By Dr. Laura McGuire
Welcome, my vagabond and adventuring friends, to the first installment of Traveling While Queer! As an entrepreneur and consultant, traveling is a huge part of my job—building a strong network of movers-and-shakers means venturing from my home in Florida, out of the South, and journeying to cities across the nation. Along the way, I aim to share these cities’ vibrant LGBTQ histories (ones that are too often forgotten), as well as to lend my own personal queer perspectives on the destinations. Our first stop is the home of American democracy and brotherly love (which already sounds pretty gay), Philadelphia!
Why I Love Philly
When I was 17, I made a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad decision. I had the opportunity to attend what is basically the coolest school on Earth—Moore College of Art and Design. Located in Philly’s Museum District, this is one of the last all women’s art colleges in the nation. I desperately wanted to study curation at the College, but feared I wouldn’t succeed. So, after years of prepping my art portfolio, I simply didn’t apply. (I know, ugh!).
Therefore, when I landed a speaking gig at a conference in this amazing, artsy, and historical city, I knew that my first sightseeing stop had to be this mecca of female-identified creativity. The school is an LGBTQ safe haven, only enhances the beauty of the city, and was a constant reminder of just how darn dumb I was for not going there when I had the chance. But hey, that’s what traveling is for.
LGBTQ History
Philadelphia has a longstanding queer history that dates back to the 1920s. From the roaring 1920s to the 1960s, LGBTQ patrons have long flocked to the gay bars, fashion houses, and other entertainment venues in the Washington Square West District. Our forequeers originally sought these safe spaces under the pretenses of Mob protection, but soon enough, laughs over cocktails transformed into rallying cries for political change. In 1965, four years before the Stonewall Riots, a sit-in protest was staged by three LGBTQ protesters at Dewey’s, an ice cream shop that was denying service to queer customers. This public action is considered to be one of the many seeds that would grow the larger national riots and LGBTQ movement. Following this protest, Philadelphia became an epicenter for queer activism, supported by the “homophile” organization The Janus Society, and centralized within the area surrounding the intersection of 11th and Broad streets—known as the local “gayborhood.” Today, the neighborhood’s streets are still decorated with rainbow flags and, each June, more than 25,000 Pride goers march down Broad Street during the city’s Pride parade.
Must-Sees
Although Philly, in its entirety, presents a million opportunities for fun, I recommend you start your adventures in the city’s gayborhood. I was lucky enough to find accommodations in the area, and its central location makes for a great home base. Take a triumphant run up the Rocky Steps, grab the best gelato of your life at Capogiro Gelato, have a relaxing brunch at Green Eggs Cafe, and make sure to check out some of the oldest libraries in the country.
UBar is a “no nonsense neighborhood bar with good drinks and lively fun atmosphere.” Photo courtesy UBar/Twitter.
When you need a break from sightseeing, stroll over to some of the city’s best gay bars, including Woody’s, UBar, and—for female-identified folks—The Toasted Walnut. Drinking not your jam? Brush up on your queer history at the William Way Community Center or visit the Mazzoni Center to learn about the organization’s queer-competent healthcare programming.
Lastly, you’re not doing Philly right if you don’t stop by the Liberty Bell, with a cheesesteak in hand, on your way out!
