Re-thinking Wyoming as a gay-friendly destination

Matthew Shepard, 1976-1998

Ten years after the vicious murder of Matthew Shepard, many gays and lesbians still regard Wyoming as a hostile, forbidding place. But gay residents say their state has changed in ways large and small — many of them as the direct result of what happened in Laramie a decade ago.

The University of Wyoming recently dedicated a memorial to Matthew, LGBT clubs have sprung up in high schools and colleges, and the state’s second-largest city elected an openly gay mayor. The gay men and lesbians who call Wyoming home describe their state as conservative and quirky — but definitely not hateful.

“This is cowboy country,” explains Diane Kempson, a professor at the University of Wyoming who owns the Cowgirls Horse Motel with her partner. “By & large, folks believe in ‘rugged individualism’ — sort of live and let live.”

So, with 330 days of sunshine, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and the granddaddy of all rodeos, is it time for gay travelers to consider a trip to the Cowboy State? For three types of travelers, the answer is probably yes:

1. Outdoor lovers. Yellowstone National Park is the most obvious attraction and definitely falls into the can’t-miss category, but don’t overlook the Grand Teton National Park for fishing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and other outdoor activities. There are plenty of lodges and hotels around the parks that pay standard commissions, and the gay-owned Chinook Winds Mountain Lodge provides rustic accommodations in the heart of Wind River country. Alyson Adventures chose Wyoming as the site of its all-gay “Grand Teton Adventure” in the summer of 2009, featuring hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing and more.
2. Horse lovers. Horse culture is deeply ingrained in Wyoming, so it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to ride. In Laramie, Diane Kempson’s B&B was “designed with women and their horses in mind.” Upscale resorts sometimes offer gentle trail rides and riding lessons, so city slickers can pick up a new skill while on vacation.
3. Winter sports enthusiasts. Jackson Hole offers some of the most challenging skiing in the U.S., plus some of the best views. It’s also home to most of the state’s high-end lodging choices, including the eco-luxe Hotel Terra and the only North American outpost of Asia’s Aman Resorts chain (which offers a women-only fly fishing camp). Besides downhill skiing, Wyoming is also a great choice for cross-country, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more.

From rustic to luxurious, travel agents can craft unique, memorable packages in a place once considered unofficially off-limits to gay travelers. It’s just a shame Matthew Shepard didn’t live long enough to see the changes in a state he loved.