Chicago named safest U.S. city for LGBTQ+ travelers in 2025 Queer Safety Index
Thu. April 10, 2025 11:13 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
2024 chicago pride parade
photo credit // pridechicago.org/steven koch
Chicago hosts vibrant June Pride Month
Chicago has officially been ranked the safest city in the United States for LGBTQ+ travelers, according to the 2025 misterb&b Queer Safety Index, released on March 24.
The index, developed by LGBTQ+ travel platform misterb&b, evaluates cities based on where LGBTQ+ travelers are booking, along with state and local protections, community support, inclusivity policies, and safety indicators—offering a comprehensive look at cities where LGBTQ+ people are most likely to feel safe, supported, and celebrated.
Chicago’s top ranking reflects the city’s long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. With iconic neighborhoods like Northalsted—the country’s first officially recognized gay village—along with Andersonville and Uptown, Chicago has long been a destination of choice for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors alike.
The announcement comes just ahead of a vibrant June Pride Month in the Windy City, highlighted by Chicago Pride Fest (June 21–22) and the Chicago Pride Parade (June 29), which draws nearly 1 million attendees annually.
Other cities rounding out the top five include Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, and San Diego. Additional cities recognized for high LGBTQ+ safety included Honolulu, Denver, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs.
The full rankings are available at misterbandb.com, a travel site dedicated to LGBTQ+ travelers through inclusive accommodations and home-sharing.
The index, developed by LGBTQ+ travel platform misterb&b, evaluates cities based on where LGBTQ+ travelers are booking, along with state and local protections, community support, inclusivity policies, and safety indicators—offering a comprehensive look at cities where LGBTQ+ people are most likely to feel safe, supported, and celebrated.
Chicago’s top ranking reflects the city’s long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. With iconic neighborhoods like Northalsted—the country’s first officially recognized gay village—along with Andersonville and Uptown, Chicago has long been a destination of choice for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors alike.
The announcement comes just ahead of a vibrant June Pride Month in the Windy City, highlighted by Chicago Pride Fest (June 21–22) and the Chicago Pride Parade (June 29), which draws nearly 1 million attendees annually.
Other cities rounding out the top five include Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, and San Diego. Additional cities recognized for high LGBTQ+ safety included Honolulu, Denver, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs.
The full rankings are available at misterbandb.com, a travel site dedicated to LGBTQ+ travelers through inclusive accommodations and home-sharing.