Philadelphia Gay News
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
This highly awarded and nationally recognized weekly newspaper was founded here in 1976. A driving force in Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community, the PGN issued groundbreaking reporting on the HIV/AIDS epidemic and raised the visibility for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded on this site in 1976, the Philadelphia Gay News grew into one of the nation's most respected LGBTQ+ newspapers during a pivotal era for the community. When the HIV/AIDS epidemic devastated gay Americans in the 1980s, the paper delivered urgent, groundbreaking coverage that mainstream outlets often ignored. Over the decades it became a driving force in the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility, rights, and marriage equality.
Why it matters
The PGN gave Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community a voice at a moment of crisis and activism, chronicling and advancing one of the defining civil rights movements of modern America.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall0.7 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.7 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminal0.4 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.5 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.5 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- The Universal Sphere0.6 mi away
- Italian market0.6 mi away · Christian Street
- Liberty Bell0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.5 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.5 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe0.5 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.5 mi away
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Fairfield Inn & Suitesnearby · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center Citynearby · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.1 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.1 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.1 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.3 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
John E. Fryer, M.D. (1937-2003)
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