One LGBT neighborhood<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Dupont Circle. There only are a few neighborhoods in the country that are synonymous with LGBT culture. Like the Castro in San Francisco and Greenwich Village in New York City, the Dupont Circle neighborhood has been a critical area for the LGBT community for years. In the last decade, the iconic neighborhood has shed its Bohemian roots and transitioned from a gay ghetto to become a coveted address for people from all walks of life (as long as they can afford it). Even so, it continues to serve as the focal point for Washington D.C.’s LGBT community and queer travelers who visit the nation\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n When you visit, make sure to walk the heart of Dupont Circle, P street. But also check out the emerging 14th Street and U Street corridors, both of which are either on or just beyond the neighborhood\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Two LGBT fun facts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n The gorgeous\u00a0Human Rights Campaign<\/a> (HRC) headquarters in Dupont Circle “serves as a proud base for national activism, political change, and full LGBT equality.” Make sure to stop by and say thank you for the HRC’s tireless work on behalf of the national LGBT community.<\/p>\n Belief + Doubt exhibit<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n Washington, D.C., is home to the country\u2019s oldest continuously active LGBT organization. The\u00a0Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance<\/a> was founded in 1971, and played a key role in Mayor Walter Washington enacting Washington D.C.\u2019s groundbreaking legislation banning discrimination against gays and lesbians in several public sectors, including housing, bank credit, and employment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Three LGBT-friendly activities<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Busboys and Poets<\/a>. Inspired by the revered poet, Langston Hughes (who many believe was gay), Busboys and Poets is a locally adored \u201ccommunity resource for artists, activists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers.\u201d The restaurant\/bookstore\/theater has a vibe of democracy in action; it is not a stretch to imagine patrons here are sipping lattes and planning revolutions.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Washington, D.C., is where the will of the people is codified. Coming to the District to have your voice heard at a rally or in a meeting with a congressional representative is one of the most thrilling and patriotic ways to experience the city.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden<\/a>. There are several reasons why LGBT visitors should carve out time to visit the Smithsonian\u2019s modern-art museum. One reason stands out among all of them: The museum is fearless in the way it takes on subjects from which many public institutions shy away. One spectacular example is Barbara Kruger\u2019s brash installation, \u201cBELIEF+DOUBT.\u201d This is a must-see exhibit that addresses \u201cconflicting perceptions of democracy, power, and belief.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Four LGBT-friendly hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Renaissance Washington DC Dupont Circle<\/a>.\u00a0 With quick access to both the Dupont Circle and Georgetown neighborhoods, few accommodations are better situated than this hotel. When we stayed on a recent visit, we were most impressed with personal touches such as a boozy evening \u201cdiscovery hour\u201d and the property\u2019s insightful and exceptionally helpful \u201cNavigators\u201d (read: concierges), who aren\u2019t afraid to recommend off-the-beaten path experiences.<\/p>\n Renaissance Washington DC Dupont Circle’s Navigator tips<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n Park Hyatt Washington<\/a>. The Park Hyatt Washington strikes a balance of ultra-trendy and business-forward that fits perfectly with the vibe of the surrounding West End neighborhood. Even if you\u2019re not staying at the hotel, stop in to see the museum-worthy cherry blossom-adorned glass installation that flanks the hotel\u2019s lobby.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Carlyle Dupont Circle<\/a>. The upscale, Art Deco hotel is right in the heart of Washington, D.C.\u2019s LGBT scene, making it a favorite among queer travelers. While the property holds its own in the areas of design, service, and comfort, we would be remiss to not mention Kimpton Hotels\u2019 100 percent rating on the HRC Corporate Equality Index.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The William Lewis House<\/a>. This Edwardian Logan Circle bed and breakfast caters to gay travelers but in the spirit of non-discrimination is \u201cstraight-friendly,\u201d too. The lovingly restored mansion provides visitors with a more than just a place to rest their heads after a long day exploring Washington, D.C.; it is a unique way for visitors to connect with the history of the city.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Five LGBT-friendly bars and restaurants<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Green Lantern<\/a>. Don\u2019t let the nondescript 14th Street alley turn you off; one of Washington, D.C.\u2019s best gay bars hides in the shadows. Every time we visit the city, we make a point to stop in for at least one drink, although that is not easy to do. Great conversations, inexpensive cocktails, and complete lack of pretension make it difficult to leave.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Viewfinder Tip: Washington, D.C., is pedestrian friendly, the Metro system is excellent, and parking is challenging, so leave the car at the hotel.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Cake Room. This super-adorable bakery (think gingham and wainscoting) changed its name from Sugar Daddy Bakery a while back, but the desserts are as delectable as they\u2019ve been for years. We fell in love with the dense cherry cheesecake, but the fact that the bakery is a huge supporter of D.C. Pride really is what captured our hearts.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Number Nine<\/a>. Upscale and gimmick-free are not common terms used to describe gay bars, which is why Number Nine is a breath of fresh air. A mantra of \u201cno theme nights, no dress code, and no attitude\u201d set the lounge apart, but classic cocktails, mid-century inspired d\u00e9cor, and a killer happy hour make this place a real standout.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Annie’s Paramount Steak House. This steakhouse is a bona fide LGBT institution. The food is good (we loved the Texas burger stacked high with grilled red onions and tangy BBQ sauce) but the restaurant deserves a spot on your itinerary for being a welcoming spot for the LGBT community for decades. We recommend having a quick dinner and then racing off to\u00a0JR’s Bar and Grill<\/a> for strong drinks and show tunes (on Mondays).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n![](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-no-vacation-required\/dsc_0087-[size_512x290].jpg\")
<\/p>\n![](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-no-vacation-required\/dc-lgbt-navigator-[size_512x290].jpg\")
<\/p>\n