The Gay & Lesbian Scene

The area between Walnut and Locust streets south of the convention center -- roughly from 9th Street to 13th Street -- is known as the "Gayborhood." The heart of gay and lesbian Philadelphia is full of social services, bookstores, clubs, bars, and restaurants. Pick up a copy of Philadelphia Gay News at Giovanni's Room bookstore, 345 S. 12th St. (tel. 215/923-2960) for suggestions of places that cater to a variety of niches and subniches.

Alexander Inn Knows the "Gayborhood"

The Alexander Inn is Philadelphia's only gay-owned, gay-managed, and gay-staffed hotel, located in the heart of the "gayborhood" at 12th and Spruce streets. Owner John Cochie gave us his nightlife tips for gay travelers:

1. The Philadelphia Gay News  is the city's leading gay periodical, but our other two weekly papers Citypaper  and Philadelphia Weekly both cover local gay issues and events.

2. Don't overlook Westbury (261 S. 13th St. at Spruce St; tel. 215/546-5170). This is a great neighborhood gay bar that's the most overlooked by tourists.

3. After hours, you will find many of our local community taking breakfast at the 24-hour Midtown Restaurant (122 S. 11th St. at Sansom St.; tel. 215/627-6452).

4. Watch for 'Pride and Progress' (1315 Spruce St. at 13th St.), a 7,500-square-foot, four-story outdoor mural paying tribute to GLBT persons.

5. And a general note about Philly pride: Remember that 'freedom started here' in Philadelphia and that gay civil rights demonstrations took place here well before the Stonewall Riots in New York.