LGBT Durham:

> Things to Do

> Nightlife

> Shopping

> Dining

> Hotels & Inns

> Faith Communities

> Accolades

> Video

> Media Coverage

Durham: Caring, Colorful, Diverse 

In 2012 Durham, NC was named the ‘Most Tolerant City in the US’ by The Daily Beast/Newsweek. Durham is home to both the 10 day long North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and the NC Pride Parade. Establishments in Durham describe themselves in a variety of ways including “queer positive” and have stickers on the door declaring them as “straight friendly.” It’s an open and friendly place with a large gay community that is fully integrated.

Durham stands on its own as a destination that is so open and welcoming to gays that the LGBT community almost seems not to be present here at all. There are no rainbow flags flying on Main Street, no designated gayborhood, and only a few places that make a specific point of marketing to LGBT customers. If the matter should come up, few people, if any, are fazed by it; being gay in Durham is just not a big deal.

But make no mistake – Durham is a great place to visit if you are gay, just not necessarily because you are gay.

Everyone who wants to be is welcomed in Durham. People who live here do so by definitive and deliberate choice and are staunch defenders of the place they adopt as their own. Durham is where great things happen, and it’s also where people can be who they are with gusto. We’re looking forward to you coming to check it out.

Never a Dull Moment

With many museums, art galleries, shopping districts, outdoor recreation areas, and more, there are plenty of things to see & do in Durham.

Stay in Style

Durham boasts hotels that offer accommodations at all points on the spectrum from simple to extravagant.

Dining as an Art

Durham is home to many restaurants that deliver experiences with high levels of integrity, several dozen of which are celebrated by the media.

Retail Therapy

Shopping opportunities in Durham are as varied as the population.

Faithfully Diverse

Durham has a vast array of places to worship, and many of them are very clear about their universal acceptance of people from all walks of life.

Trust is Important

Durham is a place that is accepting and open, and everyone who chooses to be is welcomed. But don’t just take our word for it.