Seattle gay district
Seattle Gay Scene – A Guide To Gay Seattle
Visiting the Seattle gay scene will show you a whole society of excitement, amusement, and acceptance. From the relaxed west coast vibes to the fun lgbtq+ bars and clubs scattered throughout the Seattle gay district, there will be something for everyone in the capital Starbucks was born.
Living a 2 hour drive north of Seattle, I uncover myself venturing down for day trips from Vancouver, Canada often. Seattle is a vibrant urban area once you obtain past the rain, but living so close, I am used to it already!
The Seattle Lgbtq+ Scene
I often locate myself driving down for the weekend when I am in the mood for a modify from the Vancouver nightlife scene or want to appear a show or event in Seattle. There is so much to complete in the town, it is definitely worth the drive.
Seattle has a lot to see! From the iconic Pike Place Market to leisurely strolls along the water and world class cuisines, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the rainy city. So grab a Starbucks, your rain jacket, and let’s scout the amazing Seattle gay district.
Gay Neighborhood Seattle
The Seattle queer scene is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, but you’ll find LGBT
More recent LGBTQIA+ history is rooted in 1969’s Stonewall uprising which sparked a movement, but what’s known about Seattle’s queer history dates back to the late 1800s when downtown Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood – known also as “TheTenderloin,” “Skid Row,” and “Fairyville” – was more welcoming to the burgeoning gay community than the surrounding area, and it saw establishments catering to them flourish.
Here is a historical timeline of some vital LGBTQIA+ milestones in Seattle, as the march for identical rights continues.
NOTE: In several instances, the historical timeline includes verbiage from origin material reflecting the era and which may imply bias, rather than the more appropriate verbiage which used to today.
Jackie Starr, Hotcha Hinton, an unidentified man, and Tonya Del Raye sitting at a table at the Garden of Allah circa 1950s.
Photo courtesy of University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, SOC7421.
Early 1900s:
“Fairyville” Flourishes in Pioneer Square
Gay bars flourish in Pioneer Square despite becoming victims to a police payoff system in which establishments owned by gay people and people of color are forced to pay mon
Seattle Gay City Guide - The Emerald City
One of the most beautiful cities in the country, Seattle is home to a chill and relaxed LGBTQ lifestyle. It’s a thriving gay community that ranks 6th in the nation. Seattle is also a place you can posthaste escape with a ferry across the magnificent Puget Sound or a winding drive through the Hoh Rainforest.
A Brief History of The Emerald City
First inhabited by Native Americans for 4,000 years, Seattle is situated on an isthmus between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound. It has amazing views of Mt. Rainier and the best seafood on the Pacific coast.
Seattle is called the Emerald City because it’s surrounded by evergreen trees, giving a foresty feel year-round.
Quick Seattle Stats
- Over 744,955 people live in Seattle.
- 64% of the municipality is owner-occupied.
- Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest.
- Pike Place Market started because of onions.
- Seattle had the world’s first gas station.
Here are some more fun facts about Seattle.
The LGBTQ Seattle Community
Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center
The main center for LGBTQ activity in Seattle, Lgbtq+ City cultivates connection
A Local’s Guide to the Matchless Day in Capitol Hill, Seattle
The rainbow-painted crosswalks are the first sign that you’ve arrived in Seattle’s gay neighborhood. The celebration flags in the windows of nearly every business and the large, visible LGBT population form it even more obvious. Welcome to Capitol Hill!
Capitol Hill might be the most popular area of Seattle for dining and nightlife. The fact that it’s also a gay epicenter, with a dozen gay bars, makes the neighborhood that much better.
Beyond the gay nightlife, there are so many things to perform in Capitol Hill, including shopping for hidden treasures, attending shows at music and theater venues, and (of course) eating at some of the city’s leading restaurants. The large neighborhood on a hill just east of downtown is easy to investigate by foot, bus, streetcar, or light rail.
The Hill is one of the most fun lgbtq+ neighborhoods in the country, and as a Seattle resident, I’m fortunate that I get to spend time here every week. If you have one sunlight to experience the best things to do in Capitol Hill, from nature to dining to nightlife, read on for a suggested itinerary, including some of my favorite insider spots.