Saadia (they/she) is a software engineer, portrait photographer, and a social justice activist, born and raised near Boston, who moved into the city in 2014. Saadia is deeply involved within the city’s queer community through queer events that reinforce safe spaces for LGBTQ+. Here, she details her favorite aspects and places to experience queer life in Boston.
Queer-Friendly Neighborhoods
Jamaica Plain
There are people of many diverse backgrounds who reside here. There are also organizations in JP that advocate for, empower, and enhance the wellbeing of queer/trans people of color. Also Centre Street is a rather popular area in JP with a lot of queer-friendly restaurants and shops.
South End
I’d say that affordable housing in this area is harder to find nowadays so the queer community is typically elder residents. However, there are many gay bars, cafes, and restaurants in this area as well.
Dorchester
Some people may overlook Dorchester, but this part of Boston is welcoming to the queer community. There are organizations for LGBTQ+ as well as cafes, bars, and nightlife that are dedicated to inclusivity for queer folx.
Queer friendly hotels:
The openness, transparency, the reinforcement of diversity, safe spaces, and support are what make Boston great for the queer community. I honestly believe that we sometimes have to create these spaces ourselves. Boston in its entirety may not have enough exclusive spaces for the queer community; however, I can say that these spaces do welcome us. I feel as though in creating the community for ourselves, we can strive for complete inclusivity, meaning that every intersectional or marginalized body and voice feels welcomed, loved, and supported.
1. Oasis Guest House in Back Bay
2. Encore Bed & Breakfast in South End
Queer-owned Businesses
1. Arifa Creates: Handmade jewelry.
2. Angry Asian Girls: Amazing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-run organization that makes really fun and fashionable clothing.
3. Lekker Home: A furniture store in South End.
Arts & Culture
LGBTQ+ film festival that happens here in the city each year. The festival screens films throughout Boston at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and Museum of Fine Arts, but also extends to Cambridge, showing films at the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square.
American Repertory Theater in Cambridge
Just across the river! There are events and shows (like The Donkey Show) for queer folx here.
In Back Bay, this community truly works to elevate queer voices, and places emphasis on the diversity of LGBTQ+ through art.
Nightlife picks
1. dBar in Dorchester
2. Jacques Cabaret in Theatre District
3. Trophy Room in South End