We're all aware of Stonewall, but New York City is loaded with a variety of queer places to visit! Big Gay Ice Cream is an actual place that exists. How great is that?
While some people think Pride Month is the only month to enjoy all of the gay festivities, there's many queer celebrations that happen year-round.
In fact, the tiny island of Malta is actually considered one of the best, if not the best, place in Europe for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. Malta's rich gay culture, inclusive society, diverse history, and safe spaces give locals and tourists the opportunity to celebrate their queerness at any time.
The European country's annual Pride festival takes place all throughout the island with plenty of activations for people to explore and enjoy.
From drag shows to after parties, beaches and boat days, and even a Pride parade that takes place in the streets in the capital city of Valletta, Malta knows how to throw the ultimate celebration for the LGBTQ+ community.
Although Malta is still very much a religious place even to this day, the destination is one of the safest places in all of Europe for queer people. It's hard to believe this hidden gem in the Mediterranean Sea could be welcoming to so many gay people, but every color of the rainbow is represented.
Tourists lucky enough to visit Malta definitely need to visit some of the best queer or queer-friendly spots scattered across the island. Golden Bay is one of the top places for for all travelers to visit, while Riviera Bay is a secluded beach designed for a gay and nudist crowd.
Naturally, it wouldn't be a proper Pride celebration without some epic parties. LOLLIPOP throws some of the best gay events all year in Malta, so everyone in the community can let their hair down at the vibrant nightclubs or sickening pool soirées.
It's also worth noting that Malta's gorgeous architecture has served as a the backdrop for some of the biggest modern TV shows and movies including Game of Thrones, Jurassic World Rebirth, Jurassic World Dominion, Napoleon, and many more.
While Pride celebrations are definitely enticing, there's nothing better than going on side quests on such a gorgeous spot of the globe. There's countless amounts of historical landmarks, breathtaking photo ops, and delicious eateries to explore all throughout Malta. Country Terrace, Cargo Bar & Dine, Nenu the Artisan Baker, and Lumi at Malta by IHG offer some of the tastiest meals that foodies can enjoy on the stunning island.
Get ready to swap concrete and clubs for conifers and cabarets in the Catskills.
Drag Me to the Catskills returns June 13–15, 2025, for a glitter-soaked weekend of LGBTQ+ celebration, electric performances, and unapologetic self-expression. Hosted at the picturesque Forestburgh Playhouse, the three-day festival brings some of drag’s most celebrated names to the Catskills for a one-of-a-kind experience that blends camp, comedy, music, and mountains.
The crown jewel of the weekend is Wigstock in the Catskills, taking place on Saturday, June 14, and hosted by drag icon Lady Bunny. Reviving the legendary East Village festival in the very region that inspired its name, Wigstock in the Catskills is a high-octane, open-air variety show unlike any other.
Drag icons descend on the Catskills this June
Courtesy Drag Me to the Catskills
“Actually, Wigstock’s name was inspired by the 1960s rock festival called Woodstock, which was located in the Catskills where we’ll perform,” Bunny explains. “There will be all kinds of performers doing their thing – from Drag Race alums like Thorgy Thor and Mrs. Kasha Davis, to stars of NYC drag like Joey Arias, and chart-topping dance diva Inaya Day.”The Saturday night spectacle features an all-star cast that includes Bunny, Thorgy Thor, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Joey Arias, New Zealand’s Drag Race Down Under winner Spankie Jackzon, downtown performance queen Ambrosia Salad, Rochester legend Aggy Dune, and the dynamic and versatile Jada Balenciaga. Topping it all off is a special musical performance by international house music star Inaya Day, whose hits like “Horny (All Night Long)” and “Movin’ Up” have lit up pride stages and dance floors around the globe.
Ambrosia Salad
Courtesy Ambrosia Salad/Drag Me to the Catskills
The party continues under the stars with an outdoor afterparty, where Lady Bunny takes to the turntables for a DJ set full of classic bangers and filthy fun, joined by surprise pop-up appearances from cast members and special guests.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 13, with Comedy Queens of the Catskills at 8 p.m., hosted by the ever-fabulous Mrs. Kasha Davis. Joining her on stage are UK drag comedy sensation Lady Bushra and New York’s quick-witted queen Selma Nilla, promising a night of razor-sharp humor and over-the-top antics.
Mrs. Kasha Davis
Courtesy Mrs. Kasha Davis/Drag Me to the Catskills
On Sunday, June 15, the weekend closes with the beloved Drag Me to Brunch, featuring a lively and hilarious lineup of Mrs. Kasha Davis, Thorgy Thor, Spankie Jackzon, Ambrosia Salad, and Aggy Dune. As an added treat, Sullivan County’s own Jonathan Charles Fox will make his drag debut in a one-time-only performance, with all brunch tips benefiting the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association.
Thorgy Thor
Courtesy Thorgy Thor/Drag Me to the Catskills
“Drag Me to the Catskills is the perfect blend of drag, nature, and celebration,” says producer Tim Evanicki, co-owner of Drag Me to the Stage. “The Catskills have long been a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ people, and this event proves that queer culture can thrive far beyond city limits. We’re creating something magical in the mountains—where community, creativity, and joy flourish.”
Kiki
Courtesy Kiki/Drag Me to the Catskills
For those traveling from New York City, roundtrip party bus packages are available, hosted by the hilarious Kiki Ball-Change. Onboard entertainment includes live drag performances, karaoke, trivia, and surprises to kick off the weekend the moment you board. Accommodations are available at Resorts World Catskills, the festival’s official hotel partner, offering a luxurious retreat complete with gaming, dining, and 24-hour fun.
Aggy Dune
Courtesy Aggy Dune/Drag Me to the Catskills
Whether you’re a longtime drag fan or new to the scene, Drag Me to the Catskills invites you to celebrate pride, performance, and community in one of the most beautiful settings in New York. As Lady Bunny puts it, “I feel right at home in a barn—and so will these other heifers!”
Drag Me to the Catskills takes place June 13–15, 2025. Tickets and hotel packages are available now at dragmetothecatskills.com.
Temptation Sundays in Las Vegas.MGM Resorts International
Summer is nearly here and Las Vegas is ready to bring the heat.
The iconic LGBTQ+ pool party Temptation Sundays is back for another sizzling year and everyone in the queer community is ready to show plenty of skin under the desert sun.
Happening now at the Luxor Hotel & Casino every Sunday until Labor Day weekend, tourists and locals can enjoy performances from RuPaul's Drag Race queens, sexy go-go dancers, electric beats from well-known DJs, and plenty of signature cocktails.
To celebrate 15 years in Las Vegas, scroll below to see some sexy photos that offer just a taste of what's in store at Temptation Sundays. Check out the official website here for more information. See you at the pool!
Get ready for a safe and fabulous LGBTQ+ travel experience
The famed Castro District in San Francisco, California
hakanyalicn/Shutterstock
Just in time for the spring and summer travel season, misterb&b has created the Queer Safety Index to aid LGBTQ+ travelers in selecting a fun and safe escape.
The online travel portal, which connects travelers looking for queer-friendly accommodations (ranging from rooms to hotels from queer providers and allies), tips for dining, or even new companions or friends in faraway destinations, has created the index using a variety of source studying the climate for the community in states and cities nationwide.
“The LGBTQ+ Safety Index is an ordered ranking based on a weighted scoring model incorporating multiple data sources, starting with misterb&b most booked destinations,” misterb&b explains in a recent blog post.
In addition to examining travel trends and preferences from its vast customer, vendor, and online databases, misterb&b also used the Movement Advancement Project’s (MAP) Overall Policy Tally to assess state-level protections and risks, the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI) to evaluate a city’s LGBTQ+ policies, as well as the American Civil Liberties Union to examine legislative risks, PFLAG for its community support, and the latest data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for safety and hate crime reporting.
Keep scrolling to see misterb&b’s top 15 safest U.S. cities for LGBTQ+ travel.
15. Washington, DC
U.S. Capitol building, Washington, D.C.
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Despite the current Trump administration, our nation’s capital scores high marks across the board for LGBTQ+ travelers. It has the Smithsonian museums, historic monuments, and grand architecture for daytime activities and a great foodie and nightlife scene for after sunset.
Statue of Liberty overlooking New York City, New York
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While some may say The Big Apple is too low on this list, NYC – with its fine dining, lights of Broadway, the museums, and the nightlife that last until dawn – is still a bucket list destination for many gays..
Palm Springs is a cultured oasis of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, where the gays can escape to fine dining, accommodations for every taste and budget, and stunning natural surroundings.
Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island
ESB Professional/Shutterstock
Providence is the biggest city in the smallest state, a true hidden gem for the LGBTQ+ community with its nightlife, food scene, and waterfront location.
The Mile High City has quickly become a world-class city with unparalleled natural beauty, major sporting teams, a progressive culture, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community. And the state is led by out by Democratic Gov. Jarid Polis.
‘Keep Portland Weird’ isn’t just a slogan for some in this beautiful Pacific Northwest city, which might factor into why it’s so popular among LGBTQ+ travelers.
The famed Castro District ('The Castro') in San Francisco, CA
Andrey Bayda/Shutterstock
With its history of gay activism, the Castro, a culinary scene second to none, and a true ‘small city’ experience set in a truly stunning location, there’s no need to explain why the City by the Bay ranks so high on everone's bucket list.