Mommy Issues is a nascent party organized by women who have been working or enjoying the scene for years. The Abbey hosts Girl Bar every Wednesday night, and while the weekly women-centered party is usually bumping, it’s not exactly a prime spot. The proliferation of parties like Paradiso Divine indicates a need for events that cater to queer people who don’t fall into the cis male demographic. Mommy Issues is a “femme-forward” gathering of queer folks creating a space for themselves in L.A. It was the perfect entryway into a new city.
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Though Cola doesn’t drink, the parties were a great place to have conversations and find people she had a lot in common with. She quickly became a regular at Paradiso Divine, a party for all “queer girls, femme, butch, trans and NB party people” that requires an RSVP to get on the guest list. “You start following one, and more and more come to your attention,” Cola says. Advertised on Instagram, monthly LGBTQIA+ pop-up parties have created a social network through different bars and venues across L.A. When queer party connoisseur Christina Cola moved to Los Angeles from New York two years ago, she had to be introduced to a friend of a friend, another queer woman, before she could find the events where she might meet dating prospects and potential new friends. For queer women, trans men and non-binary folk, finding a place to meet with people from the community requires a lot more insider knowledge. Though each location has its own vibe, even a casual observer can recognize a trend - they’re primarily patronized by cisgender, gay men. In fact, the doors are open at Fubar and The Abbey any night of the week or if you’re in Silver Lake or further east, you can pop into Akbar or Redline. No one in West Hollywood walking down Santa Monica Boulevard on a Saturday night would think Los Angeles is a city starving for queer nightlife. Tijuana - a destination in itself - is less than 30 minutes away, an easy day trip or a gateway for exploration south of the border.Last updated: The ‘death of the lesbian bar’ inspired the local roving pop-up parties that are keeping the scene alive.
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Only some 18 miles (29 km) from the Mexican border, San Diego has some of the best margaritas and most authentic Mexican food in the country. Its mid-July Pride Festival includes one of the largest parades in the country and a two-day music festival. Many top elected officials, including state senators and city council members, have come from the LGBT community. It has scored a perfect 100 since the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index began ranking cities for LGBT inclusivity in 2012. One of the top US destinations for LGBTQ folks, California's second largest city is a diverse community. It is famous for its laid-back surfer culture, beautiful beaches, world-class zoo, Navy base and thriving gayborhood, Hillcrest. It enjoys a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with summertime temperatures averaging out to a blissful 76 ☏ (24 ☌), little rain and lots of sunshine. The west coast of the United States has no shortage of world-class cities packed with LGBTQ travelers, but sublime weather sets San Diego apart.