Los Angeles Official Visitor Guide 2008 - (Page 22) SEE & DO Photos (left to right): Gay pride flag; Santa Monica art show; The Abbey GLBT-Friendly LA LA’s sophisticated living, unparalleled cultural and arts scene, movie and TV industry, stunning natural beauty and endless sunshine make the region home to one of the largest and most diverse gay and lesbian communities in the world. All across Los Angeles, from the trendy gay and lesbian enclaves of West Hollywood, Silver Lake and Los Feliz to the beach communities and San Fernando/San Gabriel valleys, lesbians and gays are active leaders in the civic, political, financial and entertainment realms. Gay-welcoming LA invites visitors to discover not only the numerous gay- and lesbian-owned art galleries, boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants and night spots that flourish in all areas, but also to enjoy personal interests as well, such as the popular gay sports leagues, including beach volleyball and swimming. Gay and lesbian visitors feel at home wherever they go in LA. West Hollywood is the site of the annual Gay Pride parade held in June, and it boasts Southern California’s largest GLBT community. Organized by Christopher Street West, California’s oldest gay and lesbian organization, LA Pride has flourished here since 1970. ©iStockphoto.com/Jerry Koch, Ambient Images, The Abbey held in July draws thousands of attendees to theaters throughout LA. Nightlife When it comes to gay nightlife, LA has everything you’d expect and more. There are a number of clubs and bars located in West Hollywood along Santa Monica Boulevard, including 7969, The Abbey, Arena, East/ West Lounge, Micky’s, Miyagi’s, Mother Lode, Normandie Room, The Palms and Rage. Beyond West Hollywood, or WeHo, as it’s sometimes called, you’ll find Silver Lake and Santa Monica also have thriving nightlife scenes with connections to the GLBT community. Silver Lake, in particular, has a long history of being a gay-friendly community with several local bars and restaurants centered on Hyperion Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. Shopping LA leads the world in celebrity fashion, and the trends are created in one-of-a-kind boutiques such as those on Robertson Boulevard, Abbot Kinney and Melrose Avenue. Exclusive art galleries and furniture showrooms that cater to the world are hidden away in Downtown, Silver Lake, Los Feliz and the NoHo (North Hollywood) Arts District. Resources The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for locating gay-friendly local businesses. They also provide numerous links to local organizations supporting the GLBT community through their Web site. Outfest As the leading organization showcasing, nurturing and promoting GLBT film, Outfest has a 25-year history of leading the charge to bring recognition to this important community of artists. The annual film festival For more information about GLBTFriendly LA, visit our Web site at www.discoverLosAngeles.com. 22
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