Join Out Professionals Members and friends to explore LGBTQ history as played out in sometimes notorious speakeasies, bars, and clubs.

For decades bar culture has loomed large in the LGBTQ community. During this three-hour stroll, learn why bars have played such an outsized role in gay life. Join us as we tip back our glasses at four special gay/lesbian bars, on an entertaining tour of Manhattan’s most storied neighborhoods.

• Why did Village waterfront bars welcome the rougher side of gay life
• Who was the woman who opened the first lesbian nightclub? How has she been immortalized?
• Which bar was the site of a major gay protest resulting in a famous court case years prior to Stonewall?
• What are the biggest threats to today’s gay bar culture?

During our walk, we will see the site of former LGBTQ bars, clubs, and speakeasies, and visit some of those that are open today. The tour stops for optional beverages at The Cubby Hole, Henrietta Hudson's, the Stonewall Inn, and Julius.

• Due to high community interest, this is an encore of our sold-out August tour. Register in advance to avoid disappointment.
• See photos from a prior tour on Facebook.
• Today’s tour originated in conjunction with the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation.

What's Up?

Our tour begins at 2:00 PM sharp, rain or shine, at the LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues. Subway: 1/2/3, A/C/E or F/M to 14th Street; L to 6th or 8th Avenue. After viewing the Center’s famous Keith Haring bathroom (now a meeting room), we explore the rich history of West Village watering holes. Refreshments on your own. Tour ends at approximately 5:00 PM at the historic Julius bar.

Due to the fluid nature of this unique walking tour, we highly encourage that you allow for an extra hour after the official end time. This will allow you the flexibility to enjoy all four of the historic venues where we stop for beverages. You may also want to consider eating at Julius at the end. Plan ahead and enjoy this special, rarely-given tour to the fullest!

Want to save $10 on admission to this tour and attend many events free? Join or renew a Supporting Membership in Out Professionals. Starting at just $65/year, membership gives you complimentary access to every monthly networking event and Out Pro webinars for a full year, savings on excursions, as well as other benefits. Join Out Professionals now.

Participation Agreement

To attend this in-person event, every registrant must agree to the following:

• Bring and show proof of vaccination. Acceptable proof includes an activated Excelsior app "vaccine passport" or a completed COVID-19 vaccination card with the second dose received before October 8, 2021. We highly recommend that you download the Excelsior app (Apple, Android, or download from the website) and activate your pass on your mobile device prior to the day of the event. Read more.
• Bring a mask. Depending on the situation on the date of the event, some of the venues may require a mask to enter.
• You agree to abide by the current safety protocols of the CDC and NYS/NYC in place at the time of the event.
• Be kind to your fellow professionals. Regardless of any requirement, some may choose to wear a mask. Please treat them equally.

About Our Guide:

Phil Desiere (shown above in main image), founder of Walk About New York, is licensed by the city as a Tourist Guide. In addition to tours of such quintessential spots as Central Park and several different art tours of the New York City Subway, Phil has developed and leads the Gay Graves Tour at Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark.