The beach town we long for

The Beach Town We Long For Every May

As summer approaches, our sights are set on Long Beach, California, for one of Southern California's most vibrant Pride celebrations. Long Beach Pride (May 17-18, 2025) is celebrating its 42nd year, making it one of the oldest Pride festivals on the West Coast.

With its beautiful waterfront location, diverse LGBTQ+ community, and perfect spring weather, Long Beach offers an unsuspecting backdrop for a memorable Pride weekend that combines coastal charm with queer celebration.

The Gay Scene 🏳️‍🌈: Long Beach offers a thriving LGBTQ+ community centered around the historic Broadway Corridor, nicknamed the "Gay Riviera" by locals. The city's original gayborhood stretches from Alamitos to Cherry Avenue, filled with gay-owned businesses. During Pride weekend, legendary venues like Hamburger Mary's and Mineshaft overflow with celebration. For year-round entertainment, Executive Suite hosts popular drag shows and dance parties that rival any big city venue.

For the Ladies 💁‍♀️: Pride Weekend kicks off with the legendary Dyke March on Friday, May 16, followed by women-centered events throughout the weekend. Sweetwater Salon is the favorite WTFNB (women, trans, femme, and nonbinary) hangout, which also hosts the Dyke March afterparty. And LBIANS hosts a Queer WTFNB social bike ride once a month for the more outdoor inclined.

Things to See and Do 😎:

• Long Beach Pride Parade - The centerpiece of the weekend, this vibrant procession down Ocean Boulevard features over 150 contingents and draws crowds of 75,000+. Stake out your spot early on Sunday morning!

• Shoreline Aquatic Park - This picturesque waterfront park offers stunning views of the Queen Mary and harbor, plus it's just a short walk from the Pride festival grounds.

• Retro Row - Browse vintage shops, independent boutiques, and the historic Art Theatre along 4th Street, which often features LGBTQ+ themed programming during Pride month.

• Aquarium of the Pacific - One of the largest aquariums in the US often hosts Pride-themed events in May, including special night parties and educational programs about gender diversity in marine life.

• Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden - Escape the Pride crowds for a peaceful stroll through this tranquil hidden gem on the Cal State Long Beach campus.

Where to Stay 😴: The Hotel Maya offers a colorful Latin American-inspired oasis with waterfront views and a resort feel, just minutes from the Pride festivities. Rooms start around $250/night during Pride weekend. For a more budget-friendly option, the LGBTQ-friendly Cove Hotel provides comfortable accommodations at around $170/night with easy access to local attractions.

How to get there ✈️: Getting to Long Beach is easy with direct flights to Long Beach Airport (LGB) from many West Coast cities. Alternatively, flying into LAX is often cheaper and just a 30-minute drive away. Once you're there, Long Beach Transit and rideshare services make navigating the city simple, while the free Passport shuttle connects major downtown attractions.

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🗞️ News for Gays on the Go

• Denied, deported, detained: U.S. border incidents have travelers thinking twice

• "It's embarrassing. We are an absolute embarrassment." Americans are reacting to the increasing number of countries issuing travel orders against the U.S. over its abysmal treatment of Trans people

• Here is the full list of countries that have issued travel orders against the U.S.

• All this has some asking—can American travelers pretend to be Canadian now that the world hates Trump?

• America also continues to slide down the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2025—coming nowhere near the top most friendly LGBTQ+ countries

• On a related note, The Sundance Film Festival is moving to Colorado following Utah’s Pride flag ban

• Meanwhile, Europe’s largest shopping centre is marking Trans Day of Visibility with portraits of real trans people

• A Popular Sacramento LGBTQ+ club banned all MAGA gear

• A Gay woman’s immigration views changed after she visited a country with gay death penalty

And in lighter news…

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• Trixie Mattel’s gay bar is closing after almost 60 years serving the community

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Q&A Time:

Last week we asked, what's your gayest travel habit? Here are the results:

• “Packing the essentials our fav coffee and French press (plus electric kettle and coffee cups for USA trips) our fav cranberry juice and tumblers - vodka limes and ice we can usually find”

• “Staying at a hotel or apartment within walking distance of gay bars.”

• “I plan out every. single. outfit. I will be wearing”

This week we want to know: What’s your preferred gay beach attire?

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Happy and safe travels,
The GoQueer Team