Is new orleans gay friendly
It's a Beautiful Time in the Gayborhood
As a homo searching for his flock, knowing that Recent Orleans is a gay-friendly city was an immediate tug. As I searched for neighborhoods that would appeal to me most, one question kept popping up: "Where's the gayborhood?" Let's ponder of some esteemed gayborhoods in certain other cities: The Castro in San Francisco, Chelsea in New York, DuPont Circle in DC, and the Gayborhood in Philadelphia. Now, try to consider of which neighborhood would most likely be labeled "gay" in New Orleans.
On the New York Times' list of cities with the highest LGBT populations, New Orleans ranked fourth with 5.1% of the population identifying as such. According to NerdWallet, the city was placed at number 12 on its LGBT-friendliest cities based on data pulled from the Human Rights Campaign. The Advocate gives us an honorable refer, listing the metropolis as the 16th gayest city in America on their 2014 list. So, New Orleans is the city to be in when you're queer, solo and ready to mingle (or queer and partnered up, for that matter). But, even with its renowned reputation, New Orleans seems to lack the vital thing other LGBT-friendly cities possess: a specific
The Gay Neighborhoods of New Orleans
Are you considering a move to New Orleans? This unique municipality offers a melting pot of various cultures, creating a place like no other. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to raise a family or a great place to party and meet people, New Orleans has it. But does it have a gay neighborhood? It doesn’t just have one; it has three! If you’re looking for a gay community in New Orleans, here are three neighborhoods you may want to live in.
Faubourg Marigny
It might acquire a weird name, but the neighborhood of Faubourg Marigny is full of beautiful architecture. Founded in 1805, it’s one of the older parts of the city, and much of it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It declined during the 1950s, but after Hurricane Betsy, the Faubourg Marigny began growing as a number of displaced Filipino Americans moved into the dilapidated area. By the mid-1980s, it was home to many music venues and arts festivals. This drew a number of LGBTQ individuals to Faubourg Marigny, turning it into a gayborhood.
The French Quarter
One of the most famous neighborhoods of New Orleans, the French Quarter is the city’s version of San Francisco
LGBTQ history in New Orleans
Gay and lesbian pride runs deep
What started as a small house party in the Treme has grown to an infamous happening - Southern Decadence. The event draws more than 180,000 mostly LGBTQ partiers to New Orleans. With an annual economic impact of more than $215 million, Decadence is one of the city’s top five tourist events, right up there with Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.
New Orleans has always been a city that championed the arts and celebrated society, which has fostered a lively gay social scene and drew many LGBTQ artists and performers to the French Quarter, home to Café Lafitte in Exile, one of America’s oldest male lover bars. The longest running gay event, the Chubby Monday Luncheon, kicked off in 1949, and the oldest gay social corporation, the Steamboat Club, was launched in 1953.
Mardi Gras fostered its own same-sex attracted traditions with the Krewe of Yuga, the first gay Carnival club formed in 1958. The Krewe of Petronius (1961) and the Krewe of Armenius (1969) followed suit.
Notable gay locals and residents included Tennessee Williams, who came here in 1938 and wrote “A Streetcar Named Desire&rd
Southern Decadence is the largest LGBTQ+ event in New Orleans and pays homage to the city's rich queer history and culture.
From the French Quarter to the Bywater, there are tons of events each year that bring in tens of thousands of tourists on Labor Day weekend.
Aside from the many dance parties and popular parade, Recent Orleans' gay bars are open and ready to help guests with specials and parties of their own.
If this is your first time visiting Novel Orleans or coming down for Southern Decadence, don't worry! Here's our mentor to gay bars open in Recent Orleans proper, plus a look at events, drink specials and VIP passes you can purchase this year.
If you're staying in Jefferson Parish, The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar is another great option if you're looking for an inclusive, LGBTQ+ space.
Bourbon Pub & Parade
Address: 801 Bourbon Street
Neighborhood: French Quarter
Cost: $-$$
Decadence deal:$115 for VIP passes, which gets you entry into the bar Thursday - Monday. The transfer includes access to a Sunday event with Tony Award winning actor and singer Billie Porter.
Affectionately called "The Pub" by New Orleans locals, this is one of the most reco