Since its inception in the 1970s—when the gay community began migrating from west of Broad Street near Rittenhouse Square to its current location on the east side of Broad around 12th Street—Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood” has developed into an impressive cultural, retail and dining destination. The “Gayborhood,” an unofficial name for the area, is located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia and shares boundaries with the developing Midtown Village neighborhood.
“Over the last two years, the neighborhood has welcomed many new businesses, renovations and developments, and July’s celebration recognizes the efforts of the business owners, non-profit organizations, public officials, residents and visitors who invested time, passion and resources to make the ‘Gayborhood’ a dynamic, thriving city enclave,” says Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC).
“Philadelphia has been unique among cities,” according to Mark Segal, publisher, Philadelphia Gay News. “While neighborhoods catering to the gay community in other cities have struggled during the recent recession, Philadelphia’s ‘Gayborhood’ has blossomed. New businesses of every variety, including our restaurants and nightclubs, have popped up and are thriving.”
