Before Stonewall Secret Gay History of New York City
Description
Step beyond the well-known story of Stonewall and uncover the hidden origins of LGBTQ+ life in New York City on this fascinating walking tour through Greenwich Village. Long before the modern rights movement, the Village served as a refuge for outsiders, artists, and rebels who quietly built one of the most vibrant queer communities in the country. Travel back through centuries of overlooked history, from the colonial era to the 1960s, and discover the poets, performers, and trailblazers who shaped LGBTQ+ culture in New York. Walk the same streets where Walt Whitman wrote revolutionary poetry celebrating love and identity, hear the stories of early drag performers and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers, and learn about the secret bars and gathering places where queer culture flourished despite persecution. Along the way, your expert licensed guide will bring to life the bold, tragic, rebellious, and inspiring stories that paved the way for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Tour Options
Itinerary
A popular LGBTQ bar where the "Sip-In's" took place, an event that predates Stonewall. Helped change service laws in bars and restaurants against LGBTQ patrons.
The location of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Today a popular LGBTQ Bar and National Landmark. Did you know the Mob owned it?
One of NYC's most popular parks. Center of LGBTQ life and community.
Main thoroughfare of LGBTQ visibility in New York City
A street once filled with secret speakeasies and tearooms catering to the LGBTQ community, now one of the most popular streets for comedy clubs, cafes, music venues and quick bites.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
This was an excellent tour and I highly recommend it to anyone interested. Michael was such an informative and nice guide too!
This experience was fantastic. There are longer moments of pause for stories and history in this tour. So the walking isn't over board, and the rests are great. This is great even for those that know history. There was a ton of information I didn't know, or was nicely flushed out by the guide. It also ends at what used to be a gay bookstore, but unfortunately is not anymore. There LGBTQ section is small, but unique. Tons of titles I couldn't get back home or didn't even know about. It also ends at a gelato/ice cream shop, so if you need a snack it is right there. Patrick was also fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. He was the one to tell me about the bookstores history, which was not even part of the tour. He was a nice level of serious and whimsical when showing off the meat rack. He was patient with my questions since the history isn't able to always be chronological with the layout of the neighborhood (we talked about the Gay Liberation before the Mattachine Society, for example). We went during the bitter cold, so the tablet died. However, he was able to access the photos and info with his phone, and was perfect since I was the only person on the tour. This was a wonderful experience, and I can't wait to do the later part of the history tour when I am in the city next. Also, while you only walk by, I highly encourage doubling back to go and see the Stonewall Inn Visitor Center. It is gorgeous and has some nice apparel for purchase.
Super educational and fun! The tour guide, Percy was extremely informative and knowledgeable. Absolutely would recommend this tour to other people.
Enjoyable and educational. Knowledgeable guide. Definitely recommend to those interested in LGBT history.
Fantastic Tour. An interesting look into the lives of 19th and early 20th century LGBTQ individuals and Artists. Recommended
