Located on the shores of the Trinity River in North Central Texas, Dallas is a beautiful, bustling city which is home to one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the United States. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in the Lone Star State, you may fall in love with all that Dallas has to offer.
A Brief Look at Dallas History
Dallas was founded by John Neely Bryan, who settled on the east bank of the Trinity in November 1841. Dallas was initially developed as a result of the construction of major railroad lines throughout the area to allow access to cotton, cattle, and later oil. The later construction of the interstate highway system reinforced Dallas’s status as a major transportation hub. Since its founding, Dallas has continued to grow and thrive, and is now home to 9 Fortune 500 companies, 41 colleges and universities, multiple professional sports teams, and a myriad of businesses and industries. The city has a population which consists of a wide variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, and is one of the most diverse cities in the United States.
Dallas – A Few Fun Facts
Find more fun facts about Dallas here.
The LGBTQ Community in Dallas
Dallas is a city that offers many wonderful resources, support services, and network-building opportunities to the LGBTQ community. Only a few of many such programs include:
The Resource Center is a medical and social services center in Dallas that seeks to empower the LGBTQ communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening communities and providing education and advocacy. For over 35 years, the Center has provided programs of interest to the LGBTQ community as well as important and necessary assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS and for their families.
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. It is a grassroots organization committed to creating a world in which diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.
The Dallas Hope Center is a LGBTQ-focused homeless shelter which exists to help the 18+ LGBTQ community. Its mission is to reduce homelessness among LGBTQ young adults in the Dallas area.
Dallas Weather
Dallas has a humid subtropical climate, and experiences four distinct seasons each year. It typically has mild winters, and very hot and humid summers, with pleasant fall and spring seasons that include vibrant wildflowers and changing leaves. The average daily low in Dallas is 57.1 °F and the average daily high in Dallas is 76.7 °F. Dallas receives approximately 37.1 inches of rain per year.
Events in Dallas You Won’t Want to Miss
Often referred to as “The Pride of Texas,” the annual Pride event held in Dallas is one you definitely won’t want to miss. It is considered the mecca of LGBTQ events in North Texas. Pride weekend is held in June in Fair Park and includes a music festival, a family pride zone and the Texas Freedom Parade.
Gaybingo is a popular Dallas event sponsored by The Resource Center, which takes place every third Saturday from January through November. The event combines drag and comedy into bingo, and funds raised directly benefit The Resource Center.
The Dallas Red Party is a fun, festive, can’t-miss event held in September of each year. Hosting by the Dallas Red Foundation, it is a fundraising effort to raise money and awareness for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
The Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
There are many wonderful neighborhoods that are welcoming to the LGBTQ community in Dallas. Two of the most popular include:
Often also referred to as “The Strip”, Oak Lawn is located a few miles north of downtown Dallas. It is known for being a trendy, LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood that offers many different coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and more. The median sale price of homes currently listed in Oak Lawn is $415,450.
Oak Cliff is a very popular gay neighborhood whose main street has become one of the most popular gay strips in Dallas. The area is almost fifty percent gay-owned, and property values are rising. The median price of homes currently listed in Oak Cliff is $189,900.
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Dallas Arts and Entertainment
The Bishop Arts District is an eclectic, trendy arts district full of small, mostly gay-owned galleries, shops, bars, theatres, and restaurants. Even better, the district frequently offers fun events like a monthly wine walk, an annual pumpkin festival, and a small business Saturday mimosa walk.
The Dallas Design District has become an epicenter for galleries in the city. Art lovers can enjoy everything from contemporary art to mid-century modern furniture to Impressionist paintings. The website offers a full listing of trunk shows, exhibition dates, galas, lectures, and book signings.
Parks and Recreation
The Varsity Gay League calls itself the original LGBTQ+ Recreational Sports Organization. Established in 2007, it offers year-round activities, games, and sporting events with the goal of uniting the gay and straight communities with new and fun ways to play and interact. All are welcome!
Located in downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is one of the most beautiful and popular parks in the city. Its 5.2-acre space features a kids’ area, walking trails, a performance pavilion and a game area among other features. Concerts, group fitness classes, and other events are often held in the park. Everyone is sure to find something they enjoy!
Nightlife in Dallas
Established in 1980, JR’s Bar and Grill (named for one of the main characters in the 1980s soap opera Dallas) is considered by many to be one of the most popular gay bars in the city. Located in Cedar Springs, it is known for its cheap drinks, friendly atmosphere, and comfortable patio area.
The Round-Up Saloon has a country-western theme with a dance floor and video screens. It offers six different bars, plenty of wonderful live music, and nice outdoor patio, and endless opportunity for fun, dancing, and socializing.
Station 4 is considered by some to offer the best party in town. It is a 24,000 square foot dance club that offers excellent music, a moveable laser light show, and a wide selection of beverages.
