Connecticut has long led the nation on critical issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, from same sex marriage and parentage to medical care. Not only has that attracted a growing and diverse LGBTQ+ community, but also a population that values inclusivity and celebrates diversity.

With that comes a vibrant tourism scene—from attractions to adrenaline-pumping activities, unique places to stay to culinary experiences, cultural hotspots to LGBTQ+ celebrations, multicultural festivals to gaming, live music and film festivals— where all are welcome to come as they are.

Fully experience the state’s rich arts & cultural offerings, including dozens of museums and five Tony-award-winning theaters; events and festivals focused on fashion, food, culture and music; lively cities filled with nightlife options; charming small towns with endless shopping and antiquing; a world-class culinary scene that extends well beyond ‘apizza’ and hot lobster rolls (which are not-to-be-missed!); luxury, design, and lifetsyle hotels, inns and resorts; one-of-a-kind wedding and honeymoon spots; family friendly attractions, including the largest maritime museum in the country, two aquariums, zoo and science center; historic sites with incredible stories to tell; hundreds of miles of coastline for beaching and boating, hiking trails for exploring, and rolling countryside for active adventures like hot air ballooning or relaxed getaways spent wine tasting; and so much more.

While Connecticut is home to dozens of Pride celebrations from June through September, including major events in Hartford, Middletown, New Haven, New London, Norwalk and West Hartford, experiences by and for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies abound all year round. Don’t miss Out Film CT, the state’s longest running film festival, concerts by multiple LGBTQ+ choral groups, and drag performances at restaurants and bars statewide, just to name a few.

Conveniently located between New York City and Boston and served by the award-winning and centrally located Bradley International Airport, Connecticut offers the best of New England in one compact state.

Learn more at www.CTvisit.com/articles/ct-lgbtq.