Gay town cape cod
What makes Provincetown so gay?
The modern understanding of Provincetown as a special place for the LGBTQ people began in 1899.
That’s when Charles Hawthorne founded the Cape Cod School of Art, giving birth to the Provincetown art colony.
Hawthorne had been touring Brand-new England, looking for the perfect location for his summer art school, when he came upon Provincetown, which had been devastated by the Portland Gale of 1898. Much of the town lay in ruins and a significant portion of the fishing fleet had sunk in the storm, leaving a significant number of windows in town. The town’s economy was in shambles and many of the women offered housing and cooking for the artists Hawthorne promised he’d fetch back with him.
The visionary’s school soon opened a pipeline between Provincetown & New York City. The train service that was available at the day between the two points brought many to town from NYC’s Greenwich Village. Over the next two decades, Provincetown welcomed not only thousands of artists, but also writers, actors, and left-wing political radicals who brought new ideas on gender and racial equality, artistic expression, and sexuality.
LGBTQ+ Cape Cod
Cape Cod is widely recognized as a welcoming destination for Homosexual travelers. Over the years, the Cape has cultivated an inclusive atmosphere that appeals to a diverse range of visitors.
The towns that comprise Cape Cod are known for their open-mindedness and acceptance of diverse lifestyles. Provincetown, in particular, has a long-standing reputation as a welcoming LGBTQ+ haven and a focal point for LGBTQ+ culture on Cape Cod. The town's bustling Commercial Street is lined with LGBTQ+-owned businesses, including shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. In addition to a vibrant social scene, Provincetown has numerous galleries, theaters and performance venues to explore.
Provincetown has earned PlanetOut's Travel Awards designation "Best Domestic Lgbtq+ Resort Town” multiple times.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
Throughout Cape Cod, you'll find a variety of LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Many establishments proudly present rainbow flags or other symbols of inclusivity.
Gay Events and Festivals
Cape Cod hosts several Diverse events and festivals throughout the
Gay and Lesbian History of Provincetown
Gay and Lesbian History of Provincetown: Tolerance, Concord, and Open Spirit
It is no coincidence that for more than 50 years, the gay and womxn loving womxn community returns every summer to Provincetown. The recent development/tourism development of Provincetown owes much to this community here where one can find a place to feel at home.
The Choice of Culture
The town started to promote itself as a tourist destination to aid the economy after the storm of 1898, which adversely affectedthe fishing community. Artists, with their bohemian style, were some of the first visitors of Provincetown. Residents and visitors alike are attracted by the amazing natural beauty and the particular light or “aura”. Little by little this has become an eclectic population who are the more and more numerous to visit this community.
1920-1930
The 1920’s and ‘30’s were when the presence of gays and lesbians increased over that of artists, writers, dramatists, poets, romantics, and journalists. These brand-new arrivers found inspiration in the beauty of this town with its avant-garde freedom. They played a role in the progress of the artistic colony here, and
Provincetown: The Gayest Town in America
Provincetown was built for the LGBTQ lifestyle. The farthest town on the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, it’s a vibrant and friendly spot that’s welcoming to all. Whether you’re checking out the local art or walking in Carnival down Commercial Street, it’s a great time year-round.
A Quick History of Provincetown
The word “Massachusetts” is the language spoken by the Nauset Native American tribe, who were the original settlers in the area. In 1620, the Cape was actually named “Shoal Hope” before finally settling on “Cape Cod” after all the cod in the area.
In the 1890s the town was booming and a mecca for artists and writers, as well as summer tourists. In the 1960s it began to attract a significantly queer population and has remained that way ever since. Today, the majority of people that live in P-Town are in the LGBTQ community.
Stats on P-Town
- Provincetown is the gayest town in the United States per capita.
- The year-round population is just 3,000 people.
- Most people refer to Provincetown as “P-Town.”
- The Mayflower landed in P-Town first.
- The total area
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