Cape cod gay

How Ptown Got So Gay, Gay, Gay

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Ptown, as so many know it, was once a shabby old seaport that had fallen on hard times. Yankees lived on one side of town, Portuguese on the other. When the railroad came, it put the Portuguese on the mistaken side of the tracks.

The railroad, though, brought tourists to enjoy Provincetown’s broad, sandy beaches. So did the steamer from Boston and later, Route 6. Portuguese families discovered they could form a little extra money by taking in boarders. While the Portuguese men were away fishing, their wives accommodated visitors, often friendly single men. They returned year after year, and they grew friendly with their hostesses.

From then and there, Provincetown was only a few steps away from becoming a gay mecca. But the town’s one-of-a-kind subculture had its roots in a long-ago past.

Provincetown roofs. Photo courtesy Library of Congress.

Ptown, The Beginning

Before they ever set foot on Plymouth Rock, the Pilgrims made landfall on the radical northern tip of Cape Cod. They did a tiny exploring, stole a little Indian corn, signed the Mayflower Compact and then moved on to Plymouth.

But they realized the deep, sheltered harbor teemed with f

Provincetown Pride Celebration on Cape Cod

It’s almost time for the annual Provincetown Pride Celebration!Here's a line-up of just some of the fun and uplifting Pride events happening June 6-8, when you can show your true colors while celebrating LGBTQ+ awareness, empowerment and diversity.

FRIDAY, June 6
Official Pride Crossing on Bay State Cruise Co.

Embark on a pride-filled journey on the sea from Boston to Provincetown with Bay State Cruise Co. at 5:30pm. Pride flags will be flying high!

Pride Bingo at The Governor Bradford
Governor Bradford Restaurant, 312 Commercial Street, Provincetown
Join legendary drag hostesses Paige Turner at The Governor Bradford for an afternoon of Bingo to celebrate Provincetown Pride! 3 to 5 p.m.

Opening Reception for “The New Ptown Resistance”
Provincetown Pride Center, 115 Bradford Highway, Provincetown
This art exhibit explores Provincetown’s unique forms of extreme expression—past and present—and invites us to reflect on how we can claim agency in our own lives, using Ptown as inspiration. 5 to 8 pm.

Official Pride Kickoff Party at Red Room
Red Room, 258 Commercial St

Provincetown: The Gayest Town in America

Provincetown was built for the LGBTQ lifestyle. The farthest town on the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, it’s a vibrant and friendly identify that’s welcoming to all. Whether you’re checking out the local art or walking in Carnival down Commercial Lane, it’s a fine time year-round.

A Fast History of Provincetown

The word “Massachusetts” is the language spoken by the Nauset Native American tribe, who were the original settlers in the area. In 1620, the Cape was actually named “Shoal Hope” before finally settling on “Cape Cod” after all the cod in the area.

In the 1890s the town was booming and a mecca for artists and writers, as adv as summer tourists. In the 1960s it began to attract a significantly gay population and has remained that way ever since. Today, the majority of people that live in P-Town are in the LGBTQ community.

Stats on P-Town

  • Provincetown is the gayest town in the United States per capita.
  • The year-round population is just 3,000 people.
  • Most people refer to Provincetown as “P-Town.”
  • The Mayflower landed in P-Town first.
  • The total area

    LGBTQ+ Cape Cod

    Cape Cod is widely recognized as a welcoming destination for Gay travelers. Over the years, the Cape has cultivated an inclusive atmosphere that appeals to a diverse range of visitors.

    The towns that comprise Cape Cod are known for their open-mindedness and acceptance of diverse lifestyles. Provincetown, in particular, has a long-standing reputation as a welcoming LGBTQ+ haven and a focal point for LGBTQ+ culture on Cape Cod. The town's bustling Commercial Street is lined with LGBTQ+-owned businesses, including shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. In addition to a vibrant social scene, Provincetown has numerous galleries, theaters and performance venues to explore.

    Provincetown has earned PlanetOut's Travel Awards designation "Best Domestic Lgbtq+ Resort Town” multiple times.

    LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations
    Throughout Cape Cod, you'll find a variety of LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Many establishments proudly demonstrate rainbow flags or other symbols of inclusivity.


    Diverse Events and Festivals

    Cape Cod hosts several Homosexual events and festivals throughout the