Louisville is an excellent place for queer individuals seeking an inclusive place to live, work, and have fun. This is the city where the legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, was born and raised. It is also home to the Kentucky Derby. A vibrant LGBTQ community thrives in this city as it has a host of queer-friendly neighborhoods, businesses, and events.
The city provides the most accepting environment for the queer individuals. Louisville welcomes those from the community looking to visit Kentucky or move to the state.
High on Municipal Equality Index (MEI)
Louisville scored high on Municipal Equality Index in the Human Rights Campaign of 2017. It was the first and only city in Kentucky to earn this perfect score. The Municipal Equality Index or MEI examines how inclusive are the city’s municipal laws of queer individuals.
It also examines the inclusiveness of the city’s policies and services with regards to its LGBTQ residents. The authorities maintain a commendable support system for the LGBTQ community in the city. They also ensure that the city embraces diversity and maintains its inclusive environment.
Queer-friendly neighborhoods
There are several LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods in Louisville. They include Smoketown, Old Louisville, Clifton, and Germantown. Old Louisville is located a short distance away from the downtown. It is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Residents enjoy their relaxing picnics in its Central Park. The neighborhood also hosts concerts and is popular for its summer tradition of free theater.
The free theater is hosted in Central Park during the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. The Smoketown neighborhood also has a fantastic environment for queer individuals. This is made possible with its many establishments that are owned by members of the LGBTQ community.
One would come across the city’s only bar while getting around in the Germantown neighborhood. Clifton is popular for its diversity and draws the artsy people with its locally-owned art studios and boutique shops.
Two major festivals
Louisville hosts two well-attended festivals that gives queer individuals the chance to have loads of fun. The locals make the entire city colorful in June when they put on their rainbow-covered clothes. This is the time when the Kentuckiana Pride is celebrated in this part of the world.
Festival-goers can have a wonderful time attending concerts and joining the annual parade. The LGBTQ community comes together once again in September with fun and fanfare for the Louisville Pride Festival. One can enjoy a day filled with art, music, drag performances, dancing, and other exciting activities.
An array of LGBTQ entertainment
Members of the queer community would definitely feel at home while in Louisville. This is because of its fabulous offerings in LGBTQ-friendly venues. It has a gay theater company that comes up with great performances throughout the year. Besides its two major pride festivals, the city also hosts an annual LGBT film festival. This event celebrates the queer community through narrative and documentary films.
A large population of LGBTQ people
According to the findings of a survey done in 2015, Louisville has a large queer population. The city was at number 11 in the list of metropolitan areas with the highest number of LGBTQ residents. Those wanting to move to the city would certainly have access to a sizable community that’s highly inclusive. Louisville’s residents not only embrace but also value diversity along with equality and acceptance of all individuals.