Click each link to explore Storge-approved top vacation spots for LGBTQ families!

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Orlando, Florida
  Known for its inclusive atmosphere and Southern charm, this Disney resort offers rustic bayou and elegant mansion-style accommodations with pools, playgrounds, and convenient transportation to Disney attractions. Disney's commitment to diversity makes this a natural choice for LGBTQ families.
  More about Disney’s Port Orleans

• Provincetown Inn, Provincetown, Massachusetts
  Located just off the vibrant main strip, this beach resort offers a relaxing atmosphere with private beach access and a short walk to the center of Provincetown, a well-known LGBTQ-friendly town. Provincetown hosts Family Equality Council’s Family Week, the largest annual gathering of LGBTQ families.
  Explore Provincetown Inn

• Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Maui, Hawaii
  With stunning ocean views, this resort offers activities for everyone, including whale watching and a unique adventure pool for kids. The inclusive atmosphere and beautiful Hawaiian setting make it ideal for LGBTQ families.
  Learn more about Wailea Beach Marriott

• Sand Castle on the Beach, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
  This gay-owned resort offers beachfront access, freshwater pools, and exciting activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Its inclusive environment is perfect for families seeking a Caribbean getaway.
  Discover Sand Castle on the Beach

• Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina
  This luxury resort nestled in the South Carolina Lowcountry promotes LGBTQ inclusivity and eco-adventures. Families can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, and golf, all while supporting LGBTQ initiatives.
  Visit Montage Palmetto Bluff

For LGBTQ+ families seeking to avoid places where inclusivity is limited, a few U.S. states and international locations are known for restrictive laws or hostile social climates.

U.S. States to Be Cautious Of:

1. South Dakota: Known for some of the lowest LGBTQ+ protections, South Dakota's policies include restrictions on gender-affirming care, limited adoption rights, and anti-transgender regulations in schools. Hate crime rates here are also notably high, making it less welcoming for LGBTQ+ families.

2. Florida: Recently implemented policies restrict discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors, and limit drag performances. Many LGBTQ+ families report challenges with school and public inclusivity.

3. Wyoming: While Wyoming has some protective measures in place, hate crimes are common, and public policies for LGBTQ+ equality are limited. Legal protections around healthcare and gender identity remain lacking.

International Destinations with Low LGBTQ+ Safety:

1. Jamaica: Known for its anti-sodomy laws and history of LGBTQ+ violence, Jamaica has few legal protections, making it potentially unsafe for LGBTQ+ families.

2. Saudi Arabia: LGBTQ+ activity is criminalized with severe penalties, making it one of the least safe countries for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

3. Nigeria: Anti-LGBTQ+ laws are harshly enforced, with public expressions of same-sex relationships carrying potential jail sentences.

Here are some of the top LGBTQ-friendly cities for families, known for inclusivity, strong community support, and protective laws. Each location has links to give you more insights into what makes these cities ideal for LGBTQ families:

1. San Francisco, California
   San Francisco has long been a leader in LGBTQ rights and offers robust anti-discrimination protections, inclusive schools, and an array of LGBTQ-focused resources for families. With a thriving community in the Castro District and several family-friendly neighborhoods, San Francisco remains a top choice.
   Learn more about San Francisco

2. Portland, Oregon
   Portland is known for its progressive policies, vibrant LGBTQ community, and family-friendly areas like Alberta and Hawthorne. It also has high municipal equality scores and resources tailored to LGBTQ families.
   Discover Portland’s LGBTQ culture

3. Seattle, Washington
   Seattle has supportive neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare providers, and high municipal equality scores. With welcoming schools and extensive resources, Seattle is a top option for families.
   Explore Seattle’s LGBTQ scene

4. Austin, Texas
   Austin, with its supportive local laws and LGBTQ-owned businesses, stands out in Texas. The city’s welcoming atmosphere and resources make it one of the best places for LGBTQ families in the South.
   See more about Austin

5. Columbus, Ohio
   With a large LGBTQ population and strong protections, Columbus is one of the most welcoming cities in the Midwest. Family-friendly neighborhoods and events make it a great choice for LGBTQ families.
   Visit Columbus’s LGBTQ guide

6. Asheville, North Carolina
   Known for its inclusive arts scene and the Blue Ridge Pride Festival, Asheville offers a community-focused, small-city feel. LGBTQ families appreciate its progressive stance and vibrant downtown.
   Check out Asheville’s LGBTQ community

7. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
   This small town is famously welcoming to the LGBTQ community, with annual pride events and a close-knit feel. Known as the “Gayest Small Town in America,” it’s ideal for families looking for a unique setting.
   Discover Eureka Springs

Here are some of the top books and resources for LGBTQ families, covering children’s literature, parent-focused guides, and inclusive family stories:

1. "What Makes a Baby" by Cory Silverberg
   This inclusive book provides a simple, science-based explanation of conception without heteronormative language, making it accessible for all family types. It’s perfect for young children curious about where babies come from. Find it here.

2. "I Am Jazz" by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
   This picture book tells the real-life story of Jazz Jennings, a transgender girl, and is aimed at helping children understand gender identity. It’s widely used to introduce young kids to the concept of gender diversity. Check it out.

3. "A Family Is a Family Is a Family" by Sara O'Leary
   A celebration of diverse family structures, this story gently shows kids that all family types are valid, from single parents to families with same-gender parents. Learn more.

4. "The Queer Parent" by Lotte Jeffs and Stu Oakley
   For LGBTQ parents, this practical and humorous guide covers challenges specific to queer parenting, from conception options to navigating social challenges. Written by the hosts of the Some Families podcast, it includes advice from queer parents and professionals. Available here.

5. "Neither" by Airlie Anderson
   In a world divided into “This” and “That,” the story follows a creature that doesn’t fit either category, creating a gentle introduction to nonbinary and gender-fluid identities. Ideal for ages 3–7. Get it here.

6. "The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish" by Lil Miss Hot Mess
   An upbeat, engaging book with vibrant illustrations, this book lets kids have fun while learning to express themselves confidently. Find it on Amazon.