A few years ago while screening my film ‘Dusk’ across US film festivals, I landed in a little town called Bloomington, Indiana. After long weeks of networking and unfamiliar faces, this artsy, student-populated queer haven, with rainbows on crosswalks, bars and parks, felt safe, welcoming and familiar. I had a fantastic few days there and can only hope that it survived the last few turbulent years in the US’ rapidly evolving political climate, a climate that now serves as a powerful deterrent to large swathes of LGBTQ travellers.
'The US queer safe space that refuses to yield to the bullies'
LGBT travel
Katherine Masters
14 January 2026
LGBTQ+ influencer Jake Graf had resigned himself to boycotting the US until the destination felt more welcoming but a chance visit to queer haven Palm Springs made him rethink that stance
© Jake Graf
Jake trekking in Cahuilla Canyon
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