Happy Sunday—we’re still recovering from Pride month… which we may or may not have let bleed over into July. Portland, San Diego, and Halifax all celebrate Pride in July, if you’re looking to keep the fun going.
Before we dive in: A huge THANK YOU to all our new GoQueer+ members who joined our new Queer travel club this Pride month.
Here's what's on tap this week:
🏖️ The 12 Best Gay Beaches in the U.S.
🍆 Straight men experience the joy of ‘Speedo Summer’
🗞️ Travel Briefs: News & vibes for gays on the go
🔥 GoQueer’s Hot 10 Deals: Our favorite escapes this week
🌈🏖️ The Top 12 Best Gay Beaches in the U.S.
Time is flying by and summer is fully upon us—and there's nothing quite like a day at the beach with your chosen family.
If you're looking for clothing-optional freedom, legendary gay scenes, or just a place where you can relax and be yourself while soaking up some rays, these beaches across America have been welcoming LGBTQ+ travelers for decades.
12. Ogunquit Beach, Maine
This picturesque New England beach town has been quietly welcoming LGBTQ+ visitors for decades. Main Beach and nearby Footbridge Beach offer classic coastal charm with dramatic rocky outcroppings and excellent people-watching opportunities. The town's artistic community and numerous gay-owned guesthouses create an intimate, sophisticated beach experience that's perfect for romantic getaways. More on Ogunquit from Fagabond.
11. Asbury Park, New Jersey
This historic beach town has experienced a major renaissance, becoming one of the East Coast's most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations. The beachfront and vibrant boardwalk scene attract a diverse crowd, while the town's numerous gay-owned businesses and annual Pride celebration create a welcoming year-round community. The beach itself offers classic Jersey Shore charm with a decidedly inclusive twist. How to have the perfect Gay weekend in Asbury Park.
10. Rooster Rock State Park, Oregon
About 30 minutes east of Portland, Rooster Rock offers a clothing-optional beach experience along the Columbia River. This state park has been a haven for naturists and the LGBTQ+ community, providing a peaceful escape with stunning gorge views. The designated clothing-optional area (Area C) offers both river access and hiking trails, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. More info from GayCities.
When you're planning a beach day, where do you usually end up?
🩲👀 ‘Speedo Summer’ is Here (But The Gays Already Knew)
Cishet American men are finally embracing what we've known all along—speedos are sexy!
After decades of baggy board shorts dominating U.S. beaches, major media outlets from GQ to The New York Times are declaring this "speedo summer" as straight guys finally get over their "Speedophobia."
The tiny swimwear has been a gay staple for decades, even when mainstream culture abandoned them in the '90s. Now, with celebrities like Theo James and Walton Goggins rocking swim briefs, menswear designers are reporting booming sales.
As one Speedo exec told GQ, the garment has "this built-in sense of rebellion and 'I don't care what you think.'"
For gay travelers, this trend means you'll fit right in at any beach destination this summer. Whether you're planning a pool party weekend in Palm Springs or hitting the gay beaches of Sitges, your speedo collection is officially fashion-forward.
🗞️ Travel News for Gays on the Go
What’s worth knowing in queer travel this week — from major headlines to the best finds worth your clicks.
Now that Pride month is over, this comedian is hilariously (and accurately) celebrating Straight Pride Month.
This gay-owned Atlanta eatery served up a hot girthy twist on a July 4th classic
This retirement village is offering a save haven for LGBTQ seniors—one of the nation’s first
On that topic, here are 19 other gay retirement communities in the United States
Looking for something younger? Twinks rule in these 10 cities around the world
NYC’s Dyke March drew thousands in condemnation of fascism
This Pride march in an IKEA surprised shoppers & went viral
How the Yumbo Centre became the gayest place in Europe
This adorable long-distance couple has racked up 31 trips together in 3 years
Go glamping 8 minutes outside NYC this summer in glass-enclosed suites that will make you want to do dirty things
A complete guide to darkrooms, anonymous sex and consent
Want a little danger in your travel? That could be a good thing.
10 sexy photos from the 4th annual infamous 'Twinks vs. Dolls' challenge
These are some of the world’s very best gay saunas
There’s so much going on in the world news-wise but luckily CNN just ran down the world’s 25 best sandwiches
A man in Provincetown was called a homophobic slur and assaulted. Police are looking for information
In a small victory, anti-trans provisions have been dropped from Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
How does Gen Z travel so much? The rise of “BNPL”
And: See how your airport ranks among the best in the country
⚖️ Q&A Time:
Last Week’s Results:
Last week, we asked: Would you make it a point to visit the world's first airport Gay bar?
95% said YES!
5% said NO!
Verdict:
This wasn't even close—95% of you are ready to book a layover just to sip cocktails at the world's first airport gay bar! Honestly, we're not surprised. Who wouldn't want to turn a boring connection into a fabulous pit stop?
“It would be great to be able to support a LGBT+ business while traveling, besides, SideTracks is my favorite Chicago hangout.”
“I would be delighted beyond belief to enter a gay aeroport bar. Also I don’t mind if ‘tourists’ are also included as long as we are all respectful. Hopefully you will stock Baileys.”
“Bring Gay bars to all major airports!”
“I'd visit, from Hawaii. I hope this paves the way for more locations to join in.”
“I would deliberately schedule connecting flights thru O’Hare. Go Sidetrack. This is a reflection and a great example of support of the queer community.”
“The novelty of it! I don’t know if they keep statistics on “the busiest airport bars”, but it would be so great if this venture became “the busiest ever” annnd, supported by ALL communities! Now I will have another very good reason to revisit Chicago!”
“I think it's Beautiful & long overdue... CHICAGO is truly "My kind of Town" & is my Hometown💖🥂🥳”
“Only if there is a hotel onsite like the TWA at JFK airport! Lol” GIRLLL…..
Category is: Hot Travel Deals — 10s across the board.
Check out this amazing deal to gay-friendly Florianopolis, one of Brazil's best kept secrets: fly roundtrip from for as little as $600, over 25% off the usual price. Includes a stopover in amazing Panama City.
Explore the Portuguese coast and the majestic Douro Valley with this ideal trip at an unbeatable price. Discover coastal charm, medieval villages, and the rolling hills of the Portugal with its unique wines—all for $1,299 per person, over 60% off the usual price!
The classical cities of Northern Europe more your vibe? Check out this similar tour with three nights in Amsterdam and three nights in Paris—for as little as $999 per person. Includes flights!
That’s a wrap for this week. ✈️ Safe travels — and we’ll see you next time.
— The GoQueer Team
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