hotel. They had visited Blackpool several times and loved what the town had to offer LGBTQ+ people.

Delovely is their first venture as hotel owners.

“We purchased the hotel between lockdowns in December 2020,” Charlie tells GayCities. “When the lockdown lifted in May 2021, we had a really successful year and purchased our second property in 2022, which we ran as DeLovely Two for almost 18 months. We decided to lease the property out in 2023 and focus on our initial hotel, which we expanded in 2024, taking over the hotel next door and knocking through.”

‘Four In A Bed’

For Mark and Charlie, the choice of Blackpool was an easy one.

“We’d been on holidays to Blackpool several times, and more frequently after we moved to Liverpool, and we were closer. We really enjoyed our stays and loved that the bars around Lord Street and Dickson Road offered a genuinely warm welcome to the LGBTQ+ community. We decided it was something we really wanted to be a part of.”

“Like most of the properties here, it [DeLovely] was built as a lodging house in the late 1800s when seaside tourism boomed and people from the factories in Manchester and other parts of Lancashire started to holiday by the sea. It was previously called York House Hotel, but the previous owners renamed the hotel as part of a major rebrand, and they even won Channel 4’s [reality TV show] ‘Four In A Bed’ back in 2012/2013.”

The British TV show features hotel and guesthouse owners visiting and critiquing other independent establishments.

Challenges

What sort of challenges did the couple face in taking the place over?

“Because of Blackpool’s popularity dipping in the late 80s/90s, most hotels here weren’t necessarily looked after by the owners. The previous owners did a lot of work to bring the hotel up to modern standards, but there have still been struggles with fundamental issues like electrics and gas, which have had to be put right,” says Charlie.

“One of the main challenges is the old saying, ‘You can’t please everyone.’ We always try our best to offer a warm welcome and a hospitable environment, and we’ve been lucky to gain hundreds of 5* Tripadvisor reviews since we took over DeLovely. It can be difficult to find good staff in Blackpool because a lot of employment is seasonal (especially in the larger hotels on the sea front), but we count ourselves incredibly lucky with the team we have at the moment.”

“A friendly welcome”

As residents of the town, what are the Blackpool attractions Charlie and Mark recommend people visit?

“Where do you start? There’s so much to do if you visit! The Pleasure Beach is open at this time of year (April) and has some fantastic rides, and you have to go to the top of Blackpool Tower on a nice day to admire the views over Lytham towards Southport in one direction, and the Lake District in the other.”

Why do they think a visitor from the US might consider adding the town to a UK itinerary?

“Blackpool offers the quintessential traditional English seaside experience — budget-friendly fun for adults, kids, couples, families; there’s something for everyone. You’re guaranteed a friendly welcome in the many independent guest houses.

“If you visit for the LGBTQ+ scene, there are loads of independent bars around Lord Street and Dickson Road. You’ll find nice, quiet bars, something to eat, karaoke, men-only areas, regular trans events, and meet-ups.

“Outside of Manchester and London, this must be one of the best and most varied LGBTQ+ areas in the UK.”

Can you recommend a couple of good restaurants for visitors to Blackpool?

“Definitely! There are a few we swear by. The Mandarin offers amazing Chinese and Asian Fusion food. There’s a great Italian slightly away from town called Ciao Ciao, and Abingdon Street Indoor Market has a mixture of food stalls offering street food from several corners of the world.

“Our favourite coffee stop is Hive on Church Street. Their homemade cakes and bakes are consistently great, and the staff are so friendly!

When to visit?

Lastly, when is the best time to visit?

“There are things happening in Blackpool all year round; shows at the Winter Gardens and Opera House, Northern Soul events two or three times a year, not forgetting the famous ‘Pigeon Weekend’ in January!

“We open all year round. We only close when we go on holiday ourselves. It used to be a seasonal town, but it’s evolved to a point where trade is strong all year. It can be a bit cold between November and March, though!”

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As far as LGBTQ+ travel destinations go, few are as well-visited, mythic, and magical as Fire Island, located just a dreamy 30-minute ferry ride away from New York.

Imagine a world connected by water taxis, wooden boardwalks, and an overwhelming sense of queer visibility, celebration, and, well, the expected amount of friskiness, and it’s no wonder why both its resorts towns — Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines — have inspired their fair share of art.

And for the first time, the queer haven’s art history is getting its moment in Fire Island Art: 100 Years ($69.95), an astonishingly gorgeous volume edited by John Dempsey, an island history expert and the president of the Fire Island Pines Historical Society.

The first-of-its-kind book examines the visual artwork of both artists inspired by the island, like Paul Cadmus, David Hockney, Peter Hujar, Robert Mapplethorpe, Paul Thek, and Andy Warhol, as well as the explosion of art-making on its scenic beaches, with pieces by locals like TM Davy, Nicole Eisenman, Lola Flash, K8 Hardy, Lyle Ashton Harris, Doron Langberg, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Salman Toor.

Within the hardback’s 304 pages, readers will find many never-before-published and recently found archival images, essays and interviews with artists, and both a nostalgia for and appreciation of the paradise that generations of LGBTQ+ people fought to create for us.

Thankfully, Fire Island Art: 100 Years arrived at just the right time, because the countdown to Pride season is on, and GayCities got a sneak peek at some of its most eye-catching photos.

Prepare to fall in love with the Pines’ past, present and future…

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A few weeks ago, we highlighted a social media video that RuPaul posted in which he singled out some of the things he enjoys on a trip to London.

The Drag Race legend has followed it up with recommendations for his “favorite American city.” It’s “beautiful” San Francisco in California.

Here are Ru’s recommendations.

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1. John’s Grill

“Eat at John’s Grill. It’s on Ellis, right off of Union Square. It’s so good. It’s not, you know, ritzy or anything, but it’s such great food.”

The official John’s Grill Instagram replied to RuPaul, saying, “Serving San Francisco since 1908… honored to be shouted out by an icon.”

Although RuPaul says it’s “not ritzy”, it’s no run-of-the-mill diner, either. The wood-panelled John’s Grill boasts plenty of old-school charm, and patrons love it for its steaks and seafood.

The video below offers a taste of what to expect.

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2. The Ritz Carlton

RuPaul’s second suggestion is a stay at the Ritz Carlton, which he describes as “fabulous” and “wonderful.”

This iconic neo-classical building, which sits atop Nob Hill and is a stone’s throw from Union Square, dates back to 1909. Its location afford it great views of the city. Even if an overnight stay is out of your budget, it has several dining options that you can check out.

3. Church of 8 Wheels

This unique venue is a roller skating rink within an old church that dates back to the turn of the last century. You’ll find it at 554 Fillmore Street and Fell Street. It hosts a variety of special theme nights, and RuPaul says it’s always “popping and hopping. I love it so much.”

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4. Helicopter tour

“It is so fabulous, because you get to see a bird’s eye view of the geography of the city, because it’s kind of a hard city to figure out if you don’t understand it,” says Ru. “But it’s so beautiful. I’ll see you in San Francisco.”

Among those to comment on RuPaul’s post was Drag Race alum Kasha Davis, who said, “Gurl. We don’t have your kinda money. ‘Take a helicopter stay at the Ritz Carlton ’ I think we’re all Uber & Airbandb, hun. ”

Davis conceded she could manage to check out Church of 8 Wheels, and hopefully enjoy some “burger and fries” whilst there.

Another person quipped on Facebook, “She said ‘stay at the Ritz Carlton’ like I’m not watching this on a phone with a payment arrangement ”

Some locals also added their own advice, with one saying, “Don’t forget to support your local SF Queens; we have great talent here. Also, bring a jacket when visiting. It’s colder here than people think.”

One of those local drag queens, Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, also commented, saying, “SF really is the best. Love John’s Grill. Iconic.”

Looking for more options for San Francisco? Check out the GayCities San Francisco listings for dozens more (including some cheaper hotel options).

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Baltimore gets wet n’ wild

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race

Wild water fun

Baltimore Harbor Saturday, May 2, 2026 · 9am-7pm

This family-friendly event would be right at home at the end of a heartwarming Disney Channel original movie. Picture face painting, food vendors, and funky, colorful costumes. Oh, and don’t forget the giant handcrafted floatation devices that race through Baltimore Harbor. The Charm City is full of magic, and this whimsical event proves it in spades. 

Music for massive crowds

New Orleans Jazz Fest

The heart of NOLA

New Orleans April 23 – May 3, 2026

This world-famous festival cultivates massive crowds, eager to celebrate the culture and heritage of the birth of Jazz music. Spread over two weekends, thousands of people flock to NOLA, where this multi-stage festival spotlights local legends as well as global superstars. The first-ever Jazz Fest took place in April of 1970, featuring headliners like Duke Ellington and The Preservation Hall Brass Band, with only 350 people in attendance. Now, hundreds of thousands of music lovers make this festival a yearly tradition.

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Pride in Utah

Davis County Pride

An ‘out of this world’ celebration!

Layton Commons Park, 437 N Wasatch Dr, Layton, UT, United States Saturday, May 2, 2026 · 12pm-6pm

We love an early Pride celebration! Only 5 years old, the Davis County Pride Festival is already one of the largest in Utah, featuring hundreds of local vendors, a stellar entertainment line-up, and a vibrant community spirit. This year’s theme is circus with the tagline ‘This is Me!’; start getting your outfit ready!

Bigger and better- Texas style

Houston Splash

Black Pride weekend

Houston, TX May 1 – 5, 2026

Buckle up, Houston. This is one of the hottest events of the year. Catering towards the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ communities of Texas, this weekend is nothing short of a rager. From all-night block parties to sexy days by the pool, you’d better arrive with plenty of stamina to keep up with this crowd. 

Sunny in Spain

Maspalomas Pride

Premiere gay party

Maspalomas May 4 – 10, 2026

Hosted on the beautiful island of Gran Canaria, this is one of Europe’s most well-attended and popular LGBTQ+ celebrations. The island is already renowned as a premier queer travel destination, and this early-season Pride is the cherry on top of an already packed party season. Pull out your ivory Speedo for the Wet & White party, one of the most famous and iconic pool party experiences!

Unapologitic Black joy

DC Black Pride

Unforgettable community experience

Washington, DC May 22 – 25, 2026

For more than 35 years. DC Black Pride has been empowering the Black LGBTQ+ community, uplifting voices, creating safe spaces, and has become a catalyst of representation and unapologetic Black joy. Get ready for a weekend of pageants, panel discussions, music, dancing, and bold, vibrant artistry. 

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Madonna was the very special, surprise guest at The Abbey in West Hollywood last Saturday night for its private ‘Club Confessions’ one-off. The party, organized by MISTR, was ostensibly a special party to celebrate Tristan Schukraft’s birthday and the refurbishment of the venue’s dancefloor. Schukraft owns both telehealth company Mistr and The Abbey.

Who better to mark the occasions than the Madonna, who is soon to drop her own Confessions On A Dancefloor II album?

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The original Material Girl was not the only star in attendance for the glitziest party in the whole of gayville. Also spotted were: Addison Rae, Sky Ferreira, Lily Allen, Lola Young, Cara Delevingne, Kalis Uchis, Bebe Rexha, Julia Fox, Jodie Turner-Smith, Nadia Lee Cohen, Jeremy Scott, Tom Daley, Gottmik, Symone, Sasha Colby, Trinity the Tuck, Vivian Wilson and Jordan Firstman.

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Madonna’s daughter Lourdes Leon and boyfriend Akeem Morris were also spotted.

DJs for the event were LA’s own Mez Monthy and queer British artist Romy (of The xx). Also present was Stuart Price. The producer has co-written and produced Madonna’s new album, and also produced Romy’s own 2023 album Mid Air.

Madonna turned up behind the DJ booth just before 1am and proceeded to play out two new tracks from her forthcoming album: “Love Sensation” and “Freedom”. The recently released “I Feel So Free” and 2005 classic “Hung Up” also boomed from the speakers.

Madonna didn’t sing but danced and dropped ad-libs over the microphone. She told the crowd to “put your phones down” and shouted out motivational orders: “Don’t wait. Take it. Don’t wait. Take it. Take your freedom! Put your hands up! Put your hands up!”

At another point, she shouted, “Motha is here to save you”, to cheers.

@wehotimes HELLO WEST HOLLYWOOD!!! Hello Madonna!!! We were sworn to secrecy, but everybody told everybody not to tell nobody that Madonna was coming to The Abbey WeHo to celebrate Abbey owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday Saturday night. #wehotimes #weho #westhollywood #madonna @madonna @The Abbey ♬ original sound – WEHO TIMES

Madonna also thanked Schukraft for hosting her and sang him happy birthday.

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A post shared by Tristan Schukraft (@tschukraft)

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Cameron Scheetz from our sister site, Queerty, was among the lucky few who attended the party. He says Madonna stayed by the decks for around half an hour. Although not advertised in advance, everyone had a hunch about who the special guest would be. Still, that couldn’t prepare anyone for the icon’s actual arrival.

“We all knew she’d be there, but we were stunned. How could you not be when breathing the same air as Madonna?” he said.

Check out more photos from this already legendary night at The Abbey below.

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When I posted my first shirtless thirst trap from Island House, I was met with an overwhelming response: “Move your camera down!”

Often punctuated with a devil or winking face emoji, friends and strangers alike shared their love for the historic Key West guesthouse–and the shirtlessness that thrives there. Established in 1976, Island House is celebrating its golden birthday this year with pool parties, heavy pours, and yes, nudity.

While that last part is the most eye-popping, don’t let the clothing-optional vibe intimidate you. The “live and let live” ethos that’s pervaded Key West for a century is prevalent inside the enchanted walls of Island House. It’s a place where gay men of all stripes feel free–from shameless selfie takers to laidback loungers.

General manager Jeffrey Smead enjoys watching guests transform from bashful to boastful. “It’s always by the end of day two that shy guests muster the courage to join their tribe and get naked,” he said.

For what it’s worth, it took this guest three.

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“Try kissing your husband at the Hyatt.”

Four miles long and one mile wide, Key West was once home to 20 gay guesthouses. The first resort opened in 1967 and is still operating today. But like some of the island’s hotels and businesses, it is less gay-centric than it once was.

The island’s economy was supercharged in the New Deal era with the Federal Art Project, which lured creatives to the southernmost point of the U.S. Locals, who call themselves Conchs or “Bubba,” like to joke that Key West is the end of the road. As one bartender told me, no one winds up in Key West by accident.

As with many artistic havens, such as Provincetown and Fire Island, the gays were among the first to populate Key West’s rocky shores, turning it into an oasis where everyone could be themselves. By the ‘90s, Key West was firmly established as a mecca.

As Jeffrey’s husband, James Braun, told me, “Go to the Hyatt and try kissing your husband in the mouth in the hot tub.”

At Island House, boys are free to be boys. That’s just as valuable in 2026 as it was in 1976, which is why Island House’s 39 rooms are almost always sold out, along with their new luxury villas, which guests rent for a month at a time. Renovated and sleek, the rooms offer cozy bedding, flat-screen TVs, and ample closets and lounge areas — including a sofa and a plush recliner (as well as a bidet). With those high-end amenities, many of the resort’s regulars visit multiple times per year.

It’s easy to see why.

There’s non-stop action, from the raucous happy hour pool party (four complimentary drinks per guest) to late-night romping in the resort’s “Red Room.” But for the more introverted, there’s plenty of quiet time by the pool to simply catch up on your favorite novel and soak in the ever-present sunshine while sipping a beverage. One of my favorite daily rituals was grabbing a chair on the roof deck, enjoying the late-afternoon sun in peace.

Catering to the crowd

Nick Vannello has been coming to Island House since the late ‘80s. As the founder of a nudist-friendly travel group, GoNaked Travels, he understands the sanctity of male bonding.

Island House is the perfect forum for the group’s members to get loose. Many of them were still coming out in the earlier stages of their lives, and today want to live as freely as possible.

That’s the kind of frolicking atmosphere that Smead and Braun curate. They are themselves a product of the property’s magic: They met at the resort’s 24-hour cafe, at table 3.

Island House isn’t just a resort for gay men. It’s also a resort by gay men. Smead and Braun know what their clientele wants, but they’re looking for the same adventures themselves.

“This is the most fun I’ve had in my entire life,” said Braun.

It’s a sentiment that many of the resort’s guests share. One of them, Chase Bourgeois from Louisiana, fondly recounts the time he was invited to appear in another guest’s OnlyFans. He says he and his husband were so “taken by their experience” that they returned four more times in the same year.

John Dorn, another frequent guest, says that when he sends friends to Island House, they often check back in and let him know they haven’t left the property.

“Is that normal?” they ask.

It’s a question I asked myself, as I sipped a key lime martini poolside in the wee hours of the morning, chatting up a pair of visitors whom I had met at Island House’s weekly Wednesday pool party (5:00-8:00 p.m.).

The answer is, absolutely not. Island House serves poolside drinks until 4:00 a.m., then resumes service at 7:00 a.m. Food from the full kitchen at the pool bar is available 24 hours. Taste fare ranges from poolside snacks such as sandwiches and salads to ribeye steaks and grouper dinners.

For those who do want to venture outside of the property, Island House is located in the heart of Key West’s historic Old Town, filled with breathtaking, pastel-colored homes that exude Southern stateliness. The entire island is walkable, and though meals on Duval Street can be pricey, there are plenty of more budget-friendly options.

Sandy’s Cafe, located less than half a mile from Island House, has the best Cuban sandwich on the island. Date & Thyme, an organic cafe and market, is just a short stroll away and offers fresh juices, smoothies, avocado toast, wraps, salads, and more.

On my first afternoon, I strolled down Duval and enjoyed an iced latte from Moondog Cafe, which has a full dinner menu, delectable pastries, and a prime location: it is a stone’s throw away from the historic Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

At night, the gay bars along Duval are overflowing with locals and tourists alike, with drag offered at Aqua Nightclub and revelry at mainstays Bourbon Street Pub, 801 Bourbon Bar, and La Te Da.

Locals gather late-night at Bobby’s Monkey Bar, where there’s always pool, karaoke, and camaraderie. When I walked in, I was greeted by a lovely woman named Karen, who served me at a wine bar on Duval (Vinos on Duval) the previous night. She welcomed me with a hug.

Being all-in

Smead and Braun are committed to ensuring that Island House thrives for another half century. The resort’s owner, Bobi Lore, became the sole proprietor when his husband passed away in 2020. Smead and Braun have been running day-to-day operations since 2021. They live around the corner from the property and always set aside rooms for members of their staff, since the cost of living in Key West can be high.

They take care of their employees, who, in turn, dedicate themselves to delivering excellent service. Multiple bartenders and pool boys told me it’s the best job they’ve ever had.

Smead and Braun love watching guests relax and liberate themselves from the anxieties of everyday life. “As soon as that freedom hits, they’re a renewed man,” said Smead.

That was certainly my experience. Back home in Chicago, I already miss Island House.

By the way, if anybody finds my missing sandals, tank top, and sunglasses, let me know. I told you: by day three, everything came off.

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Sidetrack has earned a reputation as one of Chicago’s best-loved LGBTQ+ venues. Like many other establishments, it recognizes that offering a diverse lineup of attractions helps draw in the crowds.

Regular attractions include weekly trivia nights, show tune sessions on Fridays and Sundays, Drag Race viewing parties, and occasional specials, such as its winter-time Onesie party.

Some patrons attend for its more unique and, well, furry offerings.

We’re talking about Dog Days, which runs on the first Saturday afternoon of the month. The next session will take place this coming weekend (May 2, from 1-5 pm). A fixture for over a decade, Dog Days invites guests to bring their pooches along.

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Sidetrack General Manager Brad Balof told GayCities, “Dog Days at Sidetrack is pure Chicago joy: sunshine, wagging tails, proud pups, chosen family, and a neighborhood spending an afternoon together. It’s playful, welcoming, and unmistakably Sidetrack—a roaming photographer is often on hand to capture great moments and memories.”

You can check out some of those photos below.

Coming up in May

Other big events at Sidetrack in May include its Men’s Room Glow Party on Friday, May 8, and its monthly Latin music party on May 14. Its annual Eurovision Song Contest viewing party returns on Saturday, May 18 (screened live from 2-6pm). There are also music nights coming up dedicated to Gaga, Beyoncé, and K-Pop. If you like things a little more wordy, there’s a very popular queer storytelling evening, Outspoken, every first Tuesday of the month.

Open since 1982, Sidetrack is a stalwart of the Chicago gay scene that has collected numerous, well-deserved accolades over the decades.

It’s located in North Halsted — one of the most established and celebrated LGBTQ districts in the country. Officially recognised as the first gay village in the United States, it’s instantly identifiable by its rainbow pylons lining Halsted Street. Explore an irresistible concentration of gay bars, clubs, and LGBTQ-owned businesses, alongside the legacy organisation Center on Halsted, a major community hub.

Particularly good times to visit include the Chicago Pride festival (with Chicago Pride Fest running from June 20–21, 2026, and the Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28), and for Northalsted Market Days (Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, 2026).

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Have you ever fantasized about partying on a tropical island where almost everyone else is queer? If so, you might be interested in the first GayDream Island festival.

The event takes place May 28 – June 1 in Australia. The organizers are taking over the whole of Daydream Island in Queensland’s Whitsundays, an archipelago of over 70 islands in and around the Great Barrier Reef. The nearest travel hub is Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Mario Paez and Barry Warner, the founders of Australian LGBTQ+ tourism business Planetdwellers, originated the concept.

When they founded Planetdwellers in 2007, they concentrated on incoming travel to Australia. They’re now also arranging queer-friendly local packages for Australians and those from further afield.

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They found great success with Pride cruises they launched in conjunction with P&O. However, the cruise giant withdrew from the Australian market earlier this year. Without a cruise partner, Planetdwellers decided to come up with a new idea: GayDream Island was born.

“When the sun finally set on our legendary Australian Pride Cruises, the Planetdwellers community didn’t just ask for an encore — they demanded one,” co-founder Paez told Q News.

“But as the ships in our waters grew a bit too giant for the intimate magic we love, we had to think outside the hull.”

“Thus, Gaydream Island was born: all the charm of a Pride Cruise, but anchored firmly in paradise.

“Think of it as a voyage where the only thing rocking is the party, and the only ‘sea legs’ you’ll need are for the dance floor.”

The team is taking over the whole of the Daydream Island resort for four nights and five days of fun in the sun. With 240 rooms and suites, it has a capacity for 550 guests. For its first year, Planetdwellers has concentrated on selling to the domestic Australian market. However, if the first one is a success, expect them to promote it more heavily internationally in future years.

There will be entertainment on offer on two stages (indoor and outdoor), including tribute act 100% Kylie, Minnie Cooper, comedian Chris Knight, and Drag Race star Hannah Conda (below).

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There will be different parties each day (just like on a gay cruise), including the Jungle Party, the White Lotus Pool Party, and the Arrival Diva Party.

It’s not just about partying, though. You can also go kayaking, snorkelling on the nearby reef, try out yoga sessions, or enjoy scenic hikes.

“Whether you’re front and centre at the show or tucked away in a quiet corner with a cocktail, we just want you to do exactly what makes you happy,” says fellow organizer Barry Warner.

“We’ve poured so much love into making sure there’s something for every heart and every hobby,” Warner adds, “We can’t wait to get our toes in the sand and watch this incredible line-up take the stage.”

Price-wise, prices start from AUS$1,545 (US$1,105) per person twin share (1 x King Bed or 2 x Queen Beds) – or slightly less if sharing a room with three, or more for single rooms. Poolside or oceanside rooms and suites also cost more.

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A leather community institution is rising up from the ashes like a phoenix — in Phoenix, Arizona, of all places.

The Barracks Bar is poised to make its return in the Grand Canyon State after suddenly and surprisingly closing its doors in Palm Springs, California back in August 2024. The longtime favorite’s comeback comes care of a new partnership between its last owner, Scott Murchison, and Phoenix-area DJ and party promoter, Matthew Moody.

It’s a clean start for the Barracks name and the community of bears and muscle men who loved it following a dramatic hiatus due to Murchison’s ex-husband, the California liquor control department, and “long decades of a culture that he kind of inherited” at the original space, Moody told AZ Central.

“I was not going to lose the legacy of a 32-year-old, internationally known leather bar,” Murchison added. “I am not going to let California and my ex-husband [end] an institution.”

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Although an official opening date is yet to come, The Barracks Phoenix has an Instagram page, and, most importantly, a spot in the gay-friendly Melrose District, just a short walk away from Phoenix gay faves, Charlie’s and Pat O’s Bunkhouse.

Considering Murchison and Moody were able to purchase the spot, ensuring they won’t be eventually priced out by a landlord, the entire situation feels like it was meant to be.

“I usually don’t like the idea of fate or destiny, because it takes away my choice,” Moody said. “But if that’s the case, if fate is real, then I’m super OK with it.”

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Barracks in Palm Springs was an “international destination” for leather LGBTQ+ communities, and Murchison envisions the Phoenix location will earn the same reputation, albeit with a much bigger dance floor.

More importantly, he hopes it provide more variety and excitement in the Phoenix queer nightlife scene, which he said feels “kind of asleep,” despite the city’s sizable population.

“It feels like a kinda small town, kinda disparate,” he explained. “I’d like to draw the community closer together and make it more cohesive. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

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And unlike some other traditional gay bars, both Moody and Murchison want the space to reflect the entire LGBTQ+ community, whether they’re the typical leather bar clientele or another color of the rainbow: lesbian, transgender, or nonbinary.

“The more we’re all out here, that rainbow flag becomes the dopest gradient ever,” Moody said.

Until then, there’s lots of work to do, and the Arizona gays are already excited to get started: “We are so ready to call this place home,” one commenter wrote on their Instagram. “We know it will be great.”

The new Barracks location is located at 4601 N. Seventh Ave, Phoenix, AZ, and is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2026.

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The annual Dining Out For Life initiative, which runs each Spring, is now taking place. The fundraiser was first launched over three decades ago.

The concept is simple. You eat out at participating restaurants, and the businesses donate a portion of their profits toward helping fight HIV. Most of the money helps to boost local HIV services in the cities involved, including the funding of free testing.

This Thursday (April 23, 2026), Dining Out For Life will return to Palm Springs in California. Money raised will go to DAP Health. There are over 50 participating restaurants, ranging from bakeries and coffee shops to bistros and brunch spots.

“Dining Out For Life shows how local businesses and community members can work together to support access to care,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “By participating, diners help ensure people in our region have access to HIV prevention, treatment, and other essential health services.”

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Although Palm Springs is one of the smaller cities taking part, it consistently ranks in the top three when it comes to the amount of money raised. Last year, “65 local establishments participated to raise nearly $240,000 from more than 20,000 hungry, humanitarian diners.”

One local Palm Springs business goes above and beyond to support the initiative. Each year, Townie Bagels donates 110% of its sales, meaning it adds a bit extra of its own.

“From the day we opened in August 2015, the Greater Palm Springs community has supported us,” says Townie co-owner Bill Sanderson. “Participating in Dining Out For Life is one way we can give back to the community.”

Colorado

Besides Palm Springs, Dining Out For Life also returns this Thursday (April 23) to Chicago, San Diego and North San Diego County, Tampa Bay, Colorado (Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo), Philadelphia, and Fort Myers.

In Colorado, proceeds will go to Project Angel Heart.

“Dining Out For Life in Colorado helps Project Angel Heart provide medically tailored meals at no charge to people living with HIV/AIDS and other severe illnesses,” Chief Development Officer Andrea Pacheco told GayCities.

“We have one of the most successful Dining Out For Life events in the country, and we’re incredibly grateful to our restaurant partners and supporters who participate and make more meals possible for more neighbors in need.”

Chicago

In Chicago, one of the venues participating this week is Big Gay Sal’s Pizza. Its owner, Mike Miller, told GayCities, “Dining Out For Life is a meaningful way for us to give back. Now more than ever, supporting causes like this matters—lifting up our community, giving back with purpose, and standing together to make a real, lasting impact.”

In San Diego, Urban MO’s is one of the businesses raising money. Check out a heartfelt video about their involvement below.

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Next week, on Thursday, April 30, Dining Out For Life takes place in Minnesota, Nashville, Charleston (SC), Indianapolis, Washington D.C., and Northeastern New York.

Check the official Dining Out For Life website for more information, along with dates for cities later in the year.

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Before a recent weekend trip to Baltimore, Maryland, I knew the 30th-most populous city in the U.S. as the titular town in “Good Morning Baltimore” and queer Hairspray director John Waters’ birthplace, and that was about it.

Of course, I heard the same thing from Uber drivers, locals, and internet guides alike: “It’s not like The Wire.” But thankfully, I’d never seen the hit HBO crime drama, so I had zero expectations and an open mind to everything this cherry blossom-covered gem had to offer.

As far as LGBTQ+ travel destinations go, the Charm City might not be the first place you think of, but 48 hours in the historic port city was more than enough to convince me it deserves a spot on every queer vacationer’s radar.

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Between its burgeoning restaurant and bar scene, rows of boutique shops, expansive museums, and scenic harbor views, there’s a little something for every type of traveler. And while there’s no official “gayborhood,” you’d be hard pressed to find any establishment that didn’t welcome the LGBTQ+ community with open arms and a Pride flag on the door.

With only an iPhone camera, my partner, and a packed itinerary, I set out to discover as much of the city as possible in a weekend, and boy, was I delighted and surprised.

Here are 10 things I did in Baltimore that I never expected.

1. Had the best view in the entire city

One night at Hotel Revival in Mount Vernon, and you’ll understand why Baltimore is called the Charm City. At times, it felt less like spending the night in a hotel and more like scoring an after-hours key to a contemporary art museum. Every nook and cranny is filled with inspiring paintings, intriguing sculptures, surprising details, and callouts to the city’s rich history and queer-friendly culture. (There’s even a sneaky speakeasy, accessible only by jukebox.)

The view from our hotel room looked out at the glowing Washington Monument, and was only bested by the panoramic sights at their glass-wrapped rooftop restaurant, Topside. A busy mixed crowd of hotel guests and hip Baltimore socialites filed in and out as we watched the sunset and dined on trout, gnocchi, tender steak, and craft cocktails named after pop classics like “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith and Britney Spears’ “Email My Heart.” Special shout out to our waitress, Sue, who gave us the best menu recommendations and made sure we didn’t leave without trying the Honey Graham Ice Cream, a specialty flavor by Baltimore’s own Taharka Brothers.

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2. Bought a zine

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As long as there’s still Xerox machines, there will still be zines, and Atomic Books will still be selling them. Nestled in the queer-friendly Hampden neighborhood, the hip bookstore-slash-bar is filled to the brim with DIY booklets scrawled out in Sharpie — I purchased one focused on the dining experience at fast food restaurant, Raising Cane’s, naturally — as well as comics, best-sellers, and brews.

Pro-tip: There’s also a reliable stash of autographed John Waters books and DVDs. (It is where the King of Filth gets his fan mail sent to, after all.) That said, the Baltimore legend’s influence can be spotted throughout the city, like at tropical tavern Pink Flamingo, where the James Beard-recognized cocktails come in bird-shaped glasses, or the gender-neutral John Waters restrooms at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Makes sense because he’s kind of a potty mouth, right?

3. Ate fried chicken from a Bunny

IDK who on the staff at Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles was stalking my Spotify playlist, but the cutesy Fell’s Point gem had pics of Bad Bunny on the wall and played enough consecutive Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Madonna songs that I started to get suspicious. At the very least, the comfort food connoisseurs know their audience.

They also know their poultry, too. Their award-winning fried chicken came on a blue cafeteria tray with pickles, a biscuit, finger lickin’ good honey butter, and, thankfully, wet wipes. That said, their deviled egg sampler was so sophisticated, I think it’s singlehandedly elevating the potluck staple’s reputation.  

4. Touched art that touched me back

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but the exterior of the American Visionary Art Museum, comprised of tiny shards of reflective glass on the walls, a towered windmill of spinning wheels, and a blow-up doll biker chick perched upon the entrance, does a pretty decent job. This place is weird, in the best way possible.

Specializing in self-taught and intuitive artists, their collection is a treasure trove of wonder: dinosaurs sculpted from trash, a step-on-a-fart pedal in an exhibit dedicated to the history of passing gas, a collection of Pez dispensers, an emotional collage exhibit created by a woman injured during a medical procedure. Every piece, from the revolving statue of Divine, the giant poodles on casters, and the shining egg, had an often intense and powerful story. I felt inspired to create and convinced that I should never throw a bottle cap away again.

5. Took over the aux at a gay bar

There’s no shortage of queer-friendly spots to get a stiff drink in Charm City, though I’m partial to the city’s oldest continuously-run gay bar, Leon’s of Baltimore, where skeletons decorated the bar, a steady crowd of LGBTQ+ people danced freely, and every vodka cran is poured with that little extra oomph you can only get from a gay bartender. Basically, it felt like home. 

In the back room, an AMI digital jukebox allows patrons to take over the music via an app, and we cycled through a playlist as diverse as the room itself: Uncle Kracker, Doja Cat, Bad Bunny, and Cher. I often think the difference between a “good” and “great” night out is hearing your song, and that’s a guarantee at Leon’s.

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6. Got greedy with a disposable camera.

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After a stop at R. House, a delicious food hall in the Remington neighborhood with a wide variety of cuisine and a dependable house lager, we ventured into Greedy Reads, an indie bookstore with a bright green exterior, a Progress Pride Flag hanging on the wall, and a surprisingly social dog that wandered the shelves.

Their diverse selection, highlighted by handwritten notes from staff members, featured queer memoirs, indie titles, and plenty of copies of Heated Rivalry. The best part was the checkout, where I was encouraged to take a free “Hot to Go” pin and snap a photo on their disposable camera showing off my purchase.

7. Woke up early enough to get pastries

Early bird gets the worm, and the best pastries at La Maison by Cafe Dear Leon. This buzzing and spacious spot bakes by the hour: croissants, danishes, and breads at 9 a.m.; sandwiches, cheesecake, cold sandwiches at 11 a.m.; and a more fleshed out lunch menu as the day continues. And when they’re out, they’re out for the day.

Thankfully, I was able to snag a creme brulee, chocolate croissant, and Japanese Iced Coffee even running on Gay Time. (Read: Moderately behind schedule.) And it’s a good thing I got there when I did — a line stretched past its counter and out the door by the time we left.

8. Visited Sandy’s Bargain Center

OK, this discount shop in Hampden might not be the first place you think of when charting out a Baltimore itinerary, but I had a delightful time browsing the collection of odds and ends — namely Orioles merch and hand towels that said isms like “I f*cking love wine” — and chatting with the owner about the Baltimore community, traveling, and her unforgettable experience on the Rosie O’Donnell cruise in 2006. (Gay recognizes gay, what can I say?) 

This quick stop for cheap sunglasses not only showed me how friendly Baltimore can be, but the beauty in venturing off the beaten path, like when a wrong turn landed us at Charm City Cakes, of Ace of Cakes fame, and a coffee break at Dooby’s that inadvertently led to tasting the best bao buns in town.

9. Made friends with a frog

I was amazed by the number of museumgoers who popped a squat on the benches next to Raúl de Nieves’s larger-than-life creatures and seemed to be completely oblivious to the kitschy rainbow-colored sculptures next to them. The queer Mexican artist took inspiration from his culture, Catholicism, and the art of flamboyance in crafting the pieces in the Baltimore Museum of Art lobby, and I could not take my eyes off their beaded, campy splendor.

During my visit, the museum was hosting Amy Sherald’s solo show, American Sublime on the heels of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery turning down the jaw-dropping exhibit due to its inclusion of Black transgender artist Arewa Basit. Although tickets were sold out — thank you, patrons of the arts! — we spent some time with Matisse and van Gogh down the other halls. And of course, I took a photo with the frog.

10. Ate a brunch that told a story

If you thought Baltimore cuisine was all Old Bay and crab, you’re sorely mistaken. OK, yes, you’d be hard pressed to find a souvenir shop that didn’t have some sort of paraphernalia dedicated to the zesty seasoning, but it’s a diverse and adventurous foodie paradise for those who know where to look.

Case in point: Mera Kitchen Collective. If you can take your eyes off the impressive collection of dangling houseplants in its front window for a second, you’d see its mission plain and simple: “Story worthy food from around the world.” The business’ passion for both LGBTQ+ and minority communities was on proud display from picture frames, to crowded bulletin boards of forthcoming events. (“They help us out and let us try things, so we want to help them out,” one of the co-founders, Emily Lerman, told me.)

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Accordingly, the worker-owned restaurant and community space has both a go-to and rotating menu, which showcases the cultural and histories of those who’ve built it. On the day we visited, they were serving up Belize and El Salvador-inspired dishes from the culinary memories of Vilma, a food runner at the eatery. The pupusas were a hit across the room, although I opted for the shrimp and banana boat sandwich and washed it down with a strawberry and chia agua fresca. When they brought out the Belizean Cold Cake, an ice box cake adorned with sweet cream and fruit, I nearly burst into tears of happiness. What can I say? I like it fruity.

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The beloved Boatslip resort in Provincetown is gearing up for its summer season. It turns out that it’s spent a chunk of the winter months refurbishing its amenities, including its rooms and the lobby.

It just unveiled the new look of the ‘Atrium’ area.

“We were a little busy over the winter,” it said on Instagram, alongside several photos. “The Lobby and Atrium got a stunning new look — and we have a feeling it’s about to become your new favorite place to meet. Grab a drink from the Buoy Bar and head upstairs. Linger over afternoon cocktails, escape when the weather turns, or just take it all in. With views of Commercial Street and Tea Dance, you won’t miss a thing.”

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“The heart of the hotel”

Designer David Thorn planned the hotel’s refurbishment project

“The Boatslip design journey began last year when I was commissioned to design and project manage the renovations of the 45 guest rooms and four hallway spaces,” Thorn posted on Facebook. “Even then, I believed the atrium and lobby would one day become the heart of the hotel. A vibrant light-filled place that would seamlessly connect and elevate every design element throughout the property while also bringing people together.”

“It is my hope that both hotel guests and Buoy Bar patrons experience not only the transformation, but also the thoughtful layering of details that were carefully curated to enhance comfort, encourage connection, and provide an atmosphere for creating special moments.”

However, that’s not the only big news. Over the weekend, the Boatslip announced it’s expanded.

“Early in the winter, we bought the building across the street at 162 Commercial Street. It’s called Liberty House — a nod to the sea captain who originally built the property in the 1800s.”

“The property boasts two king rooms and two spacious one-bedroom apartments, each with their own private entrance. Take one unit or rent them all together for the run of the house. We’ve been busy sprucing up the rooms and can’t wait to welcome our first guests. All the amenities you know and love are part of your stay: complimentary breakfast, admission to Tea Dance, a poolside chaise and towel, and our unbeatable central location…all with no resort fee.”

“We are still working on adding Liberty House to our website and booking engine, but our Front Desk staff will be happy to answer your questions and reserve your stay. Call now at 508-487-1669.”

Provincetown and its themed weekends

Perched at the tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Provincetown has been a haven for LGBTQ travelers for decades. Known simply as “P-town,” it offers a rare combination of queer history, vibrant nightlife and entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere that extends well beyond the summer season. The Boatslip, and its famed Tea Dances, are one of the jewels in its crown.

The town’s businesses support a roster of themed weeks and weekends that run throughout the year, but which really ramp up in the summer.

These include the current Lesbian Visibility Week (April 20-26, 2026), and the upcoming Single Women’s Weekend (May 15-17), Womxn of Color Weekend (June 3-8), Provincetown Pride (June 4-7), CabaretFest (June 8-14), Bear Week (July 11-18), among many others.

The Boatslip’s first Tea Dance of the season takes place on Friday, May 1. They run every weekend throughout the summer.

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Chicago has a brand new queer bar. Fathom can be found at 1622 W. Belmont Avenue in Lakeview – in the venue formerly known as the Flagship Tavern.

Wives Whitney Lamora and Zoe Schor own the business. The women already have great experience in running gay bars, as they also own the lesbian venue, Dorothy, which launched in 2022.

Fathom opened last week with a couple of private parties for friends and supporters. This was followed by a public launch.

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The venue has been fully refurbished, and, as per its name, boasts something of a nautical theme. It proudly calls itself ‘A queer dive’ bar, as emblazoned on a mirror behind the bar – although for a dive bar, we think it’s pretty chic. It also offers a great menu of cocktails and will soon open its kitchen for food options.

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Spreading their wings

Whereas Dorothy is aimed at women, Fathom is aimed at the whole LGBTQ+ community and beyond. They want everyone to feel welcome to drop by for a drink, after work or later in the evenings.

“You’re welcome here as long as you’re an ally, but that doesn’t just mean that you think being gay is okay,” Schor told Windy City Times. “It’s about actively centering the experience of queer people in the space, not presuming people’s genders and just generally being respectful. Hopefully we’ll become a cool bar in Lakeview where everyone wants to come, but we want everyone to focus on respecting the things our community cares about.”

“‘Fathom’ is a nautical unit of measurement, but it also refers to the average wingspan — like an open-armed environment,” LaMora told Block Club Chicago. “With our intention of building safe and beautiful spaces for the queer community, that really hit for both of us.”

The couple plan to introduce nightly events, such as quizzes and karaoke. They have some culinary pop-ups on the way, and, yesterday, announced via Instagram the launch of their darts area.

“Free darts offered Sunday – Thursdays – just ask your bartenders for a set to get started or get yourself in line for the next play.”

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A post shared by Fathom (@fathomchicago)

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A post shared by Fathom (@fathomchicago)

Check out more photos from the bar below.

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There’s been a run on cowboy boots, crop tops, and glitter, no one was in town this weekend, and our Instagram feeds have been filled with pics of THAT rainbow tower, which can only mean one thing: It’s Coachella season.

Every spring, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival descends on Coachella Valley, a small city just 30 minutes outside of Palm Springs, as more than 600,000 visitors from across the world flock to the desert for two packed weekends of music.

This year’s lineup features a sprawling selection of pop heavy hitters, like Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Addison Rae, alongside legacy acts like The Strokes and Iggy Pop, as well as genre pioneers like Karol G and Young Thug.

Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention our fave LGBTQ+ acts like KATSEYE, Ethel Cain, Gigi Perez, Blood Orange, and the Bob Baker Marionettees, which are technically an ensemble of puppets, but nonetheless, queer-coded.

And while Coachella is perhaps the most famous music festival in the world, there’s an unspoken rule among its attendees: Your weekend is only as good as your outfit.

Ahead of Weekend Two (April 17-19), we scrolled through every IG photo dump we could find from last week to count down our favorite gay (and gay-friendly!) fits. You know, in case you’re looking for some inspo, or suffering from a severe case of FOMO.

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Below, check out 30 of our favorite Coachella Weekend 1 fits.

1. Florals for spring

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A post shared by Carter Kench (@carterkench)

2. Pinkies up for this KATSEYE-inspired fit

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A post shared by Carter Kench (@carterkench)

3. The couple that stuns together

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A post shared by Griffin & Neiyell (@griffinandneiyell)

4. A taste of chic

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A post shared by Martin (@thatmartinkid)

5. Abs out for Indio

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A post shared by Noah Neitch (@noah_neitch)

6. Shade, but not the kind that’s thrown

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A post shared by Erik Carril (@eriklane84)

7. Southern inspiration

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A post shared by Steven (@steeveenj)

8. Denim for days

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A post shared by Pablo (@pablotamayoo)

9. Sweeties in sunglasses

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A post shared by PHX BARBER (@johnnyvxo)

10. Pants you can spot from a mile away

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A post shared by Reza Jackson Style (@reza_jax)

11. Is that the Biebs?

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A post shared by Brayden Dunbar (@brayden_dunbar)

12. Plant your patterns

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A post shared by Davis Burleson (@davisburleson)

13. An outfit you can really feel

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A post shared by Jonny Purse (@jonnypurse)

14. “Ride the D”

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A post shared by Joshua Antonio (@jdem7)

15. Just a little fur…

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A post shared by Jake Warden (@jakewarden)

16. And a little bit more.

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A post shared by Ty French (@tyfrench)

17. When your bandana doubles as a fashion statement

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A post shared by Bryan Johnston (@bryanjohnston_)

18. BYOS — bring your own sparkles

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A post shared by Jose Corella (@josecorella)

19. The house down boots

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A post shared by Francis Dominic Pop Culture + Lifestyle (@francisdominiic)

20. Stripes and smiles

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A post shared by Glenn (@glennellis1)

21. Never forget to accessorize

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A post shared by Oli Abbas (@oliabbas)

22. An outfit with a message

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A post shared by Mauri (@itsjustatalk_)

23. Vests are the best

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A post shared by Mark (@markaoki21)

24. Brokeback, who?

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A post shared by Damien diaz (@thedamiendiaz)

25. Act natural

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A post shared by 𝐗𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐨 (@xandertarigo)

26. Shades, skirts, and smiles

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A post shared by 𝐗𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐨 (@xandertarigo)

27. Heart on your sleeve, err, chest

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A post shared by Greg B (@pt_greg)

28. Shining in the sun

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A post shared by Dennis Noll (@dnoll88)

29. It’s hot out, OK?!

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A post shared by Greg B (@pt_greg)

30. When in doubt, strip it all away

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A post shared by Chris Turk Swim (@christurkswim)

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The hilarious and riotously camp jukebox musical Titaníque has finally arrived on Broadway.

The show, a surreal parody of the 1997 Titanic movie, which recounts the famous sinking through the eyes of a time-traveling Celine Dion, first premiered in Los Angeles in 2017.

It “reimagines Jack and Rose’s timeless love story aboard the ship of dreams through the French-Canadian eyes of someone who was totally there: Céline Dion! The superstar singer remembers the doomed romance with more shocking twists, mega-diva antics, and face-melting vocals belting her favorite hit songs – and not even an iceberg can stop her.”

After LA, Titaníque then enjoyed its first run off-Broadway at the Asylum Theatre in 2022. Further productions followed in Sydney, Montreal, Paris and Chicago. It’s also proved a hit in the UK and has been running in London’s West End for the past two years.

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You can now catch it at the St James Theater in Manhattan.

Star-studded opening night

The cast includes Frankie Grande (reprising his role as Victor Garber from the off-Broadway production), Jim Parsons (in drag as Rose’s mom Ruth), Melissa Barrera (Rose), Constantine Rousouli (Jack), Layton Williams (the iceberg), Marla Mindelle, Deborah Cox, John Riddle, Sara Gallo and Polanco Jones Jr.

They were all on the red blue carpet for the opening night, along with a host of other celebrities.

This included: Cheyenne Jackson, Peppermint, Marty Lauter (aka Marcia Marcia Marcia), J Harrison Ghee, Tituss Burgess, Nathan Lee Graham, Harvey Guillen, Gina Gershon, Kevin McHale, David Burtka, Jay Manuel, J Alexander, Carson Kressley, and former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Also in attendance were *NSYNC‘s JC Chasez and Joey Fatone, who are producers for Titaníque. Last week, Tristan Schukraft, owner of The Abbey in West Hollywood and the Tryst hotel chain, announced he was also joining the production team.

Opening night reviews

The producers are hopefully be happy with the glowing reviews the opening prompted. Writing in Deadline, Greg Evans said, “Campier than the campy Cats: The Jellicle Ball but no less generous in its embrace of queer heritage’s seismic impact on American culture, Titaníque on Broadway is bigger than a mere hoot. It’s a riotous, high-cresting celebration just when we need it most.”

Writing in Variety, Frank Rizzo praised the cast and bigger Broadway production but suggested the constant double entendres are pushed to the limit.

“The jokes — good, bad and cheap — come non-stop in the show’s 90 minutes, and are filled and sometimes pummeled with pop culture and brand-name references, puns, anachronistic humor, and naughty bits … the comic ensemble makes the gags work by sheer will.”

Mashable summed it up more bluntly, calling it “Silly, stupid, and absolutely sensational.”

Local bars

If you’re planning to see Titaníque, why not check out one of the local gay bars for a prep or post-theater drink? The St James Theater lies just a couple of blocks from these four.

Red Eye NY

Coffee by day, cocktails by night 355 W 41st St · New York, NY 10036
(866) -35-5-41
Website

Ritz Bar and Lounge

Get ready for some close quarters dancing 369 West 46th Street · New York, NY 10036
(212) 333-4177
Website

9th Avenue Saloon

Packed theater district dive 656 9th Ave · New York, NY 10036
(+16) 466-7851
Website

Lucky Cheng’s

Oldest drag cabaret in NYC 707 8th Ave · New York, NY 10036
(646) 525-0715
Website

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The removal of a much-loved rainbow crosswalk in Miami Beach last October left many saddened and angered.

The overnight demolition of the crossing at 12th Street and Ocean Drive took place after the Florida Department of Transportation—with the support of Governor Ron DeSantis—decreed that rainbow crosswalks and other street art were not allowed on roads in the state.

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Thankfully, authorities in Miami Beach have taken creative steps to rectify the situation.

“Celebrating the love”

Officials decided to save the destroyed street art and rebuild it in the nearby Lummus Park.

The rebuilt rainbow streetscape was officially unveiled on Friday, at the start of Miami Beach’s Pride weekend festivities. It features 3,606 colorful pavers, many of which derive from the original crossing.

Miami Beach unveiled their relocated rainbow crosswalk this morning.

It’s now in city-owned Lummus Park just feet from the original location (Ocean Drive & 12 St) where the state had it removed last year pic.twitter.com/hZ8kWhMp1I

— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) April 10, 2026

“Ripping out a crosswalk that was emblematic of Miami Beach’s embrace of our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, at what was literally the safest intersection of Ocean Drive, was a real slap in the face to our residents and visitors,” Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt said in a statement.

“It’s so important and gratifying to be able to rise above the manufactured culture wars to build something lasting, recognizing the struggle and celebrating the love that this new installation represents.”

Besides the streetscape, there’s also a commemorative plaque about the history of the art piece. You can also rest upon a bench painted by community members to honor the city’s LGBTQ legacy.

The importance of allies

Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez, the only out gay member of the Miami Beach City Commission, expressed gratitude to his colleagues.

“When the State forcibly removed this crosswalk, it was our straight allies on the Miami Beach City Commission who ensured our gay community would not be pushed into the shadows,” Fernandez told OutSF.

“Our allies understood that this crosswalk symbolizes a history of perseverance through the stigma of HIV/AIDS, the injustice of military exclusion, workplace and housing discrimination, and the long fight for the right to marry and to build a family.”

“I am deeply grateful to my straight colleagues for their leadership in upholding the uncompromising values of love, compassion, and equality. It is a powerful reminder that our allies will help us overcome this moment.”

What a beautiful morning in Lummus Park at 12 Street as our community came together to unveil the reconstructed LGBTQIA+ crosswalk turned rainbow streetscape along with a commemorative plaque and colorful bench.

Today’s ceremony honored not only the vibrant colors that symbolize… pic.twitter.com/NwT3mLxOyA

— City of Miami Beach (@MiamiBeachNews) April 10, 2026

Another of those to attend the unveiling was Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

In a social media post on Friday, Cava said, “Today, we proudly restored Miami Beach’s beautiful rainbow crosswalk in Lummus Park. We showed our community, the state, and the world that Pride can’t be erased or taken away. In Miami-Dade, we will always come back more beautiful and prouder than ever. Happy Pride!”

Today, we proudly restored Miami Beach’s beautiful rainbow crosswalk in Lummus Park. We showed our community, the state, and the world that Pride can’t be erased or taken away. In Miami-Dade, we will always come back more beautiful and prouder than ever. Happy Pride! pic.twitter.com/4WZVTTloSY

— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) April 10, 2026

Out-gay State Senator Shevrin Jones also welcome the return of the crosswalk

They tried to erase it.

Yesterday, the bricks went back down, because it’s the people’s street. And the people showed up, gay, straight, allies, leaders, families. Because it’s the right thing to do.

You can try to erase symbols of love, but you will never erase the people. Joy… pic.twitter.com/MHcZJTkGV9

— Shevrin “Shev” Jones (@ShevrinJones) April 11, 2026

Other cities create rainbow street art

Miami Beach is not the only city to fight the erasure of rainbow crosswalks. St Petersburg in Florida replaced its crosswalk with rainbow-painted bike racks.

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In Orlando, Florida, Se7en Bites restaurant invited artists to decorate the 49 spaces in its car lot with rainbow-inspired art.

Cities in Texas have also removed rainbow crosswalks. In San Antonio, city officials recently responded by painting sidewalks with rainbows instead.

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Actress and comedian Gina Yashere has married her partner, Nina Rose Fisher, in Costa Rica. The two women love the country. Yashere also owns luxury vacation cabins in the Limon district, which are available to rent.

Yashere, 52, was born in East London to Nigerian parents. After school, she became an elevator engineer, but she switched to stand-up comedy in her mid-20s. Success on the London comedy circuit led to TV work.

In 2007, she was a finalist on Last Comic Standing, which prompted a relocation to the US.

In 2010, her one-hour comedy special, Skinny B*tch, premiered on Showtime in the US. More work in the US followed, including a stint as the British correspondent for The Daily Show.

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The women began dating in 2013. Fisher is a professor of Criminal Justice at John Jay College in New York City, as well as a policy writer, researcher and therapist.

They went public with their relationship in 2020, with Yashere describing Nina and her “Ninja”.

“I had come out to friends and family, but I’d never come out publicly in England because I didn’t want to give them something else to box me in with,” Yashere told The Guardian in 2021.

“The day I came out on stage, my life became like an open book,” she continued. “I have no fear of being outed. This is who I am, take me or leave me, I don’t give a sh-t. And my comedy got way better after that.”

Yashere appeared most recently in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

The women spent most of their time at a home in Altadena, California, with a second home in Costa Rica. They happened to be in Costa Rica when the 2025 Eaton fire destroyed their Altadena home.

In a new Instagram post, Yashere shared photos and videos from their “casual” wedding.

“So… Me & Ninja did a thing….. Thought we’d do a lil casual wedding here in Costa Rica. Just a tiny thing, couple close friends & fam. Super casual. No shoes allowed. Sneaks & flip flops only. 45 of my friends & fam flew in from London alone! Plus another 20 of our friends from the US. It was like a scene from Jaws. WE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT .

“Booked a beautiful restaurant on the beach @cahuita_inn for the ceremony, and the after-party at the house. Threw a Marquee over the pickleball court, lights, flowers & BOOM.
We’ve never felt so loved & blessed. Wonderful day. We couldn’t be happier.”

Yashere wore a green suit while Fisher opted for a gold dress and tiara.

Costa Rica and destination weddings

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Costa Rica since May 26, 2020, following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice. It was the first country in Central America to recognise and perform same-sex marriages, and the third in North America after Canada and the United States.

Whether you’re queer or straight, the country has become an increasingly popular destination wedding location, offering couples a spectacular natural backdrop of rainforests, volcanoes, and Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.

Besides its warm climate, it also offers an abundance of luxury eco-resorts and boutique hotels (should you not be fortunate enough to have your own home there!).

In fact, you might want to stay as a guest of Gina Yashere. In 2024, she launched her own rental business: Gina’s Costa Cabins. The three luxury cabins are bookable via Airbnb.

“You might even bump into me at the beach, coz I’m out here protecting my peace,” said Yashere on a recent Instagram post.

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“Good Morning Baltimore,” Tracy Turnblad famously sang in Hairspray, a musical inspired by Maryland native John Waters’ campy 1988 film. But while we love show tunes, Ricki Lake, and Divine, a day on vacation stretches far past the daybreak.

So, where does one go when they’re looking for a Good Evening (in) Baltimore?

In between museums, restaurants, and shopping on a recent trip to the city, I made it my (and my extremely patient partner’s) mission to find the best spot for snagging a drink when the sun goes down.

To my surprise, we didn’t just find one, we encountered a quartet, each with their own unique appeal. They don’t call it Charm City for nothing!

Below, join us on a tour through 4 of the best LGBTQ+ (and queer-friendly!) going-out spots in Baltimore.

For a familiar feeling

Leon’s of Baltimore is the oldest continuously-run gay bar in the city, and it’s got the crowd, vibes, and literal skeleton decorations to prove it. This Charm City fave is open 365 days a year, and famously advertises no cover charge — ever.

According to their Instagram, Leon’s has gone through “a lotta facelifts,” from 1890s taproom, to prohibition speakeasy, and eventually a dedicated watering hole for the LGBTQ+ community in 1957. Now, its glowing pink neon on Chase Street is a beacon for those looking for strong cocktails, drag queen sightings, peoplewatching near the bear flag, or to commandeer the digital jukebox in the backroom. (The singalong that occurred when “Drift Away” by Uncle Kracker played was positively inspiring.)

Leon’s will resonate with any visitor who’s got a favorite gay bar in their hometown, with its friendly bartenders, spacious seating, and a steady flow of LGBTQ+ locals wandering in throughout the night.

For a romantic evening

The B-Side Cocktail Lounge at Hotel Revival is perhaps the romantic spot to grab a drink in Baltimore. If you can find the entrance, that is.

The speakeasy is tucked away on the boutique hotel’s bottom floor, behind one of the most delightful entrances I’ve ever seen. Patrons wander over to a working jukebox at the end of a dimly lit hall, where they can insert a coin and play a song — I chose Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” naturally — or press the return slot, prompting a secret door to eject out. (Yes, I scoped out how the confused couple in front of me navigated the situation before making my confident entrance.)

Inside, visitors will find a dark room with an elegant and classic aesthetic: tassel-lined chairs, cozy booths, and chic, candlelit tables. Behind a micro-bar, a team of experienced and passionate bartenders whip up gourmet cocktails named after vinyl icons. (I opted for the “Dolly P,” pictured above.)

While it’s not explicitly LGBTQ+, it’s an overwhelmingly queer-friendly space. Better yet, it’s an ideal date spot, because when the intimacy proves too much, there’s karaoke rooms around the corner.

For a dive-bar feel

Just a short walk from Leon’s of Baltimore is The Drinkery, a tiny dive with a charming name that about says it all. On the other side of the door lies an impressively-sized central bar, where a diverse crew of patrons crowd every edge, sipping and watching sports from stool-top perches.

Expect cheap drinks, heavy pours, friendly conversation, and a smooth selection of R&B blasting from the digital jukebox.

For making friends

If you want to see the Baltimore LGBTQ+ (and queer-adjacent) scene at its best, visit Melanie’s at Griffith’s Tavern during an Orioles game. In the neighborhood bar’s own words, they specialize in “a good ass time,” and I’ve got to say I don’t disagree. Nearly every inch of its wood-paneled walls are adorned with vintage beer signs, kitschy decorations, snacks, and drink specials. Even their busted urinal was decorated like a piece of art!

We ordered Mel’s “special” espresso martinis, but the prevailing drink of choice amongst a crowded counter of patrons was ice cold beer. In between innings, visitors chatted with new and old friends, flashed smiles across the room, and downed enough Jello shots to make Academy Award-winning actress Melanie Griffith proud. (OK, so perhaps there’s no actual connection to Dakota Johnson’s mom, but she’d undoubtably love the vibe.)

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“Why Belgrade?”

It’s a question I was asked several times when I recently decided to make my first trip to Serbia.

I work remotely. Although that might sound blissful to any commuters, the downside is that I end up spending a huge amount of time alone in my apartment in London. At least a couple of times a year, it’s rejuvenating to go and work somewhere different.

Cost is a big factor on where I decide to go for such trips. Serbia is definitely at the more affordable end of the European spectrum.

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Secondly, I’ve not previously been to a Balkan country. I’ve visited almost all of Western Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltics. This part of the continent intrigued me.

Despite being Serbia’s capital (the city has a population of around 1.2 million, while the wider country is 6 million), I get the feeling that Belgrade remains off the radar for many tourists. When it comes to the Balkans, Croatia is easily the number one choice, thanks in part to its stunning Adriatic coastline.

However, tourism to Serbia is growing. The country reported a 12% uptick in 2024. So, what is there to see and do?

From airport to city

Upon arrival at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport, travel to the city either by taxi or bus. I opted for the latter, given it cost just $4 (or 400 Serbian dinars). I bought my ticket online the day before I flew, otherwise payment is by cash only to the driver of what turned out to be a minibus into the city.

Somewhat uniquely, I discovered public transport within Belgrade itself is free. This makes it easy to jump on the buses and trams to get around.

The airport bus dropped me off at Slavija Square, a 10-minute walk from my accommodation: The Mercure Belgrade Excelsior. This provided the perfect base from which to explore the city.

My first impressions were that Belgrade felt a little … well, Soviet. However, that was largely down to the signage. Serbia, in common with Russia, shares the Cyrillic alphabet. The city boasts many fine buildings, such as the National Assembly, just across from my hotel. Other parts are more austere, and some are a little rough around the edges: watch out for dodgy paving slabs and high kerbs when walking!

In terms of top tourist attractions, and if the weather is good, head straight for Kalemegdan. The large park contains the Belgrade fortress, which dates back some 2,000 years to Roman times. It occupies a strategic position high above the junction of the Danube and Sava rivers.

The Sava Promenade offers a stunning, elevated view over the waterways and wider city. It was packed on the Saturday afternoon I visited (the park’s zoo is a magnet for local families).

Museums and churches

From here, it’s a short walk to Knez Mihailova, a pedestrian street that runs through the heart of the city and offers shops and cafés. At one end sits Republic Square, where you’ll find the National Museum of Serbia. It offers a history of the country dating back to Neolithic times.

Besides the National Museum, I recommend the Museum of the Nineties. The small exhibition space offers a non-traditional take on the country’s history during one of its most tumultuous decades. The dissolution of Yugoslavia into six separate countries, and some of the violent conflicts that ensued, is depicted through a range of often ordinary-yet-symbolic objects.

Places of worship might not be on your regular sightseeing list, but Belgrade’s St Sava church is one of the world’s largest Eastern Orthodox churches. It’s extraordinarily ornate, not only for its Byzantine-inspired architecture and soaring central dome, but also for the amount of gold on display.

In common with other orthodox churches, there are no pews. Worshippers must stand. I assumed it was centuries old. Only afterward did I discover that construction began in 1935 and the building wasn’t consecrated until completion in 2004.

Food

The other most-mentioned tourist hotspot is Skadarlija, known as the bohemian quarter. It’s a sloping, cobblestone street that’s full of cafes and restaurants. These compete for custom in the evening. At the foot of the street, across a road, you’ll find Bajloni Market, with dozens of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls.

For food lovers, I also recommend Palilulska Market, which is indoors. Besides its fresh produce, there’s also a range of dining outlets perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Palilulska is next door to one of my favored dinner options, a rustic restaurant named Cevaplija. It’s dark, atmospheric, and very Balkan, with traditional Serbian dishes served on tables adorned with red and white checkered tablecloths. A generous portion of smoked sausage in bread with mustard and onions cost around $6.50, while fried chicken encrusted in cornflakes with spicy mayo was $7.90. Save space for a slice of traditional Vasina Torta, an orange-flavored, layered Serbian cake.

St Mark’s Place (next to St Mark’s Church) is a popular, brasserie-style restaurant. It has a suntrap, outdoor terrace overlooking a large park, and offers a mix of Serbian and Italian dishes.

For lovers of afternoon tea, check out the Hotel Moskva. It’s an early 20th-century landmark dating back to 1908. It’s a sumptuous European grand cafe, complete with ornate chandeliers, heavy drapes, and gold cornicing and coving. I felt transported back to an earlier age as I sat and enjoyed chocolate cake and the tinklings of the hotel pianist.

What about gay life?

It’s not illegal to be gay, and there are some anti-discrimination protections. However, there’s no legal recognition of same-sex relationships. There is an annual Belgrade Pride festival, and the country is one of the few to enjoy a queer head of state: Ana Brnabić was Prime Minister from 2017 to 2024. She was the first woman and first lesbian to take the role.

Despite this progress, the country as a whole remains conservative. Eighty-six per cent of citizens identify as Christians, with almost all of those adhering to the aforementioned orthodox church.

As you may expect, faceless profiles abound on the apps (with Grindr, Planet Romeo and Hornet probably the most popular). There is a queer scene, but it’s small.

Bar 54 offers a pocket-sized two-floor space. I visited on a Saturday night and found it packed, but then again, it doesn’t take many people to fill it. A red light bounced off a mirrorball while tracks from Madonna, Charli XCX and Calvin Harris wafted from the speakers. It felt a little bit 90s, but that might have also been down to the fact that people were smoking, which is still allowed indoors here.

Guvernanta is a more hipster hangout, featuring kitsch wallpaper, old mannequins and retro furniture. Pink lace covered illuminated white walls. There was a ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ vibe to the place, aided by the new wave music being played on the quiet Tuesday that I visited (The Police, Culture Club, XTC, etc). It stocked a range of art zines, including some queer stuff. From its social media, it appears far rowdier at weekends, often hosting drag and live music for a mixed male-female crowd.

Mornar and Musk

Mornar (Serbian for ‘sailor’) is buried in a slightly scary underpass. On the night I visited, it was hosting a monthly games evening with locals sitting around tables and rolling their dice. Talking to the friendly owner, I was informed that the small venue totally transforms for different nights. The next day hosted an underwear party, and there’s a regular, monthly bears event.

There’s a weekend nightclub with the evocative name of the Musk Machine, which plays mainly Serbian pop music, and a late-night, post-bar haunt called Mystic. There’s also a gay sauna, Red Line. The cheaper-priced Sunday evening session seems the best night to attend. Like other venues, check Google Maps for reviews and photos detailing how to find these places. Some of them are rather hidden away and far from obvious!

Danube and Museum of Contemporary Art

Toward the end of my trip, I took a bus to Zemunski Kej (Quay) on the Danube. I then walked 3km alongside the riverside to the Museum of Contemporary Art. This stretch is lined with floating restaurants and hostels. The museum itself is light and airy with soaring glass windows.

It featured a temporary exhibition by Serbian sculptor Olga Jevric. I was struck by a quote from her printed on a wall. Discussing the value of art, she said it allows one “to rise above the banality of the everyday”.

Maybe that’s what brought me to Belgrade: A requirement to escape the banality of the everyday. Isn’t that part of the reason we travel? It’s a feeling I suspect many, remote workers or not, will be familiar with.

As such, Belgrade did not disappoint. If traveling from afar, I can also see the appeal of combining a trip here with a couple of stop-offs at neighboring countries, such as the aforementioned Croatia or Hungary. A high-speed rail link from Belgrade to Budapest is expected to be completed by this summer, with a travel time of just over three hours.

Accommodation: Mercure Belgrade Excelsior

The Mercure Belgrade Excelsior is a central hotel located at the edge of Pioneer Park, which lies in front of the State Parliament building. The neoclassical building first opened in 1924. It was originally designed as a clinic but was repurposed as a hotel during construction.

It joined the Accor network in 2017, becoming the brand’s first hotel inspired by Serbian culture. The lobby features Pirot and Sirogojno “ćilim” rugs, national symbols of Serbia, while the restaurant is named after Ivo Andrić, a Serbian Nobel prize winner and former guest.

It offers 73 rooms. My ‘prestige’ room on the sixth floor offered a great view over the neighboring park and city skyline. The color palette was cookie-dough beige, with light wood and flashes of color (a red velvet desk chair, throw cushions, those traditional rug motifs, a De Stijl-style painting). It made for a beautifully serene space, especially at dusk when the setting sun cast a golden glow across the ceiling.

The restaurant serves a plentiful breakfast buffet of hot and cold dishes, and there’s an outdoor terrace on the second floor for the summer months.

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Lesbian Visibility Week, which runs from April 20 to 26, 2026, is a celebration of queer women, at a time when we need visibility more than ever.

After a few politically turbulent years, not to mention the shrinking numbers of spaces devoted to prioritizing LGBTQ+ women, there’s importance in the mere act of an inclusive umbrella of lesbians, other LGBTQ+ ladies, and their allies gathering in community to boost belonging and safety.

And you can be sure no one celebrates quite like Cape Cod’s gay little gem, Provincetown.

The coastal queer town hosts locals and visitors alike for a packed seven days of dance parties, concerts, readings, screenings, and sports viewings, kicking off with a flag raising live-streamed nationally online. (For a full list of their programming, you can visit LVW P-Town’s website.)

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Tracy Stieber, one of the organizers behind P-Town’s Lesbian Visibility Week festivities, was inspired to get involved after working 30 years in corporate, because of its mission and, even more so, the people.

“I feel a tremendous responsibility to be a support resource for individuals and communities who face headwinds in celebrating LVW or other LGBTQIA+ events, by inviting them to come celebrate here or helping celebrate in their hometowns,” she told us.

For her, the week is all about the V — LOL, more on that later — and the community as a whole. Provincetown might be better known in some circles for its male-centered offerings (and, erm, docks), but the whole town rallies together to give the queer women in their lives the shine that they deserve.

Provincetown Lesbian visibility week

A celebration of sapphic proportions

Provincetown MA April 20 – 26, 2026

GayCities chatted with Tracy about what to expect at this year’s Lesbian Visibility Week P-Town, the importance of visibility, and the 2026 theme of health and well-being.

How long has Lesbian Visibility Week existed in Provincetown?

“We started in 2024 as part of the inaugural US and Canada Lesbian Visibility Week celebrations. LVW, in its current form, started in the UK with DIVA Magazine and Linda Riley in 2020. DIVA reached to The Curve Foundation [the only national nonprofit championing lesbian and queer women’s stories and culture] to see about bringing it to the US and Canada, and Curve put the call out to the Curve Community FB group.  From there, the grassroots efforts took over. The first LVW NA celebrations were held in 2024 and P-Town was one of the original hub cities, hosting a weeklong program of events.”

What does Lesbian Visibility Week mean to you?

“To me, that last part is key: visibility strengthens all of us. I like to say that ‘LVW is all about the V,’ meaning that we honor our lesbian legacy while focusing on visibility, voice, variety, and validation.

Visibility to raise awareness, voice to advocate for those who cannot, variety to include all adjacent identities (bi, nonbinary, trans, queer, etc.), and validation to hold space by simply saying, ‘We are here.'”

Provincetown’s celebration coincides with the national week across North America. What’s different about celebrating our visibility in such a LGBTQ+-friendly town?

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“Community and acceptance. We are incredibly fortunate to have a community here that believes in accepting people who they are/where they are/how they are. All are truly welcome! 

Additionally, the P-Town community really rallies to support efforts like Lesbian Visibility Week — all dimensions and aspects. We’ve had so much support from our gay men and straight communities… it’s truly a small town, where everyone pitches in to lift everyone.

Also, because we do not face the barriers that many do, I feel a tremendous responsibility to be a support resource for individuals and communities who face headwinds in celebrating LVW or other LGBTQIA+ events, by inviting them to come celebrate here or helping celebrate in their hometowns.”

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This year’s theme is Health and Well-Being. Does that speak to what the LGBTQ+ community is going through in these trying times?

“Absolutely, and in many dimensions. From the individual/personal, it is about caring for our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. From a LGBTQIA+ perspective, it is about advocating, nurturing, and championing our cultural health and well-being, and increasingly, our very being. And, from a global community, it’s about connecting and supporting our friends, allies, and neighbors, hence the reason we also incorporate other celebrations occurring in the week, such as Earth Day and National Vagina Appreciation Day. Yes, it’s a day!

There are many, many parts of this world that are outside of our control and influence. Our health and well-being are areas we control and influence more, at least to some degree. Lesbian Visibility Week this year is about owning and celebrating our health and well-being — for ourselves, for our LGBTQIA+ community, and for our world.”

How would you describe the lesbian scene in Provincetown to potential visitors?

“I would say the scene is very much like all of P-Town: local and visitor-focused. Varied and consistent. Modest and vibrant. Quiet and loud. Fast-paced and laidback. Fun-loving and serious. Historic and present. Mainstream and edgy. Unapologetically authentic.   

That said, I would also say that it tends to sometimes be harder to connect with lesbian and queer events and activities. To that end, there’s a growing effort to highlight these communities through organizations such as the Provincetown Business Guild and the Provincetown Visitor Services Board, as well as informal community hubs such as Womencrafts.”

Are there any can’t-miss Lesbian Visibility Week traditions or events?

“Wow… how much time do you have?! I’d say the emerging traditions are centered on food, fun, activism, and the arts – softball games, plays, shows, dance parties, protest rallies, and good ol’ fashioned lesbian potlucks.

For 2026, we’re leaning into this history with some twists!  We start the week with a flag-raising kickoff and Patriot’s Day rally on Monday, a house concert and trivia on Tuesday, and an Earth Day marsh walk and movie on Wednesday. 

The weekend kicks activities into high gear with a welcome party, feminist stoop reading, sapphic cinema, WPHL watch party, Lezbo Bingo, Queer-aoke, jazz brunch, and a dance party at the Vixen, one night at the legendary lesbian club.

We also have a lineup of great shows starring our amazing lesbian and queer performers including Pillow Princesses (a queer sleepover), Star Crossed (an astrology dating game), and Vexed (a sapphic musical from Oz).”

What would you say to any lesbians who have heard P-Town is just for the dudes?

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“On the surface, that may seem to be the case, but look closer at the fabric that is P-Town… a diverse community that offers something for everyone with event and theme weeks such as Women’s Week, Trans Week, Pride, Frolic, Womxn of Color, Girl Splash, Family Week, as well as many events not LGBTQIA+ focused.

Two iconic elements of P-Town are its monument and harbor.  In many ways, these are also symbolic icons for our community. P-Town is a safe harbor to shelter and a beacon to light the way for us ALL… all communities of the rainbow.”

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

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