magazine has compiled a list of the 15 gayest cities in the United States. The point of the ranking is to show how homosexuals are continuing to become a part of mainstream life by demonstrating that their presence has moved beyond large urban hubs like San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles.

 

After factoring in variables like the number of gay bars and elected officials, as well as the presence of gay marriage laws and same-sex couples, and the popularity of gay-themed films rented through Netflix, the Advocate chose Atlanta is the gayest city in the country. While admitting that the state of “Georgia isn’t the most gay-friendly state,” the magazine contends that Atlanta deservs the top spot on the list because it has 29 gay bars, one of the nation’s largest gay pride parades, and MondoHomo, an event celebrating art, drag, burlesque, film, and BBQ.

 

Second place went to Burlington, Vermont, which was helped by the passage of the state’s same-sex marriage law—which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream celebrated by renaming its Chubby Hubby flavor to “Hubby Hubby.” Also, several members of the city council and state legislature are openly gay.

 

The complete list of the gayest cities in America is as follows:

 

1. Atlanta, GA

2. Burlington, VT

3. Iowa City, IA

4. Bloomington, IN

5. Madison, WI

6. New Orleans, LA

7. Fort Lauderdale, FL

8. Portland, ME

9. Austin, TX

10. Seattle, WA

11. Gainesville, FL

12. Asheville, NC

13. Springfield, MA

14. San Diego, CA

15. Albuquerque, NM

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Gayest Cities in America (by Mike Albo, Advocate.com)