Chicago has officially earned the title of the safest city in the United States for LGBTQ+ travelers, according to a new report released by Misterb&b, a leading LGBTQ+ travel platform. The 2025 Queer Safety Index evaluates cities based on public safety data, anti-discrimination laws, local protections, and FBI hate crime statistics to determine the most welcoming destinations for queer travelers.

While other LGBTQ+ hotspots like San Francisco and Seattle continue to be synonymous with acceptance and Pride, it’s Chicago that takes the top spot this year, thanks to its longstanding commitment to inclusivity and its vibrant queer neighborhoods, including Northalsted (formerly Boystown), Andersonville and Uptown.

“We looked at booking trends and real-world data to predict the safest cities for LGBTQ+ travelers in 2025,” a Misterb&b spokesperson told Travel + Leisure. “It’s about combining where people are actually traveling with where they’ll be safest.”

Where Safety Meets Community: Chicago’s Queer Legacy

Beyond the data, Chicago boasts a deep-rooted queer history. Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism board, proudly notes that Northalsted was recognized as the country’s first official gay neighborhood. With rich community infrastructure, Pride celebrations that rival New York’s, and robust local protections, it’s easy to see why LGBTQ+ visitors feel at home.

The city’s top ranking reflects a growing trend among travelers to prioritize destinations where they can be themselves—without fear. It’s not just about fun nightlife or Instagrammable drag brunches. It’s about safety, visibility, and belonging.

@choosechicago

It’s almost time for the 2024 Pride Fest! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This two-day street festival, now in its 23rd year, is a celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community in Chicago’s landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted neighborhood. This year’s music headliners include: • Jojo Siwa • Natasha Bedingfield • Bob the Drag Queen • Sapphira Cristal …and more! 💰 $15 suggested donation helps pay festival workers, performers, and funds community programs 📍 Halsted & Addison 🗓️ 6/22 – 23, 11am-10pm 🎥: @courtneytheexplorer for Pride Fest Chicago and @northalstedchicago

♬ original sound – Choose Chicago – Choose Chicago

Rounding Out the Top 10 LGBTQ+ Safe Cities

Following closely behind Chicago are Seattle, San Francisco, Portland and San Diego. The top ten list also features:

Each city was selected for its legal protections, cultural openness, and relatively low rates of LGBTQ+ hate crimes. The full list is available at Misterb&b’s website, which doubles as a travel booking platform for queer travelers seeking welcoming stays.

The Bigger Picture: LGBTQ+ Safety in the U.S. and Abroad

Misterb&b’s index comes at a time when queer safety is more than just a vacation consideration, it’s a matter of survival. Out Leadership, a global LGBTQ+ advocacy group, recently released its State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, which assesses how supportive each U.S. state is for queer residents. States like New York, California and Colorado earned top marks. Meanwhile, Arkansas ranked lowest for the third year in a row, with other conservative-led states like South Carolina, South Dakota and Alabama trailing close behind.

The line between red and blue states has never felt starker. Advocacy groups say the difference in LGBTQ+ quality of life now hinges heavily on state-level politics.

“Equality is under siege in many parts of the country,” said Todd Sears, founder and CEO of Out Leadership. “Progressive states are reinforcing rights, while conservative ones are pushing harmful legislation.”

Nonprofits Overwhelmed by Spike in Relocation Requests

Organizations like TRACTION and Canada’s Rainbow Railroad, which help LGBTQ+ individuals relocate to safer communities, are facing unprecedented demand. In 2025 alone, Rainbow Railroad received over 3,000 requests for international relocation assistance from queer Americans, a 1,000% increase over last year.

In Washington state, TRACTION’s director Michael Woodward said his team has been inundated with pleas from trans people in places like Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. “We used to get a few applications a week. After the last election, we’re seeing up to five a day,” he said.

With limited staff and skyrocketing need, many groups are struggling to meet the moment. Moving across states, especially for marginalized people, comes with massive financial hurdles, from housing and jobs to healthcare access.

@mossymatriarch

If you can volunteer if you can donate or if you can be a safe place, our queer folks around the country really need you right now #openarms #traction #pnw #washington #lgbt #trans #queer #fyp #pugetsound

♬ original sound – 🧿 Mossy Matriarch 🌀

Navigating a New Queer Travel Landscape

As political polarization deepens, LGBTQ+ Americans are increasingly using resources like the Queer Safety Index to decide not only where to vacation, but where to live, work and raise families.

Internationally, countries like Canada, Malta, and New Zealand continue to rank highest for LGBTQ+ safety. Meanwhile, domestic travel requires more scrutiny, especially in regions where queer rights are under active threat.

In a time of shifting laws and rising hostility, queer travelers are doing more than just chasing sunshine, they’re chasing safety.