Philly Gayborhood: LGBTQ History Walking Tour
5.0
30 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
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Highlights
- William Way LGBT Community Center - See the Pride and Progress mural on the side of the William Way LGBTQ Community Center.
- Writer’s Block Rehab - On the side of Writer’s Block Rehab (local qpoc owned bar), see two incredible murals of queer icons.
- Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room - Visit the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ-focused bookstore in the country.
- Camac Street - See what the heart of the Gayborhood consisted of and the location 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
(30 Ratings)
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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!
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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!
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Nurakar
Jun 11, 2022
Excellent, would highly recommend to tourists & Philly natives alike - Joey gave us a history tour and it was amazing. They were hilarious & insightful. Going to bring my friends to this ASAP!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Georgiagrig
Jun 11, 2022
A must-do in Philly! - Joey was hilarious and an amazing storyteller. Beyond the Bell’s tour content highlighted the neighborhood’s unique history. We really enjoyed our tour!
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Catherinefw2044ep
May 30, 2022
Amazing Time - Amazing experience. Knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about the LGBTQ Community.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E9875tcroxannep
May 25, 2022
Well researched, thoughtful tour - Rebecca, our guide, was able to speak thoughtfully and show us lots of wonderful spaces, including information I didn't know even after living in Philadelphia all my life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zzzdt
May 22, 2022
Great tour! - Joey was accommodating, informative and entertaining. Our group came away with lots to talk about and think about. Thanks for a great tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
