Is west hollywood a gay community
Nestled between Beverly Hills and Hollywood and covering an area of only about two square miles, West Hollywood is home to more than 34 thousand people.
More than a third of the population identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender and coming up this weekend, as it has done for 47 years, WeHo will host the Pride Parade and Festival.
The little city has played an oversized role in history in the same-sex attracted community. Karen Tongson knows a lot about that rich heritage. She teaches gender studies at USC, and when she stopped by Take Two, she told A Martinez all about the early history of West Hollywood, what sets it apart from other L.A. cities when it comes to LGBT history and more.
Roots
"In the starting, this part of town was welcoming to people of all communities, LGBT communities in particular, because West Hollywood was unincorporated into the city of LA particularly in the '20s...
It mattered a lot because that meant that the LAPD was not policing that particular area of town and so gambling houses, entertainment zones, basically licentious entertainment zones began to grow in that area. As with most LGBT communities or hubs around the nature, peFAQs
What is WeHo Pride?
WeHo Celebration is the City of West Hollywood’s annual Diverse Pride celebration! For decades, West Hollywood has been home to one of the largest annual Event celebrations in the nature, drawing hundreds of thousands of people each June.
WeHo Pride kicks off annually on Harvey Milk Night, May 22, with a special event. Then, we lead Pride Month celebrations with our 3-day WeHo Pride Weekend event, packed with music, performances, and vibrant programming.
Entertainment venues in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, along historic Route 66, produce a number of special Pride events, and there’s community group programming, too!What is the history of Pride celebrations in West Hollywood?
Pride Starts Here. For nearly four decades, the City of West Hollywood has been place to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. Hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies from around the world make West Hollywood their regular destination during Pride.
Pride is a deeply rooted part of West Hollywood’s history and culture. In fact, Celebration events have taken place in West Hollywood since 1979, five years before the City of West Hollywood was incorporaHow West Hollywood Became LA’s Fabled And Flawed LGBTQ+ Haven
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West Hollywood as a nucleus for Queer culture in Southern California is practically set in stone.
The buzzing nightclubs filled with thumpy house song, packed bars and other flashy WeHo attractions hold drawn thousands of people over the years, to visit and live. It's impossible to overstate its effect on the tradition.
But the city wasn’t always full of rainbows. Let's see how it transformed over the years.
Early drag shows
During the Prohibition era, speakeasies became a popular avenue for gay-coded entertainment.
During the “Pansy Craze” between the belated 1920s and early 1930s, drag shows (before they had that name) were gaining underground popularity. Jimmy’s Backyard, one of Hollywood’s first openly gay bars that opened on Fresh Year’s Eve in 1929, along with B.B.B.’s Cellar, were popular destinations for LGBTQ+ people and the Hollywood famous.
Listen: When LA's Gays
Gay Friendly Hotel in West Hollywood
The Abbey Food & Bar
Distance from La Peer: 0.7 miles (approx. 15-minute walk)
Originally a humble coffee shop in 1991, The Abbey has grown into one of the most eminent gay bars in the world, serving as a safe space and social hub for the LGBTQIA+ community. Check out weekly drag brunches, celebrity DJ nights, themed parties, and iconic Pride celebrations. Voted “Best Gay Bar in the World,” The Abbey blends elegance, fun, and activism in every cocktail and performance.
GYM Bar
Distance from La Peer: 0.4 miles (just an 8-minute walk)
A beloved neighborhood sports lock and local icon, proudly serving West Hollywood’s Diverse community for over 15 years—creating an inclusive territory that celebrates its wealthy history while embracing the future.
Stay Proximate the Pride Parade & Experience Poolside Luxury, and More
Kimpton La Peer Hotel is also just 0.6 miles from the annual WeHo Pride Parade route, placing guests in the heart of the festivities. After a vibrant night of celebration, retreat to the hotel’s serene courtyard or relax by our luxe outdoor pool.
Guests can also enjoy:
Explore our modern and comfortable rooms planned w
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