LGBTQIA+ History Points of Interest
Massachusetts is known for being incredibly LGBT friendly and acts as a queer destination and haven to many. As you walk through the city it is clear that Boston boats a LGBT friendly atmosphere. That being said, Boston has recognized same-sex equality long before marriage was legalized in the 2000s. Take a stroll to these iconic historic sites and see the changes throughout our Boston-history.
Massachusetts State House, Beacon Hill
~1-Minute Walk~
June 26, 1971- Boston’s first known Pride march was held in 1971 at the State Capitol. In 2003, same-sex marriage was legalized making Massachusetts one of the first states to legally acknowledge marriage equality.
Boston City Hall, Faneuil Hall
~6-Minute Walk~
1970s and 1980s- Boston City Hall was used in the 1970s for the Gay and Lesbian community to hold town meetings to discuss various topics and create a sense on community. It was here where they used the space to raise awareness for the AIDS crisis as well as equal rights in the 1980s.
Charles street Meeting House, Beacon Hill
~8-Minute Walk~
1970- Being illegal for same-sex couples to dance together in local bars, Reverend Randy Gibson opened the Meeting House to host dances for Gay youth in 1970. Later, they opened GCN (the Gay Community News) which became the first Gay publication with a national reach.
Jacques Cabaret, Bay Village
~10-Minute Ride~
1964 to Present- Jacques Cabaret became known as Boston’s high-profile Drag Bar. This was the home to Boston drag Artist, Sylvia Sydney. Jacques is still open and is constantly hosting a plethora of LGBTQ events and Drag performances.
Club Café, Bay Village
~10-Minute Ride~
1983 to Present- Club Café featured Jazz music which differed from most bars in the city catering to Disco music as well as offering Lunch and Dinner menus rather than buffets and bar snacks. Was home to the popular live show Golden Girls “Lost Episodes” with Jim Bailey and Coco Peru.
Boston Pride
Pride Month Happenings:
We’ve selected a few local events to keep an eye on during the month of June. For more information please visit our partners at MeetBoston, Pride Events in Boston.
June 4th: MFA First Fridays: Pride
June 9th: Pride Night at Fenway
June 14th:Parade – 11:00 AM -12:30 PM from Copley Square to Boston Common
Festival – Boston Common: 12:00PM – 6:00PM
Block Party – City Hall Plaza: 2:00PM – 8:00PM
June 15th: Back Bay Block Party 2:00PM – 9:00PM on St. James between Berkeley & Arlington
Stay at XV Beacon and book our Preferred Pride Hotel Package package and receive a $50 hotel credit along with a welcome amenity.
Our expert concierge team is always happy to assist with ticket purchasing and arranging our house Audi courtesy car for convenient drop offs to either concert locations.
