Welcome to Boston where queer herstory and a lively LGBTQ+ scene blend seamlessly. The capital of the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, Boston proudly celebrates its vibrant queer community. With one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations on the East Coast, the city with rainbow flags fluttering from homes and businesses is as inviting as they come.
Boston’s queer herstory is rich and inspiring. The city hosted its first Pride March in 1971, a pivotal moment that set the tone for decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy and celebration. Today, LGBTQ events happen through June including a Pride Red Sox game, drag shows, and museum exhibits. Dive into the city’s culinary scene, where lesbian celebrity chefs like Tatiana Rosana whip up mouthwatering dishes in top foodie spots. Don’t miss the award-winning LGBTQ-owned Nathalies Wine Bar, Nathalies that’s perfect for a weekend brunch. As a top college town, the city buzzes with progressive thinking and youthful energy. Wander through historic campuses like Harvard and MIT, or soak up the vibes at Boston University, one of the gayest colleges in America. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to gay bar hop, Boston has something for you.
Stay at The Envoy Hotel
Spend the nights at The Envoy Hotel, in the Innovation District. This hotel is a vibrant nod to the creative community it calls home. The building itself is a contemporary masterpiece of light and glass, it offers sweeping views of the city and harbor. The property was designed to stand out and they certainly accomplished that goal.
Guests will find artful, touches throughout the property. The contemporary guest rooms are gorgeous and, perhaps most importantly, comfortable for any home away from home. Notably, the hotel is home to Lookout Rooftop and Para Maria, home to the culinary creations of renowned lesbian celebrity Chef Tatiana Rosana. We were so inspired by her approach to food and her story wish we could go back for more.
Eat
Hook+Line
Don’t miss LGBTQ restaurateur Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli’s modern take on New England’s seafood classics at his stylish waterfront restaurant, Hook+Line. Enjoy creative cocktails, a deep wine list, and award-winning hospitality in a stunning setting. With a cozy bar, private dining, and patio seating, it’s the perfect spot for a nice night that sets the tone for your first night in town.
Tea & Bites at the Courtyard Tea Room
The Courtyard Tea Room, located in the Boston Public Library is the perfect spot for afternoon tea. Its a gorgeous space, the menus are inside of classic books. The food is a three-tiered preset tower with the highlight being a lobster roll. The teas, cocktails, and food menus are seasonal so be sure to take advantage. Weekend reservations can be tricky to come by so try to schedule in advance or be open to something on a weekday.
MIDA
MIDA in East Boston is a contemporary, waterfront, Italian spot located on Lewis Street with beautiful views of the city. The name “MIDA,” meaning “he gives me” in Italian, reflects the restaurant’s generous and welcoming spirit. When you go to order check out the arancini and focaccia incredible and served with a healthy portion of shaved parmesan cheese. It deserves to be mentioned that the cocktails here are incredible.
Para Maria
Located in the Envoy Hotel, Para Maria captures the joy of sharing meals with family and friends. The appetizers were a hit with our crowd, I dont think you can go wrong with sharing a bunch of small bites like grilled street corn and Smoked Ahi Tuna Tartare. We loved thing meal and connecting with Chef Tatiana Rosana so much that we wrote a feature on her and her culinary journey.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Lesbian celebrity chef Tiffany Faison runs a handful of other Boston restaurants, including Tenderoni’s Pizza and Dive Bar. Sweet Cheeks Q was Faison’s passion project to bring her family’s Southern cooking up to Boston. Now, the restaurant is renowned for its house-made biscuits, buttermilk fried chicken, and a succulent selection of BBQ-style smoked ribs, pulled chicken, and pork belly. The broccoli cheese casserole is delicious and reminds us of home in the best possible way. The patio is perfect for summer evening people-watching.
Boston Lesbian Bars
Nathalie Wine Bar
Nathalie Wine Bar is a fantastic spot that has earned its awards year after year thanks to its amazing wines, knowledgeable staff, and exceptional chef. But what really sets Nathalie’s apart for us is that it’s queer woman-owned. They host LGBTQ-focused monthly wine dinners and, one Saturday a month, an elevated queer women’s event called L Club. For more info on all the great things happening at Nathalie’s, check out Nathalie Wine Bar: Unexpected Gem Where Wine & Community Collide.
Club Cafe
Nestled in the South End, Club Café is a Boston queer institution with something happening every night, from Karaoke Wednesdays and Drag Race Fridays to a lively Sunday brunch. This long-standing queer Boston institution has a restaurant, piano bar, cabaret space, and dance club. The bar and club portions lean towards a younger mixed crowd.
Jacques Cabaret
A beloved fixture in Boston’s LGBTQ+ community, Jacques Cabaret offers an eclectic mix of drag performances, queer karaoke nights, and dance parties. It’s more than just a gay boy bar, the crowd is boldly queer. It’s a great spot in the heart of Bay Village.
Blend
Located in Dorchester bordering South Boston, Blend is a trendy gay club known for its drag shows and creative cocktails. They have events like SPEEDO SATURDAES through the summer and weekly wine nights. Follow them on Instagram for their full events lineup.
Things To Do in Boston
Rainbow Revolutionaries Tours
Boston’s queer history, often relegated to footnotes, is being brought to light through initiatives like Rainbow Revolutionaries Tours, offering a curated walking tour led by knowledgeable guides like Emily, who unveil the hidden stories of LGBTQ+ individuals along the Freedom Trail. For those preferring independent exploration, the Boston LGBT History Project provides a wealth of resources and community engagement opportunities to delve into the rich and often overlooked history of LGBTQ+ communities in New England. To learn more about the queer history of Boston, check out “Boston is making Lesbian Herstory come alive.”
Explore the Boston Public Library
Known as one of the most beautiful libraries in the US, the Boston Public Library is a treasure trove of stunning paintings, tapestries, and sculptures. Don’t miss the third-floor gallery featuring incredible murals by John Singer Sargent. And hey, if you’re into lesbian books they have a great LGBT section full of interesting reads and resources. After your visit, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon tea at Tea & Bites with views of the courtyard.
Attend a Sporting Event
Boston is a sports city! No matter what sport or what league there is a passionate fan and a rich history. Consider catching a Red Sox game or taking a tour of historic Fenway Park. Or the Celtics, the Patriots, or the Bruins, options are endless.
Plus, it’s a super exciting time in women’s sports, so dont forget to consider a Professional Women’s Hockey League game or catch a major women’s college basketball game at Boston College. Also in 2026, a Boston-based professional women’s soccer club will be joining the NWSL, adding even more excitement to the city’s sports scene!
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
Trident Booksellers & Cafe in Boston is more than just a bookstore; it’s a full fledged community hub. With two floors of books catering to diverse communities like BIPOC, LGBTIQ+, and AAPI, Trident is providing a safe and inclusive space for all. From Drag Race trivia nights to book readings and even speed dating events, there’s always something exciting for the community happening. However, if you prefer a quieter visit, it’s best to stop by during the week as weekends can get bustling with tourists exploring Newbury Street.
Sake Tasting at Koji Club
Boston’s first-ever sake bar, owned by Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale, is racking up awards. It’s small, with just 16 seats, it feels like your neighborhood hangout but with a twist – think potato chips and caviar, Japanese curry empanadas, and Sakura Matcha Tiramisu, paired with top-notch sake. They’re all about changing how we see sake, making it an everyday choice rather than just for sushi nights, through cool partnerships and unique experiences.
Isabella Stewart Garner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is always a great option renowned for its eclectic art collection and stunning architecture but also for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. This summer exhibition is all about celebrating queer, non-binary, and trans folks in New York and Boston, and the neighborhoods they rep. The entire exhibition is focused on using photography to amplify queer, nonbinary, and trans visibility.
