By Dana Perkiss
Although we recognize Pride all year-round, there’s no better time to celebrate than in June, the official Pride month!
Start by visiting some iconic LGBTQ+ historical sites that have played a key role in our community — and not just in the big cities. Here are some of our top recommendations for essential LGBTQ+ landmarks to visit in the United States.
Castro Camera - San Francisco, California
Originally a camera store owned by Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person elected in California to public office, Castro Camera became known as the center of the San Francisco LGBTQ+ community in the 1970s. The store was home and headquarters for Milk’s political campaigns, in which he eventually went on to become California’s governor. After Milk’s assassination in 1978, the building became an art gallery and then a Human Rights Campaign Store. Milk, a movie based on Milk’s life, was later filmed there.
Walt Whitman House - Camden, New Jersey
Though Whitman never explicitly came out as queer, much of his writing has queer themes — which has made him an LGBTQ+ icon. The Walt Whitman House was home to the renowned poet, Walt Whitman. Today, the Walt Whitman House is a National Historic Landmark and museum. Get an intimate view of Whitman’s life as you view his old belongings, original writings, and a rare collection of photographs.
"Camden was originally an accident, but I shall never be sorry I was left over in Camden. It has brought me blessed returns." - Walt Whitman
The Stonewall Inn - New York City, New York
Now a national landmark, Stonewall Inn is probably the most well-known LGBTQ+ site in the US with its history of police raids leading up to the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969. The night of the Stonewall Uprising was an act of fierce resistance and a milestone for the LGBTQ+ community. Marches continued for several nights afterwards, and it was these protests that launched the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Now, the Stonewall Inn is still a popular bar in Manhattan that regularly hosts themed parties and drag performances. It is a true must-see for any queer person looking to feel a part of history.
National AIDS Memorial - San Francisco, California
The National AIDS Memorial was started back in the worst of the AIDS pandemic when San Francisco locals came together to create a memorial for the lives lost from AIDS. “The Grove” is now a national federally-designated memorial and can be found in Golden Gate Park. In addition to “the Grove”, you can also view the expansive AIDS Memorial Quilt, which holds more than 48,000 panels with thousands of names sewn into it in remembrance of those lost to AIDS. The National AIDS Memorial is a beacon of history and education for the horrors the LGBTQ+ community faced, and still faces, due to AIDS - but it’s also a space where one can find pride in the resiliency of our community.
Pulse Interim Memorial - Orlando, Florida
On June 12, 2016, the deadliest murder targeted towards the LGBTQ+ community happened at the Pulse nightclub when a shooter claimed the lives of 49 people. The nightclub site is now a memorial of quiet sanctuary to honor the lives lost. You can leave flowers and notes at the Offering Wall, view the iconic waterfall of the nightclub’s entrance and pictures of the world’s supportive responses, and then reflect in the tranquility of the Survivor Grove. This memorial site is only temporary, as the onePULSE Foundation works towards building a museum.
Elks Athletic Club (Henry Clay Hotel) - Louisville, Kentucky
This former hotel was home to what’s believed to be Kentucky’s first gay bar, the Beaux Arts Cocktail Lounge. It was a straight-looking bar that was known in the LGBTQ+ community for using coded gay messages in its advertisements - pretty sly, right? Though the bar closed in 1955, the building is still home to LGBTQ+ culture. The Creative Employment Project established itself there in the 1980s and was known as one of the most queer-friendly workplaces in Kentucky. In a state that’s been notoriously not queer-friendly, this building boasts a refreshing feeling of pride that’s worth visiting.
James Merrill House - Stonington, Connecticut
Designated as a Historic National Landmark, this was home to poet James Merrill and his partner David Jackson. Merrill is one of the most renowned literary figures of his time, winning both a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award (twice). Since his death in 1954, the home has been established as a rent-free space for writers to work on creative projects in peace.
Writers, we highly recommend checking out this Residency program.
Gloria Casarez Mural - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Gloria Casarez was a pioneer in LGBTQ+ activism in Philadelphia. She became the city’s first director of LGBTQ+ affairs in 2008, was one of the founders of the Philly Dyke march, and won Philadelphia its national recognition as the number one city for LGBTQ+ equality. Pay respects to her legacy by visiting the beautiful mural located at 204 South 12th Street in Philly. While you’re there, check out the city’s “Gayborhood” which boasts blocks of LGBTQ+ bars, cafes, and streets adorned with rainbow stickers located right in Center City.
Whether you want to celebrate during Pride season or simply pay homage to queer culture, you won’t regret visiting these historic LGBTQ+ landmarks.
