The LGBTQ+ guide to Washington DC

Washington DC is one of the few places in the USA that exudes queerness, no matter where you are. The city has the largest per-capita population of LGBTQ+ adults in the nation, and that presence is keenly felt wherever you go.

Queer people are the beating heart of this city. And whether it’s a rainbow flag flying from a neighbourhood porch – year round, not just during Pride month – or a friendly smile from a barista wearing a Trans Pride pin, travelling LGBTQ+ folk get a warm welcome.

It’s the thing that keeps me coming back. I’ve already celebrated Pride in the city twice, and I couldn’t be more excited to return this year for WorldPride DC 2025 (17 May-8 June). Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

Get political: The nation’s ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights cannot be ignored. But it’s also important to remember that some of the biggest steps towards equality have happened right here in the city. Take a visit to The Supreme Court, where same-sex marriage was enshrined into law, or explore the powerful exhibits at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Show gratitude for the progress being made and promise to resist those who would see that progress undone.

On the right page: Little District Books on Barracks Row proudly declares that it’s ‘DC’s only queer bookstore’. With shelves filled with LGBTQ+ love stories and history, the shop is also a thriving community hub, offering free events and a collection of twice-monthly themed book clubs.

After dark: For a chill evening, check out As You Are, a community-driven space with karaoke and game nights. Or for go-go dancers and drag queens, head to Trade, a fun dive bar. If you’re looking for a sports bar, Pitchers is a welcoming space that was opened for gay men, while A League of Her Own is the sapphic equivalent across the street.

Dupont Circle: With sprawling streets of LGBTQ+ bars and cafés, and parks filled with dogs wearing rainbow bandanas, this is the epicentre of queer DC. It’s the city’s historic gay neighbourhood and is teeming with fascinating LGBTQ+ history. Two historic queer newspapers were born here: The Gay Blade, which still operates today as The Washington Blade, and Off Our Backs, a lesbian feminist publication. It’s also the heart of the Pride celebrations and turns into one giant block party every June.

Capitol Hill: Home to many of the city’s political attractions – including the US Capitol and the Library of Congress – this district also serves as a residential hub for the queer community. Expect laidback, queer-owned restaurants and gay-friendly churches, with some of DC’s alternative LGBTQ+ nightlife taking over in the evenings.

Logan Circle: This stylish neighbourhood may be filled with upscale restaurants, bars and boutiques, but it still retains the welcoming feeling that DC is known for – and it’s my personal favourite spot for nightlife.

Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse: A long-standing institution of queer life in Washington DC, Annie’s has been welcoming LGBTQ+ diners since it opened in 1948.

Her Diner: Self-billed as a queer, inclusive diner, this eatery opened in 2024 as a welcoming space for women, people of colour and the LGBTQ+ community.

El Techo: Popular among locals, this LGBTQ+-friendly rooftop Mexican joint offers bottomless brunch with free-flowing margaritas and mimosas, plus a regular menu of birria tacos, burritos and quesadillas.

The Lyle: This bolthole gives out boutique vibes in the heart of Dupont Circle. It’s within a short walking distance of both the bars and restaurants of the gaybourhood and the annual Pride parade (lyledc.com).

The Darcy: Halfway between Dupont Circle and Logan Circle, The Darcy is the perfect halfway house for the best of Washington DC’s queer nightlife. Expect design-forward rooms with mid-century touches and imaginative world dishes at the onsite Gerrard Street Kitchen (thedarcyhotel.com).

The Fairmont Washington DC: Ever a classic, the Fairmont promises a luxury escape in a central location – perfect for those planning lots of sightseeing. It’s a favourite among Hollywood royalty too (fairmont.com).

These hotels have all completed Booking.com’s Travel Proud training, to ensure that they are offering the most inclusive and welcoming stay for all LGBTQ+ guests.

Bourbon and Belonging, Kentucky

Cities across Kentucky will again take part in what is believed to be the world’s only LGBTQ+ bourbon festival as it returns for its second year. Expect distillery tours, tastings and talks in communities from Louisville to Lexington. 3-5 October 2025; bourbonandbelonging.com

Rendezvous, Wyoming

Lovers of the outdoors can sign up for this welcoming LGBTQ+ camping trip in the Medicine Bow National Forest, which attracts hundreds each year. The event typically includes campfire meals, musical entertainment and a mini film festival. 13–17 August 2025; wyomingequality.org

Criminal Queerness Festival, New York City

Spearheaded by the National Queer Theater collective, this Big Apple festival focuses on the work of playwrights from countries where queerness is censored or criminalised. Watch diverse and poignant productions from LGBTQ+ writers at HERE Arts Center, with plays including Jedidiah Mugarura’s Tomorrow Never Came, Dena Igusti’s What You Are to Me and Krystal Ortiz’s frikiNation. 11-28 June; nationalqueertheater.org

Need to know

Airlines including British Airways (ba.com) and Virgin Atlantic (virginatlantic.com) fly direct from the UK to Dulles International Airport. Flights cost from £523 return and take around 8 hours. WorldPride DC 2025 will take place from 17 May–8 June 2025 (worldpridedc.org). Find more travel information at washington.org.