Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay®

Philadelphia was founded on the principle of equality, and the city continues to be a welcoming place for LGBTQ travelers.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that Philadelphia — famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — was the location of the first major LGBTQ rights demonstration (held at Independence Hall) on July 4, 1965. Barbara Gittings, regarded as the mother of the LGBTQ rights movement, called Philadelphia her home.

Standing directly across the street from Independence Hall, a historic marker honors the Annual Reminders, the demonstration held at this site led by gay activists on July 4 from 1965 to 1969, the last of which occurred just days after the history-making Stonewall Riots. In 2019, Philadelphia and the world commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that launched the LGBTQ civil rights movement.

Philadelphia was the first city in the United States to launch a major marketing campaign (“Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay®”) to welcome LGBTQ tourism, and it represents a trove of cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic diversity. Annual pride celebrations, weekly parties, performing arts and nightlife create a constant draw for LGBTQ visitors.

Don’t miss a visit to the Gayborhood, a Center City neighborhood that sets itself apart with rainbow street signs as well as restaurants and bars owned by and catering to LGBTQ-identified clientele.