The Philadelphia LGBTQ Heritage Initiative

July 4, 1965 through 1969 citizens gathered in front of Independence Hall to protest the discrimination gay and lesbian individuals faced throughout the United States.

NPS PHOTO

Your own personal story is within the frame of history. Help save this history by participating in the Philadelphia LGBTQ Heritage Initiative.

NPS PHOTO

Recognizing Philadelphia's LGBTQ heritage

The history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ) is a vital part of the history of our city and our nation. The Philadelphia LGBTQ Heritage Initiative encourages citizens to ensure that this chapter of history is not only preserved, but celebrated.

The initiative is a collaboration of the LGBTQ community, the National Park Service, the John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives, Independence National Historical Park and the Organization of American Historians. We aim to work with local museums, businesses and community centers to share their stories with a national audience. Success of the initiative relies on the expertise of the local community. We depend on the many voices of the Philadelphia LGBTQ communities to guide the initiative and our preservation efforts.

We would love to hear about the ways you are exploring and recording LGBTQ history and heritage. Please email us and let us know what you're doing.