A Really Queer Road Trip from New York City to Washington, D.C.

You’d think that living within walking distance from a lesbian-owned coffee shop, some of Brooklyn’s most popular gay bars, and more than one queer tattoo collective that I’ve had more than my fair share of being around the LGBTQ+ community. And while I am lucky to be in a neighborhood I can only describe as very gay—one where everywhere I look I see septum piercings, dyed hair, and progress flags—I always want more.

As a queer traveler, I especially love to see the ways that queer and trans communities create inclusive spaces for themselves in the places I visit. In a time where new anti-trans legislation is introduced daily, major corporations that used to go all out for Pride are keeping quiet this month, and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and crimes are rampant, it’s becoming increasingly important for our community to come together.

I wanted to not only learn more about the other pockets of queer community that exist on the East Coast but also highlight local LGBTQ+-owned businesses as well as the ones that support us. This road trip is equal parts an excuse for me to get to meet queer people in other cities and a guide to local safe spaces so that other LGBTQ+ people can know where to find community as they travel.

Who am I: I’m Annie, an associate editor at Thrillist who was born and raised on Long Island and now calls Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, home. I’m super proud of my queer identity, dedicated my college career to studying LGBTQ+ history and culture, and love supporting local queer-owned businesses. I love to imbue queerness in everything I do, including the way I travel.