Cincinnati. It’s the Queen City. The City of Seven Hills (and many beautiful views). The city on the river. The home of some of the world’s best chili, and some of its friendliest people. It’s a warm and welcoming city – one that values its history, but also celebrates its present while looking forward to the future. Even better, it has a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community, where all can feel welcome and celebrated.
A Look at Cincinnati’s History
Cincinnati was initially founded in 1788. With the advent of steamboats in the early 1800s, Cincinnati became an important river port, and continued to grow steadily from that time. Despite its somewhat modest beginnings, Cincinnati grew to be called the “Queen City of the West” and it is now Ohio’s third largest city, behind Columbus and Cleveland. Home to three professional sports teams, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, countless parks and recreation options and plenty to see and do, Cincinnati is a big city, but because of its friendly community, it manages to still feel small. It would be a wonderful place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Cincinnati
Find more fun facts about Cincinnati here.
The LGBTQ Community in Cincinnati
Cincinnati has a diverse and thriving LGTBQ community. There are many community centers and resources available for the LGBTQ community, and its friends and allies, including:
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Cincinnati
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Cincinnati is a virtual community center dedicated to raising money and distributing it to qualifying LGBTQ and allied groups for the purpose of funding worthy projects that promote visibility and encouragement of a diverse and thriving LGBTQ community. It also maintains an updated public website with information about resources and organizations that exist to help the LGBTQ community in the Cincinnati area.
Greater Cincinnati Gay Chamber of Commerce
For over 20 years the Greater Cincinnati Gay Chamber of Commerce has been forging strategic alliances with professionals and business organizations to create networking opportunities for LGBTQ and allied businesses. Its goals are to strengthen relationships, create networking opportunities within and for the LGBTQ community, and to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ community in Cincinnati and beyond.
PFLAG Cincinnati is the Cincinnati chapter of PFLAG National. PFLAG is a national support, education, and advocacy organization for LGBTQ people, as well as their families, friends, and allies, and it is the largest grassroots-based family organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are affirmed, valued, and respected.
Cincinnati Weather
Cincinnati weather offers residents the experience of four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters can be quite cold and sometimes snowy. Spring is beautiful and full of blooms and breezy weather, while fall brings crisp air and the changing colors of the leaves. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 24°F to 86°F and is rarely below 8°F or above 93°F.
Popular Cincinnati Events
Cincinnati Pride began in 1973, and has been going strong ever since. It is a weeklong celebration that includes parades, parties, and many other festive and educational events. The mission of Cincinnati Pride is to provide the Greater Cincinnati LGBTQ community and its allies a space to celebrate and affirm the LGBTQ community, to give expression to its rich history and diversity, and to promote the acceptance of all individuals regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or expression.
Cincinnati’s Best Neighborhoods
Here are only a few of many of the neighborhoods in Cincinnati which would be a wonderful place for those in the LGBTQ community to call home:
Cincinnati is a somewhat hilly city, and Mount Adams sits atop those hills, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city to those who live there. Full of excellent restaurants, and lively nightlife, it is a stylish and trendy area of the city that is home to many young professionals and is very welcoming to the LGBTQ community. The median home value in Mount Adams is currently approximately $418,000.
The median home value in Clifton is currently approximately $306,000. Clifton is located near the University of Cincinnati and the Gaslight District. It is well known for its meditation centers, big parks, giant public swimming pools, museums, galleries and cultural centers.
For those who want to live affordably, but still be close to downtown, Walnut Hills might be an excellent choice. Walnut Hills is a neighborhood with beautiful Victorian homes, but a little edgier than other areas of town. It includes a mix of abandoned buildings and gentrified buildings, and has amazing restaurants and outdoor venues, and historical sites to enjoy. The median home value in Walnut Hills is currently approximately $174,000.
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Cincinnati Arts and Entertainment
Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum was founded in 1881, and is one of the oldest art museums in the United States. Its collection of over 100,000 works spanning 6,000 years of human history make it one of the most comprehensive art collections in the entire Midwest. As an added bonus, general admission to the museum is always free.
Newport on the Levee is a multi-level, outdoor urban retail and entertainment center which is located on the banks of the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky, directly across from Downtown Cincinnati. The Levee offers a number of options for a fun afternoon or evening out, including a movie theater, many excellent restaurants and shops, bowling, arcades, even the well-known and wonderful Newport Aquarium. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy!
Parks and Recreation
Cincinnati Alternative Volleyball Association
The Cincinnati Alternative Volleyball Association, or CAVA for short, is Cincinnati's LGBT volleyball league. People of all backgrounds and sexual orientations come together to compete in this fun recreational league. The league plays year-round sponsoring both indoor and sand volleyball leagues. All skill levels are welcome, as are people who just want to come and watch and perhaps meet a friend or two and learn a new sport!
Eden Park is a beautiful Cincinnati park that overlooks the Ohio River, and is home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Krohn Conservatory. The park includes many lakes and walking trails, impressive views, several sculptures, and a playground. It’s perfect for an afternoon outside enjoying the weather and relaxing.
Cincinnati Nightlife
The Below Zero Lounge is a trendy spot that plays upbeat music and serves over 100 types of vodka, as well as many locally brewed craft beers. Below Zero often has guest DJs, karaoke nights, and plenty of dancing.
Queen City Radio is a bar and beer garden built inside of a 1920’s-era gas and car service station. Located on the corner of W 12th Street and Central Parkway in Cincinnati’s Historic Over the Rhine neighborhood, it is a unique one-of-a-kind place to enjoy a local craft brew and relax with friends.
Tillie’s Lounge is located in the Northside entertainment district. Tillie’s has a full bar and features sparkling cocktails. The lounge decor takes customers back to the 1920s when Tillie the elephant could be seen performing at John Robertson circus held in the neighborhood.
