Attractions that center the LGBTQ+ experience provide a powerful look into a marginalized community that has been absent for too long from traditional historical narratives. These informative places to go offer a chance to learn about the important contributions made by LGBTQ+ people throughout history, as well as the struggles and challenges they faced in the fight for equality. Through exhibitions, personal papers and interactive displays, visitors can broaden their understanding of this diverse community and gain a greater appreciation for the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Whether someone is a member of the LGBTQ+ community themselves, an ally or simply curious to learn more, a visit to such a place is a valuable way to explore the different aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience.
Moreover, such great LGBTQ+ attractions play an important role in promoting visibility and acceptance. By creating spaces where personal stories are open and shared, these museums, galleries and other points of interest help to counter the pervasive stigma and discrimination that the community faces. While showcasing the talent of LGBTQ+ artists and creatives, they can help to challenge stereotypes. They serve as powerful reminders that LGBTQ+ individuals have always existed, and that their art and stories deserve to be shared, respected and celebrated.
AAA lists a variety of attractions for every kind of traveler, and just like any cultural destination, LGBTQ+ points of interest can offer a transformative experience — one that can inspire empathy, understanding and a sense of solidarity. Visitors to these places can research historic events, learn about renowned activists and engage with contemporary issues — all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of LGBTQ+ identities. For example, the Stonewall National Monument in New York City commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a landmark event in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. Other places include the New-York Historical Society, the Stonewall National Museum & Archives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and GLBT History Museum San Francisco, California; all contain a wide-ranging materials to learn from. Meanwhile, it’s possible to pay your respects to individuals in the movement; consider Congressional Cemetery in D.C., The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, or the Interim Pulse Memorial in Orlando, Florida. By visiting such sites, people can connect with the struggles and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community on a meaningful, personal level.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Pittsburgh, PA
This component of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh can be found on the North Shore of the city. The museum honors the career of the leading American artist, Pop Art creator and provocateur. Andy Warhol notably said, "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes." Through installation pieces, considerable archival materials and more than 500 paintings, this Pittsburgh native's creative output as a graphic artist, fine artist, filmmaker, music producer, stage designer, author and publisher is on display. Despite his sexuality sometimes being brushed over or debated, Warhol had romantic relationships with men; on the last Saturday of each month, visitors can attend “Dandy Andy: Warhol’s Queer History” and learn about his life during the still-nascent gay rights movement. Though Warhol’s final resting place is outside Pittsburg at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, you can virtually pay your respects 24 hours daily online thanks to the museum’s joint project with Earth Cam known as “Figment.”
Congressional Cemetery
Washington, D.C.
In the Congressional Cemetery are the graves of many well-known personalities, such as Mathew Brady, the Civil War photographer; numerous members of Congress; J. Edgar Hoover, first head of the FBI; Hoover’s assistant (and rumored lover) Clyde Tolson; and Leonard Matlovich – a Vietnam veteran who became the public face of gay rights in the 1970s. Matlovich’s headstone is engraved with, “When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one.” Docent-led tours are available daily; there’s also a self-guided walking tour brochure that will direct to the burial sites of LGBTQ+ trailblazers.
Note: Be careful when walking around because the ground has depressions, footstones and uneven terrain that could be a tripping hazard.
New-York Historical Society
New York, New York
The New-York Historical Society examines the city's past from many points of view. "Celebrating Pride" is the most recent exhibition and includes objects from LGBTQ+ history, including Tyler Clementi's violin. Other featured attractions include The DiMenna Children's History Museum as well as exhibits about New York's rise from a distant outpost to world capital and "We Rise," which puts women at the center of political thought and action that changed the country in the early 20th century. Previous exhibits include, "Under Cover: J.C. Leyendecker and American Masculinity” which looked at the work and impact of queer artist J.C. Leyendecker," and "Serving Style: Ted Tinling, Designer for the Tennis Stars," about the openly gay designer (and former spy) who made iconic looks for tennis star Billie Jean King.
Note: A new museum, The American LGBTQ+ Museum, is scheduled to open in 2027.
GLBT History Museum
San Francisco, California
This comprehensive museum in the Castro District describes itself as “the first standalone museum of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender history and culture in the United States.” In addition to the long-term “Queer Past Becomes Present,” there are changing and online exhibitions, multimedia presentations and archives. Subjects range from LGBT history and well-known figures like Harvey Milk, to universally human topics like seeking connections, appreciating one's own unique voice and fighting for acceptance.
Interim Pulse Memorial
Orlando, Florida
On June 12, 2016, Pulse — a gay nightclub and bar — became the scene of a mass-shooting, leading to 49 deaths and dozens of injuries; victims were predominantly young LGBTQ+ people of color, as the nightclub had been hosting a weekly Latin Night event. The Interim Pulse Memorial was set up to preserve the site and serve as a place of reflection for the communities affected by the tragedy. Included are the original nightclub sign, a wall for offerings, ribbon wall with images and mementos collected by the Orange County History Center, Survivor Grove green space with benches, and a digital guestbook.
Note: The City of Orlando announced the intention to purchase the Pulse Nightclub property in October 2023. As of press time in 2024, the city has pledged to fundraise and build a public memorial before 2026 to honor those who lost their lives and educate future generations about the importance of acceptance and inclusion. In nearby Kissimmee, a 49-foot “Wings of the Rainbow” sculpture is planned in 2025 to honor Pulse victims, many of whom had connections to Osceola County. Jefere, the artist behind the project, announced plans for a heart-shaped butterfly garden and photographs in addition to 49 glass rainbow wings with victim names on each wing at Brownie Wise Park, at 1150 Aultman Rd. Visitors also will be able to leave digital notes via QR code.
Stonewall National Monument
New York, New York
Designated in 2016 to remember and protect the place where the Stonewall Uprising happened, this area in Greenwich Village became America’s first national monument honoring the LGBTQ+ equality movement. In 1969, during what has since become known as The Stonewall Uprising — when a group rose up against oppressive police raids which had been commonplace until that point; subsequent movements around civil liberties and equality gained momentum nationwide.
Included within the national monument is Christopher Park, which is considered where the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement started. Stonewall Inn remains open to the public as a tavern, restaurant and historical landmark.
Next to the Stonewall Inn, at 51 Christopher St., the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, recently opened and is the latest great LGBTQ+ attraction. Run by Pride Live, the site shares the history of Stonewall Inn and LGBTQ+ activism as well as rotating art displays.
Stonewall National Museum & Archives
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Though there’s no direct link to the New York site of the Stonewall Uprising, the name of the museum honors the movement it inspired. Said to be among the country’s largest gay archives and lending libraries, this informative place collects, exhibits and disseminates a vast range of materials. From its humble beginnings in 1972, it has grown to host exhibitions, programs and events dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of Pride — made possible by those who sparked change at Stonewall.