Billings, Montana may be known for its rugged landscapes and Western charm, but it’s also home to a growing and resilient LGBTQ+ community. As the largest city in the state, Billings is emerging as a place where visibility, advocacy, and inclusion are taking root—often led by grassroots organizations, affirming local businesses, and dedicated residents. Whether you’re a new visitor, a longtime local, or someone considering making Billings home, this guide highlights what the city has to offer while spotlighting the vital LGBTQ+ resources that make community and connection possible here.
City Highlights
Downtown & the Arts
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Skypoint, the striking tent?like pavilion at 2nd Avenue and Broadway, has become the focal point for community gatherings and events like ArtWalk and the annual Pride Festival WikipediaGay Real EstateDowntown Billings.
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The Yellowstone Art Museum, a leading contemporary arts destination in Montana, operates in a converted historic county jail and features exhibitions, education programs, and a unique Visible Vault storage gallery Wikipedia.
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The Western Heritage Center, housed in the historic Parmly Billings Memorial Library, offers rotating exhibits on regional history and regularly features community lectures and walking tours Wikipedia.
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Alberta Bair Theater, fully renovated and ADA-accessible, remains the premier performing arts venue between Spokane and Denver, presenting touring acts, Broadway shows, and education programs Wikipedia.
Nature & Recreation
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Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Four Dances Natural Area, hike and view river valley landscapes.
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Lake Elmo State Park is a local favorite for kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching.
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Pictograph Cave State Park, just a short drive outside the city, combines hiking with ancient cave art and archaeology Gay Real Estate.
Dining & Local Scene
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Billings has a growing craft and casual dining scene. Notably, Stacked: A Montana Grill is recognized as LGBTQ-friendly and features locally-sourced fare Gay Real Estate.
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Community-supported venues include Kirks Grocery, an arts/music venue and welcoming hangout space, and Sacred Grounds Coffee & Healing, frequently mentioned by residents as LGBTQ-affirming locales RedditDowntown Billings.
LGBTQ+ Visibility, Community & Support
406 Pride & Billings Pride
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406 Pride Resource Center, located at 310 N 27th St Suite 3E, is Eastern Montana’s only LGBTQ+ community center. Established in 2019 through the First Congregational UCC campus, it offers peer support, youth programming, gender-affirming resources, events, and a safe gathering space for people of all ages and identities Billings First Congregational ChurchGay Real Estate.
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Billings Pride is a cornerstone event, typically held in June or September, featuring a downtown parade, festival under Skypoint, drag shows, story hours, workshops, and after?parties. The 2024 festival under Skypoint ran from 1?pm to 7?pm and included family?friendly programs; the 2025 Pride Parade is scheduled for June?21 in downtown Billings 103.7 The HawkDowntown BillingsBillings 365406pride.betterworld.org.
Groups & Support Networks
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PFLAG Billings offers support for LGBTQ individuals, families, and allies, with meetings and advocacy initiatives focused on education and outreach Gay Real Estate.
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TransVisible Montana maintains local chapters in Billings, providing support, advocacy, and gender?affirming care resources for trans and non?binary individuals Gay Real Estate.
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The Montana Human Rights Network, based in Helena, frequently runs state-wide campaigns and hosts events in Billings defending LGBTQ rights Gay Real Estate.
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On campus, the MSUB Wellness & Diversity Center offers Safe Zone training and LGBTQ allyship programs tailored to students, faculty, and staff, creating an inclusive atmosphere on campus Montana State University BillingsMontana State University Billings.
Informal Gatherings
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A weekly trans support meeting, open to trans-identifying individuals and allies, meets downtown and emphasizes healing and connection. Transportation support via carpool is arranged through event threads and Facebook coordination Reddit.
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Informal LGBTQ gatherings in past years included game nights, RPG groups, and community meetups at neutral, safe locations in Billings—a grassroots effort to foster friendship and solidarity Reddit.
Affirming Healthcare, Legal & Business Resources
Healthcare
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Local providers like RiverStone Health and Billings Clinic offer primary and behavioral health services with some practitioners known to be LGBTQ-knowledgeable—ask for explicitly inclusive providers.
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Planned Parenthood Billings Health Center provides inclusive reproductive care, sexual health services, and hormone therapy options Gay Real Estate.
Legal Protections & Assistance
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In 2014, Billings city passed a non-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, employment, and public accommodations; this extends beyond the baseline federal protections of the Fair Housing Act Gay Real EstateBillings First Congregational Church.
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For legal support and rights enforcement, ACLU of Montana and the Montana Legal Services Association are key statewide resources available to Billings residents Gay Real Estate.
LGBTQ?Friendly Businesses
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The Pride Foundation’s #Open2All initiative highlights LGBTQ?affirming local businesses. Among Billings listings are Brighter Sky Counseling, Transformative Counseling LLC, Mayflower Congregational UCC, and several others known for being inclusive safe spaces Mix 97.1.
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Additional welcoming establishments include Bin?119, H’Om Wellness, and various chain businesses that support inclusion and diversity through national campaigns Mix 97.1.
Billings, MT is a vibrant and evolving city. While smaller than Missoula or Bozeman, it boasts a resilient LGBTQ+ presence anchored by 406?Pride, thoughtful allies, and community activism. From downtown festivals under Skypoint to meaningful advocacy, affirming services, and welcoming public spaces, visibility is growing in bold and meaningful ways.
For anyone considering Billings—whether as a home or for travel—the city offers a mix of Western charm, outdoor access, community programming, and increasing LGBTQ+ inclusion.
