2. Honolulu, HI
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Given the vistas and natural beauty of the archipelago, it’s no surprise that the island paradise would garner one of the biggest LGBT populations in the country. Statewide, Hawaii has one of the largest gay populations in the country, with 5.1 percent identifying as LGBT (the national average is about 3.5 percent). Honolulu also measured 4th in the nation for the fewest Anti-LGBT groups in their city. The city has also reported least number of hate crimes related to LGBT issues in the U.S. Maybe everyone’s just more relaxed out there?
3. Houston
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Houston may be a tiny blue dot in the sea of red that is Texas, but this multicultural city, now the 3rd largest in the nation, has an extremely strong gay population that continues to grow each year. Houston is currently the largest city with a lesbian mayor, incumbent Annise Parker. Houston also recently made NerdWallet’s top 20 LGBT-friendliest American cities, one of the reasons being that it has proven itself as the Texan city with the most gay-friendly employers. The city’s broad cultural intake and ethnic diversity also help to build a solid foundation of acceptance and eclecticism. Yee-haw, cowboy!