What better way to celebrate an LGBTQ holiday than visiting a historical landmark for your community? It’s no secret that not everyone has been open and friendly to lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (questioning) persons in society.
LGBTQ freedom has come a long way, with some community members being murdered, oppressed, and discriminated against in the past. Therefore, the best way to celebrate these heroes is by visiting some historical LGBTQ destinations.
Here are some of the best destinations.
Best LGBTQ Destinations In The World
1.  Stonewall Inn – New York City, U.S
The stonewall inn in New York City is one of the most famous historical landmarks for the LGBTQ community. This is because it is known as the first place the gay liberation movement was launched.
The mafia owned this famous LGBTQ destination, and gay men and the poor people in society were its frequent customers. In June 1969, the LGBT community began spontaneous demonstrations and riots against a police raid. And thanks to the stonewall riots, two gay activist organizations were formed to promote the rights of lesbians and gay men.
The bar’s location in New York City makes it an ideal LGBTQ destination for you. Over time, the city has embraced the LGBTQ community and is one of the LGBTQ-friendly cities in the World.Â
2.  Dr. Franklin E. Kamey Residence – Washington DC, U.S
Franklin Edward Kamey was a gay activist and is considered one of the most significant persons in American gay rights movements. This is because he struggled for employment and security clearance for LGBTQ people in society.
Franklin E Kamey served as an astronomer in the United States army. However, in 1957, he was dismissed from the military for being gay. This led to the onset of his fight for the rights of the LGBT community.
He later founded the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance. Kamey died in 2011.
In the same year, 2011, Dr. Franklin’s residential home was declared a historical landmark in Washington DC. The house is a significant LGBTQ destination that allows you to learn more about your community and civil rights.
3.  Homomonument – Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Homomonument is a memorial center that commemorates the gays and lesbians persecuted due to their homosexuality. It is also the first monument center used to celebrate the gays and lesbians killed by Nazis.
It was launched on 5th September 1987 and is in the form of three large pink triangles set on the ground to form a larger triangle.
The Homomonument was opened to inspire and encourage the LGBTQ community members who struggle with denial, oppression, rejection, and discrimination. So if you recently came out of the closet, or planning to, or if you have dealt with discrimination for being a member of the LGBTQ, then you should visit this popular destination.
4.  Pauli Murray Family Home – Durham, North Carolina, U.S
The Pauli Murray family home was made a historical landmark in 2016. The site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the American activist Pauli Murray.
Anna Pauline (Pauli) Murray was a queer who fought for equality. S/he was a civil attorney who played a crucial role in making federal laws that protected women against discrimination during employment opportunities.
Pauli Murray’s maternal grandparents built the Pauli Murray family home in 1898. S/he was born and raised in the house. She went ahead to write a memoir, Proud Shoes: The Story of an American Family, about her memories in the house.
5.  Castro Camera – Francisco, U.S
The Castro Camera building is significant to members of the modern LGBTQ community. This is because it was a hub for growing the local gay community since 1972.
Harvey Milk owned the building, and it served as headquarters for his campaigns, a retail photography shop, and a Castro Camera.
Harvey Milk was gay, and he became the first LGBTQ person to be elected into office as a member of San Francisco’s board of supervisors. His election marked the onset of the acceptance of LGBTQ candidates for public office posts.
Harvey milk was, however, assassinated in 1978. Today, the Castro Camera is a human rights location and a significant San Francisco landmark.
6.  Leather Archives and Museum – Chicago, U.S
The Leather Archives and Museum (LA&M) was formed in 1991 by Chuck Renslow and Tony De Blasé. It is dedicated to preserving and maintaining the fetish community and gives access to alternative sex culture.
The leather archives and museum is an ideal LGBTQ destination because it is a source for LGBTQ research. It also offers LGBTQ education through workshops and travel exhibits.
The museum further displays artwork from several LGBTQ members with archives containing information about LGBTQ clubs and groups. So, if you are looking to learn more about the LGBTQ past, then the leather archives and museum should be top of your holiday destination list.
7.  Matthew W. Shepard Memorial Bench – Laramie, Wyoming, U.S
The Matthew Wayne Shepard memorial bench was erected in memory of one Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay man brutally killed for being homosexual.
Matthew was a student at the University of Wyoming. On 6th October 1998, two anti-gay men feigned interest in Matthew. They later beat, tortured, and left him to die. Although he was rescued and rushed to hospital, Matthew succumbed to death six days later.
His death brought significant national and international attention to gay hate and spearheaded gay liberation. His parents, Judy and Dennis shepherd started a Matthew Shepard foundation. The foundation’s goal was to teach parents with children who question their sexuality about loving and supporting them.
The University of Wyoming established the Matthew Shepard memorial bench to honor his legacy, making it one of the best LGBTQ destinations.
Final Thoughts
To gain the freedom to embrace their sexuality publicly, some of the LGBTQ community members had to lose their lives. Therefore, to learn more about the LGBTQ and pay tribute to these people, visit these fantastic historical destinations during your next holiday vacation.
