With Memorial Day close, the official start of summer — and summer travel — won’t be far behind. For amateur photographers, the number of cities and towns with eye-catching vistas and views fall in the thousands. The number of locales that are both amateur photographer friendly and LGBT friendly can be counted in the dozens.
Three of the best spots for photographing unique events and places are shown below. To make this list, a city had to be proactive in forming an LGBT-friendly mindset as well as have captivating locations.
Tanya Churchmuch, International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Chairman, says, “What we’ve seen is that they recognize the value of the LGBT tourist dollar. They are becoming more active with their marketing.”
Cities like Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas are just three examples of destinations working hard in campaigns to attract the LGBT traveler.
Atlanta
Atlanta is home to over 680 LGBT-friendly companies, making it the highest in the nation. Georgia’s capital is living up to its nickname: “The City Too Busy to Hate.”
Photogenic places in Atlanta include:
The Goat Farms Arts Center
1200 Foster St NW
Jackson Street Bridge
Jackson St. NE
Fourth Ward Park
680 Dallas St NE
Minneapolis
Minneapolis slid from the Top 10 LGBT-friendly cities in 2014. In 2015, it recovered its prime spot, in part, with a marriage equality law which was signed by Gov. Mark Dayton.
One factor which shoved Minneapolis out of the Top Ten was the volume of sexual orientation-related hate crimes. The most recent numbers show there were almost five per 100,000 residents; the highest rate of any city in the top 10.
Minneapolis/St Paul claims many gay groups which cater to limited interests. The Minneapolis Gay Men’s Chorus, The Gay Hockey Association and the Mayhem rugby team are just three.
Dot Belstler, Director of Twin Cities Pride, isn’t surprised that Minneapolis returned to the Top Ten list. “We are a great community for the LGBT crowd. There is an excellent opportunity here.”
Guthrie Theater
Stone Arch Bridge
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is expecting over 8,000 athletes and 24 different sports when the city hosts the 10th Annual Sin City Shootout.
Billed as the biggest yearly LGBT Sporting Event on the planet. The event was begun with the intention of producing the greatest LGBT softball tourney. Over the years, the event has evolved and is now bigger and more special.
Hoover Dam
Fremont Street Experience
These are just three of the dozens. The list is in no way complete — but is only offered as a springboard to write your own travel photography adventure.
When arranging your travel, be sure to research the destination. Not all popular destinations are LGBT-friendly. North Carolina, for example, is in the middle of dueling lawsuits with the federal government over the state’s discriminatory laws. At issue is legislation called “North Carolina House Bill 2.” Pushed through the state legislature and hurriedly signed, literally at midnight, by North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, NCHB2 makes it a crime for anyone to use the restroom which matches their gender identity. Tourists, travelers, and citizens are required to use the restroom which matches the gender on a person’s birth certificate.
North Carolina isn’t alone in their thinking — or lack of it. The state is just the latest in a string of states to try to legislate their idea of morality.
“After surfing a wave of energy in the courts, LGBT equities hit a roadblock when the Sixth Circuit Court buttressed bans in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee,” says Nick Wooldridge, Esq, a noted Las Vegas attorney.
“The decision is a representation of the wider disparities that still exist for LGBT people in today’s America.”
About the author
Three LGBT-Friendly Cities for the Amateur Photographer
With Memorial Day close, the official start of summer — and summer travel — won't be far behind. For amateur photographers, the number of cities and towns with eye-catching vistas and views fall in the thousands. The number of locales that are both amateur photographer friendly and LGBT friendly can be counted in the dozens. Three of the best spots for photographing unique events and places are shown below. To make this list, a city had to be proactive in forming an LGBT-friendly mindset as well as have captivating locations. Tanya Churchmuch, International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Chairman, says, "What we've seen is that they recognize the value of the LGBT tourist dollar. They are becoming more active with their marketing." Cities like Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas are just three examples of destinations working hard in campaigns to […]
Advice for Touring South America as a Gay Man
Decades of revolution, dictators and demagogues have left most Americans believing that South America is one-small-step from the Banana Republic. While there are a few remnants of trouble left in places like Venezuela and Bolivia, overall the content is safe. Actually, most gay travelers find South America to be as gay-congenial as the major cities in Western Europe. Too many "Norte Americanos", South America is not seen as a gay-kindly area. Many gay individuals choose to head to western Europe or even Southeast Asia. Both regions are regarded as safe. In truth, South America is a comfortable region to explore as a gay man and most travelers never feel discriminated against because of their lifestyle. Buenos Aires Buenos Aires is possibly the greatest area for queer life in South America. Argentina was the lead nation in Latin America in establishing […]
Related
Unlocking Luxury: Top Tips to Find the Cheapest Airline and Hotel Deals Online
Many travelers believe that luxury comes at a high price, but you can enjoy elegant adventures without overspending. By employing strategic techniques to secure the best airline and hotel rates, you can indulge in upscale experiences while staying within your budget. From using multiple booking platforms to being flexible with your travel plans, this guide offers practical tips to help you uncover incredible savings and unlock the luxury you deserve. Start applying these insights today for an affordable yet extravagant journey. Key Takeaways: Utilize Multiple Platforms: Explore various search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights to discover the best prices across different airlines and hotels. Flexibility is Essential: Being open with your travel dates and destinations can lead to significant savings on flights and accommodations. Leverage Loyalty Programs: Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs to earn points and […]
Cool Activities for your Next Holiday in Thailand
Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with more than 30 million tourists entering the country in 2023 and if you are planning a holiday in the Land of Smiles, there is much to see and do. In this short article, we take a look at some of the amazing things that you can do when holidaying in Thailand. Scuba diving – If you a marine animal lover, you can book dives on stunning reefs with one of the boat tours in Phuket that offer a wide range of packages. The Andaman Sea is home to a diverse range of marine species, which include whale sharks, giant manta rays and bottle-nose dolphins and if you would like to learn how to scuba dive, you can take a PADI course and even become an instructor. Deep sea […]
How To Practice Digital Hygiene When Abroad
Most people care about hygiene when they travel. They know to wash their hands after touching public surfaces, and perhaps not to add ice to their drinks in restaurants that may not clean their machine so often. Of course, none of us can prevent every malady and danger, but being mindful and keeping good practice can certainly limit a great deal of risk. However, while the physical hygiene of our surroundings is important, it’s also important to consider your digital hygiene when you travel. If you wanted to talk in terms of a Sci-Fi novel from the 80’s, we all have one foot in cyberspace. Our online profiles allow us to share our lives and experiences to those we care about. If improperly configured, other people can see that information too. For this reason, learning how to practice good digital […]
The Delightful Attractions Of Bangkok’s Khlong Ton Sai District
Bangkok is a very big place and there is a lot to explore! Today we will look at Khlong Ton Sai, a district located to the northwest of Bangkok's centre. It borders the Chao Phraya, the ' River of Kings', and is one of the capital's oldest areas. Khlong Ton Sai has a great transportation network with two nearby Skytrain stations, Wongwain Yai, and Krung Thonburi. The west side of the river has a major bus hub, and there are multiple docks where you can board the many passenger boats that ply the river, back and forth and up and down. Khlong Ton Sai is an exciting area to explore, with gorgeous riverfront views and riverside eateries where you can enjoy fantastic Thai food while watching the boats go by. Not too surprisingly, Khlong Ton Sai is a very popular […]
Discover Istria: Enchanting Hilltop Villages, Rich History, and Gourmet Truffles
Truffles await your discovery in the stunning region of Istria, where enchanting hilltop villages and rich history come together to create an unforgettable experience. As you wander through cobbled streets, you'll uncover charming architecture, indulge in gourmet cuisine, and connect with the region's vibrant past. With each village boasting its unique character and stories, Istria invites you to immerse yourself in its flavors and traditions while begining on a culinary adventure centered around the prized truffle. Get ready to explore this captivating destination that is sure to delight your senses. View of Valle, Bale in Istria The Allure of Istrian Hilltop Villages Your journey through Istria would be incomplete without exploring its enchanting hilltop villages. These picturesque settlements, cloaked in rich history and breathtaking landscapes, invite you to wander their ancient streets, savor local gastronomy, and capture stunning panoramic views […]
The 3 Best Ways To Stay Safe During A Camping Trip
Camping is a great way to get out and enjoy nature, offering peace and a break from everyday life. While it's usually a safe and rewarding experience, it's important to keep safety in mind and be prepared. Nature is beautiful, but it can be unpredictable, so being ready for anything is key. All you need is a little bit of knowledge about outdoor safety and what to do in an emergency and you can go camping with peace of mind. Otherwise, if you do run into some trouble, the problems can compound when you don’t have a plan. In this article, we will go over some basic camping safety tips to help you get the most out of your camping trip. Share your plans Before you set off on your camping adventure, it's important to let someone know your plans. […]
