Fort Myers is located on the West Coast of Florida and is a popular, sunny, seaside town. Often referred to as the "Gateway to Southwest Florida," Fort Myers is a diverse city known for its gorgeous beaches, nature preserves, recreational opportunities, and friendly people, including a growing and thriving LGBTQ community.
A Look at Fort Myers’s History
Fort Myers received its name in an interesting way. In 1850, General David Twiggs was placed in charge of a small fort located on the Cloosahatchee River. His daughter fell in love with one of his staff officers named Abraham C. Myers. Twiggs liked Myers so much that he called the town “Fort Myers” to honor his future son-in-law. Since its founding, the city has been a prime destination for tourists, as well as a city full of opportunity for all, while offering much to see, do, and enjoy for those who live here. Truly, Fort Myers would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Few Fun Facts About Fort Myers
Read more fun facts about Fort Myers here.
Fort Myers’s LGBTQ Community
Fort Myers is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
Fort Myers PFLAG is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Visuality Southwest Florida is an LGBTQ community center with the mission of providing a safe and welcoming space, and a variety of services for the LGBTQ community in Southwestern Florida. The group seeks to build a strong community by hosting events and providing resources and advocacy across Southwest Florida. It is a wonderful place to become involved and connected with others.
What's the Weather Like in Fort Myers?
If you love sunshine and warm weather, chances are you'll love Fort Myers. The city receives 54 inches of rain on average per year, and no snow. It receives the most sunny days on average of any city in Florida – 271 days, in fact. The average high temperature in July is around 92°F, while January lows drop to an average of 53°F.
Can’t-Miss Events in Fort Myers
Pride Southwest Florida is one of the largest annual celebrations of the region’s LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the area. Whether you enjoy parties, parades, networking opportunities, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, you’ll be able to find it at the festival. It’s a great way to celebrate, get connected, and have fun.
The Best Neighborhoods in Fort Myers
Unlike some cities which tend to have one particular area of town that’s the “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ population in Fort Myers tends to be a bit more spread out. This isn’t bad news though – in fact, it simply means that the entire city is quite welcoming. There are many styles of homes in Fort Myers from beachfront properties to more suburban areas, so choosing one will largely be a matter of personal preference and budget.
Arts and Entertainment
Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center is located in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District and provides a variety of entertainment options including concerts, art exhibits, comedy, musicals, plays, and more. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show, or several, for yourself!
Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall
The Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall is a large performing arts theatre known for hosting musicals, symphonies, ballets, and many other types of performances throughout the year. This beautiful, spacious theatre is a perfect place to enjoy a variety of shows you’re sure to love.
Parks and Recreation
The Fort Myers area offers abundant opportunities to enjoy the beauty – especially on the water. The Calusa Blueway is a nearly 200-mile marked canoe and kayak trail that wanders through the waterways of the area.
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Located on nearby Sanibel Island, the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. This uniquely beautiful place is home to nearly 250 bird species and is a very popular spot for hiking, biking, and paddling.
Fort Myers Nightlife
Rascals is a very popular LGBTQ nightspot offering great drinks, yummy food, and plenty of entertainment. Whether you enjoy lip-sync contests, trivia nights, drag bingo, or all of the above, you're sure to find a fun time here!
Located in nearby Cape Coral, Cruisers Lounge offers great drinks, friendly crowds, and plenty of fun themed nights including lively karaoke. It’s a great place to enjoy a night of fun with friends!
Contact a Fort Myers Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Fort Myers, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Fort Myers, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Fort Myers gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
