The Advocate has released its annual list of the Gayest Cities in America and Orlando squeaks in at No. 13.
It’s not the first time The City Beautiful has made the cut Orlando was named 4th gayest in 2011 and reached its peak as 2nd gayest in 2012. Orlando did not make the list in 2013.
The criteria is hardly scientific, and changes every year. For 2014, Advocate gave points for the number of gay bars, elected officials and lesbian-coupled households, but also included points for cities that hosted gay rodeos and concerts by Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers.
According to the magazine, “this year’s criteria were chosen to uncover the hidden factors that give a city its queer cred.”
In its explanation of why Orlando was named to the list, Advocate mentioned Gay Days, the Orlando International Fringe Festival and Parliament House.
“It’s only fitting that Orlando should receive this award, as Orlando boasts the nation’s third largest LGBT population,” said Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer. “I am proud of the local organizations and leaders who fight everyday to ensure Orlando has a reputation for fairness, equality, diversity and tolerance.”
Each year, Advocate chooses 15 gayest cities. 2014’s top five are: Washington D.C.; Pasedena, Calif.; Seattle, Wash.; Cambridge, Mass.; and Atlanta, Ga.
“Each year this list reminds us that our experiences are diverse, that we inhabit every part of our country, and that there’s not just one way to evaluate our experiences,” said Matthew Breen, editor-in-chief of The Advocate, in a media release.
Orlando was the only Florida city named to the list in 2014.
