Like many other urban centers in America, Philadelphia’s “Center City,” as it was starting to be called, expanded greatly after World War II.
These events mark milestones in the area’s evolution from a seedy downtown commercial and entertainment district to a symbolic home to Philadelphia’s gay community. It’s also the first in a year’s worth of celebrations that will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the gay rights demonstrations at Independence Hall from 1965-69.
In 2007, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, Mayor John Street dedicated 36 rainbow street signs in the area bounded by 11th and Broad Streets and Pine and Walnut Streets to honor the history and diversity of what we commonly call the city’s “Gayborhood.” And starting this evening, the Library Company of Philadelphia-at 13th & Locust in the heart of the neighborhood-will host an exhibition called “ That’s So Gay,” which will pull back the curtains on their collection’s documented-and undocumented-history of homosexuality, the first show of its kind.
Sign o’ the times: since 2007, rainbow street signs in the Gayborhood | Photo: Bradley Maule
