Celebrating LGBT Pride Month in Philadelphia, PA

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For the last fifty years, cities and towns all over the world have organized events and marches in honor of the LGBT community during the month of June. This is a time for people who are part of the LGBT community, or allies of the community to celebrate and recognize the visibility and equality of those who are part of this group.

The city of Philadelphia is no exception and celebrating LGBT Pride Month in Philadelphia, PA, has been a regular occurrence since the 1970’s. Read on for more information about how it started in the city of Brotherly Love, and how those involved celebrate each year.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

The first city in the country to have a gay Pride March was New York City back in 1970, however, Philadelphia wasn’t too far behind and began organizing their own annual celebrations from 1972, making it among the first cities in America to do so. At the time, it was still a new concept that had very little support and by 1977 the pride events had stopped; although small gatherings still took place each year.

Finally, in 1988 there was a spontaneous but extremely successful pride parade in Love Park, and this event earned enough support among the community and its leaders, that it officially marked the beginning of the annual parade through Philadelphia.

HOW PEOPLE CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH

There are gatherings, parties, and events throughout most of the city during June. Some of the most popular ways for people to celebrate are;

GAYBORHOOD STREET PARTY

The Gayborhood is situated inThe Washington West neighborhood, and it is the neighborhood that is responsible for kicking off the first weekend’s activities. Here, you can buy beers, cocktails, dance with your friends, and enjoy a lively and welcoming street party; this is also the location of where the parade march begins.

THE PRIDE FESTIVAL

The parade from above makes its way through the streets and ends at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing; here is where the festival begins. Around 25,000 people will be part of this festival, and it is the perfect place to dance, buy street food, and take part in games that are there for both adults and kids.

LIGHT DISPLAYS

During two nights of the month (the dates change each year), there are light displays at some of the city’s top spots, including the Boathouse Row and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge as well as others. Here, you can gather around watch the buildings and landmarks light up with the pride’s colors.

BARS AND CLUBS

The city has a vast amount of LGBT bars and clubs, all of which get involved by hosting events and organizing parties during June. Yuu will find a lot of them along the route that the pride parade takes, but a few are a little further afield but still within walking distance. There are too many to list, but if you are new to town then head to a few of our recommendations below that are in the parade area, and are the ideal places to hang out and get involved.

  • STIR LOUNGE
  • WOODY’S BAR
  • FRANKY BRADLEY’S
  • REVOLUTION HOUSE
  • KNOCK RESTAURANT & BAR

Of course, these are just some of the main events you will find throughout the city as there are a hundred things to choose from. Wherever you go, you won’t pass a street corner without finding something fun to do.

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