Pride? Ah, the United States of America—land of the free, home of the brave, and occasionally… home of the terrifyingly homophobic. As we make our way through Trump’s America in 2026, it’s clear: not every state is serving rainbow vibes and queer-friendly cocktails. Some are out here with anti-LGBTQ laws, hate-fueled rhetoric, and a political agenda that’s a little too keen on stripping away protections for our fabulous, non-binary, and transgender friends. The following information was part of the GLAAD ALERT DESK released in January.
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So, pack your bags, darling! But don’t forget to pack some extra caution—because we’re about to take you on a dangerously witty tour of where to be cautious in today’s America.
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California Dreaming…But Maybe Not So Much
Listen, honey, we know California is supposed to be the ultimate LGBTQ paradise. But in the Golden State, even the brightest rainbow can cast a shadow. Governor Gavin Newsom’s scandalous podcast guest list (think: anti-trans voices) has certainly taken the edge off of those sunshine-filled days. While California’s coastlines are as stunning as ever, maybe think twice about stepping into political debates—especially ones that have been known to bring out the worst of anti-trans rhetoric.
Best To Avoid: Public spaces where people are talking about “gender confusion”—they can get heated, and you don’t want to be in the middle of that mess.
New Hampshire: A Little Too Cold for Comfort
New Hampshire, the state where the trees are tall and the bigotry is apparently even taller. Known for being “Live Free or Die,” the state’s recent legal debacles over transgender rights have made it less of a “happy place” for LGBTQ travelers. When a lawsuit was filed to allow transphobic harassment at a high school, it sent a clear message: New Hampshire’s chilly attitude towards transgender rights may make you want to wrap yourself in a few more layers of caution.
Best To Avoid: The local school board meetings—because apparently, they’re where things really catch fire (in a not-so-good way).
Texas: Big, Bold, and Not Always Friendly
Y’all knew this was coming. Texas may have big skies and big personalities, but unfortunately, it’s also got bigotry to match. Governor Greg Abbott’s recent Pride crosswalk debacle is just the tip of the (very, very large) iceberg. When the state isn’t outlawing drag performances or trying to erase LGBTQ symbols, it’s busy sparking hate-fueled protests. The “Don’t mess with Texas” mantra might apply to their BBQ, but for LGBTQ folks, it feels a little more like “Don’t mess with me… unless I’m bigoted.”
Best To Avoid: Public parks with Pride crosswalks—unless you like being the target of anti-LGBTQ protests.
Ohio: A State That Doesn’t Know How to Handle Pride
Ohio—where you can never predict whether you’re going to get a warm Midwestern welcome or a right-wing protest that makes you question your life choices. From the “White Lives Matter” anti-LGBTQ protests to Pride flags literally being set on fire, Ohio has a very complicated relationship with the queer community. And don’t even get us started on those nasty bills they keep introducing. Pro tip: Keep your rainbow paraphernalia to a minimum—unless you’re prepared for some fiery backlash.
Best To Avoid: Any city where anti-LGBTQ stickers are being plastered on walls—no one needs that vibe on their Instagram feed.
Washington: A Gorgeous State with a Side of Christian Hate
Washington State is home to the beautiful Seattle, but don’t get too comfy in its iconic parks just yet. Cal Anderson Park, where LGBTQ+ history is made and celebrated, recently became the site of a rally held by a so-called Christian group that’s known for stirring up anti-LGBTQ sentiment. So, while the views are stunning, make sure to keep an eye out for any hate-filled marches marching in front of your rainbow flag.
Best To Avoid: That “neutral” rally you might stumble upon while out and about in Seattle—some people can be a bit too vocal about their bigotry.
The Pride Month Plot Twist
While Pride Month is a fabulous time for parades, picnics, and rainbow everything, in 2025 it also came with a side of danger. According to GLAAD’s ALERT Desk, anti-LGBTQ incidents spiked by nearly 400% in June, making it the most dangerous Pride month on record. So, if you’re packing for Pride, bring your glitter, your fabulous self, and a dose of caution, because the haters are coming out in full force.
Best To Avoid: Anti-LGBTQ protests that seem to crop up like weeds at Pride parades—you don’t need that negativity in your life.
A Little Bit of Hope Among the Chaos
Now, before you start thinking that this entire road trip through Trump’s America sounds like a horror show—don’t fret, darling! While these states certainly need to get their act together, the fact that more anti-LGBTQ incidents are being tracked and reported is a huge win. GLAAD’s ALERT Desk is shedding light on these ugly truths, so we can stand up, fight back, and keep pushing for equality.
In the meantime, when you do find yourself in these states, just remember: pack that extra layer of caution. Your fabulous self deserves to be safe, celebrated, and protected. Keep an eye on local politics, avoid the hotspots of hate, and remember that the rainbow flag is a symbol of resilience, not fear.
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Happy (and safe) travels, my fellow queers! Let’s keep showing up, showing out, and pushing for a country where we can all just be—without looking over our shoulders.
Source: GLAAD and Ohio Capital Journal