Bloomington, Indiana has been named the most LGBTQ-friendly city in the state, according to a recent article by Out Traveler magazine. The magazine cited the city’s progressive attitudes, diverse population, and vibrant LGBTQ+ community as reasons for the ranking.
Bloomington is home to Indiana University, which has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The university has a number of LGBTQ+ student organizations and resources, and it has been recognized for its LGBTQ-friendly policies and practices.
The city also has a number of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations, including a bookstore, coffee shop, and community center. Bloomington also hosts a number of annual LGBTQ+ events, such as Pridefest, the Bloomington LGBTQ+ Film Festival, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
In addition to its welcoming atmosphere, Bloomington also offers a variety of amenities and attractions that appeal to LGBTQ+ travelers and residents alike. The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a number of parks and outdoor recreation areas.
These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of Bloomington
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population (2020) | 80,541 |
| Percentage of LGBTQ+ population (2020) | 7.1% |
| Number of LGBTQ+-owned businesses (2023) | 15+ |
| Number of annual LGBTQ+ events (2023) | 10+ |
| Number of LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers (2023) | 20+ |
| Number of LGBTQ+-friendly social services organizations (2023) | 10+ |
Here is a closer look at what makes Bloomington such a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people:
Non-discrimination ordinance
Bloomington has a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. This ordinance makes it clear that everyone is welcome in Bloomington, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations
Bloomington has a number of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations. These businesses and organizations provide essential services to the LGBTQ+ community and help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Annual LGBTQ+ events
Bloomington hosts a number of annual LGBTQ+ events, such as Pridefest, the Bloomington LGBTQ+ Film Festival, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance. These events provide opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate their diversity.
LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers and social services organizations
Bloomington is home to a number of LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers and social services organizations. These providers and organizations provide specialized care and support to the LGBTQ+ community.
Progressive attitudes and diverse population
Bloomington is known for its progressive attitudes and diverse population. The city is home to people of all backgrounds, and it is a place where everyone is welcome and respected.
Conclusion
Bloomington is a great place to live, work, and visit for LGBTQ+ people. The city’s welcoming atmosphere, supportive community, and variety of amenities and attractions make it a place where everyone can feel at home.
FAQ about Bloomington, Indiana being the most LGBTQ-friendly city in the state:
Q: What makes Bloomington so LGBTQ-friendly?
A: Bloomington has a number of factors that make it a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people, including:
- A non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations
- A vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a number of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations
- A number of annual LGBTQ+ events, such as Pridefest, the Bloomington LGBTQ+ Film Festival, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Progressive attitudes and a diverse population
Q: How big and visible is Bloomington’s LGBTQ+ community?
A: Bloomington’s LGBTQ+ community is large and visible. The city has a number of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations, as well as a number of annual LGBTQ+ events. Bloomington is also home to a number of LGBTQ+ artists, performers, and writers.
Q: What is the history of LGBTQ+ activism and advocacy in Bloomington?
A: Bloomington has a long history of LGBTQ+ activism and advocacy. In the 1970s, the city was home to one of the first gay and lesbian community centers in the country. In the 1980s, Bloomington was a major center for AIDS activism. And in the 1990s, Bloomington was one of the first cities in Indiana to pass a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.
Q: What are some of Bloomington’s most popular LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and organizations?
A: Some of Bloomington’s most popular LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and organizations include:
- Rainbow Bookstore
- The Pour House
- Bloomington Pride
- Indiana University LGBTQ+ Center
- Bloomington Human Rights Commission
Q: What are some of Bloomington’s annual LGBTQ+ events?
A: Some of Bloomington’s annual LGBTQ+ events include:
- Pridefest
- Bloomington LGBTQ+ Film Festival
- Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Bloomington PRIDE Week
Q: What makes Bloomington’s progressive attitudes and diverse population LGBTQ+-friendly?
A: Bloomington’s progressive attitudes and diverse population make it a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people because they create an environment where everyone is respected and valued. Bloomington is a city where people from all walks of life can come together and feel at home.
Q: Why is it important for cities to be LGBTQ+-friendly?
A: It is important for cities to be LGBTQ+-friendly because it creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. LGBTQ+-friendly cities send the message that everyone is welcome and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can help to reduce discrimination and create a more just and equitable society.
