Beyond the Landmarks walking tours provide guests with an introduction to a specific time period in Washington DC history or a specific cultural group’s unique experience. Each tour lasts 2-3 hours and is led by a knowledgeable guide who is able to share information and answer questions. While these tours visit some of the traditional tourist DC landmarks, the information presented goes significantly beyond the guidebook content, covering the stories and experiences that are often overlooked.
Beyond The Closet
The Persecution and Liberation of Washington DC’s LGBTQ Community
Today Washington DC is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly jurisdictions in the country with gay-friendly laws, an inclusive school curriculum, anti-discrimination protections, and marriage equality. But from the 1940s-1970s, this city was ground zero for actively uncovering closeted gay federal government employees and firing them without justification. On this walking tour, you’ll see Washington DC’s iconic government buildings through the eyes of the committed government servants who were persecuted because of their sexual orientation. You’ll see the sites where the brave few chose to fight back and demand their civil rights. And you’ll see where they built their own communities and paved the way for today’s more inclusive city. Our country chose fear over competence and denied the service of hundreds of eminently qualified researchers, diplomats, and leaders. But in the end, learn how this discrimination caused the LGBTQ community to organize, to unite, and to emerge from the closet.
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PARENTAL ADVISORY: Tour contains non-graphic descriptions of sexual encounters, police harassment, and discrimination. Please contact for more information.
Length: 2.5 hours
Meeting Location: Farragut Square
Included:
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The site of the first gay rights protest in the United States
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The White House, where the first openly lesbian employee was hired in 1977
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DuPont Circle, Washington DC’s “gayborhood” beginning in the 1970’s
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Former home to the state department and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), epicenter of the "Lavender Scare"
Price: $25 per guest (discounts and special pricing for groups available)
Additional Tours in Late 2024
COMING SOON!
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Additional Tours in Late 2024
COMING SOON!
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