Do you want to live in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.? It might surprise you that even with the constant bickering between political parties, the capital is actually very welcoming and diverse. Residents can read both the Metro Weekly and The Washington Blade, the city’s two LGBT newspapers. They can attend Capital Pride, the D.C. pride parade, or one of the many other LGBT events in the area. Of course, there are also the many different museums and other attractions in the area.
Same-sex marriage has actually been legal in Washington, D.C. since December of 2009. The city council passed a bill legalizing it, and that bill was signed into law by the mayor. However, due to the way the District of Columbia operates, the law was subject to a waiting period. Marriage licenses weren’t actually issued until March 3, 2010. The city also recognizes domestic partnerships and civil unions, so no matter how you and your spouse have cemented your relationship, it will be recognized. Same-sex couples also have full rights to adopt, plus both sexual orientation and gender identity are covered by anti-discrimination laws and hate crime laws.
So where do LGBT people want to live in D.C.? Since the city is so progressive, most neighborhoods are safe and welcoming. A good gay or lesbian relator will be able to find you an affordable residence without too much trouble. If you really want to live in a gay neighborhood that’s also very trendy, head over to Logan Circle. It’s the only remaining residential circle in the city. These rowhouses, which are done in a Victorian style, are gorgeous and very stately. Some of them have been changed into condos, but there are still some available as residences.
Dupont Circle is another great LGBT place to live. It’s considered one of the oldest gay neighborhoods in the capital. It’s part of what’s called the Old City, which is the part of D.C. that was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant. Like Logan Circle, there are many rowhouses here, most of which were built prior to 1900. Most of these buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a number of them are actually home to foreign embassies.
Dupont Circle hosts the annual Capital Pride parade, a part of the fourth-largest pride event in the country. Another event held in the neighborhood is the High Heel Race, a charity event where drag queens run down 17th street. Even if you don’t live in Dupont, that’s an event worth going to see!