Gay Lexington

Tucked into the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, Lexington offers gay travelers the chance to connect with a modern, mid-sized city that embraces the LGBTQ+ community with genuine warmth.

Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” this city of around 320,000 residents makes good use of the fertile landscape that is ideal for raising Thoroughbred racehorses that compete at prestigious racing events, including the Breeders' Cup Championship races. Although the Breeders' Cup rotates between tracks,  Lexington's strong equestrian culture and heritage remain deeply connected to the horse racing industry. Over 450 horse farms offer fascinating tours and insights into the horse breeding and training processes. The historic Keeneland Racecourse hosts meets twice a year and holds world-renowned Thoroughbred auctions. Another gem is the Kentucky Horse Park—it is open to the public and hosts the Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day Event in April, one of the world’s premier equestrian 5-star events. 

There’s no better city for bourbon lovers than Lexington. As it’s located in lush Bourbon Country, Lexington makes it easy to navigate to a wide array of bourbon experiences—from distillery tours, craft distillery experiences, tasting rooms, and bourbon bars—they have it covered. A great way to see Lexington’s distilleries is The Bourbon Country® Burn. The September event is a three-day fully-supported bicycle tour of bourbon distilleries and thoroughbred horse farms in Kentucky.

Lexington’s walkable downtown district plays host to a fun mix of theaters, restaurants, bars, museums, and parks, making it ideal for getting a snapshot of the city’s culture, cuisine, and architecture in a short amount of time.

What do you want to discover?

What's the Gay Scene Like?

Best Time to Visit Lexington

Activities & Attractions

Arts & Events

GayTravel Recommended Hotels

GayTravel Recommended Restaurants + Bars

Travel Safety Tips

Gay Scene in Lexington

It may surprise gay travelers to learn just how LGBTQ-friendly Lexington is. The city has one of the highest concentrations of LGBTQ+ couples compared to other American cities of the same size.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Kentucky since 2015, though the state is less progressive when it comes to gender identity and anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ citizens. Still, it’s encouraging to see that the town had an openly gay mayor, Jim Gray, from 2011 to 2019. And Lexington even hosts a yearly Pride event, filled with music, food, and celebration.

TOP LGBTQ+ EVENTS

City actions supporting LGBTQ residents

• 1999: Fayette County was the first in Kentucky to pass a county-wide Fairness Ordinance, protecting residents against housing, employment, and public accommodation discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• 2017: Crosswalks at the intersection of Limestone and Short Streets are painted in a rainbow pattern, the first of their kind in Kentucky. This makes for a great photo opportunity downtown.
• 2019: For the first time in city history, Lexington flies Pride flags along Main Street for the Lexington Pride Festival. This has continued each year since. 
• 2021: Lexington begins utilization of all-gender signage for city-owned, single-occupancy facilities.
• Lexington has the only historical markers dedicated to LGBTQ history in the state of Kentucky. The three markers relay the history of the city's Fairness Ordinance, the Bar Complex, and the historic Wasson court case. 
• The city currently has over two dozen organizations providing support and outreach to LGBTQ+ residents – the Mayor’s Office (LEXProud) and Lexington Police Department both have LGBTQ+ Liaisons. 
• For two straight years (2021-2022), Lexington has earned 100 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index.

Be LexProud!

When to Visit

Lexington offers a unique experience no matter when you travel. Most visitors come between spring and fall to enjoy the region’s abundant plant life and idyllic rural scenery, not to mention Keeneland Spring and Fall meets running every April and October. Come in June for the PrideFEST celebrations, showcasing the city's inclusivity. Additionally, September is an excellent time to visit if you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month and get better acquainted with this uniquely American spirit.

Activities and Attractions

With stunning landscapes and horse farms, major attractions like Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park, an expansive culinary scene fueled by local farms, and plenty of bourbons and a fabulous nightlife, Lexington beckons gay travelers looking for plenty of variety. Below are some activities and attractions we recommend for capturing the flavor of this delightful Southern city.

Tour a bourbon distillery: Bourbon is booming in Lexington and with good reason. Bourbon is a distinctly American spirit with a unique flavor profile that makes it ideal for cocktails or even sipping on the rocks. Distillery tours and tastings help you learn more about the process of creating this spirit and developing a palate for enjoying it to the fullest. 

Check out the Brewgrass Trail: Lexington’s Brewgrass Trail has also become a destination for craft beer lovers. Much like the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, this collection of breweries and taprooms includes a passport program that allows you to earn a t-shirt for your efforts.

Explore historic neighborhoods: A city brimming with relics of bygone times, Lexington is a favorite of history lovers. A stroll around Historic South Hill and Gratz Park will reveal a splendid collection of grand old dwellings. The Pope Villa at 326 Grosvenor Ave was built in 1811, making it one of the oldest still standing in town. They also offer the African American Heritage Walking Tour which highlights over 35 important stops where you can learn about Lexington's history of slavery, segregation, the Black Freedom Struggle, and the remarkable achievements of Black Lexingtonians. The tour offers a comprehensive and inclusive experience, showcasing the diversity and richness of Lexington's heritage, making it a must-visit for all history enthusiasts and those seeking a broader understanding of the city's past.

Learn about Lexington at museums: Love to learn about the places you visit? Lexington plays host to an impressive variety of institutions that help preserve the history and culture of the city. Don’t miss a tour of Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, Mary Todd Lincoln House, or the Headley-Whitney Museum. There’s also the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, the American Saddlebred Museum, located at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the University of Kentucky Art Museum.

Catch a horse race: Known as a major center for Thoroughbred breeding, Lexington is home to Keeneland offering countless opportunities to immerse in the best traditions of racing.

Savor the unspoiled nature of the Bluegrass region: Head to Raven Run Nature Sanctuary with 11 miles of back-country hiking trails that range in difficulty. The remains of a grist mill and a homestead can be found here, along with more than 600 species of plants and 200 species of birds. For adventure seekers, The Red River Gorge offers a stunning array of cliffs and gorges, perfect for rock climbing and hiking. If you're looking for a serene experience, visit Boone Creek Outdoors and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the outdoors through canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. 

Check out Kentucky Horse Park: This working horse farm doubles as an educational theme park. One of the highlights is the Hall of Champions, where you can meet legendary Thoroughbreds up close. Don't miss the "Horses of the World" show, which showcases magnificent horses from both the local region and around the globe. Immerse yourself in the rich equestrian history by exploring the American Saddlebred Museum and the International Museum of the Horse. Enjoy horseback rides through the scenic trails or witness the Parade of Breeds and learn about different horse breeds.

Events

LexLez Night | 2nd Thursday of Every Month, 7 PM
Lussi Brown Coffee Shop & Crossings

Keeneland Spring Meet | April 5 - 26
4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510

Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event | April 25 - 28
4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511

Tahlsound Concert Series | April 26, July 28, August 15, September 22
302 Southland Dr., Lexington, KY 40503

Thursday Night Live | April to October
Fifth Third Bank Pavilion, Lexington, KY

Mayfest Arts Fair | May

Railbird Music Festival | June 1 - 2
1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY 40504

SoulFeast Week | June 14 - 23

Lexington Pride Festival | June 29
Central Bank Center, 425 W. High Street, Lexington, KY 40507

CRAVE Lexington | August

Woodland Arts Fair | August 18
601 East High Street, Lexington, KY 40502

Roots & Heritage Festival | September

Festival Latino de Lexington | September 21
120 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507

Keeneland Fall Meet | October 4 - 26
4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510

Thriller Parade and Halloween Fest | October 27
3051 Leestown Road, Lexington, KY 40511

Southern Lights | November 24 - December 31
4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511

Downtown Triangle Park Ice Rink | December-January

GayTravel Recommended Hotels

• 21c Museum Hotel Lexington
• The Manchester
• Elwood Hotel & Suites
• The Campbell House
• Origin
• Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
• Hilton Lexington/Downtown

GayTravel Recommended Restaurants + Bars

• Ona
• Crossings
• The Bar Complex
• Epping’s
• Lockbox
• Lussi Brown Coffee Bar

Safety

Lexington boasts a high concentration of LGBTQ+ residents compared to similar-sized cities, creating a welcoming and safe community. The city's rich history of inclusivity and support for the gay community has earned it a reputation as one of the safest metro cities in the entire country, making it a true haven for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Transportation

Public buses operated by Lextran Public Transportation are a cheap and easy way to get around. But since Lexington’s offerings are spread over such a large area (you don’t want to miss Bourbon Country, right?) it makes sense to rent a car and rely on your own set of wheels to get you around.

Featured Gay Friendly Event in Lexington

View All Gay-Friendly Events in Lexington

Keeneland Spring Meet

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