This Florida City Has Been Named The LGBTQ Friendly City In State

Updated On: June 24, 2025

This Florida City Has Been Named The LGBTQ Friendly City In State

Florida is a state that offers many options for LGBTQ people who want to live in a place that is welcoming, diverse, and vibrant. Whether you are looking for a beachside town, a bustling city, or a quiet suburb, you can find a community that suits your needs and preferences.

However, among all the cities and towns in Florida, there is one that stands out as the most LGBTQ friendly city in the state: Wilton Manors.

What is Wilton Manors?

Wilton Manors is a small city in Broward County, located about 10 minutes north of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 40 minutes north of Miami. It has a population of about 12,000 people, of which 14% identify as LGBTQ, making it the second gayest city in the country, after Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Wilton Manors is also known as “The Island City” because it is surrounded by water on three sides: the North Fork of the New River, the South Fork of the Middle River, and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Why is Wilton Manors LGBTQ friendly?

Wilton Manors is a city that embraces and celebrates its LGBTQ community. It has a vibrant and colorful gay scene, with many LGBTQ-owned and operated businesses, bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and services. 
The main street of the city is Wilton Drive, also known as “The Drive”, where you can find the rainbow flags flying proudly. Wilton Drive is also the venue for many LGBTQ events and festivals, such as the Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival, the Wicked Manors Halloween Party, and the Taste of the Island Food and Wine Festival.
Wilton Manors is also a city that supports and protects its LGBTQ residents. It has a progressive and inclusive city government, with an openly gay mayor and several LGBTQ city commissioners. 
It has a strong and active LGBTQ community center, the Pride Center at Equality Park, which offers various programs and services, such as health care, counseling, education, advocacy, and social activities.

It has a dedicated LGBTQ police liaison officer, who works to ensure the safety and well-being of the LGBTQ community. It has also enacted several ordinances and policies that promote LGBTQ rights and equality, such as banning conversion therapy, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and recognizing domestic partnerships.

What are some of the benefits of living in Wilton Manors?

Living in Wilton Manors has many benefits for LGBTQ people, such as:

Being part of a diverse and friendly community that accepts and respects you for who you are.
Having access to a variety of LGBTQ resources and opportunities that enhance and enrich your life.
Enjoying a high quality of life, with a warm and sunny climate, beautiful natural scenery, and a convenient location near the beach and the city.
Having fun and making friends, with a lively and fun-filled gay nightlife, culture, and entertainment.

Conclusion

Wilton Manors is a city that has earned its reputation as the most LGBTQ friendly city in Florida. It is a city that welcomes, celebrates, supports, and protects its LGBTQ community. It is a city that offers a great place to live, work, and play for LGBTQ people. If you are looking for a city that is gay-friendly, Wilton Manors is the place to be.

Doris Oliver

Doris Oliver is a proud Ridgecrest native with a deep passion for bringing local stories to light. With over 2 years of experience in community reporting, Doris has built a trusted voice in the Community. Her work focuses on covering the issues that matter most to Ridgecrest residents — from public safety and education to local government and community events. Driven by a belief that informed citizens make stronger communities, Doris is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news. Through ridgecrestpact.org, she aims to bridge the gap between people and the stories shaping their everyday lives — making local news accessible, engaging, and meaningful.