Exploring LGBTQ+ History Through Travel
Tourism is more than just discovering new landscapes, cultures, and flavors; it is also a way to connect with stories that have shaped the LGBTQ+ rights movement worldwide. Each destination holds a legacy of resistance, activism, and triumph, making travel an opportunity to honor those who fought for the rights we enjoy today.
Understanding a place’s LGBTQ+ history is just as crucial as knowing whether it is LGBTQ+ friendly. By learning about these milestones, we gain perspective, personal growth, and a deep appreciation for the struggles that paved the way for a more inclusive world. These stories also empower us—reminding us that even in difficult times, change is possible.
Join us on this journey through some of the most significant locations in LGBTQ+ history, where courage, resilience, and love left an indelible mark. Are you ready to explore the past and celebrate progress?
The Rise of LGBTQ+ Activism in the U.S.: From Oppression to Resistance
Until well into the 20th century, the LGBTQ+ community lived in the shadows, facing persecution and social ostracism. The Puritan roots of the United States shaped a heteronormative culture reinforced by strict sodomy laws. This forced many LGBTQ+ individuals to lead hidden lives, leaving little historical record, particularly for lesbians, whose existence is mainly preserved through personal writings.
However, the awakening of activism began long before Stonewall. In August 1966, the Compton’s Cafeteria riots in San Francisco marked a pivotal moment in the fight for trans rights. Located in the Tenderloin district, the cafeteria was a haven for trans women and drag queens, who were frequently subjected to police raids and abuse. One night, a transgender woman refused to be arrested and threw hot coffee at an officer. Her defiance sparked an uprising: more patrons took to the streets, using their heels and handbags as weapons to fight back against oppression.
The 1960s were a period of intense activism for civil rights, sexual liberation, and the struggles of racial and gender minorities. While Stonewall is often recognized as the turning point of the LGBTQ+ movement, it is impossible to overlook the significance of Compton’s Cafeteria and the homophile movement of the 1950s, which laid the groundwork for modern activism. Social groups, progressive churches like the Glide Memorial Methodist Church, and various organizations began to support trans rights, though police repression remained a persistent threat.
This clash between a community demanding visibility and authorities unwilling to accept them created a tension that eventually erupted into riots. The courage of the trans women and drag queens who stood up to oppression in 1966 set a powerful precedent for future struggles. What began with a spilled cup of coffee became a rallying cry of resistance, paving the way for historical events like the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and the eventual consolidation of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Stonewall Inn, New York City
The heart of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement beats at Stonewall Inn, located in Greenwich Village. In June 1969, this bar became the site of protests led by trans people, lesbians, and gay men against continuous police repression. These demonstrations ignited what we now celebrate as International Pride Month each June.
A visit to Stonewall Inn is a tribute to the pioneers who risked everything for the freedom we enjoy today.
📌 Additional resource: Official website of the Stonewall Inn
France and the Evolution of LGBTQ+ Rights: From Literature to Political Struggle
Throughout the 20th century, the LGBTQ+ community in France progressively shaped its identity, marking key milestones in distinguishing cross-dressing from trans identity in the 1960s. This period of change led to the formation of new trans groups and the rise of political demonstrations in the 1970s, culminating in the creation of the “Marche des Fiertés”, France’s version of the LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. Additionally, France became a hub for major theoretical contributions to lesbian feminism, with figures like Monique Wittig, whose work reshaped global perceptions of gender and sexuality.
However, French interest in gender and sexual diversity dates back long before the 20th century. During the July Monarchy (1830-1848), there was an evident relaxation of gender roles and an increased exploration of sexual fluidity in literature. The novel Mademoiselle de Maupin by Théophile Gautier is a prime example, featuring a character experimenting with gender identity and bisexuality, challenging conventional norms. Works by authors such as Balzac and Henri de Latouche delved into themes like cross-dressing, homosexuality, and intersexuality, although not as a celebration of diversity, but rather as a phase leading towards heteronormativity, which was still perceived as the “natural” path.
One of the most fascinating cases in French LGBTQ+ history is that of Jenny Savalette de Lange, who was part of the court of Louis XIII and Charles X. Little is known about her life, except that after her death, during funeral rituals, it was discovered that she had lived her entire life presenting as a woman. Today, some historians interpret her as one of the first documented trans women in France.
Despite growing tolerance in certain social circles, homosexuality remained a taboo among marginalized groups, often seen as a disruption to the social order. Nevertheless, France became a focal point for discussions, demonstrations, and movements that paved the way for significant advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, laying the groundwork for the progressive changes that would follow in the coming decades.
Le Marais, Paris
Le Marais, one of Paris’s most historic districts, has been a hub for LGBTQ+ culture and activism for decades. This charming neighborhood, filled with cafés, galleries, and bookstores, has long provided a safe space for writers, artists, and activists.
Did you know? The Paris LGBTQ+ Center, located in Le Marais, plays a crucial role in supporting queer communities, hosting events, and preserving France’s LGBTQ+ history.
📌 Additional resource: Paris LGBTQ+ Center
Australia: The Vibrancy of Sydney Mardi Gras
On June 24, 1978, approximately 500 people marched through Martin Place in Sydney as part of the “International Day of Gay Solidarity”. The protest aimed to denounce sexual repression in Australia and beyond, demanding visibility and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
However, what began as a peaceful march quickly escalated when police attacked a nighttime street party, later known as Mardi Gras, arresting 53 demonstrators. In the days that followed, local newspapers published the names of those detained, exposing them to public scrutiny and fueling widespread outrage and solidarity.
Rather than crushing the movement, these events ignited the birth of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which has since become one of the largest and most vibrant LGBTQ+ festivals in the world. Officially launched in 1979, the event has grown exponentially, attracting thousands of attendees each year and serving as a global symbol of pride, resistance, and celebration.
The impact of Sydney’s Mardi Gras was so profound that it inspired similar events in other Australian cities such as Melbourne and Perth, firmly establishing Australia as a champion of LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion on the global stage.
📌 Additional resource: Sydney Mardi Gras Official Guide
Japan and Homosexuality: A History of Acceptance and Tradition
Throughout history, homosexuality has been a documented part of Japanese culture, never condemned by society or religion. Unlike many Western societies, Japan did not associate same-sex relationships with sin, instead maintaining a more fluid perspective on sexuality and love.
It was only during Japan’s modernization period, between 1873 and 1880, that a brief legal prohibition on homosexuality was enacted. This was an effort to align the country with Western values at the time, which were largely influenced by Christian moral traditions. However, this restriction was short-lived and left little lasting impact on Japanese culture.
On the contrary, at various points in Japanese history, same-sex love and relationships were regarded with respect and even admiration. A striking example is found among the samurai, where the practice of shudō encouraged romantic and erotic bonds between young warriors and their mentors. These relationships were seen as a pure expression of loyalty, learning, and respect, all of which were core values within the samurai code.
Today, Japan continues to make progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, with a growing movement advocating for the recognition of same-sex marriage and full legal equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Though LGBTQ+ activism in Japan is relatively new, Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ni-chome district has become a center for queer culture. It is home to the largest LGBTQ+ nightlife scene in Asia. In 2019, a historic milestone was achieved when a same-sex wedding ceremony was held at Meiji Jingu Shrine, symbolizing progress in the marriage equality movement.
LGBTQ+ Struggles in Franco’s Spain: Repression and Resistance
During the time of the Stonewall riots in the United States, Spain was under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, a regime that classified LGBTQ+ individuals as a “danger to society” under the law, a “mental illness” according to medicine, a “mortal sin” according to the church, and “outcasts” by societal standards. Persecution was brutal, and those who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender faced imprisonment, repression, and extreme social stigma.
The ‘Catalan Stonewall’: Spain’s First Pride March
On June 26, 1977, just two years after Franco’s death, 4,000 activists, politicians, and supporters took to Las Ramblas in Barcelona, boldly declaring that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is not a crime. This historic demonstration, recognized as Spain’s first Pride march, also made waves internationally.
“Even in New York, everyone was talking about it: Spain, Catholic Spain, Franco’s Spain—there were gays protesting! And when the police got involved, even more so,” recalled witnesses from the time.
The government responded with violence: Franco’s police force cracked down on the march, firing rubber bullets and seriously injuring three protesters. One activist, Oriol Martí, was arrested and spent 52 days in prison, where reports indicated he was beaten and sexually assaulted.
However, rather than discouraging activism, the harsh repression only strengthened the movement’s determination. In 1979, Spain decriminalized homosexuality, marking a turning point in the fight for equality.
Spain: Now, a Pioneer in LGBTQ+ Rights
In 1998, Catalonia became the first Spanish region to recognize civil unions for same-sex couples, setting a precedent for national legislation.
By 2005, Spain made history as the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption rights for LGBTQ+ couples, cementing its place as a global leader in LGBTQ+ rights.
Today, Barcelona remains a hub for lesbian and LGBTQ+ activism, with districts like Eixample, also known as “Gayxample,” where the community continues to thrive in inclusive spaces, cultural events, and festivals celebrating diversity.
📌 Additional resource: Visit Barcelona – LGBTQ+ Travel
Lesbian's Guide to Barcelona
Learn more in our exclusive Lesbian’s Guide to Barcelona. Written by Montse, our Barcelona native, this guide is packed with insider tips, must-see attractions, and the best LGBTQ-friendly spots in Barcelona.
Get your guide here!LGBTQ+ History and Resistance in Africa: A Legacy of Diversity and Struggle
Throughout history, sexual and gender diversity in Africa has been documented in multiple cultures. However, many of these records were ignored or distorted by European explorers and colonizers. Despite this, expressions of homosexuality and same-sex relationships have existed and taken various forms within African societies.
Anthropologists Stephen Murray and Will Roscoe have studied practices like motsoalle in Lesotho, a form of long-term erotic relationships between women, which was socially accepted in the region.
The First Documented Same-Sex Couple in History
One of the oldest records of a same-sex relationship comes from Ancient Egypt. It tells the story of Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum, a male couple who lived around 2400 BCE. Their tomb, discovered in Saqqara, depicts them in a highly intimate gesture: touching noses, a symbolic representation of love in Egyptian iconography. They are also surrounded by figures believed to be their descendants or relatives.
The Current State of LGBTQ+ Rights in Africa
Despite Africa’s rich history of sexual diversity, the continent still faces significant challenges regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Compared to other regions, Africa has the highest number of countries where homosexuality remains criminalized. In many nations, it is not only illegal, but there are also no laws protecting the community from discrimination and hate crimes.
However, progress is happening:
📌 Twelve African countries have never criminalized same-sex relationships since their independence. These include Benin, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Djibouti.
📌 Eleven countries have repealed laws that once penalized homosexuality, including Angola, Cape Verde, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
In total, 22 out of 55 African countries have legalized homosexuality.
South Africa: A Beacon of Progress in Africa
In 1996, South Africa made history by becoming the first country in the world to explicitly ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in its Constitution. In 2006, it further cemented its leadership by legalizing same-sex marriage, becoming the first and only African country to do so to date.
Events like Johannesburg Pride have played a crucial role in increasing visibility and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community in the region.
Resistance and Activism in Repressive Countries
On the other hand, nations like Uganda have passed some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world. However, Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community has shown incredible bravery, organizing resistance movements and continuing to fight for their rights despite state-led persecution.
Africa is a continent of contrasts when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. While progress is slow, the community’s resilience and activism continue to pave the way for a more inclusive future.
📌 Additional resource: OUT LGBTQ+ Organization in South Africa
The Netherlands: A Pioneering Path Toward LGBTQ+ Equality
The Netherlands has long been a leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, but its journey was not without obstacles. In 1911, the government, led by Christian parties, passed “Article 248bis,” which raised the age of consent for homosexual relationships to 21 years, while it remained 16 years for heterosexual relationships. In addition to this disparity, various public indecency laws were frequently used to criminalize gay men.
In response, a Dutch branch of the German Scientific Humanitarian Committee was established under the leadership of Jacob Schorer. By 1919, this organization became independent and was renamed the Nederlandsch Wetenschappelijk Humanitair Komitee (NWHK), making it one of the first formal initiatives advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.
Amsterdam: The Birth of an LGBTQ+ Scene
During this period, the first gay bars in Amsterdam began to emerge, creating a community that, while still underground, was slowly gaining visibility in Dutch society. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the persecution of the LGBTQ+ community intensified.
The NWHK was shut down by the Nazis, and the German anti-gay law, Paragraph 175, was incorporated into Dutch legislation. Despite the oppression, the LGBTQ+ community resurfaced after the war. In 1945, the Center for Culture and Recreation (COC) was founded in The Hague by Niek Engelschman, marking the revival of the LGBTQ+ movement in the Netherlands.
Progress Toward Equality
A major milestone came in 1973, when mental health institutions in the Netherlands stopped classifying homosexuality as a mental illness. That same year, the Dutch military lifted its ban on homosexual service members, setting an important precedent in Europe.
Finally, in 2001, the Netherlands made history by becoming the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. This groundbreaking legislation paved the way for many other nations to follow suit in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.
Amsterdam: A Global Symbol of Pride and Inclusion
Today, Amsterdam is recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world. Its famous Canal Parade, held annually during Pride Amsterdam, is one of the most unique LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations, featuring elaborately decorated boats sailing through the city’s canals. Additionally, Amsterdam is home to museums, monuments, and events dedicated to sexual diversity, solidifying its status as a beacon of inclusion and pride.
📌 Additional resource: I Amsterdam – Canal Pride
A Legacy to Celebrate
Every destination on this list represents a milestone in LGBTQ+ history, reminding us of the courage and activism that shaped our present. As lesbian and LGBTQ+ travelers, understanding these stories enriches our journeys and strengthens our community bonds.
By visiting these sites, we pay homage to those who fought for our rights while experiencing destinations that embrace diversity and pride. Let’s continue discovering, learning, and celebrating together.
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Sources
- National Parks Service: Stonewall National Monument
- LGBTQ Historical Archives of France
- Visit Barcelona: Tourism and Diversity
- Sydney Mardi Gras Official Website
- I Amsterdam: Canal Pride and Homomonument