When you think of gay history, what comes to mind? Probably Pride month in June, right? But guess what? October is LGBTQ+ History Month, and it’s time we gave it the attention it deserves.
Started in 1994, this month shines a spotlight on our queer past, celebrating the trailblazers and pivotal moments that got us here. Exploring these historic sites is more than just a history lesson — it’s a pilgrimage. It connects us to the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of our community.
So, for your next vacation, skip the usual spots and dive into the vibrant, messy, and powerful tapestry of LGBTQ+ history. Here are 10 essential sites to add to your travel list.
LGBTQ+ Landmarks: A Travel Guide for Celebrating Gay History Month
Dr. Franklin E. Kameny Residence
Washington, DC
This unassuming brick home in Washington, DC was the nerve center for pre-Stonewall gay rights activist Dr. Frank Kameny. He organized from this house, coining the rallying cry “Gay is Good” and leading the charge to get homosexuality declassified as a mental illness.
- Why Visit: While Dr. Franklin E. Kameny’s house is a private residence and you can’t go inside, just standing outside is a powerful experience. You’re at the spot where a true hero fought for our dignity.
- Address: 5020 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
- Nearby: Head to the National Museum of American History, which has an extensive LGBTQ+ collection, including Frank Kameny’s own protest signs.
Castro Camera
San Francisco, CA
This address wasn’t just Harvey Milk’s camera shop; it was his home and campaign headquarters. In 1977, he became California’s first openly gay elected official, proving the political power of the queer community and cementing The Castro as a gay mecca. He even started the legendary Castro Street Fair from this very spot.
- Why Visit: No place in San Francisco is more connected to Harvey Milk’s legacy. The site features two plaques and a mural of Milk, marking the spot where so much history was made.
- Address: 575 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
- Nearby: Don’t miss the GLBT Historical Society Museum, the first of its kind in the U.S., where you can see a piece of Gilbert Baker’s original 1978 rainbow flag.
Pulse Interim Memorial
Orlando, FL
The Pulse Interim Memorial honors the 49 lives tragically lost in the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. It’s a space for remembrance and reflection, featuring a soothing soundscape and vibrant tributes to the victims.
- Why Visit: It’s a heartbreaking but essential visit. The site serves as a somber reminder of the violence our community still faces and a powerful call to action for love and acceptance.
- Address: 1912 S Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL
- Nearby: The Orange County Regional History Center has a “One Orlando Collection” exhibit dedicated to preserving the memory of the tragedy.
Independence National Historical Park
Philadelphia, PA
Long before Stonewall, activists were demanding their rights right here. From 1965 to 1969, the “Annual Reminders” protests took place in front of Independence Hall, reminding America that the promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” wasn’t extended to everyone.
- Why Visit: See where our nation — and our movement — began. A historic marker commemorates these early, brave demonstrations. It’s a powerful backdrop for contemplating how far we’ve come.
- Address: 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Nearby: Visit Giovanni’s Room, now operated by Philly AIDS Thrift, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstores. Also, take a walk to the Point Breeze neighborhood and check out Keith Haring’s only intact public mural, “We the Youth.”
Henry Gerber House
Chicago, IL
In this Chicago house in 1924, Henry Gerber — the “Grandfather of the American Gay Movement” — founded the Society for Human Rights, the first recognized gay rights organization in the U.S. Though short-lived due to police raids, it was the spark that ignited the American movement.
- Why Visit: It’s a pilgrimage to the very beginning. See the private residence where the first seeds of the American gay rights movement were sown.
- Address: 1710 North Crilly Court, Chicago, IL 60614
- Nearby: Take a walk down the Legacy Walk in Boystown, the world’s only outdoor museum walk dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ icons.
Matthew Shepard Memorial Bench
Laramie, WY
In 1998, the brutal anti-gay murder of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard shook the nation. His death became a catalyst for change, leading to the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009.
- Why Visit: This memorial bench is a quiet place for reflection. It’s a tribute to Matthew’s life and a stark reminder of the long, ongoing fight for safety and equality.
- Address: University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071
- Nearby: The university hosts an annual Shepard Symposium on Social Justice, dedicated to conversations on diversity and equality.
Darcelle XV Showplace
Portland, OR
Before RuPaul’s Drag Race served charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, there was Darcelle XV. This legendary drag revue club, Oregon’s first LGBTQ+ site on the National Register of Historic Places, has been a beacon of acceptance since 1967. It still hosts the longest-running drag show west of the Mississippi.
- Why Visit: Although its iconic owner, Walter Cole (Darcelle XV), passed in 2023, her spirit and the club’s infectious energy live on. Come for the dazzling costumes, stay for the history, and say “thank you” to a true pioneer.
- Address: 208 NW 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
- Nearby: After the show, grab a wild treat at Voodoo Doughnut, which often supports LGBTQ+ nonprofits like The Trevor Project.
The Black Cat Tavern
Los Angeles, California
Two years before Stonewall, a New Year’s Eve police raid on this Silver Lake gay bar — for the “crime” of same-sex kissing at midnight — sparked one of the first organized LGBTQ+ protests. Nearly 600 people gathered to protest police brutality, leading to the creation of the organization PRIDE, which later launched The Advocate.
- Why Visit: The Black Cat is now a gastropub that honors its revolutionary past with photos from the 1967 demonstrations. It’s a perfect spot to soak up some radical history while enjoying a solid meal and a cocktail.
- Address: 3909 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90029
- Nearby: Check out the Great Wall of Los Angeles, a half-mile mural showcasing California’s diverse history, including tributes to the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis.
Up Stairs Lounge
New Orleans, LA
In 1973, an arson fire at this French Quarter gay bar killed 32 people in what was then the deadliest attack on the LGBTQ+ community in U.S. history. The police indifference that followed galvanized the New Orleans gay rights movement.
- Why Visit: A plaque marks the location, a quiet tribute to a horrific event often forgotten. It’s a place to pay respects and recommit to fighting the hate that fueled the fire.
- Address: 604 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Nearby: Visit Café Lafitte in Exile, the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the U.S., once frequented by Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams.
Stonewall National Monument
New York City, NY
This is it. The big one. The 1969 Stonewall Uprising at this Greenwich Village bar is widely considered the flashpoint of the modern gay liberation movement. Today, the Stonewall Inn is both a functioning gay bar and the heart of the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history.
- Why Visit: It’s more than a bar; it’s a living monument. Grab a drink, mingle, and feel the rebellious energy that still buzzes within its walls. The history here is palpable.
- Address: 53 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014
- Nearby: The area is rich with history. Visit Julius’, NYC’s oldest gay bar; The Center, where ACT UP organized; and the NYC AIDS Memorial.
In conclusion, LGBTQ+ History Month is a significant time to honor and embrace the rich heritage of the queer community. By exploring important sites, we gain valuable insights into the journey towards equality. Whether’s Pride Month in June or LGBTQ+ History Month in October, let’s celebrate LGBTQ+ history’s vibrant tapestry and support the movement for a more inclusive and accepting world.