A new ranking of cities throughout the world by how sexually liberated they are has just been published.
The adult entertainment portal Erobella released its Sexually Liberal City Index for the fifth time, and the results are fascinating. The study scored 41 cities on “the freedom to live, love and express sexuality.” Cities all over the world were ranked across 10 categories, including contraception use, the number of sex shops, how the city fares on gender recognition, anti-discrimination, and abortion access, as well as queer-centric metrics like how many gay bars and LGBTQ+ events there are.
The United States and other countries the world over may be overwhelmed by conservative ideology and attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, but there are still ways cities across the globe are fighting back and making sure that they are still as sexually free and welcoming to the queer community as possible.
When it comes to the overall ranking for the Most Sexually Liberal City in the World, Amsterdam comes in first, followed by Vancouver and Manchester, but the list has some significant changes when you sort the list by which city is the most LGBTQ+ friendly.
Keep scrolling to see the top 21 LGBTQ+ “sexually liberal” cities in the world.
21. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
f11photo/Shutterstock
Melbourne ranked 21st on the list, with perfect scores on gender recognition, anti-discrimination, and abortion rights. It landed lower than other cities because of the low number of gay bars and LGBTQ+ events.
20. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg, Germany
Balasko/Shutterstock
Hamburg boasts a perfect score on sex work laws, anti-discrimination, and abortion rights, but doesn’t have as many gay bars or events as other cities on this list.
19. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Claire Salvail Photos/Shutterstock
Gay bars and LGBTQ+ events might not be plentiful in Buenos Aires, but the capital city landed in the 19th spot because of its perfect gender recognition, anti-discrimination, and abortion rights scores.
18. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic
DaLiu/Shutterstock
Prague has more gay bars and events than cities lower on the list and did well on gender recognition and anti-discrimination.
17. Birmingham, England
Birmingham, England
Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
Not only is contraception use high in the city across the pond, but it does well on gender discrimination and anti-discrimination, and despite having a low number of LGBTQ+ events, there are a decent number of gay bars.
16. New York City, New York
New York City, New York
Selcuk Oner/Shutterstock
The City That Never Sleeps has fewer gay bars than you would expect for a liberal haven, but it landed at No. 16 with perfect scores in gender recognition and anti-discrimination.
15. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Marcus Finn Saunders/Shutterstock
Chicago may technically be part of the Midwest, but it ended up with an overall score of 34.6/100 and the 15th queerest city because of how it handles gender and discrimination.
14. Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria
Arcady/Shutterstock
Vienna boasts perfect scores in four categories, including gender recognition and anti-discrimination, and also scored 5.79 out of 10 on contraception use.
13. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock
Home to gay Mecca West Hollywood, the City of Angels landed at No. 13 with higher numbers of gay bars, gay events, and sex shops than cities lower on the list.
12. Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Georgios Kritsotakis/Shutterstock
Madrid somehow manages to beat out Los Angeles in the number of gay bars in the city and also scored a perfect 10 out of 10 on gender recognition and anti-discrimination.
11. San Diego, California
San Diego, California
tokar/Shutterstock
One of three California cities to make it to the top 21 most sexually liberal LGBTQ+ cities in the U.S., San Diego has a higher number of gay bars, gay events, and sex shops than other cities on this list.
10. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
The only Canadian city to reach the top 21, Vancouver managed to earn perfect scores in four areas — gender recognition, anti-discrimination, sex-work organizations, and contraception use — and also has a fairly high number of gay bars, LGBTQ+ events, and sex shops.
9. Paris, France
Paris, France
Ground Picture/Shutterstock
The City of Love isn’t just for heterosexual couples. Paris ranked higher than most on gay bars, gay events, and sex shops and got perfect scores on gender recognition and anti-discrimination, scoring 49/100 overall on the list of the World’s Most Sexually Liberal Cities.
8. Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany
PixlBiss/Shutterstock
Known for being liberal, Berlin scores a perfect 10 out of 10 in four categories, including gender recognition and anti-discrimination, and boasts far more gay bars and LGBTQ+ events than many other cities on the list.
7. Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Glasgow has most cities on this list beat in the number of sex shops, sex worker rights, gay bars, and gay events, so it’s no wonder it made it to No. 7.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Sean Pavone/Shuttrstock
People may think all Southern cities are conservative, but Atlanta got nearly a perfect score on the number of sex shops in the city, and scored higher than any city on this list so far in the number of LGBTQ+ events, gay events, and gay bars.
5. Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
Home to the infamous gayborhood of South Beach, Miami is the only city on this entire list that scored perfect 10s in the number of sex shops, gay bars, gay events, and LGBTQ+ events.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Noppasin Wongchum/Shutterstock
Amsterdam was the overall champion of the ranking for the most liberal city in the world, with perfect marks for sex work freedom, abortion rights, and gender recognition, but it landed in fourth place when it comes to which of the cities on the list is the queerest.
3. Cologne, Germany
Cologne, Germany
Wu Munich/Shutterstock
Cologne is another city that takes sex workers’ rights seriously and manages to not only have a decent number of gay bars and LGBTQ+ events, but also scored perfect 10s in four categories, including gender recognition and anti-discrimination.
2. Manchester, England
Manchester, England
SAKhanPhotography/Shutterstock
Boasting a 7.47 out of 10 for the number of gay bars in the city, Manchester also does well in gay events, contraception use, gender recognition, and anti-discrimination.
1. San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock
San Francisco took home the crown for the most LGBTQ+ city on the sexually liberated list. Home to the famous Castro District and the heartbeat of much of the gay rights movement, the Bay Area city scores high on LGBTQ+ events, gay events, gay bars, sex shops, gender recognition, and sex worker organizations.
Making its grand debut at Folsom Street Fair last year, RU5H is an "all-gay, all-male" brand that's launching a new cruise option for daring gay travelers.
The company is officially setting sail the first weekend of October and pulling out all of the stops to make it "the biggest queer party festival at sea." Guests are invited to board Paradise, a recently reimagined and gorgeous ship, that serves as the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip across the Caribbean.
With plenty of parties, excursions, music sets, pools, and dining options to explore, RU5H is a queer fantasy come to life for new and experienced tourists alike. In a new interview with Out, Patrick Gunn, the Co-Founder & CMO of RU5H, is breaking down everything happening on board, pricing for the cruise, and what adventures are in store for all patrons ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Congratulations on the inaugural RU5H cruise! How did this exciting getaway come about?
Thank you! RU5H was born from years of experience creating LGBTQ+ travel experiences and recognizing an opportunity to create something completely different: a travel experience built around freedom, connection, adventure, and self-expression. The idea was to bring together the energy of the world’s most exciting queer festivals, nightlife destinations, and lifestyle communities and combine it with the comfort, hospitality, and ease of a full-ship cruise. RU5H was created for gay, bi, and pan men, as well as male-identifying adventurers, who are looking for more than a traditional vacation. We wanted to create a space where guests could disconnect from expectations, explore their interests, meet incredible people, and experience a level of freedom that feels authentic and exciting. Launching RU5H at Folsom Street Fair in 2025 was the perfect introduction because Folsom represents so much of what inspires this brand: confidence, creativity, self-expression, and the celebration of living authentically.
You're about to set sail for the first time. What should patrons expect on this cruise?
RU5H is unlike any cruise experience that has come before it. Think of it as a four-day queer festival at sea where the entire ship becomes the destination. Guests can expect nonstop entertainment, incredible music, daytime pool deck energy, sunset celebrations, late-night parties, social gatherings, and immersive experiences designed to bring people together. The inaugural RU5H experience will feature eight major parties powered by DJs from some of the world’s biggest queer nightlife scenes, along with themed events, meetups, and curated Experience Zones throughout the ship. But RU5H is about more than just the parties. It is about creating moments of connection. Some guests will come for the music, some for the nightlife, some for the community, and some to explore new experiences in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
There are many successful gay cruise lines operating today. How does RU5H stand out compared to other cruise lines?
We have enormous respect for the LGBTQ+ travel experiences that came before RU5H. They helped create incredible communities and showed the world the power of queer travel. What makes RU5H different is that it was created as a lifestyle experience first, with the cruise serving as the ultimate setting. RU5H blends the excitement of a major queer music festival, the energy of nightlife destinations around the world, and the comfort of a premium vacation. It is intentionally more immersive, more social, and centered around exploration, connection, and personal freedom. The entire ship becomes our playground. From world-class parties and DJs to Experience Zones designed around creativity, curiosity, and connection, every part of the journey is designed to feel uniquely RU5H.
You're putting a huge emphasis on the live music and DJ lineup. Who is on the lineup and what type of DJ sets should fans expect?
Music is one of the biggest drivers of the RU5H experience. We wanted to bring together the sounds and energy of the world’s most exciting queer nightlife scenes, from New York and Los Angeles to Austin, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Fire Island. The lineup brings together DJs who understand how to create those unforgettable moments where a crowd becomes a community. Guests can expect everything from daytime pool deck sessions and house grooves to late-night underground sounds and sunrise sets. The goal is to create a soundtrack that carries guests from their first sail-away celebration through the final unforgettable moments of the weekend. Music will power nearly every hour of the inaugural RU5H weekend, with eight distinctive queer party brands taking over the ship from afternoon through sunrise. The lineup moves between underwear parties, underground raves, open-air house and disco, heavy house-tech, fetish-driven after-hours energy, and playful themed dance floors. Friday begins with the DWORLD Underwear Party, bringing the spirit of Fire Island’s Friday-night tradition aboard for an afternoon of dancing in your favorite underwear. That evening, POR DETROIT merges the underground sounds of Mexico City and Los Angeles for a late-night queer rave, followed by HARDER, an uninhibited techno after-hours party that carries the energy into Saturday morning. Saturday's music begins with Bears in Space, Los Angeles’ beloved open-air party known for sunny, inclusive energy and a mix of house and disco. The night then shifts to BRÜT, delivering a gear-friendly, judgment-free blend of heavy house and tech. At 4 a.m., HUSTLABALL takes over with its internationally recognized fetish-party spirit, dark beats, fearless expression, and high-energy sunrise atmosphere. On Sunday, Fruit Snacks brings colorful, joyful New York house-party energy to the afternoon dance floor, complete with playful looks, sweet surprises, and flirty beats. The weekend’s final featured event is The Puppy Party, a playful late-night gathering filled with frisky music, gear, costumes, go-go energy, and plenty of after-dark mischief. RU5H will pair each of these parties with celebrated DJs representing nightlife scenes from cities including New York, Los Angeles, Austin, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Fire Island.
We've seen many notable adult entertainers confirm their attendance for RU5H. Why was it important for you to team up with Carnal Media for this cruise? Which models will be on board?
RU5H is about celebrating the full spectrum of queer expression, and that absolutely includes the creativity, confidence, and artistry found within today's creator community. One of the most unique experiences on board will be the JustFor.Fans Content Creation Studio, a professionally designed space where guests can get a behind-the-scenes look at how creators produce content, build their brands, and engage with their audiences. It's an immersive experience that celebrates the artistry, entrepreneurship, and innovation driving today's LGBTQ+ creator economy. Our partnership with Carnal Media brings that experience to life through the Carnal+/JockPack All-Stars Experience. Throughout the weekend, guests will have opportunities to meet many of their favorite creators during special appearances, interactive events, and exclusive programming. Select Carnal+ performers will also create content live inside the JustFor.Fans Content Creation Studio, giving guests a rare opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand in a way that's engaging, entertaining, and unlike anything else at sea. The inaugural sailing will feature an incredible lineup of Carnal+ and JockPack All-Stars to be announced soon.
What type of adult excursions can people expect on the cruise? Will there be sex shows, clothing-optional areas, etc.?
RU5H is a sex-progressive experience built around choice, consent, and personal exploration. Guests will find a variety of experiences designed for different comfort levels and interests. Throughout the ship, RU5H Experience Zones offer opportunities for connection, curiosity, and exploration. These include spaces inspired by fantasy, role-play, creator culture, and after-hours social experiences. There will also be clothing-optional upper decks while at sea, creating a space where guests can relax and express themselves comfortably. One important thing to emphasize is that RU5H is not about pressure. It is about freedom. Every guest chooses how they want to participate, and respect, communication, and consent are at the center of the experience.
While some patrons may love all of the sex-progressive options, are there relaxing and more chill excursions that people can also enjoy? Besides all of the partying, will guests also be able to sleep comfortably?
Absolutely. RU5H is designed around the idea that everyone creates their own experience. While there will be incredible parties and high-energy moments, there are also plenty of opportunities to slow down, recharge, and connect in more relaxed ways. Guests can enjoy quieter social spaces, poolside relaxation, dining, conversations with new friends, and spaces designed for unwinding after the excitement. The beauty of a cruise is that guests can choose their own rhythm. Some may dance until sunrise, while others may enjoy the music, the friendships, the destination, and the atmosphere at a more relaxed pace. And yes, guests will absolutely have comfortable accommodations where they can recharge before the next adventure.
Besides all of the fun on the boat, are there also excursion opportunities when the cruise ventures off into the Bahamas?
Yes. While the ship itself is the main destination, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Bahamas during the voyage. Like any great cruise experience, time ashore gives guests the chance to explore, relax, enjoy the destination, and create memories beyond the ship. More details about specific port experiences and excursions will be announced as the sailing approaches.
Many people are cautious about attending a gay cruise for various reasons. For anyone considering RU5H for their first gay cruise, why do you think they should take the leap and join the fun?
Trying something new can always feel a little intimidating, but one of the most powerful things about LGBTQ+ travel is the instant sense of community that happens when people come together. Many guests arrive not knowing anyone and leave with friendships that last a lifetime. RU5H was created to be welcoming, inclusive, and easy to step into. Whether someone comes with a group of friends, a partner, or on their own, they will find thousands of opportunities to connect. You do not have to participate in every part of the experience. RU5H is about discovering what feels right for you and experiencing a vacation where you can truly be yourself.
For people who have already booked their trip, what are you hoping they'll take away from their RU5H experience?
Our hope is that guests leave RU5H feeling energized, connected, and inspired. We want people to experience the freedom that comes from stepping outside their everyday routine and being surrounded by people who share their excitement for adventure, connection, and self-expression. The memories will be the parties, the music, the unexpected moments, and the friendships created along the way, but ultimately, RU5H is about creating a place where people feel free to be exactly who they are. That is the true RU5H: feeling confident, connected, and alive.
One of the biggest misconceptions about gay cruises is that they're out of reach financially. What have you done to make RU5H more accessible, whether someone is traveling with friends, coming solo, or simply looking for an affordable getaway?
We wanted to challenge the idea that an all-gay cruise has to cost thousands of dollars. That's why RU5H starts at just $397 per person, making it one of the most affordable all-gay cruise experiences available. We believe an unforgettable vacation should be within reach for more people, not just a select few. In addition, we've created a private Facebook group where solo travelers can connect with others looking to share a cabin. It's a simple way to reduce costs while often making a new friend before you even step aboard. And for those who aren't quite ready to book, we're giving everyone a chance to win a free RU5H cruise. It's another way we're lowering the barrier to entry and inviting more people to discover what RU5H is all about. Sometimes all it takes is taking a chance. Just head to our website and complete the entry form at the bottom of the homepage. Find RU5H at RU5H.com and on socials @FeelTheRU5H.
Pride Month 2026 was certainly one to remember. Despite the hateful rhetoric being spewed by the Republican Party toward the LGBTQ+ community, queer people showed up and showed out during a very divisive time in history.
Although many gay events were packed throughout June across the globe, Electric Forest served as the perfect place to close out Pride Month. The iconic music festival pulled out all the stops to make sure every person in the LGBTQ+ community felt seen and motivated to continue living out and proud in their everyday lives.
Yes, the bright lights and rainbow imagery show an inclusive first glance to the gorgeous festival, but the energy found deep in the Rothbury, Michigan woods offers so much more than just a colorful party.
There are so many reasons why I look forward to this staple event very year. While most festivals are predominantly known for their dynamic sets and insane lineups, Electric Forest creates a special experience that expands beyond music.
The word I'd use to describe my third time in the forest would be... healing. I felt so seen and loved as a queer person while navigating the forest with so many members of my chosen family. The amazing balance between deep conversations and dancing all night with friends old and new left me feeling so inspired. The magic in the air at this year's event felt therapeutic in ways that I've honestly never felt before.
I know it might seem a bit comical to think running around in a Speedo would serve as a form of therapy, but there's something so liberating about leaving the real world behind for a few days to simply escape. There's plenty of outside noise that clogs our brains each and every day, so safe spaces such as Electric Forest are really needed for the soul.
A gay couple at Electric Forest.Alive Coverage/Electric Forest
While major headliners like ILLENIUM, Galantis, Cain Culto, Łaszewo, and many more lit up the sky with their incredible performances, the music was only one of the highlights at Electric Forest.
Culto summed up the vibe at Electric Forest so beautifully in our exclusive backstage interview. The very unapologetic gay entertainer grew up in a very religious home in Kentucky and Florida, so his journey as a queer singer has touched many of his fans.
"I'm always surprised by the emotional impact that my work has on people. It's been cool to see that I'm getting booked by venues who have the same principles that I have, especially regarding trans rights and human rights. People relate so deeply to my story and see themselves in my work. It's not just about having fun and partying. We care about impacting the world with positive change," Culto says.
Besides the music, The Brainery on Main Street hosts inclusive and insightful panels that live up to its name, expanding the mind by tackling a diverse range of important themes impacting every walk of life. This year, the LGBTQ+ workshop offered crucial words of wisdom to anyone struggling with their identity and sexuality.
As a speaker on the panel, I had the privilege of sharing how my journey as a gay man not only taught me to accept myself, but it ended up saving my life. Despite all of my personal struggles and challenges, I couldn't possibly imagine living a life back in the closet. The love felt in the room as everyone shared their knowledge on queer topics is still resonating with me to this day.
If the workshops and music sets at Electric Forest weren't enough, the loving camaraderie of every single raver will truly lift anyone's spirit. The amount of grins, hugs, kandi exchanges, and moments of laughter shared between complete strangers is the feel-good medicine needed to keep pushing in this very dark world.
It may feel like the weight of the world is on all of our shoulders, but if festivals have taught me one thing... we thankfully have each other to lean on. Whether if you'd like to see the world solo or with a group, there's nothing that compares to touching some grass, especially at Electric Forest.
Don't miss out on your opportunity to close out Pride Month next year by taking the ultimate trip to Electric Forest in Rothbury, Michigan. Learn more by visiting the official website here.
Emmy-winning drag artist and Dragvestigations creator Lushious Massacr
Courtesy Emily Eizen
Lushious Massacr doesn’t just walk into a place; she “dragvestigates” it. The Emmy-winning drag artist, born Martin De Luna Jr. and raised in Brownsville, Texas, has built a devoted following through her wildly entertaining Dragvestigations series, where full glam meets fluorescent lighting in local supermarkets, big box stores, and anywhere else she feels called to roam. It’s chaotic, distinct, and entirely her own.
A proud self-proclaimed “brick” — a reclaimed drag term she’s redefined to celebrate imperfection — Lushious uses her platform to spotlight queer joy, body positivity, and lived experience without sanding down the edges. Offscreen, her résumé includes national touring and Emmy-winning work on HBO’s We’re Here. Onscreen, she’s equal parts comedian and cultural commentator, and, unofficially, the internet’s most committed Jessica Simpson handbag ambassador.
Whether she’s shouting “creature!” across an aisle or stepping into her power on stage, Lushious Massacr is carving out a lane that feels both deeply personal and widely resonant. In the latest edition of our Out and About series, she takes us from Brownsville to Brick Center and beyond.
Brownsville, Texas, where Lushious Massacr grew up, is known for its resacas, palm-lined trails, and vibrant local culture
Courtesy Visit Brownsville Texas
You've really put Brownsville on the map for a lot of people — myself included. If someone only had a weekend there, what should they do, see, and where should they eat? Go to the Lin’s Buffet after 4pm ‘cause that’s when they put out the coconut shrimp, which are my favorite, and then go see my drag mother Divina Garza’s Drag Bingo on Sundays at Bar B in downtown Brownsville. It’s very Mexican, and there’s a high probability that if you play bingo, you’re gonna win some money. One time I won, like, $150 – I was shook! Support local Brownsville drag if you visit Brownsville, Texas, please!
"Shamerica," "little girl," "dragvestigations," "brick," are only a handful of your catchphrases. What do fans quote back to you the most in person, and what do you see being used the most online? They definitely scream “Brick!” straight into my face and “Creature!” too. At first, I thought they were reading me down and being shady, but then I realized, oh no, it’s all love. They watch my show and love the sound effects, so I love it now too, but at first, I was shook because my catchphrases are so shady.
You're on the road right now — what's your current tour schedule looking like, and what's been the standout city so far? I wasn’t born a natural performer on stage. I had to challenge myself and teach myself to be an onstage entertainer, but this last show I did in Brooklyn at my Brick Center party… I felt like I finally came into my power. It finally all clicked, and I realized I am good enough and talented enough to shine on stage. A star was born inside of me that night. It was the best show I’ve ever had, and now that I fully believe in myself as a performer, I can’t wait to hit the stage for the rest of my Brick Center shows because now my fears and doubts are gone. I believe in myself. I earned it, and now I know my purpose and my message, and I’m going on tour to share it with the world. One stage at a time.
Lushious Massacr poses in a pink rhinestone drag ensemble with a towering black beehive hairstyle.
Courtesy Emily Eizen
Sounds exciting, but touring can be chaotic — what's one thing you always pack that keeps you grounded no matter where you are? My medications. I take my fiber pills (shoutout to the bottoms out there), my blood pressure pills (shout out to the big girls out there dealing with obesity), and my PrEP (shout out to the girls that are in control of their sexual health). If I have my health care essentials, I know I’ll be fine because I’m taking care of myself.
What's your go-to pre-show ritual when you're in a new city? I remind myself that even if no one shows up, I showed up… I showed up for me, and I want to have fun, be present, and be grateful.
An Air Tahiti airplane sits on a runway beside bright turquoise water
Courtesy Tahiti Tourisme
You find yourself stuck in the middle seat on a Los Angeles to Tahiti flight — which two Drag Race alumni do you want sitting on either side of you, and why? None, I’d rather have my two best friends and favorite drag queens from back home, Kianna Alexanders and again my drag mother Divina Garza.
As someone who's worked behind the scenes and on stage, what do you notice first about a city's drag scene when you arrive? I notice the bricks… the creatures... they are my favorite. They are the realness, and they are the future.
What's the most iconic or chaotic place you've ever "investigated" on Dragvestigations? The Soriana in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, for me is the most iconic. I loved being able to go across the border to Mexico; it was so fun, and I want to go back to Mexico to dragvestigate more in the future. Remind me in case I forget.
If you could take your followers anywhere in the world for a Dragvestigation, where would you go, and what would you investigate? I would take them with me to Matamoros. My parents' hometown. My roots begin there. I’d love to show it more love if I can. I rarely see queer people from Matamoros represented, so I’d love to be able to go back and shine a light on the queer people of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. If my parents hadn’t immigrated to the U.S. before I was born, I’d probably still live there… who knows what my life would’ve been like? I’d love to dragvestigate and explore that. There’s a strong culture of mentorship and giving back within the LGBTQ+ community.
Cast image from Queer as Folk
Courtesy Showtime
As a fellow millennial, we’re clearly in a full nostalgia cycle right now — The Devil Wears Prada sequel, Laguna Beach turning 20, Hannah Montana and Hilary Duff having their pop-star resurgence, even early 2000s beauty and fashion coming full circle. Is there anything from your younger years you’d love to see revived or reimagined? Queer as Folk, but I’d like it to be a lot more queer. I would want the lead to be a drag queen of color. What is her love life like? What’s her sex life like? By day, he’s a gay man, but by night she does drag. What are her hopes and dreams? Who are her friends? Can we cast some bricks too, some big girls and boys, FTM and MTF trans people as well? We celebrate masculine men a lot in queer culture, and I’d love to explore and celebrate femininity. Can we push the boundaries more? Oh, and I’d love to play a part! Cast me in it too!
Final question — window or aisle, and are you judging the person next to you immediately, or giving them a chance?Window because I get anxiety when I fly, and I want to make sure when turbulence hits that the plane isn’t going down, and I judge…. I will always judge, but I’ll give them a chance too.
Ricky Cornish with friends at Puerto Vallarta Pride.
Ricky Cornish
Pride Month may only be half over, but it's proving to be one of the boldest and brightest yet.
June is known as the official time of the year to advocate for equality and celebrate the progress made within the LGBTQ+ community, but many festivities begin well before the summer.
With notable events like Miami Beach Pride taking place in April and DC Black Pride happening in May, there's plenty of opportunities to embrace queer joy all year round.
As a Las Vegas native, EDC serves as my personal kickoff to Pride season. The iconic Insomniac festival is one of the most inclusive parties for anyone to attend and it takes place right in the heart of May.
Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to gain momentum across the globe, but that's not stopping gay people such as myself from showcasing their Pride in their neighborhoods and communities. Life is undeniably too short, so check out some of the top places I've had the pleasure of visiting.
Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the top queer destinations in the world, so there's really no better place to start all of the Pride shenanigans.
Typically happening Memorial Day weekend in the United States, Zona Romántica shuts down the streets for their annual parade and block party. Plus, famous hotspots such as Mantamar Beach Club, Industry, Mr. Flamingo, and more are filled with gay people rocking their Speedos and loving the skin they're in.
If Puerto Vallarta Pride is too tough of a getaway, Pensacola Pride serves as the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration to take place over Memorial Day Weekend in the United States. The idea of kicking off Pride season in Florida may sound a bit surprising, but it's a can't-miss occasion... trust me!
San Antonio has proven to be the most surprising stop on my Pride circuit this year. Yes, even southern Texans know how to get down for Pride Month.
When you first think of this city, you'll likely think of the iconic River Walk and The Alamo, but the sense of community is what really makes this Texas destination so special.
Pride is already a very celebratory bash, but when you add the love for their NBA team, the San Antonio Spurs, there's nothing that really matches the level of energy amongst the locals. I've never in my life attended a Pride parade that would switch between sickening drag performances and a basketball game screening.
In fact, San Antonio's annual Pride River Parade expedited their scheduled shows to allow thousands of fans to watch the Spurs defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. I've never seen a city come so alive following a sports win. My ears are still ringing from all of the car honking, screaming, and partying that took over the streets!
Beyond the Pride River Parade, the entire city of San Antonio fully embraces Pride. The amount of rainbow flags I saw at numerous establishments including Best Quality Daughter, Elsewhere Garden & Bar, San Antonio Museum of Art, and the renowned Gay Strip truly had me in shock. Plus, the city even offers a 'Sip Around the Rainbow' excursion where locals and tourists can have Pride-themed cocktails at various places that proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ community.
San Antonio is so filled with Pride that earlier this year, the citizens painted the sidewalks on the Gay Strip rainbow as a workaround after state officials forced the city to remove rainbow crosswalks. Now that's how you enforce Pride!
This may not necessarily come as a surprise, but West Hollywood Pride is considered one of the best for many reasons.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles county, WeHo is home to thousands of queer people who frequent the well-known gay bars such as The Abbey Food & Bar, Micky's, Rocco's, and many more on Santa Monica Boulevard.
The beloved gayborhood serves as the perfect backdrop for Pride as the streets literally shut down every first weekend of June to throw an epic parade and host the Outloud Music Festival.
This was my second year attending WeHo Pride and I can certainly see why people say it's their favorite Pride celebration all year. With headliners that included The Pussycat Dolls, JADE, Ava Max, Cain Culto, and more, the city came alive even after the festival was over.
Yes, the bars had their doors open to everyone to keep the good vibes going, but locals also threw their own parties at various houses, condos, and pools. There's no shortage of fun in WeHo thanks to the constant circuit events, drag brunches, concerts, and get-togethers.
It's hard to believe Pride Month will be over in just a couple of weeks, but the mission is stronger more than ever. Gay rights remain on the line, so now is the time to be visible and proud.