
LGBT+ Friendly Destinations in Akron, Ohio, United States
1. Highland Square
Vibrant neighborhood known for its unique shops, restaurants, and annual Pride Festival celebrating the LGBT+ community.
- Queer-owned Businesses: Boasts a variety of businesses owned by members of the LGBT+ community.
- Pride Festival: Annual event filled with parades, live music, and opportunities to connect with local LGBT+ organizations.
- Diverse Restaurants: Offers a range of cuisines representing the multicultural makeup of Akron's LGBT+ community.
2. Firestone Park
Popular neighborhood known for its friendly atmosphere and support of local LGBT+ artists and performers.
- Art Galleries: Home to several galleries showcasing works by local LGBT+ artists.
- Open Mic Nights: Regular open mic nights at local bars and cafes featuring performances by LGBT+ artists.
- Community Centers: Nearby community centers offering resources, support groups, and events for the LGBT+ community.
3. Akron Pride Center
Community center providing resources, support, and a safe space for Akron's LGBT+ community.
- Resource Library: Offers books, videos, and other resources on LGBT+ topics.
- Support Groups: Hosts various support groups for different aspects of the LGBT+ community.
- Events and Workshops: Provides workshops, events, and activities to educate and empower the LGBT+ community.
4. Lock 3 Park
Downtown park with an amphitheater hosting events such as concerts, movies, and LGBT+ events.
- Amphitheater Events: Regularly hosts LGBT-themed concerts and movie nights.
- Downtown Location: Central location provides easy access to other LGBT+ friendly destinations in Akron.
- Picnic Spaces: Offers spacious areas for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
5. University of Akron
University with a strong LGBT+ student organization and supportive resources.
- LGBTQA+ Resource Center: Provides resources, support, and safe spaces for LGBT+ students.
- Allies Program: Trains allies to support and empower the LGBT+ community on campus.
- LGBTQA+ Student Organization: Active organization offering events, resources, and advocacy for LGBT+ students.
6. Summit Artspace
Art gallery featuring works by local artists, including many from the LGBT+ community.
- LGBT+ Art Exhibits: Regularly features exhibitions focused on LGBT+ themes and artists.
- Art Workshops: Offers workshops for both professional and amateur artists.
- Community Engagement: Engages with the community through events, classes, and collaborations.
7. The Nightlight Cinema
Indie movie theater showing a variety of films, including LGBT+ movies and documentaries.
- LGBT+ Film Screenings: Regularly screens LGBT+ themed movies and documentaries.
- Community Nights: Hosts community nights with discussions and Q&A sessions after screenings.
- Indie Movies: Offers a unique selection of independent films not typically found in mainstream theaters.
8. Akron Art Museum
Art museum with rotating exhibitions featuring works by LGBT+ artists.
- LGBT+ Art Exhibits: Includes pieces from LGBT+ artists in its permanent and temporary collections.
- Art Education Programs: Provides educational programs for visitors of all ages.
- Community Engagement: Engages with the community through partnerships, events, and collaborations.
9. Lock 4 Park
Park with a skate park, dog park, and regular LGBT+ friendly events.
- Skate Park: Home to an inclusive skate park for all skill levels.
- Dog Park: A dog-friendly area where LGBT+ individuals can bring their pets.
- Community Events: Hosts events catering to the LGBT+ community, such as picnics and gatherings.
10. Akron Civic Theatre
Historic theater hosting events such as concerts, plays, and LGBT+ performances.
- LGBT+ Performances: Regularly presents shows featuring LGBT+ themes and performers.
- Artistic Diversity: Offers a diverse range of performances, including dance, theater, and music.
- Historic Architecture: Preserves the beauty and history of Akron's architectural past.
11. Akron LGBTQ+ Center for Advocacy
Advocacy center providing resources, support, and advocacy for Akron's LGBT+ community.
- Advocacy and Lobbying: Actively lobbies for LGBT+-friendly policies at the local and state level.
- Support Services: Offers support services, such as counseling and case management.
- Education and Outreach: Provides education and outreach to the community about LGBT+ issues and advocacy.
12. Goodyear Heights
Neighborhood known for its vibrant LGBT+ nightlife and friendly atmosphere.
- LGBT+ Bars and Clubs: Features a variety of LGBT+-friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants.
- Community Events: Hosts regular events, such as drag shows and karaoke nights.
- Friendly Atmosphere: Known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere towards the LGBT+ community.
13. Tangier Restaurant
LGBT+-friendly restaurant offering a variety of Mediterranean cuisine.
- LGBT+ Owned and Operated: Owned by a same-sex couple, making it an LGBT+-friendly establishment.
- Mediterranean Cuisine: Offers a delicious selection of Mediterranean dishes.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Provides a variety of vegetarian and vegan options for diners.
14. Akron Zoo
Family-friendly zoo with a focus on conservation and education, welcoming to all visitors.
- Conservation Efforts: Works towards the conservation of various species through educational programs and collaborations.
- Educational Programs: Offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: Promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment for the LGBT+ community.
15. Akron Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra offering a wide range of classical music performances, welcoming to all audience members.
- Classical Music Performances: Presents an array of classical music concerts throughout the year.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to engage and enrich the audience experience.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: Promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment for the LGBT+ community.