Traveling in "red states" of the USA – a question of courage and solidarity? This is exactly the topic that the queer travel journalist Jared Ranahan explores, who is currently advocating for LGBTQ+ people not to let their vacation dreams be curtailed by political fronts in the United States. Ranahan, who grew up in Massachusetts, has taken numerous trips to conservative US states such as Florida and Texas and has experienced that queer joy and community also flourish there – often unexpectedly and far removed from the political exchanges of state governments.

The most important things at a glance

• Florida remains one of the most popular travel destinations for queer vacationers despite restrictive laws.
• Cities like Lafayette (Louisiana) and Corpus Christi (Texas) offer a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene - right in the middle of conservative areas.
• In Florida, a law came into effect in 2026 that significantly restricts the visibility of queer life in public spaces.
• The proportion of queer people in Florida is among the highest in the entire USA.
• The NAACP issued an explicit travel warning due to the politics there.

Queer life between prohibitions and diversity.

For example, strolling through Miami Beach offers an experience of one of the world's most iconic retreats: art deco facades and vibrant nightlife, with openly queer venues along the famous Ocean Drive. Just a few kilometers away, the small Wilton Manors thrives with a very high percentage of queer residents.inside and dozens of queer bars. But even these oases feel the political headwind: Only in 2026 did authorities remove rainbow crosswalks from public spaces. ActivistNevertheless, local residents and politicians continue to set signs – most recently with a new rainbow crosswalk initiative that proudly refers to queer history.

Ranahan emphasizes that queer life exists even outside of the metropolises: In cities like Lafayette or Corpus Christi, there are clubs and cafés where community and hospitality are highly valued. "On my travels, I have repeatedly encountered magnificent scenes, no matter how conservative the outside world may seem," he reports.

Background: Between Calls for Boycott and the Desire to Travel

Since Governor Ron DeSantis's election victory in Florida, the political situation for LGBTQ+ people has worsened, prompting organizations like the NAACP to issue public warnings. The law enacted in 2026 prohibits cities from actively promoting symbols of the LGBTQ+ community. Many are wondering whether tourists with their travel dollars are supporting discriminatory structures or strengthening the daily lives of queer people locally.

Studies from the Williams Institute at UCLA show: A significant portion of the US LGBTQ+ community lives in states considered conservative. For many, interacting with queer locals drives them to explore new areas and break down prejudices. Gymnastics star Luke Strong sums it up honestly: "I’ve met queer people in every country, even in places where our love is forbidden."

Important questions on the topic

Why do queer people continue to travel to states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws?Many vacationers want to support local queer communities and experience genuine encounters – beyond political headlines.

What risks currently exist in Florida and Texas?Legal restrictions may limit visibility, but local scenes are active in many places, albeit with headwinds.

Are there alternatives to rainbow travel in the USA?Major cities, both in red and blue states, typically provide safe and welcoming spaces for queer travelers.

Looking ahead: Travel as a Statement

On the map of the USA, many regions appear uninviting, but Ranahan and numerous activists show that those who travel can build bridges and strengthen community, especially where visibility is needed. Whether in Miami Beach or Lafayette, queer life knows no boundaries even in "red states" – and every visit can be a small act of solidarity.