LA’s emerging gay mecca -- Pasadena?

When Angelinos think of Pasadena, they likely imagine rolling hills more than rainbow flags. But this quiet, residential enclave just north of Los Angeles was recently named the “second gayest city in America.”

LGBT news magazine The Advocate placed Pasadena between Seattle and Washington, D.C., which ranked third and first, respectively, on its list of 2014’s top 15 LGBT-friendly locales across the country.

The Advocate’s list seems unorthodox: Gay mecca San Francisco came in at No. 11, while WeHo was left off in favor of such destinations as Salt Lake City, Utah (No. 8) and Pittsburgh, Pa (No. 15).

So just how LGBT-friendly is Pasadena? Take a closer look to see whether or not the city should be on your “gaydar.”

When selecting this year’s top cities, the Advocate awarded points in six categories: the number of elected city officials who are openly LGBT, the number of lesbian households, gay rodeo associations, women’s colleges and bars listed on its sister magazine Out’s “best bar” list.

Cities also earned points for irreverent criteria like the number of Mariah Carey, Pink, Lady Gaga and Jonas Brothers concerts. The total points are divided by the city’s population to determine the final score.

Pasadena received high marks for having two gay Superior Court judges, especially given its relatively small population. There are also a few gay bars, including the Boulevard.

A quaint, neighborhood dive, the Boulevard’s weekly events include karaoke, drag shows, live piano performances and BBQ’s.

Perhaps the bar’s most notable quality is its endurance. The Boulevard has been in business since 1979 and has witnessed dramatic changes in the LGBT community and the city as a whole.

There are few bars, gay or straight, where patrons who have been regulars since the 1970s can perform a karaoke duet with the Pasadena City College students who also frequent the bar.

Pasadena also scored points for a well-attended Lesbian Book Club and its flea market at the Rose Bowl, which has appeal regardless of who you have on your arm.

Perhaps most significant was how Pasadena chose to start the year. The city hosted a same-sex wedding along Colorado Boulevard during the 125th Rose Parade.

Aubrey Loots and Danny Leclair said, “I do” Jan. 1 atop a giant wedding cake float in front of a worldwide televised audience.

While Pasadena may not be, historically speaking, a Southern California gay destination, this year the city is off to a (rainbow) banner start.

-By Jamie Van Bergen, Brand Publishing Writer