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Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay®

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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.

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The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape

The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.

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