10 Reasons Every Queer Twentysomething Needs to Visit Provincetown
| 07/05/18
10 Reasons Every Queer Twentysomething Needs To Visit Provincetown
Provincetown (or just Ptown) is one of the, if not the friendliest queer place in the entire world. Located on the tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Ptown has been a safe haven for folks of all genders and sexualities for years. What originally started decades ago as a quiet artists' community has slowly grown into the welcoming paradise it is today. As a millennial, you need to visit, and sooner rather than later. Here's why:
1. Liberating experience not being in the minority
Sure, you go to queer events, bars, and get-togethers. A ton of your friends fall on the LGBTQ spectrum. But at the end of the day, you step outside the bar or you head home on the train, and you're back in the minority. It's an incredible feeling to be in a city that's filled with queer people. On the streets. In restaurants. On the beaches. Everywhere you look there are people like you.
2. Nude Beaches
Nude beaches are fun regardless of gender and sexuality, but there's something particularly special about a gay nude beach. Herring Cove has a section where men drop their fabulously gaudy Speedos and let it all hang loose. Weirdly enough, there's a sense of community that comes from all being naked in a public space together.
3. Don’t have to fear any PDA
Depending on where you live, you might not feel safe holding hands or making out in the streets. Even if you don't feel your safety's at risk, you might be tired of the not-so-subtle looks you receive from being in a same-sex relationship. Not in Ptown. Kiss all you want. Wherever you want. No one will look at you twice (unless they're trying to get in on the action).
4. Role modeling of older couples
Not often do we see older men and women who have been in a healthy same-sex relationships for years. Seeing them, (and some with kids!) is incredible. There are men and women who have been in monogamous same-sex relationships for decades. Even if that lifestyle is not right for you, it's nice seeing what a life like that could be.
5. Drag queens galore
And it's not the type of drag queen shows that you see in your local bar. Most of the drag queens aren't simply lip syncing. The vast majority sing live and have a number of stand-up comedy bits along with accompanying videos they created for their show.
6. Gorgeous men
The men in Provincetown are stunning. It's shocking, and the first time I visited Ptown, it was actually intimidating. But there's no reason to be afraid, everyone is happy to speak to everyone in Provincetown. It's a place where every single queer soul is welcome.
7. Underwear parties
A similar experience to nude beaches, underwear parties also foster a strong sense of gay community. Seeing a number of men in jockstraps in one place is also arousing. Butts rubbing against other butts. Bulges everywhere. It's... well it's something every gay man needs to experience at least once in his lifetime.
8. You might run into John Waters
John Waters has been a summer local of Provincetown for half a century. To this day, the acclaimed director and screenwriter can be seen galavanting down Commercial Street, wreaking havoc wherever he goes.
9. Everyone’s guards are down
The same men who aren't necessarily the kindest in Boston or New York are open, communicative, and friendly in Provincetown. This is simply because everyone's guards are down while on vacation here. It fosters an incredibly friendly and positive community space.
10. The restaurants, clubs, bars, attractions, and activities
In addition to all the fabulously gay things you can do in Provincetown, I'd be remiss not to mention the number of fun restaurants, bars, pools, and activities you go do while in Provincetown. You can go whale watching, hike the Pilgrim Monument, visit the quaint galleries, bike along Beech Forest, and so much more.
