Philadelphia: America’s #6 LGBT-Friendly City
Three cheers for Philadelphia, which once again ranked high on a national list with a great cause. The city ranked #6 on the list of America’s top LGBT-friendly cities. Philly also tied for the “highest score in the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index” for its “nondiscrimination and relationship recognition policies, LGBT services and relationship with the community.” The ranking was based on a number of factors. First of all, the number of people in the metro area who identify as LGBT. In Philadelphia, that’s nearly 4%. The list also took into account the number of LGBT-related hate crimes per 10,000 residents. The Municipal Equality score was a factor as well.
San Francisco came in tops on the list, followed by Portland, Austin, Providence, and Baltimore.
A large part of Philly’s LGBT presence comes from the “Gayborhood,” which is located in Washington Square West. Once the site of a gay red light district in the 1970s and 1980s, the area has since become the hub of gay nightlife and LGBT activism for the whole city. The city has recognized the Gayborhood with the addition of some 70 rainbow-striped street signs and several rainbow-hued crosswalks in the neighborhood.
The nod comes just in time for Philadelphia’s Pride Fest. There will be a parade and celebration throughout town. The headlining act is Fran Drescher, “The Nanny” from TV. Also present will be Alex Newell from “Glee” and Puddles Pity Party. There will be a dance area, a health screening area where participants can get tested, a food ramp, a sports zone, “at least 80” community organizations, and plenty to drink.
