LGBTQIA+ history is a rarely spoken about subject. The quee rights movement has a rich and inspiring history that spans across decades and continents. Yes, we know there’s miles to go before we sleep, but with a fair number of landmark moments for the queer community, we’re here to highlight historical sites and landmarks around the world that played significant roles in LGBTQIA+ history and in the liberation movement. If you consider yourself an ally, identify as part of the queer community, or are honestly trying to learn more, then head over to educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ history, struggles, victories, and resilience of the Queer community.
1. Stonewall Inn - New York City, USA
Location: 53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City, the Stonewall Inn is considered the birthplace of the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. Originally, The Stonewall Inn was a Mafia-run bar that catered to a mostly gay and transgender clientele. It was at this historic bar in 1969 that patrons stood up against police raids, leading to several nights of protests that ignited a revolution for LGBTQIA+ rights. Now a popular tourist destination, it remains a space for activism and community organizing.
2. The Castro District
Location: San Francisco, California 94114, USA
If you want to really learn about LGBTQIA+ history, and understand the movement at its core, this is where you should visit. The Castro District in San Francisco is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that has long been a hub of LGBTQIA+ activism and culture. The neighborhood is home to a diverse range of businesses, restaurants, and bars, many of which are owned and operated by LGBTQIA+ people. The Castro is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the GLBT History Museum, the Harvey Milk Plaza, and the Twin Peaks Tavern. Read on to see some of them on the list.
3. The Pink Triangle Memorial Park, San Francisco
Location: 22454 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
The Pink Triangle Memorial Park is a poignant reminder of the persecution and resilience of LGBTQIA+ individuals during the Nazi regime. The park was created in 1989 to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust who were persecuted for their sexual orientation. The park features three pink triangles, which were used by the Nazis to identify LGBTQIA+ people. The Pink Triangle Memorial Park is a powerful symbol of the importance of fighting for equality and acceptance.
4. The Alan Turing Memorial, Manchester
Location: Sackville Park, Fairfield St, Manchester M1 3HB, United Kingdom
The Alan Turing Memorial in Manchester commemorates the life and achievements of the brilliant mathematician and codebreaker who was persecuted for his homosexuality. Turing was a key figure in the Allied victory in World War II, but he was later convicted of gross indecency and forced to undergo hormone therapy. Turing died by suicide in 1954 at the age of 41. The Alan Turing Memorial was unveiled in 2012 to honor Turing's legacy and to raise awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people.
5. The AIDS Memorial Park, New York City
Location: 76 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
The AIDS Memorial Park in New York City is a solemn tribute to the lives lost during the AIDS crisis. The park was created in 1992 to honor the memory of those who died from AIDS-related causes. The park features a 500-foot-long walkway lined with the names of those who died. The AIDS Memorial Park is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of AIDS and the importance of fighting for a cure.
6. The Homomonument
Location: Westermarkt, 1016 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Homomonument in Amsterdam is a striking monument that honors LGBTQIA+ individuals who have faced persecution throughout history. The monument was created in 1987 and consists of three pink triangles, which were used by the Nazis to identify LGBTQIA+ people. The Homomonument is a powerful symbol of the importance of fighting for equality and acceptance.
7. The Harvey Milk Plaza
Location: Castro Muni Metro, San Francisco, USA
Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco's Castro District pays homage to the legacy of the pioneering LGBTQIA+ rights activist Harvey Milk. The plaza features a bust of Harvey Milk, inspiring quotes, and a sense of community spirit that continues to resonate with LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide.
8. Marsha P. Johnson State Park, New York City
Location: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, New York City, 11211, USA
Marsha P. Johnson State Park (formerly East River State Park) is a stunning waterfront park in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood. Renamed in honor of LGBTQ rights pioneer Marsha P. Johnson who was a transgender woman of color who played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising, it is a lovely place where past meets present. The park is great for a leisurely stroll while also honoring the legacy of an extraordinary advocate for equality. It also offers wonderful views of the Manhattan sykline. Take along a picnic, and head here with kids as there a delightful play area for little ones to enjoy too.
9. Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial, Sydney
Location: 301 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Over in Sydney, head to the impactful Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial at Darlinghurst's Green Park. This striking artwork commemorates victims of persecution based on their sexuality, from the Nazi Holocaust to present-day violence. The monument features a pink triangular prism, symbolizing persecuted gay men, alongside black steel columns forming a fractured Star of David. Etched with powerful images, the prism reflects its surroundings by day and emits a soft, hopeful glow at night. Commissioned by The Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial Project in 1991, this memorial stands as a testament to resilience and the ongoing fight for equality.
