Hey Her-oes! Your local lesbian tour guide here, taking you on a NYC tour for Lesbian Visibility Day. This hits all the hot spots- historical landmarks, trendy clubs and bars for a date night, and maybe even a hint of romance! #LVDTour #HERstoryTour
LessThis park wasn't just a backdrop for countless rom-coms (though it totally could be yours), it was also a pivotal spot for lesbian history. Back in '93, the Lesbian Avengers, a badass group of six women, rallied here before their epic Dyke March down Fifth Avenue. That march turned into an international movement, and today, Dyke Marches are still held around the world. So grab some snacks, spread a blanket, and soak up the history (and maybe impress your date with your knowledge.
Next stop, firehouse romance? This isn't your typical fire station. It was once the stomping ground of the Gay Activists Alliance, a badass LGBTQ+ group born right after the Stonewall Riots. From 1971 to 1974, this firehouse became a beacon of hope, hosting meetings and transforming into a community center for our rainbow fam. Imagine holding hands (or maybe sharing a celebratory fist pump!) where history was made.
This might look like your average dry cleaner now (Mercer Cleaner, FYI) but it holds a secret history. Back in 1967, this spot was the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, the very first lesbian and gay bookstore on the East Coast! It was a haven for our community, a place to find stories, connect, and even plan the very first Pride Parade! Imagine the whispers of rebellion and the feeling of solidarity that filled these walls. Now you can impress your date with a little lesbian history knowledge!
This stop is a living monument to lesbian resilience. It's a cornerstone of NYC's lesbian community, founded in 1991 by the amazing Lisa Cannistraci. Back then, it was literally built by lesbians, with donated supplies and sweat equity! For over 30 years, "Hen's" has been a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks to socialize, celebrate, and feel like they belong. This vibrant bar is a must for Lesbian Visibility Day! Just sayin', they make a killer margarita.
This seemingly ordinary spot now houses Two Boots, but in the 70s and 80s, it thrummed with a different kind of energy. Back then, it was known as Pandora's Box, a legendary lesbian bar that provided a safe, inclusive space especially for Black and Latina lesbians. Can you imagine the laughter, the dance floor magic, the whispered secrets shared over cocktails? It was a cornerstone of the lesbian scene, and a powerful testament to the vibrant history of LGBTQ+ life in NYC.
Our first stop is the iconic Stonewall Inn, birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. This legendary bar wasn't just a haven for our sisters, it was also a hot spot for lesbians back in the day. Imagine holding hands (or maybe a little more ) where history was made! Who knows, maybe you'll make some history of your own tonight.
This vibrant neighborhood was a safe haven for LGBTQ+ folks, especially lesbians, and played a pivotal role in the fight for equality. Fun fact: it's where Barbara Gittings, a total lesbian trailblazer, founded the first New York chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian civil rights organization in the US! (Imagine the stories those streets could tell!) This area also hosted the very first NYC Pride Parade, paving the way for celebrations across the globe.
Raise a glass to groundbreaking lesbians at Julius', opened in 1967. This isn't just NYC's oldest gay bar (talk about historic!), it was one of the first lesbian bars. Back in the day (think speakeasy vibes, but for lesbians!), Julius' was a safe haven for women to meet and mingle when just being yourself was illegal. Fast forward to today, and it's the perfect spot to clink glasses with your date over juicy burgers and celebrate how far we've come. Who runs the world? Lesbians.
This leafy haven hides a powerful story. Once the Women's House of Detention, it housed many lesbian women. Today, it's a vibrant symbol of resilience, and activists are fighting to honor the lesbian women who were incarcerated here. Intrigued? We are too! Who knows, maybe their strength will inspire your own fight for equality? (And don't worry, the only bars you'll find here are the cute cafes across the street.)
This is the birthplace of a revolution! The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center is where history was made. In 1992, a group of fearless lesbians met here and the Lesbian Avengers were born, fighting for our visibility and sparking the Dyke March tradition. Feeling inspired? Grab a coffee nearby and strategize your own revolution...maybe it involves stealing glances at you across the table.
Cubbyhole's been a haven for NYC lesbians since the 90s, offering a safe space to sip, chat, and celebrate. Back in the day, it was called DT's Fat Cat, but in 1994, it donned its current moniker and became a cornerstone of the lesbian community. Fun fact: legendary lesbian icon Stormé DeLaverie once worked security here! This historic spot is a must for any history buff (or anyone looking for a friendly vibe and a killer jukebox).
Want to impress your date with some lesbian history? Then head to Christopher Street Pier, right across from the iconic Stonewall Inn. Back in the day, this was a popular hangout for our sisters before the riots. It was a place where LGBTQ+ folks could gather and be themselves, a true safe haven. Fast forward to today, the pier is part of the Hudson River Park, but its legacy as a spot that championed LGBTQ+ rights lives on. So grab your girl's hand and soak up some history together.
Want to impress your date with some serious lesbian history? This spot might be a former firehouse, but it ignited a firestorm for LGBTQ+ rights! The Women's Liberation Center, next to the Chelsea International Hostel, was ground zero for feminist and lesbian activism in the 70s and 80s. Lesbian groups like the Lesbian Feminist Liberation and the Lesbian Switchboard found a home here, providing vital services and fighting for equality.It's a reminder of the fierce women who paved the way for us.
Here isn't your typical off-Broadway spot. Founded in 1970, it's been a champion for LGBTQ+ voices, especially lesbians! Back in '90, East Village playwright Barbara Kahn co-founded Sisters on Stage, a lesbian theater collective here. They found a home at the Theater, and Barbara's still creating new work there every year. Catch a glimpse of our vibrant history, and who knows, maybe you'll spark a new chapter of your own (Bonus points for knowing Barbara's won awards galore!)
Ginger's Bar in Park Slope is the borough's last lesbian haven, and it's been serving up pride since 2000! Back then, Park Slope was buzzing with LGBTQ+ energy, and Ginger's became a cornerstone for the community. Even though the neighborhood's changed, Ginger's stayed true to its roots. It's a classic dive bar with a pool table, jukebox, and a friendly welcome for everyone. Whether you're a longtime lesbian local or a curious newcomer, Ginger's is the perfect spot to raise a glass to history.
The Lesbian Herstory Archives is like a time capsule of all things awesomely lesbian. Founded by a group of badass women in the 70s, it's the OG collection of lesbian history. It's a treasure trove of lesbian literature, art, and activism. We can geek out over vintage photos, first-person accounts, and learn a thing or two to impress on our next date. Imagine strolling through these halls, hand-in-hand, uncovering the fierce history that paves the way for us to be out and proud today.
The Bush, a self-proclaimed "dyke bar for the queers," might be just the spot. This isn't your average dive bar – opened in 2023, it's a trendy, activist-owned haven with killer craft cocktails and DJs. But it's more than just drinks! The Bush is the brainchild of two besties who saw a need for safe spaces for lesbians in Brooklyn. Lesbian bars have a rich history – they've been crucial for fostering community, safety, and even social change activism for LGBTQ+ rights.