Gay area of philadelphia
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Originally offering LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction works, Philly Aids Thrift has expanded its selection to music, art, comics, books, and more! And OURfest (known as OutFest from 1995 to 2022) celebrates National Coming Out Day (NCOD) features the nation’s first-ever NCOD parade.
A Deep History of LGBTQ+ Rights Activism
In Philadelphia, the birthplace of democracy, freedom and independence, the crusade for LGBTQ+ equality began in earnest in the 1960s.
It was here that teens led successful sit-ins at Dewey’s Restaurant with discriminatory policies against people they dubbed “homosexuals.”
And it was here on July 4 right in front of Independence Hall that some of the nation’s first gay rights protests took place during the Annual Reminders (1965-1969).
Philadelphians who have played significant roles in the struggle for equality include activist and founder of Philly Gay News Mark Segal, the “Mother of the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement” Barbara Gittings, “Dr.
It’s one of our favorites here at Campus Philly.
Shopping
Full of small businesses to support, there’s no shortage of shopping in the Gayborhood.
A highlight of the neighborhood is Philly Aids Thrift at Giovanni’s Room.
An Essential Guide to LGBTQ+ Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the nation’s birthplace and one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ+ community, is proud of the historic roles it has played — and plays still — in the founding, advancement and celebration of the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights movement.
In 1965 Philadelphia hosted the country’s first major demonstration for gay rights, the Annual Reminders protests outside Independence Hall.
Imagine if a Sports Bar downstairs met a Dance Club met a Cabaret met a Roof Deck… a.k.a: this three-floors-of-entertainment space is meant for FOR EVERYONE!
Plus, looking for something sweet? It is also the oldest LGBTQ and feminist bookstore in the country.
In the market for locally designed apparel? Owner Jourdan Porter designs apparel and merchandise for queer and trans people of color.
Philly is full of creatives!
Set in the heart of Washington Square West, this neighborhood is an iconic LGBTQ+ community scene—complete with shopping, dining along 13th Street, and everything in between. Explore more of the city and check out out trans-owned bakery, Cake Life Bake Shop!
The neighborhood also hosts annual events like the Philadelphia Pride March and Festival and OURfest.
Check out this itinerary of Philadelphia’s essential LGBTQ+ sites — past and present.
Founded on principles of equality, Philadelphia is a welcoming and inspirational place for LGBTQ+ travelers, offering inclusive arts and nightlife, vibrant shopping and dining, and a long history of LGBTQ+ activism.
A Welcoming Place
Three centuries ago, William Penn founded Philadelphia as a place where freedom, tolerance and equality would thrive.
In that tradition of Brotherly and Sisterly Love, the city has long welcomed LGBTQ+ residents and visitors to this inviting destination, thriving social hub and historically significant locale.
The Gayborhood
The Gayborhood in Midtown Village has been Philly’s center of LGBTQ+ life and culture since the 1950s.
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The lively neighborhood is home to a significant portion of Philadelphia’s 60,000 LGBTQ+ residents.
Map it here, and check out some highlights for Pride Month (and beyond!) below.
Dining
The dining experience is central to the Gayborhood, with local restauranteurs (like Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran!), bringing incredible dining experiences to the area and helping to launch the Gayborhood into its current glory.
That same year, a Rittenhouse Square diner was the site of one of the nation’s first LGBTQ+ sit-in protests.
HAPPY PRIDE! The current version has been running since 1988 and is now one of the largest in the nation. The Gayborhood is tucked in Midtown Village and spans Pine Street to Chestnut Street, as well as 11th Street to Broad Street!
The festival is full of dancing, food, and fun for everyone!
Plus, a great space for support, social wellness programming, and to find more events is the William Way LGBT Community Center. The couple opened Mediterranean-style Barbuzzo, along with the mid-century-inspired American eatery, Bud and Marilyn’s—and both spots are must-trys in Philly.
Highly acclaimed for its nightlife, the Gayborhood also features places like 254 Philadelphia.
The neighborhood is also the site of Giovanni’s Room, the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore, and Duross & Langel, a hotspot for handmade facial, skin and body care.
Many more LGBTQ+-owned and -friendly spaces ring the city, from South Street’s Workshop Underground, Queen Village’s Philly AIDS Thrift, Fishtown’s Cake Life Bakeshop and Fabrika to Dankbaar in East Passyunk.
Events & Festivals
The 100,000-attendee-strong Philadelphia Pride March & Festival has been held annually since 1972, and is one of the nation’s oldest.
Take a quick trip just outside of the Gayborhood to check out this local favorite, the South Street Art Mart. Anonymous” John E. Fryer, M.D. and marriage equality activist Edie Windsor.
Over and over again, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of this civil rights movement, helping to bend history just as it always has.
Campus Philly’s 2025 Mini-Guide to the Gayborhood
HAPPY PRIDE!
This month, plan your visit to one of our favorite neighborhoods in Philly: The Gayborhood!