Out in the Open: Burlington, Vermont’s Queer Heartbeat

You know you’ve arrived somewhere queerly magical when the first thing you see is Lake Champlain glinting between rainbow flags, the mountains strutting their stuff in the background, and a local in a “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” tee waving you toward the nearest coffee shop. Burlington, Vermont isn’t just a progressive college town—it’s a pocket-sized metropolis with a big, glittering queer oul. Here, activism and artistry intertwine in the historic streets, and every block seems to hum with a sense of possibility.

Before Burlington had bustling Pride parades and out-and-proud nightlife, it was a haven for LGBTQ+ people who didn’t just endure Vermont’s wild winters—they thrived, creating warmth in each other’s company and activism. The city’s first Pride celebration burst forth in 1983, organized by a handful of bold lesbian feminists and a gay men’s discussion group. Three hundred people marched that year, rallying in City Hall Park, led by poet and activist Michiyo Fukaya. As one participant recalls, “It took courage to march in Burlington, Vermont, a small enough place to be recognized and possibly penalized for it.”

Burlington’s activist legacy is storied and fierce. The Redbird Collective, a lesbian commune in the Old North End, hosted legendary singalongs and workshops—community-building that still echoes in the nonprofit HOWL today. Bernie Sanders, then-mayor, championed early LGBTQ+ initiatives, supporting nondiscrimination and self-defense programs for women and girls. The city’s queer history isn’t just about survival; it’s about flourishing in the face of adversity, forging connections, and demanding visibility.

Even in the 1970s and ’80s, the local scene was inventive and intimate: house parties in communal homes, dances at UVM, and the legendary Taj Mahal—a gay bar by night that doubled as an Indian restaurant by day. Discretion was often necessary, but creativity abounded. “We just would get in a car, whichever car could make it…It was a very creative, inventive, supportive time where we saw ourselves as the activists statewide,” one local remembers, recalling how orange juice cans patched up cars to make it to social events in all corners of Vermont.

Today, Burlington’s queer community is as visible as its mountain skyline. The city’s annual Pride Parade is now a jubilant cascade of color, with thousands marching, dancing, and celebrating from Church Street to Waterfront Park. Pride Center of Vermont, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy and support organization, is a hub for everything from drag brunches to support groups to queer art exhibitions.

Queer Black Vermonters and trans folks are increasingly recognized for their leadership and contributions. THRIVE, a program at the Pride Center, spotlights legendary Black queer and trans people—both present and historical—who have shaped Burlington’s culture in ways both subtle and profound.

Burlington’s queer icons aren’t just historic—they’re living, breathing, and typically found sipping espresso, crafting zines, or hosting open mics. Christine Burton, who founded Golden Threads—a pioneering network for older lesbians—remains a beloved elder in the community. Local poets, drag performers, and activists keep the city’s spirit alive, reminding newcomers: this is a place for every letter in the LGBTQ+ alphabet, and for every flavor of self-expression.

Burlington’s nightlife is eclectic, inclusive, and deeply queer. The city’s bars and clubs may not have the neon sprawl of larger cities, but what they lack in size they make up for in heart and hospitality. Must-visits include:

- Drink: A cocktail lounge known for its chill vibe and queer-friendly crowd. Drag shows, themed nights, and spontaneous dance parties are common fare.

- Radio Bean: The city’s bohemian home for live music and poetry, with queer open mics and DJ nights that attract a fabulously diverse crowd.

- ArtsRiot: Equal parts music venue, restaurant, and activist hub, ArtsRiot is the spot for intersectional events, queer art shows, and dance parties that run late and run deep.

- Church Street Marketplace: While technically a shopping district, this pedestrian-only thoroughfare is the city’s social artery. Pride flags ripple from independent bookstores, coffee shops, and local boutiques. Don’t miss Crow Bookshop—an indie haven with a robust queer literature section.

- Pride Center of Vermont: Not just an advocacy org—this is the beating heart of the community. Drop in for a peer-led support group, art gallery opening, or just to find out what’s happening tonight (Instagram: @pridecentervt).

Insider tip: Burlington’s best queer moments often happen off the official calendar. Lakeside picnics, impromptu drag performances at Foam Brewers, and late-night conversations at Muddy Waters café are where the city’s soul shines. Don’t be afraid to ask a local for the “real” party—chances are, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and maybe a homemade maple treat.

What makes Burlington so uniquely queer isn’t just its history or its events—it’s the vibe. There’s a playfulness and warmth to the people here, a sense of solidarity born from decades of activism and celebration. The city is both fiercely progressive and intimately communal. LGBTQ+ folks of all ages, backgrounds, and genders find space to belong, create, and flourish.

Burlington’s activism is woven into daily life. From the first legal civil unions in the nation to ongoing campaigns for trans rights and racial justice, the city’s queer community is never content to rest on its laurels. Instead, there’s a constant, joyful push for greater inclusion and visibility. The local mood is equal parts earnest and irreverent; drag queens in sequins share the sidewalk with community elders and young families, all exchanging nods of recognition and belonging.

To walk through Burlington as a queer traveler is to feel seen, celebrated, and infinitely welcome. This city has always made space for the wild, the creative, the activist, and the outsider—turning difference into its greatest asset. From lakeside sunsets to drag brunches, from storied protests to tonight’s dance party, Burlington pulses with an energy that is both radical and tender.

The city’s heart beats in rainbow, its stories told through laughter and protest, song and solidarity. For every queer soul seeking connection, adventure, and a place where being yourself is not just accepted but adored—Burlington, Vermont is waiting with open arms, maple syrup, and a dance floor.