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Philly Gayborhood: LGBTQ History Walking Tour
5.0
34 Ratings
Philadelphia
Uncover the vibrant LGBTQ history of Philadelphia’s Gayborhood on this engaging walking tour. Explore iconic landmarks, learn about influential figures, and delve into the evolution of Pride. Join us and discover the hidden stories of this historic community!
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- William Way LGBT Community Center - Check out the Pride and Progress mural displayed on the exterior of the William Way LGBTQ Community Center.
- Writer’s Block Rehab - Admire two stunning murals of queer icons on the side of Writer’s Block Rehab, a local QPOC-owned bar.
- Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room - Explore the nation’s oldest continuously operating LGBTQ-focused bookstore.
- North Camac Street - Discover the heart of the Gayborhood and the site of Philadelphia’s oldest gay bars.
What's Included
- Expert local guide provided
Additional Information
Attention all LGBTQ explorers, gathering of local queer friends and affiliates! Equip yourself with pertinent knowledge and engaging LGBTQ history on this special Philadelphia Gayborhood excursion. Delve deep into the roots of queer Philly, uncover the disputes, contradictions, and covert histories of the country’s only formalized Gayborhood. Join the conversation and spill all the historical tea darling!
Included in the tour are:
- Barbara Gittings, the ‘Gay Pioneer’
- Alain Locke, the Dean of the Harlem Renaissance
- Giovanni’s Room, the longest running LGBT-focused bookstore in the US
- The transformation of Pride: from opposition to celebration
- Kiyoshi Kuromiya: Inventor, Architect, and Advocate
- An homage to Gloria Casarez
Wheelchair accessible with prior notification.
Location
Bud & Marilyn's
Locust Street
We'll meet at the intersection of 13th Street and Locust St, by the sign that says "Barbara Gittings Way". Right outside the red neon sign for Bud & Marilyn's.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(34 Ratings)
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Efk4079ms
Jul 20, 2024
Incredible experience, I hope to go again soon! - This tour was phenomenal, I learned SO much and our tour guide was fantastic. I walked away wanting to go on the tour again to try and soak up as much of the history, stories, and facts as possible. This is a MUST activity for locals and tourists!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Boden
Jul 5, 2024
The Gayborhood’s Finest Attraction - We had an absolutely wonderful time with Rebecca. She gave us the scoop on all the things that slay in the Gayborhood. This is a must for any traveler wishing to brush up on their gay knowledge. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
577scarletth
Jul 5, 2024
A must do in Philadelphia - We had Rebecca, and she was one of the best tour guides that any of us, a group of ten, had seen. The tour was both educational and informational, but also interactive and fun. Loved Giovanni’s room, a great welcoming space for LGBTQ+ folks. And the murals across the ‘Gayborhood” were amazing to see, and Rebecca gave us a great history of the art.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_w
Jun 23, 2024
Tour worth going on! - We had a great experience and highly recommend this tour if you're in the neighborhood! We were able to start on time, walk at a nice pace and take plenty of pictures. Our tour guide was very informative, and she answered all of our questions. I'm glad to have had this opportunity to explore Gayborhood.
Review provided by Viator
O1453uhjt
Apr 20, 2024
Get Your Gay History Here! - Did the tour with Joey today and had a wonderful time! Even as a Philadelphia native, I learned so much about the Gayborhood and LGBTQ+ history that has surrounded me my whole life. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Philadelphia for the first time or the lifelong local curious about those who paved the Queer way before us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scottieb885
Feb 5, 2024
Rebecca is the BEST!!! - This tour was fantastic! Learned so much cool queer history and had a ton of fun along the way. Rebecca is such an engaging and knowledgeable guide and she really made sure it was an awesome experience! We’ll be back for more tours with her for sure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizwm1016xn
Feb 4, 2024
Engaging & fun tour from a knowledgable local - We had a wonderful experience on our walking tour from this woman/LGBTQ owned biz. Our group was small and we had lots of time to ask questions of our knowledgeable & very funny guide - Beyond the Bell was a great way to learn more about the city’s impressive LGBTQ history in a fun and engaging way. Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kendalls760
Feb 23, 2023
Fun afternoon with Joey! - My partner and I took this tour to celebrate her birthday and we had so much fun - it ended up being just us and Joey so we got an excellent, very personalized tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorenzoln2329px
Jan 18, 2023
A Fantastic Tour Not to Be Missed - This was such a wonderful tour and the highlight of our trip to Philadelphia. Joey was our guide and he was so gracious and accommodating before the tour even began. Throughout the tour itself, he provided so many fascinating insights and delivered the information in such an engaging, thoughtful, and humorous way.
If you’re looking for a tour that goes beyond the familiar history and people one associates with Philadelphia, one that incorporates the lesser known yet no less important facts and historical figures of the city, this tour in exactly as advertised and you won’t be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shawne143
Jul 27, 2022
Wonderful time! - Our tour guide, Joey, was amazing and super knowledgeable regarding the 2SLGBTQIA+ history of Philadelphia!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
