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Boston: A Rich History of Diversity and Inclusion

Boston is known for its die-hard sports fans and ivy league schools, but many people might not realize that it has a thriving gay community too. Massachusetts was the first state to legalize gay marriage and its always been proud to support queer citizens. If you’re considering moving to Boston, here’s a quick LGBTQ guide:

A Brief History of Boston

The history of Boston plays a central role in the development of the United States. It was founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists escaping England. Soon, it became the commercial, financial, educational, and religious center of New England.

The American Revolution erupted in the city. The Boston Tea Party is where Americans finally stood up to the British.

Today, Boston is still filled with romantic cobblestone streets and centuries-old traditions. It’s an incredibly inclusive walking city that’s vibrant with art and culture.

Stats on Boston

  • Boston is named after a town in England.
  • The Fig Newtown was named after a Beantown suburb.
  • The oldest public park is located in Boston.
  • Boston had the first chocolate factory.
  • You can drive 90 feet underground.

Here are some more fun facts about Boston.

The Community of Boston

CenterLink LGBT Community Member Centers in Massachusetts

Founded in 1994, this is a member-based coalition that supports the development of sustainable and strong LGBTQ community centers. This organization plays an important role in the growth of other centers throughout the state.

Boston Glass

Mental health and therapy services are offered for free to members of the LGBTQ community. It also has a drop-in center with a fully stocked kitchen, games, and movies.

Inclement Weather

Summers in Boston are humid and warm while winters can be bitterly cold. The climate is considered continental with frequent thunderstorms. The city is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is a place where different air masses collide, those from Canada and those from the Gulf of Mexico.

LGBTQ Events in the City

Boston Pride - June

Enjoying record-breaking numbers every year, Boston Pride is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The event lasts for the entire month of June and focuses on change and progress in society for the queer community.

Wicked Queer - April

Founded in 1984, this Boston LGBT Film Festival has screenings that occur in numerous locations around the city. It’s the fourth oldest queer film festival in the country.

Boston Gayborhoods

From the Back Bay to the South End, all of the city of Boston is open and accepting of the LGBTQ culture. Here are a few particularly inclusive neighborhoods to check out:

The South End

Considered the best gayborhood in the city, the South End has gone through a lot of transitions. Today, it has a modern urban feel, with a diverse population. The close-knit community is filled with a large number of green spaces and old Victorian houses.

The median sales price for a home in the South End neighborhood is $1,030,000 and the average cost per square foot is $1,055. The area typically has 70 homes for sale.

It is also home to the Pride Lights event every year. This is a gathering of the LGBTQ community (and allies) featuring a majestic collection of lights, performances, and moving speeches. The neighborhood has always been celebrated for its outstanding collection of cafes, restaurants, and local eateries. 

Fenway-Kenmore

Until just a few decades ago, this area was known for only one thing: Fenway Park. Therefore, it’s always been full of passionate sports fans. In the last few years, the entire neighborhood has been uplifted and revitalized. Although the park is still the centerpiece, the surrounding areas are being updated to suit a variety of lifestyles.

The median sales price for a home in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood is $490,000 and the average cost per square foot is $1,049. The area typically has 11 homes for sale.

In addition to the park, the neighborhood is also home to Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. It features over 450,000 works of art, making it one of the most comprehensive in the country.

Back Bay

From swamp roots in the 1800s, this neighborhood has come a long way. The Back Bay was actually developed as a direct response to overcrowding, but soon became the go-to destination for wealthy families. Maintaining the same level of class today, it is now home to a significant portion of the city’s LGBTQ population.

The median sales price for a home in the Back Bay neighborhood is $1,105,000 and the average cost per square foot is $1,213. The area typically has 112 homes for sale.

The Back Bay is centrally located, so it’s an ideal place to live if you want to adventure anywhere in the city. It is home to the Boston Public Library which houses an extensive collection of literary works dating back hundreds of years.

The neighborhood also has some of the best shopping in the city. Try Newbury and Boylston Streets for some elegant fashion.

Ready to look at some "for sale" homes in Boston? Connect with a top Boston Gay Realtor today!

Parks and Recreation

Boston Common

“The Common” is Boston’s, Central Park. It’s a public park in the middle of the city that dates back to 1634. It consists of 50 acres with a visitor’s center for all of the city. The Common marks the southern end of the Freedom Trail and boasts amenities like a frog pond, ice skating rink, and softball fields.

Arts and Entertainment

Museum of Science

The Museum of Science in Boston is located in Science Park. It contains an indoor zoo, IMAX films, planetarium, and over 700 interactive exhibit halls.

The Nightlife

Machine Nightclub

A high energy gay bar with craft cocktails and a huge dance floor.

The Alley Bar

A Boston gay club with drinks, dancing, DJs, pool, and karaoke.

Boston has a rich history of adaptation and change. It makes sense the city is inclusive and diverse. People have had hundreds of years to develop contemporary thinking. If you want to move to a sophisticated, gay-friendly metropolis, Boston is a good bet.