Cosmopolitan, vibrant, creative, down-to-earth and gay friendly. Kansas City may not be the first city that comes to mind when you hear these words, but that’s exactly what you’ll find here.

Located smack-dab in the middle of the country, the city will probably surprise you with its laid-back, yet welcoming vibe. Kansas City might be described as a gay-friendly respite in the country’s conservative Heartland.

The city added sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination ordinance in 1993, and in 2008 a unanimous vote by the city council added protection for the transgender community without causing a whiff of local controversy.

Despite the gay-friendly politics, some mistakenly knock the city for not having a gay neighborhood. Locals would be quick to point out that this is a city where gay and straight readily mingle, so there’s no need for a single gay enclave.

Gay travelers will feel welcomed throughout the city, though if you’re looking for the area with the most gay faces, the Midtown area from Westport to the Crossroads Arts District is your best bet.

 The GLBT traveler will find plenty of hotels as well as dining, shopping, and entertainment options throughout the city.