Hopefully, this is helpful and everyone will tell their friends (especially their queer friends) about a certain magical, dark, joyous series. (This one.)
Two places were most directly inspiring, one of which was something of a second lounge when I was a much more intoxicated PhD researcher. But I'll start with the more well known of the two: the Joshua Ward/George Corwin House.
If anything, it adds depth to the romance. Ultimately, they're quite hopeful stories. But then, I'll pilfer anything and steal hope like it's legal tender.