The entertainment industry and Los Angeles are synonymous. The city is home to engaging people, charming professionals, creative innovators, and risk-taking adventure-seekers (to name a few).
The region has a rich history of religious, sexual, racial, gender, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to the vast diversity of the city. It’s long been a welcoming place for the LGBTQ tribe and a nexus to queer culture.
Los Angeles (Spanish for “The Angels”) was officially founded on September 4, 1781, by Spanish governor Felipe de Neve. However, it was claimed before that by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo for Spain in 1542.
Then, in 1821, Los Angeles became a part of Mexico. At the end of the Mexican-American War, it was purchased by the United States.
The LGBTQ culture has deep roots in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Violent bar raids on the Sunset Strip during this time created strong advocates for the queer community (much like SF during the same period).
Los Angeles has a long history of diversity, acceptance, and groundbreaking advances for the LGBTQ community. The world’s first pride parade was held in the city in 1970 and continues to run each year.
L.A. is the most populous municipality in California. According to a recent study, 3.7% of adults in the city identify under the LGBTQ spectrum.
Geographically, the city lies in a basin in Southern California that’s adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. The mountains can reach as high as 10,000 feet (3,000 m). The city covers approximately 469 square miles (1,210 km2) and also features deserts, forests, and other topography.
L.A. has extremely long streets that are built to withstand high amounts of traffic (which there are, so be prepared). Sepulveda Boulevard is 43 miles (69 km) long, while Foothill Boulevard is over 60 miles (97 km) long, reaching as far east as San Bernardino.
Here are some more fun facts about Los Angeles.
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean feel with just enough rain to avoid the label of a “semi-arid” climate. Daytime temperature is hot year-round and in winter, the average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius (just a few points off from true topics). L.A. sees an average of only 35 days of precipitation a year.
Los Angeles is also subject to microclimates, which means your neighbor could have different weather than you. For example, the average temperature in July at the Santa Monica Pier is 75 degrees, whereas it is 95 degrees in Canoga Park (just a few miles away).
The Los Angeles LGBT Center The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a provider of services and programs geared toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The non-profit’s work covers several categories that include health, housing, social services, advocacy, and leadership.
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce LAGLCC is a premier advocate for LQBTQ and gay-allied businesses, individuals, and professionals who have “joined together to effect positive growth in ourselves, our work, our community, and our future.” They help to increase the economic strength of the community as a whole.
Los Angeles Gay Pride - June The annual Gay Pride Parade is held every June in West Hollywood. The event is organized by the Christopher Street West Association and sees over 200,000 people in attendance each year. In addition to a parade, the event has three stages, non-profit booths, and live entertainment. Pretty cool considering it started out of the back of a food truck.
Outfest – July One of the most prestigious LGBTQ film festivals in the world, Outfest is often the go-to platform for premiering prominent independent films in the community. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to new movies.
Halloween Carnaval – October Also held in West Hollywood, this is an insanely creative event that sees some of the planet’s most elaborate Halloween costumes. Think Comicon times ten. Held every Halloween, the LGBTQ-inspired event features live music, killer costumes, local eats, and crazy contests. Do not forget your camera!
For over 50 years, Los Angeles has been a champion for diversity and equal rights. It’s the birthplace of the entertainment industry and always full of characters.
The metropolis is a fun place to live and won’t break the bank like other gay-friendly cities. If you enjoy fun in the sun with a laid-back LGBTQ vibe, then L.A. is just the right speed.
West Hollywood A tiny city within a city, West Hollywood (WeHo) is located between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. A trendy area, the neighborhood is known for high-energy nightlife, comedy clubs, and live music venues. The heart of Hollywood lies here.
Property is selling for about $764/sq. ft. Apartments, condos, single-family, and multi-family homes are the most popular, with the area having an average of 158 homes for sale.
Single-family homes are priced approximately between $499,000 and $3.975 million. Condos in West Hollywood will set you back anywhere from $379,000 to $5.95 million.
The median home price in West Hollywood is $865,735.
Schools: There are 10 schools in the West Hollywood neighborhood for children of all ages. Several are private and unrated.
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Silver Lake Fully embracing the hipster lifestyle, Silver Lake is an Eastside Los Angeles neighborhood that’s home to funky street art and vegan cafes. If you are a pet owner, there is also a popular dog park with trails and a grassy meadow.
Property is selling for about $798/sq. ft. Multi-family homes are the most popular, with the area having an average of 67 homes for sale.
Houses in Silver Lake start at $440,000 but can be priced as high as $2.55 million. The cost of condos will range anywhere from $550,000 to $2.4 million.
The median home price in Silver Lake is $1,089,055.
Schools: There are over 10 schools in the Silverlake neighborhood for children of all ages. Several are private and unrated.
Hollywood Hills The hillside neighborhood located in the central region of the city is called the Hollywood Hills. Home to many celebrities and people in the entertainment industry, it boasts stunning cityscape views, winding drives, and spacious lots.
Property is selling for about $829/sq. ft. Apartments, condos, single-family, and multi-family homes are the most popular, with the area having an average of 361 homes for sale.
The median home price in the Hollywood Hills is $1,590,222.
Schools: Valley View Elementary School, Cheremoya Avenue Elementary School, The Oaks, The Neilson Academy, Immaculate Heart High and Middle School, Aviva High School
ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives Located in the USC libraries, this is a community space, organization, and archive of important historical artifacts of LGBTQ life since the 1950s. It is currently the oldest running LGBTQ museum and archive in the world. It’s totally worth a peek on a quiet weekend.
The LGBTQ Arts Alliance The California LGBT Arts Alliance is a group of over 35 non-profit arts organizations and 1800 individual artists and supporters in Southern California. It includes individuals who support the mission and will tour exhibitions that strengthen artistic programs.
Wigs and Waffles An LGBTQ brunch held every Saturday hosted by Maebe A. Girl and Indica Sativa with special celebrity guests. It’s held at The Standard in Downtown L.A. and includes bottomless Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas.
Will Rogers Beach This has been nicknamed “L.A.’s Gay Beach.” Aside from eye candy, there are a number of volleyball nets, snack shacks, and nearby parking.
Muscle Beach An offshoot of Venice Beach (which was recently redone) who doesn’t love Muscle Beach? It’s attached to the boardwalk and offers endless sites and activities related to fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
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