“Pennsylvania has always been a place where people come to write the next chapter of their story, and that includes our LGBTQ+ community,” Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary of Tourism for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, said.
Philadelphia’s inclusiveness and sense of belonging are its beauty. Home to Chinatown, the Italian Market, Reading Terminal Market, and many other communities with several different cultures, Philadelphia is rich with diversity. Many places celebrate the city and its diversity, such as the LOVE Park and Liberty Bell visitor centers and the Jewish History Museum. Yet, beyond the Gayborhood and Giovanni’s Room bookstore, there are few for the LGBTQ+ community. This is where Philadelphia’s one-of-a-kind hub for LGBTQ+ travelers comes in.
Philadelphia Gay News reported that the new visitor center will contain many different types of activities. One major feature is the variety of attractions, such as museums, art exhibits, and other events. It will also offer itinerary planning, with staff available to help visitors organize their day.
Ryan hopes the center will create a space “where LGBTQ+ travelers will find community, pride, and a warm Pennsylvania welcome.”
Fittingly, one of the nation’s earliest gay rights protests occurred in Philadelphia, when 39 people protested outside Independence Hall on July 4th, 1965. This protest continued each year until 1969, igniting and influencing future movements for gay rights.
“We’re building a starting point for tourists, a dedicated space for this community, and a true reflection of what our city stands for.” – Kathryn Ott Lovell
Philadelphia has striven to welcome everyone, and the LGBTQ+ community is no different. According to Community Marketing & Insights, 63% of LGBTQ+ travelers already think Philadelphia is welcoming. This travel hub will not only boost tourism and revenue in Philadelphia, but also bring up the percentage of people who believe Philadelphia is a welcoming place.
The new LGBTQ+ visitor center isn’t only for the LGBTQ+ community, though. Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of Philadelphia Visitor Center, points out that Philadelphia is a tourist center for all.
“We’re building a starting point for tourists, a dedicated space for this community, and a true reflection of what our city stands for,” Lovell said.
Philadelphia is a diverse community, welcoming people from all over the globe. The creation of the LGBTQ+ center is no different. The establishment of the center showcases the legacy and past movements of the community and represents the progress that has been made. It is clear that the LGBTQ+ visitor center will be both a resource hub and a testament to Philadelphia’s role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
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