Very few social movements in modern history have seen such rapid, wide, and successful growth as the LGBTQ movement. With New York City being such a melting pot for nationalities and cultures it only makes sense that this city also takes a front-row seat when it comes to the history of the gay rights movement.
Not surprisingly, New York City has one of the largest and most prominent LGBTQ populations in the world. It has been suggested in mainstream journalism that Gay and Lesbian culture is as much a part of New York's basic identity as yellow cabs and Broadway shows making the LGBTQ community one of the city's strongest and highly respected communities in the city. This has, however, not always been the case.
The decades before the 1960s were not particularly welcoming to LGBTQ Americans. Solicitation of same-sex relationships was illegal in New York City. For reasons like this, members of the LGBTQ community flocked to bars and clubs known to be friendly as these places served as "safety zones" where patrons could express themselves without fear of being judged or worse. With that said; this was not at all problem-free. New York State Liquor Authority penalized and shut down establishments known to so serve members of the LGBTQ community arguing (for no apparent reason) that mere gatherings of homosexuals were "disorderly".
Much thanks to activists, these regulations were overturned in 1966 allowing alcohol to be served in gay-friendly establishments but any public display of affection among same-sex individuals was still considered illegal. During this time many bars still operated without valid liquor licenses and permits so police interference and raids of gay bars were still very common.
The first documented US gay rights organization was “The Society for Human Rights" which was founded in 1924 by a German immigrant Henry Gerber. This organization was later disbanded. Other organizations came along to support gay and lesbian rights such as "The Daughters of Bilitis in San Francisco in the mid-1950s, but the catalyst for the modern gay rights movements is widely believed to be the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City's Greenwich Village - also referred to as Stonewall Uprising. This tour allows us to explore the history and movement of the LGBTQ community in New York City and learn of the event that took to place on the fateful day of June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village. It is evident that the past has included injustice and sadness for the community but during the past 50 years of history a lot of development has happened, and governmental policies have been put in place to improve life, acceptance, and injustice for so many members of the LGBTQ Pride community in New York City and across the country.
New York City Pride Tour Cost:
$65.00 per person based on 45 guests incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity.
Note:
The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and change until the time of booking.
The final cost will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop-off points.
The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget.
The final rate is based on actual inclusions.
Please contact A1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group.
About A1’s Guided Tours:
For the most immersive and educational experience, the tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days before touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests.
***The NYC Pride Tour will be done by foot and the tour is approx. 1 hour and 15 mins***
Tour Includes:
- Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for 10-hour service
- Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point.
- Private guide for touring and coordination
- Admissions as mentioned.
- Driver & guide’s gratuities
Tour Excludes:
- Food & beverages not mentioned.
- Transportation beyond 10-hour service
A1 Tours contact:
Josefin Lagnelius
Office: 609-919-2037
Cell: 347-340-9259
Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com