LGBTQIA+ in Atlantic City
A highly inclusive destination, Atlantic City welcomes all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Come explore the many events, restaurants, and hotels the city has to offer. You can see Pride in our past dating back to the '50s that is still prominent today.
Miss’d America Pageant
Started in 1994 at a local Atlantic City club the Miss’d America Pageant is a not-to-be-missed entertainment event. The pageant was created as a spoof of the Miss America Pageant to raise funds for a local charity.
Visit Atlantic City is a proud sponsor of the Miss'd America Pageant. We believe Atlantic City has the space for everyone to meet or compete. The selection of venues, knowledge, and professional staff will ensure that your event or meeting is nothing less than spectacular. From planning and producing, to executing your meeting, convention, or more. We're eager to welcome you and #YouAreIncluded to come celebrate, meet, and play in Atlantic City.
AC Pride
The nonprofit organization, AC Pride is dedicated to promoting LGTBQIA+ rights, visibility, and acceptance with a focus on creating a safe and inclusive environment. Through celebratory events and educational programs, AC Pride aims to combat discrimination while embracing Pride in Atlantic City.
OUT at Borgata
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa leads the destination with OUT at Borgata. From 2016-2019 they received a perfect 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s on the Corporate Equality Index. Borgata is now proud to partner with the Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance, Independence Business Alliance, and the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. This preeminent entertainment resort offers a wide variety of entertainment options from Lady Gaga to contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Making History
Judah-Abijah Dorrington is Atlantic City’s first Liaison and Coordinator of the LGBTQIA+ Programs and Services. Daughter of the famous Art Dorrington, known for being the First African American signed to the National Hockey League, Judah is now making a history of her own.
Bet you didn’t know that back in the ‘50s, Atlantic City was a major destination for gay and lesbian visitors even before such gay-popular spots such as Key West and Provincetown. Long before the Stonewall riots and the first Gay Pride marches in the late 1960s, there was a prominent LGBT (lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual) presence here. In fact it’s thanks to the crowds of gay fans that the campy, fun Miss America "Show Us Your Shoes" Parade began decades ago along AC’s historic Boardwalk. By the late ‘70s though, AC’s gay popularity waned. But the rainbow tide is turning!
Atlantic City’s casinos resorts and other local businesses, from hotels and spas to restaurants and nightclubs are increasingly extending a warm invitation to LGBTQ+ visitors. Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa offers "Out at Borgata," a specials and events page solely for LGBTQ+ visitors. Caesars Entertainment, which has three properties in Atlantic City has a perfect 100% gay-friendly rating on HRC's Corporate Equality Index.
Events
There are also plenty of long-time and new events on Atlantic City’s annual calendar. Here’s a sample of major LGBTQIA+ popular events coming up this year. For the complete listings visit the Events page.
- The amazingly fun Miss’d America competition being held annually in the Fall at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City!
- You'll also find LGBTQIA+ popular entertainers and musical acts all year long from Dancing with the Stars Live and Mandy Moore to top-notch celebrities and drag shows.
Perfect Weekend
Atlantic City is perfectly suited for a fun weekend visit with a few friends or your partner during one of these events or anytime the mood suits you to escape to AC. Atlantic City's entire beautiful beach is free and there’s even an official section of gay beach at Park Place and Boardwalk. The famed Atlantic City Boardwalk runs over 4 miles, making it the longest in the world. Take a stroll and enjoy the vendors and sights along the way.
Get Married (or Have A Civil Union)
Atlantic City is also a great place to tie the knot! Here’s some information if you want to get married: New Jersey Marriage Information and License; or enter into a Civil Union. Just be sure to look into Atlantic City’s excellent restaurants and luxurious accommodations to plan your ceremony and party, and perhaps most fun, your bachelor(ette) party with your gay & lesbian BFFs.
Easy Access
Atlantic City is also convenient to major gay hubs: It's 60 miles from Philadelphia, 125 miles from New York, 155 miles from Baltimore, and 175 from Washington, D.C.
