Gayborhood
| Type | Neighborhood / District |
|---|---|
| Location | Center City |
| ZIP code(s) | 19107 |
| Boundaries | Roughly Chestnut Street to Pine Street, 11th Street to Broad Street |
| Adjacent | Washington Square West, Midtown Village, Rittenhouse Square |
| Major streets | 13th Street, Walnut Street, Locust Street |
| Transit | Broad Street Line (Walnut-Locust), Market-Frankford Line |
| Landmarks | Rainbow street signs, LGBTQ+ bars and businesses |
The Gayborhood is Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ neighborhood, located within Washington Square West and Midtown Village in Center City. The neighborhood is marked by rainbow street signs and has served as the center of Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community since the 1960s.
History
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community established a presence in this area beginning in the 1960s. The neighborhood grew as a safe space during the gay rights movement and has remained the symbolic heart of the LGBTQ+ community, even as acceptance has grown citywide.
Rainbow Street Signs
[edit | edit source]In 2007, Philadelphia became one of the first cities to install rainbow street signs marking an LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The 36 signs along 13th Street and surrounding blocks are a source of community pride.
Character
[edit | edit source]Nightlife and Entertainment
[edit | edit source]- LGBTQ+ bars and clubs
- Drag shows and performances
- Dance clubs
- Neighborhood gathering spots
Businesses
[edit | edit source]- LGBTQ+-owned shops
- Rainbow-friendly restaurants
- Community services
- Pride merchandise
Community
[edit | edit source]- LGBTQ+ community center
- Pride events
- Political organizing
- Support services
Philadelphia Pride
[edit | edit source]The Gayborhood serves as the focal point for Philadelphia Pride celebrations:
- Annual Pride parade and festival
- OutFest (National Coming Out Day)
- Pride month events
- Community gatherings
Living in the Gayborhood
[edit | edit source]- Center City apartments
- Walkable location
- Nightlife access
- High demand, higher prices
- Part of Washington Square West housing market
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- Broad Street Line: Walnut-Locust Station
- Market-Frankford Line: 11th Street Station
- Walking: Central Center City location