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- America is full of thriving LGBTQ communities.
- New Orleans, Austin, and Tampa have been named some of the best cities for gay dating, according to a new survey.
- Here are 16 of the best places for gay dating, based on factors including the number of single people in the gay community, bars per 100,000 people, and the cost of a single drink.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Same-sex marriage may be the law of the land, but before wedding bells chime, there’s the dating scene.
For all LGBT singles out there, it’s easier than ever to navigate a city’s gay community. According to a ranking compiled by gay-rights advocate Evan Goldstein (founder and CEO of medical practice Bespoke Surgical), some of the best cities for members of the LGBT community to make romantic connections include New Orleans, Austin, and Tampa.
The data was compiled by focusing on factors such as the percentage of single people; the size of the LGBT community; the Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which rates cities based on their equality in relation to the gay community and is compiled by civil rights organization the Human Rights Campaign; bars per 100,000 people; and the cost of a single drink. The total possible city score was 50.
Acceptance of LGBT relationships continue to be on the rise, according to the Pew Research Center. In 2004, only 31% of Americans were in favor of same-sex marriage; as of 2019, 61% are in favor.
These days, cities and towns across America boast thriving LGBT communities. Here are 16 of those cities with the best dating scene.
(T) 13. Phoenix, Arizona — Total score: 29.9
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According to Gay Arizona’s Pride Guide, Phoenix doesn’t have a central district with LGBTQ-friendly bars. Instead, they’re spread out all over town. The most popular neighborhood is the Melrose District, which has many LGBTQ-owned bars and restaurants.
Phoenix has its own annual Pride festival, as well as the Rainbows Festival, dubbed "Arizona’s greatest street fair," which is held every Noveember.
(T) 13. San Francisco, California — Total score: 29.9
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In 2017, San Francisco was named America’s best city for gay travel by Travel and Leisure. And perhaps rightly so — much of modern gay culture got its start in the city.
In 1978, the first rainbow flag was created by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker. It has since gone through several color variations to become more inclusive.
(T) 13. San Antonio, Texas — Total score: 29.9
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San Antonio’s official website reads, "San Antonio’s friendly folks welcome and celebrate one and all." And based on everything it offers its LGBTQ community, it shows. The city hosts its "Bigger Than Texas" Pride Parade and Festival, which unlike most Pride festivals doesn’t start until 9 pm.
The city even has its own LGBTQ magazine, Out in SA.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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Source: Business Insider – ideluce@businessinsider.com (Ivan De Luce)