Additionally, the center puts on regular forums and events, which you can check out here, and offers affordable meeting spaces where groups, clubs, and organizations can host their own artistic activities. The Los Angeles LGBT Center also produces live performances and hosts exhibitions that celebrate the lives and experiences of the city’s diverse community.
(as well as on weekends, by appointment). It’s open to the public every Tuesday from 11 a.m. It’s one of the nation’s only lesbian cultural archives, and it contains some 2,500 books, as well as a substantial T-shirt collection, video archives, records, accounts of misguided psychological studies, softball uniforms, intriguing old pulp novels, and countless articles and clippings. Those interested in the history of America’s lesbian-rights movement should check out the Mazer Collection in WeHo’s Design District. This second-hand shop has plenty to peruse - including designer clothes at ridiculously low prices - and gives all of its proceeds to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Pharmacy. If you’re looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, venture to Out of the Closet on Santa Monica. While you’re there, be sure to explore the West Hollywood Library as well, which is home to one of the country’s largest LGBTQ book collections and plays host to a weekly Drag Queen Story Hour, where queens read progressive, age-appropriate literature to kids of all ages. Formerly known as “the Avenues,” the neighborhood fills the blocks between and around Melrose, North Robertson, and Beverly Avenues with upscale and designer retailers, as well as more locally sourced shops.
The West Hollywood Design District is known for shops and boutiques of all types - in fact, there are more than 300 different businesses in this small area. Or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to Yogurt Stop, a lesbian-owned fro-yo shop boasting flavors such as Lezbionic Tonic, Touched By My Angel Food Cake, and I’m Comin’ Out Cake Batter. In addition to the Abbey (listed above), make time to visit Hamburger Mary’s - popular for their daily sass, weekend Drag Queen Brunch, and legendary Drag Queen Bingo, held Wednesday and Sunday evenings. WeHo is filled with queer-owned establishments and haunts. If you’re up for venturing a bit farther down Santa Monica, continue on to Gold Coast and Fubar. From there, be sure to visit Rage, Fiesta Cantina, Micky’s, Revolver, and Flaming Saddles - which are all practically next door to each other. One of the most famous gay bars and nightclubs in the world, the Abbey has everything from go-go dancers to high-end cocktails - and surprisingly good food. Not sure where to start? Consider making the Abbey your first stop. “Boystown,” along Santa Monica Boulevard, is the disco-beating heart of the city and is home to plenty of iconic institutions. With 25 gay bars in less than two square miles, it has an extensive variety of offerings within its compact space. It’s no contest - WeHo is the most popular area for LGBTQ nightlife in all of Los Angeles. If you’re hoping to explore WeHo’s vibrant LGBTQ nightlife, cultural events, and offerings, look no further.
Nowhere else in LA will you find such an authentically gay-friendly atmosphere and so much cosmopolitan excitement packed into such a small stretch.
Today, LGBTQ residents comprise roughly half of the population, and the 1.9-square-mile city is known as a safe, welcoming, and fun urban environment that thrives on the interests of its community. WeHo became the first majority-gay municipality in America in 1984, and ever since, its rich tradition of pride and acceptance has been celebrated by locals and visitors alike. With its rainbow-colored crosswalks and blocks of out-and-proud bars and shops, the city of West Hollywood stands as the visible symbol of Los Angeles’s LGBTQ community.