Rehoboth Beach: Where gays and politicians vacation together
Queerty take you to the beginning of gayness in the “Nation’s Summer Capital.” Rehoboth Beach found its popularity as the destination of choice for beach-goers from the US capital, but over time, it developed a strong LGBTQ+ presence.It might seem like the new summer “it girl” on your Instagram feed, but the town isn’t new to the scene.
There are about 1,500 year-round residents, and the number snowballs with warmer weather. You’ll find most of the liveliness across the 1-mile boardwalk adjacent to the beach with restaurants, shops, amusements, and attractions.
Over 40,000 summer birds flock here during the summer peak, with nearly 200 LGBTQA-owned and operated local businesses eager to serve them.
The transformation from Rehoboth Beach from its early establishment as a seaside Methodist camp in 1883 to a tourist beach getaway began in 1925 with the completion of a paved highway from Georgetown.The town gained the reputation as the “Nation’s Summer Capital” because of an influx of tourism from legislators, diplomats, and government personnel—some among them closeted politicians and budding gay advocates.Legend has it that a DuPont mansion by the ocean birthed gay nightlife, and by the 1960s, several guesthouses started catering to gay men.
