</p><p>Philadelphia is a bright and bustling centre of cosmopolitan living and the capital of Pennsylvania. A hub of culture, both old and new, the city is one of the most globally influential in the USA boasting landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.</p><p>A mecca for LGBT+ individuals, Philadelphia has a large, diverse and passionate gay scene that boasts an impressive and varied range of gay bars and clubs. Philadelphia was also where the first major LGBT+ rights demonstration took place in 1965 and has been dedicated to supporting LGBT+ individual’s rights to equality, dignity and respect since.</p><h2>Gay Rights in Philadelphia</h2><p>Same-sex marriage was legalised in Pennsylvania in 2014, and now same-sex families enjoy the same benefits and rights as heterosexual families. Philadelphia is one of a few cities in the state to explicitly mention gender identity and sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws and therefore LGBT+ individuals are protected by law from wrongful and illegal treatment. Pennsylvania did have a hate crime law that recognised homophobia and transphobia as motivators for violent crime, however, this bill was struck down in 2008 and was never replaced.</p><h2><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/philadelphia-gay-bars/">Gay bars in Philadelphia</a></h2><p>Philadelphia has one of the largest and most diverse gay scenes in the country. The city was the first in the world to include black and brown stripes on its official pride flags, reflecting it’s inclusive identity. There is a range of gay bars and clubs in the city that cater to all interests and tastes.</p><p>The main gay district in Philadelphia is Washington Square West, a bustling and charming hub of LGBT+ culture in the city and home to many gay bars and clubs. <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/tabu-philadelphia/">Tabu</a> was the first gay sports bar in the city and now occupies a three-storey premises, showing sports throughout the day and into the night. The bar boasts a spacious rooftop deck offering stunning views across Philadelphia’s skyline.</p><p>Bars such as <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/u-bar-philadelphia/">U Bar</a> and <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/boxers-phl-philadelphia/">Boxers</a> offer a casual and relaxed drinking environment in the heart of the city’s gay district and are great places to warm up before heading to the bigger clubs such as <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/woodys-philadelphia/">Woody’s</a>.</p><p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-128465 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/68301/74837410-e1596121509441.jpg" alt="Alexander Inn Hotel Philadelphia Pennsylvania" width="100%" /></p><h2><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-philadelphia-hotels/">Gay hotels in Philadelphia</a></h2><p>The best location to stay in Philadelphia depends on what you’ll be doing in the city. If sightseeing is at the top of your itinerary consider staying in the Old Town, the home of many of Philadelphia’s top landmarks as well as being a historic and well-connected part of the city. The most popular destination amongst gay travelers, however, is Washington Square West, the city’s gay district, with a selection of gay-friendly hotels and incredible LGBT+ nightlife.</p><p>Some of the best options for gay travelers looking to stay in and around Washington Square West are the <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/independent-hotel-philadelphia/">Independent Hotel</a>, <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/alexander-inn-philadelphia/">Alexander Inn</a> and <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/the-warwick-hotel-philadelphia/">The Warwick Hotel</a>. These hotels will allow you to easily access the area’s gay venues and landmarks as well as travel around the wider city.</p><p>The majority of hotels in Philadelphia can be considered gay-friendly as staff are obliged to treat all guests with the same respect and dignity regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, as outlined in the state’s anti-discrimination laws.</p><h2><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/philadelphia-gay-saunas/">Gay saunas in Philadelphia</a></h2><p>Philadelphia is home to a small but popular selection of well-maintained gay saunas. One of the most popular venues is <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/club-philly/">Club Philly</a>, the city’s premier gay sauna, located close to the gay village and many of the area’s clubs and bars. Club Philly attracts crowds of both locals and tourists with its range of facilities including a gym, steam room, private cabins and VIP areas.</p><p>Many of the Saunas in the city combine traditional facilities with gyms or fitness centres, including the <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/sansom-street-gym/">Sansom Street Gym</a> - a sauna, cruise club and gym.</p><h2>Getting to Philadelphia</h2><p>Philadelphia is served by the Philadephia International Airport which is situated around 7 miles from the city’s Downtown. It’s a large and busy airport which is utilized by 31.7 million passengers annually, making it the 20th busy airport in the USA.</p><p>The fastest and most popular method for tourists to get to the Downtown area is by Regional Rail. This train line stops at all of the airport’s major terminals and transports passengers to the city in around 25 minutes. The train is only payable with cash but the fares tend to be reasonably priced.</p><p>Philadelphia International Airport also runs a shuttle service to the city’s most popular hotels, so be sure to check if your accommodation is served by this system before visiting.</p><h2>Getting around Philadelphia</h2><h3>Bus</h3><p>The most convenient way to travel around Philadelphia is via the Philly Phlash Downtown Loop, an efficient bus service that operates around the city centre. The bus is an excellent option for those who want to explore the top attractions and sights in the city. Tickets for the Philly Phlash are very affordable and multiple day or week-long tickets can be purchased.</p><h3>Taxi</h3><p>Taxies are plentiful in Philadelphia and can be found across the city. There are designated transport hubs at major locations throughout Philadelphia, and here you will easily be able to find a taxi. Two of the main transport hubs are Philadelphia International Airport and William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. Uber and Lyft are also popular alternatives when traveling the city, and ridesharing is commonplace here.</p><h3>Bike</h3><p>Philadelphia is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States with dedicated bike lanes on many of its streets. Indego is a city-wide bike-sharing scheme that allows you to pick up and drop off bikes at a number of hubs around the city. Bike hire is reasonably priced and once booked, the bikes can be used for 24 hours. There are around 1,500 bikes as part of the scheme meaning you shouldn’t have any trouble locating one.</p><h2><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/editorial/things-to-do-in-philadelphia/">Things to do in Philadelphia</a></h2><p>There are endless possibilities when it comes to things to do in Philadelphia. However, the most notable attractions include:</p><p><ul></p><p> 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art</span></li></p><p> 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Explore the Reading Terminal Market</span></li></p><p> 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tour the Philadelphia City Hall</span></li></p><p> 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shop in the cosmopolitan Downtown area</span></li></p><p> 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stroll around Love Park</span></li></p><p></ul></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/editorial/things-to-do-in-philadelphia/">Things to do in Philadelphia</a>.</span></p><h2>FAQs</h2><h3>Visa</h3><p>Those living outside the United States will require a temporary travel visa, and these can be applied for through the official US Embassy website or in your local US embassy.</p><h3>When to visit Philadelphia</h3><p>Philadelphia experiences all four seasons pretty extremely with boiling hot summers and often freezing winters. As such, the mildest and most pleasant weather normally occurs in spring or autumn.</p><p>Whilst summer may bring the best atmosphere to the streets of Philadelphia it is also when the city is at its busiest, and during this period the top tourist attractions will be very crowded.</p><p>However, travelers looking for the cheapest prices on flights and hotels should consider visiting between November and January, when everything is cheaper for winter.</p><h3>Money</h3><p>There are thousands of ATM machines across Philadelphia, and most, if not all, establishments will accept credit and debit cards. However, some ATM machines and card readers may add an additional fee for transactions attempted with overseas cards.</p><p>The generally accepted and expected rates of tipping in Pennsylvania are 15-20% for good service.

Gay Philadelphia · City Guide

Planning to visit Philadelphia? Then our gay Philadelphia city guide is for you.

<p>Philadelphia is the capital of Pennsylvania and one of America&rsquo;s major cities. It has a brig gay scene centred around several bars and clubs. Most gay bars in Philadelphia can be found in Washington Square West.</p>
<p>Be sure to have a famous Philadelphia cheesecake while you&rsquo;re in town. It&rsquo;s a good foodie city. You&rsquo;d need about two night to do justice to Philadelphia. History buffs should check out Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.</p>

Gay Philadelphia

On 31 March 2016, Federal District Court struck down Mississippi's ban on same-sex couple adoptions. On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that allowed a law listing parents by gender on birth certificates to stand. The new SCOTUS ruling allowed both same-sex spouses to be listed on birth certificates. These court rulings made adoption by same-sex couples legal in all 50 states.<br />
<br />
States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

The new FDA policy on blood donation eliminates deferrals and screening questions specific to men who have sex with men (MSM). Prospective donors will be asked the same set of questions regardless of their sex or sexual orientation

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

The FDA announced changes to blood donor eligibility policy on 2nd April 2020, reducing the MSM deferral period from 12 months to 3 months, it is not legally binding but most agencies and the American Red Cross treat it as such.

After a series of recommendations, the FDA has moved to a 12 months deferral.

Though the deferral impacts all MSMs who have had sex with a man since 1977, the policy did not go into effect until 1983.  The policy applied retroactively to 1977.

Censorship became "other punishment" in the state of Texas, and in Florida Govt. DeSantis wants to ban LGBT topics from being discussed in schools.<br />
<br />
Generally, LGBT Topics are considered under the Free Speech Clause. Due to the nature of the current laws, and state decisions such as in Florida; "Varies by region" is the best indicator to use. 

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

Pride parades happen throughout the country.

Many U.S. jurisdictions require gender-affirming surgery before the person's legal sex can be changed<br />
It is important to note that surgery is not universally required to change legal sex under federal law or in some states. However, a health professional's certification may be necessary. It is essential to consult the specific laws and guidelines of your state for accurate information on the legal requirements for changing gender markers and identity documents.<br />
<br />
There is no federal law on right to change gender, varies by region

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

From a Federal standpoint, you can change your gender with proof that you have undergone treatment for a gender change (surgery no longer required in any agency as of June 2013)

Conversion therapy is legal in about 50% of US states starting with CA and NJ being the first ones. Can't Convert Love is the sole organization whose sole mission is banning conversion therapy nation-wide.  MN and IN are in the starting phase of attempting to ban the therapy.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

LGBTQ Discrimination is illegal in all 50 states as of 2021, however states have different laws. Equality Act was passed in 2021-2022 season of House and Senate 

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

In all Federal positions, discrimination based on sexual orientation is against the law in instances related to work and employment.  In non-federal government jobs, it is based on the state's laws as no federal protections currently exist for non-employees.  Additionally, even federal employees could face discrimination unrelated to work in areas of life such as housing, health care, etc.  In fact, many groups are advocating the repeal of protections or the introduction of laws to permit discrimination.

As of June 15th, 2020 the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal under Title VII the Civil Rights Act of 1964, classified as sex discrimination.<br />
<br />
As of June 15, 2020, all persons working for employers that employ more than 15 people are protected from discrimination based solely on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity via the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Bostock v. Clayton County.<br />


Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that “[A]llegations of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation necessarily state a claim of discrimination on the basis of sex”, and are barred by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling applies at both the state and federal level.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.<br />
<br />


The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

While Gender Affirming Care is unrestricted federally, it varies by region due to no federal laws in place. Several states have either banned or passed laws to protect gender affirming care. Office of Health and Human Services made an document stating that they are with gender affirming care in 2022. 

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

Homosexuality was decriminalized at the federal level in the United States through the landmark Supreme Court decision of Lawrence v. Texas in 2003. The court struck down a Texas statute that criminalized sexual acts between same-sex couples, declaring such laws unconstitutional. This judgment set a precedent that rendered similar anti-sodomy statutes across states unenforceable, thereby federally decriminalizing homosexuality in private, consensual settings.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Before Lawrence v. Texas, some states had already decriminalized sodomy. The first state was Illinois in 1962.

Housing protections are administered at nearly all levels of government for housing -- if at all.  From local city ordinances to federal law, protections are very scattered, and in general, few explicit laws exist to provide housing protections. Nationwide Protections pending.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

No federal or state bans on surgeries performed on intersex infants. 

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

In a ruling by the US Supreme Court, all 50 states must now issue marriage licenses for same sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages performed in any state.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

Legal status is extremely variable based on the individual state.  Recognized at a Federal level, but not in all states, for all intents and purposes except Social Security.  Social Security is based on the state of residence's recognition of marital status.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Biden administration overturns Trump administration's policy against transgender people serving in the military, however, Texas govt. Greg Abbot kept the ban in place for his state.

New policy goes into effect barring individuals with a "condition" known as "gender dysphoria."

Transgender individual can serve, however, the policy "will require an individual to have completed any medical treatment that their doctor has determined is necessary in connection with their gender transition, and to have been stable in their preferred gender for 18 months, as certified by their doctor, before they can enter the military."

The US Army repealed the ban to serve for openly transgender individuals

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are permitted to serve openly in the military, however, transgender individuals are still banned.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell was the historic compromise signed by President Bill Clinton authorizing people who are LGBT to serve in the military provided they didn't disclose sexuality.  The law also removed the ability for others in the military from asking for a service member's orientation.

Since April 11th, 2022, the United States allows people to have an X gender on their passports at a national level.<br />
<br />
Other IDs are still dependent on state laws.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

On June 15th, 2017, Oregon officials voted yes to allowing the legal representation of non-binary people. On July 3rd, 2017, this option became available to the public.

Before July 3rd, 2017, no US states legally recognized non-binary people. 

Philadelphia

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Gay Philadelphia · Hotels

ICandy Nightclub Philadelphia Pennsylvania

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Philadelphia Gay Bars

Sansom St Gym Sauna Philadelphia Pennsylvania

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Philadelphia Gay Saunas

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Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth-largest in the country. The birthplace of the United States, cheesesteaks and Rocky, Philadelphia is teeming with rich culture and history.

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Things To Do in Philadelphia

New Hope

New Hope Pride 2024

Pennsylvania gets an early instalment of Pride in May. 

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Philadelphia Pride 2024

Get ready for Philadelphia Pride 2024!

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The best gay bars, dance clubs, gay-rated hotels, gay saunas and gay cruise clubs in Philadelphia.

Gay Philadelphia Guide 2024 - gay bars, clubs, saunas & more

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is one of the great American cities and home to a large LGBT community.

Gay bar for sports fan in Philly. Tabu moved to the larger premises which used to be "iCandy". There's a dance floor upstairs and a rotating set of DJ's ($5 cover charge).<br>
<br>
Tabu also has roof deck, open throughout the year. No scantily clad go-go boys dancing on the bar here, so it's the kind of place you can bring your straight mates.

Tabu Lounge Bar Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Tabu

Gay bar for sports fan in Philly. Tabu moved to th...

Gay bar in Philadelphia's lively Washington Square West. Popular with an older crowd, U Bar offers a laid-back atmosphere within an exposed brick setting.<br>
<br>
The friendly staff serve a selection of craft beers and imported beers on tap. An ideal daytime hangout spot.

U Bar Philadelphia Pennsylvania gay bar

U Bar

Gay bar in Philadelphia's lively Washington Square...

Located in Washington Square West area, Tavern On Camac (T.O.C) is known for its piano sing-alongs and dance parties.<br>
<br>
You can enjoy a drink by the piano, dance upstairs, or sample some of the delicious bar food. Expect upbeat atmosphere, friendly staff fun themed nights.

Tavern on Camac Philadelphia LGBT-popular bar

Tavern on Camac Philadelphia LGBT-popular nightclub main

Tavern On Camac

Located in Washington Square West area, Tavern On...

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Gay Philadelphia

Philadelphia is one of the great American cities and home to a large LGBT community.

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