Second Gayest City: The evolution of Wilton Manors into a queer utopia
restaurants, shops, and gay bars. But Wilton Manors is more than a gayborhood in Florida; it’s a vision of gay culture permeating beyond acceptance into societal norms.Wilton Manors is far from your typical LGBTQ+ destination; it’s a veritable island of queerness whose rainbow culture sprouted from a single bar.
Dubbed the ‘Island City,’ its name reflects its geographical position, encircled by forks in the Middle River.Although neighboring places like Miami Beach and Key West pride themselves on inclusivity, Wilton Manors is so gay that residents clarify it’s “straight-friendly” as well.
This Greater Fort Lauderdale city takes the prize as the “Second Gayest City” in America, right after Palm Springs. It’s a label bragged about by its official website.
You’ll find 140 gay couples per 1,000 residents, a statistic that’s only growing. There’s plenty of nightlife, but Wilton Manor’s isn’t a party destination.
