Louisiana is a melting pot of many different cultures and communities, so it should come as no surprise that the LGBT community in the state is fairly large. They have worked hard to gain legal rights and protections, including the right to adopt, protections from discrimination in some cities (and at times the state, depending on the statue of the gubernatorial executive order), and is one of only a handful of Southern states to actually have hate crime laws that cover sexual orientation.
Thinking about making the move to Louisiana? Let’s look at some of the largest cities in the state that have very active LGBT communities.
Shreveport
Shreveport is one of the cities in the state that does have its own antidiscrimination policy protecting employees on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity. It also has a great LGBT neighborhood located along Cotton Street. This part of the city is in the downtown area and is home to some of the oldest LGBT bars, clubs, and businesses in the region. Central Station, a large LGBT bar, is here, as is Korner Lounge, a bar that’s been open since the 30s.
Baton Rouge
The capital city of the state also has protections for LGBT citizens. It’s a very busy port city, but it’s also home to Louisiana State University. Many LGBT people live near LSU in Spanish Town, a historic district featuring many amazing homes built in the Spanish style. Many students rent properties here during the school year. Another popular LGBT neighborhood is the nearby Beauregard Town. South Baton Rouge and Shenandoah are also good choices where a number of LGBT individuals and families live.
Lafayette
Located in the southwestern part of the state, Lafayette is one of the major hubs of the area. The downtown part of the city is where many of the LGBT businesses are located. This area isn’t just a gay neighborhood—it’s also a tightly knit community featuring many diverse families. There are a lot of artistic and cultural events held in this area, in addition to the art galleries and theaters.
New Orleans
Finally, there’s New Orleans. Like many of the other cities, NOLA has passed its own antidiscrimination laws. Some LGBT people live in the French Quarter, while others prefer to avoid the crowds and live in the historic Bywater district. Either way, the history and excitement of New Orleans offer a lot to the LGBT community.