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Get your history straight and your nightlife gay®.

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Philadelphia was founded on the principle of equality, and the city continues to be a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that Philadelphia — famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — was the location of the first major LGBTQ+ rights demonstration (held at Independence Hall) on July 4, 1965. Barbara Gittings, regarded as the mother of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, called Philadelphia her home.

Standing directly across the street from Independence Hall, a historic marker honors the Annual Reminders, the demonstration held at this site led by gay activists on July 4 from 1965 to 1969, the last of which occurred just days after the history-making Stonewall Riots. In 2019, Philadelphia and the world commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that launched the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

Philadelphia was the first city in the United States to launch a major marketing campaign (“Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay®”) to welcome LGBTQ+ tourism, and it represents a trove of cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic diversity. Annual pride celebrations, weekly parties, performing arts and nightlife create a constant draw for LGBTQ+ visitors.

Don’t miss a visit to the Gayborhood, a Center City neighborhood that sets itself apart with rainbow street signs as well as restaurants and bars owned by and catering to LGBTQ+-identified clientele.

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Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ History Walking Tour

• Bud & Marilyn's, 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA We'll meet at the intersection of 13th Street and Locust St, by the sign that says "Barbara Gittings Way". Right outside the red neon sign for Bud & Marilyn's.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• You'll start at Bud & Marilyn's 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA We'll meet at the intersection of 13th Street and Locust St, by the sign that says "Barbara Gittings Way". Right outside the red neon sign for Bud & Marilyn's. See address & details
• 1 William Way LGBT Community Center Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Writer's Block Rehab Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 4 Camac Street Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• kalynneliza 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So Much Fun! I was in Philly for a bachelorette party and my group took the Badass Women’s History Tour. The forecast said it was going to rain and did it ever! Joey, our tour guide, was so accommodating and did his best to keep us under shelter or inside during the tour. He was informative and made the tour fun and engaging. This was my first time in Philly and I was amazed by the diverse group of women that made this town what it is today. Thank you Joey for being a great tour guide and humoring our group by wearing your matching “Vote For Women” sash!! Read more Written March 27, 2024
• Roving21652298987 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles You Will Not Be Disappointed! This was such a fun and amazing tour. A women's network group (NAWBO) went for International Women's Day which was perfect for this kind of tour. Co-Founder Joey Leroux was knowledgeable about Women Historians in Philadelphia, and his sense of humor did not disappoint. You can tell that he truly enjoys what he does, and btw I still think he looks like he's 21. He took his time, explained everything, and made sure that we had enough time for Q&A. I would book with him again! Kudos great job! Read more Written March 9, 2024
• 2pekes 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend - Outstanding Tour Joey was our guide for this outstanding tour. He was very personable and provided a lot of historical information. The tour is very accurately described and I would highly recommend it. Read more Written November 17, 2023
• saostroff 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 10/10 recommend for a unique glimpse of Philly history I've lived in Philly for almost 10 years, but walking around the city with Rebecca on the Badass Women's History walking tour, I gained a whole new appreciation for the city I call home. The tour spotlights the women that defined Philadelphia (and American) history, challenging gender norms and breaking barriers. A far cry from the usual tales of George Washington and Ben Franklin, the Badass Women's History tour offers a chance for tourists and locals to rethink everything they've learned about our nation's history and acquaint themselves with some of the lesser known ladies who deserve recognition in the history books. Loved this tour and Rebecca's wealth of knowledge and humor made it even more memorable! Read more Written October 31, 2023
• 504taliag 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Untold stories Rebecca was a great tour guide! She had so many fun facts and stories I’d never heard before. Definitely recommend touring with her! Read more Written October 30, 2023
• 735jennyo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic! Rebecca was fantastic! Our group had a great time and learned a ton. A large portion of us were Philly natives, and we all really felt like we were hearing new information and new perspectives that we haven't had the chance to hear before. Would highly recommend Beyond the Bell! Read more Written October 30, 2023
• Daphnie P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Medical history tour was amazing! Joey was a super knowledgeable tour guide for our private group of 7. We also appreciated his flexibility in customizing the tour, peppering in additional tidbits of info, and his ability to answer our questions. We were a mix of Philly natives, transplants, and out of towners and it seemed to be a great learning experience for all! Someone stopped and asked what tour it was because we were all listening so attentively. Don’t worry about pit stops for refreshments or bathroom breaks - Joey knew all the spots! Would definitely recommend. Read more Written September 15, 2023
• expatwoman2015 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting small tour operator,room to improve Pro: your money supports this unique small-, woman-owned business that is competing against all the other established tour operators in town. They answered the phone. When a problem arose, the owner did come out to handle it herself. Area for improvement: they didn’t seem to have a system set up to ensure their guides actually turn up. Maybe they can fix that for practical and safety (for the guides) reasons. Our guide never came so we waited in the intense sun and heat in Washington Square, unsure what was going on. It wasn’t until we called after the tour was supposed to have started, that we found out there is no system of accountability (check-ins) for the guides. The tour was therefore a half hour late to start and then, for the rest of the time, it felt rushed to end on time since those on the tour had other pre-planned afternoon tours. I had hoped that we would get a bit more “untold stories” history but only about three such longer-form histories were relayed. The rest was: “Here is the Liberty Bell. This is Independence Hall. There is the original Wall Street. Here is so-and-so” without much detail as to the significant contributions from blacks/(former) slaves, POCs or members of the LGBT+ community that were likely critical components of the success (or failure) of those sites. The tour does not even point out that there were trials at Independence Hall for captured slaves, so the fact that the ideal of US independence was signed there that afforded this for some—not all— would have been a terrifically educational and powerful point to make in front of Independence Hall. One stop was more theoretical than grounded in fact. Some NPS bashing happened which sometimes seemed unnecessary. In the end, they refunded half the ticket price for the late start but only after I later inquired if they were willing to take greater responsibility for what happened. Increased proactiveness to make it right with guests would have been appreciated. Overall: the potential for excellence exists and hopefully this was a learning experience for the company. Read more Written July 6, 2023
• StaceyEH434 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Badass Women of Philadelphia Walking Tour is a badass tour! My 12 year old granddaughter who was visiting from Colorado, my daughter and I took the Badass Women of Philadelphia tour, along with two other women. Amanda was the perfect tour guide - very friendly, knew her facts and encouraged us to ask questions along the way. The tour was so interesting. We learned things about Philly that we'd never been taught, such as black and LGBTQ history, and truly awe inspiring women of the past - like Ona Judge, who fled enslavement from George and Martha Washington. I would recommend this tour to anyone, especially those wanting to find out about what you may not have learned in school. Read more Written July 3, 2023
• 752alisont 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fascinating and informative - best tour in town Amazing tour that we (husband and me, ~20 year Phila residents) enjoyed as much as our out-of-town guest did. Our guide, Joey, was so personable and knowledgeable, and was very good at communicating complicated stories in ways that made for deep emotional connections. He was very considerate and asked on several occasions how we were doing - like if we wanted to wander on our own or stay with him (we all wanted to stay with him and hear his stories!), or skip the last site since we were running long (all of us wanted to see the last site!). He was great at bringing out the layers of history and connections across different times and places in the city, and especially at highlighting the stories that mainstream tours overlook. As a historian, I wasn't sure before the tour how much of what he shared would be new to me, but I learned so much, including a lot that I'm excited to share with my students next year. It's clear that Joey loves history and Philadelphia and is eager to share his knowledge. We will definitely return to Beyond the Bell for more tours in the future, and will recommend it to anyone visiting Philly. Read more Written June 12, 2023
• annaoL1494DT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent neighborhood tour -- absolutely recommend! Excellent and informative Badass Women's History Tour! Great mix of walking and listening. I really appreciated learning a more broad and inclusive history of Philadelphia, which highlighted people who are often intentionally ignored. Our tour guide Amanda was great -- knowledgeable, clear, and very engaging. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants to learn the history of Philadelphia, and I can't wait to go on another Beyond the Bell tour next time I'm in the city. Read more Written June 10, 2023
• 225eleanorl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles All the fascinating stories right under our noses! This was a fascinating tour highlighting lesser-known history that is right under our noses in Philly. There were multiple locals (including myself) on this tour and we all learned so many stories about our city from hundreds of years ago to only a few years back that we didn't know about. Our tour guide Amanda was thoughtful, compelling, and obviously had a deep knowledge of all of the stories on the tour. It was well-paced and just the right amount of information to take in during the two hours. I appreciated the wide variety of stories and all of the fascinating tidbits. I can't wait to go on another Beyond the Bell tour! Read more Written June 9, 2023
• 386thomasy 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ neighborhood and history. The LGBTQ Walking Tour was excellent—our guide, Rebecca, was incredibly knowledgeable—summarizing the civil rights struggles, the social and cultural history of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community. Read more Written May 20, 2023
• 258rachaelr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 10/10 Reccomend This was such a great tour. Matthew was a fantastic tour guide and we really appreciated learning about perspectives and history that gets skipped over when we talk about the founding of our country. My sister and I thought the locations we stopped at were perfect and the things we learned gave us a greater perspective on the people who often get overlooked but who were just as important as Ben Franklin, George Washington and so on. Read more Written April 2, 2023
• ronnad2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Schedule this tour now! I arranged a private Badass Women's History Walking Tour with Rebecca. From the moment I inquired about it, Rebecca was responsive and flexible. But, the tour....I wish I could give it 10 STARS! Rebecca's personality is so engaging--she totally got the "vibe' of our group and had us captivated with her immense knowledge of the topic of fierce Philly women who helped shape our city. I highly recommend this tour and any tour that Rebecca gives. Read more Written March 20, 2023

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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10 landmark LGBTQ sites to visit in Philly

These are 10 spots in Philly where you can soak up some LGBTQ history

Philly has a rich history of LGBTQ activism. From Barbara Gittings, who edited the first lesbian magazine, to the William Way center and the Gayborhood - which long served as a safe haven for members of the LGBTQ community - Philly is full of important markers and historic figures.

In honor of National Coming Out Day this month, take a little time to remember what has happened in Philly to further equal rights.

If you want to get some current information, pick up a copy of the Philadelphia Gay News , the area’s oldest newspaper that’s targeted to members of the LGBTQ community, as you go.

Did we miss a spot? Definitely let us know about other sites to include in the comments.

Arch Street Meeting House

This is where some 300 activists from around the country met between February 23 and 25 in 1979 to organize what would become the historic National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights. Today, it is home to a historical marker that commemorates what’s been called the “Seneca Falls of the LGBT civil rights movement.”

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A post shared by Arch Street Meeting House (@historicasmh) on May 9, 2017 at 9:45am PDT

Barbara Gittings Historical Marker

The corner of 21st and Locust features an historical marker that highlights where Barbara Gittings once lived. Known as the mother of LGBT civil rights movement, Gittings was the editor of the first lesbian magazine “The Ladder” and co-organized the Annual Reminders march each July 4th at Independence Hall between 1965-69. A street in the Gayborhood is also named after the activist, called Barbara Gittings Way.

Independence Hall

Not only is Independence Hall where our country was founded, but it was also the site of Annual Reminders, some of the earliest LGBTQ demonstrations in the U.S. Led by activists like Barbara Gittings, the first Annual Reminder took place in front of Independence Hall in 1965 and aimed to highlight how basic American rights were not afforded to LGBTQ people.

Gloria Casarez Mural

The facade of 12th Street Gym in the Gayborhood is adorned with a mural of Gloria Casarez, a longtime civil rights and LGBTQ activist in Philly. In 2008, Casarez became the first director of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia. The mural was completed in 2015, a year after Casarez passed away after a five-year-long fight battling breast cancer.

A post shared by nataliehopemcdonald (@nataliehopemcdonald) on Oct 4, 2016 at 7:38am PDT

AIDS Library of Philadelphia

This library opened up its doors over 30 years ago as a way to combat stigma and misinformation at the peak of the nation’s HIV/AIDS crisis. It continues to be a safe and educational space for the LGBTQ community to this day. A historical marker was installed in front of the library in honor of its 30th Anniversary.

A post shared by @vitaanimae on Aug 17, 2016 at 1:14pm PDT

John Fryer Historic Marker

This historical marker at 13th and Locust commemorates local psychiatrist and gay activist Dr. John Fryer. In 1973, the Temple University professor fought for the American Psychiatric Association to stop considering homosexuality a mental illness.

The Gayborhood, an area of Center City bound by 11th, Broad, Pine, and Walnut Streets, got its name in 1997 during Outfest, a big festival that celebrates National Coming Out Day and continues to take place each October in the same location. There are 36 rainbow street signs in this vicinity, as well as the rainbow crosswalk at 13th and Locust that commemorates the neighborhood’s LGBTQ history and community.

William Way LGBT Community Center

The William Way LGBT Community Center at 13th and Spruce has served the LGBTQ community for 40 decades. The four-story center is located within a corner building that was originally built between 1844-1848 as a series of residential rowhomes. Beginning in the early 1900s, it enjoyed a few decades as the Engineers’ Club, undergoing multiple renovations that ultimately combined two properties into one. The William Way LGBT Community Center  purchased the property  in 1996.

Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room

Giovanni’s Room is heralded as the oldest LGBTQ and feminist bookstore in the U.S. From its humble beginnings on South Street in 1973, it has doubled in size and is now a beloved spot at the corner of S. 12th and Pine, in the heart of the Gayborhood. When it almost closed in 2014, Philly AIDS Thrift (located on S. 5th Street) signed a two-year agreement to become the proprietor of Giovanni’s Room and it has remained open ever since. When the weather’s nice, there are bins outside of the store filled to brim with discounted and free books, but it’s worth getting lost among the thousands of books behind the blue door, too.

A post shared by The Ludlow (@theludlowphilly) on Sep 5, 2017 at 1:22pm PDT

We the Youth mural

One of the most influential pop artists of the late 1970s and 1980s, Keith Haring (born in Reading, Pa.) created this mural just north of Point Breeze in 1987. Haring was openly gay and used a lot of his work to express his sexuality and advocate for safe sex. He was, undeniably, an influential fixture in the LGBTQ community in the 1980s, and his legacy lasts today. Sadly, Haring died of AIDs-related illnesses in 1990, but in the past few years Philly’s Mural Arts program has helped refurbish and restore this Ellsworth Street gem back to its original state.

View this post on Instagram Keith Haring mural, 22nd & Ellsworth #keithharing #keithharingmural #philadelphiamural A post shared by Amanda Kindler (@applepaizuri) on Feb 13, 2019 at 9:58am PST

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Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ History Walking Tour

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Calling all LGBTQ travelers, gaggle of local gays and their friends alike! Get your facts straight and your history GAY on this specialty tour of Philadelphia’s iconic Gayborhood. Get under the skin of queer Philly. Discover the controversies, paradoxes, and hidden histories of the only formalized Gayborhood in the country. Let’s talk and spill all that historical tea hunny! Tour includes: - Barbara Gittings, "Gay Pioneer" - Alain Locke, Dean of the Harlem Renaissance - Giovanni's Room, The nation's longest continuously-operating LGBT-focused bookstore - The evolution of Pride: from protest to parade - Kiyoshi Kuromiya: Inventor, Architect, Activist - A tribute to Gloria Casarez Wheel Chair Accessible upon request.

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Philly Gayborhood & LGBTQ Tour: $49

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

Cancellation policy.

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Philadelphia Gay District: The Gayborhood

Philadelphia is a city founded upon equality, and this naturally extends to the LGBTQ community. With annual pride celebrations, a lively gayborhood, and a host of gay-related cultural events...

Philadelphia is a city founded upon equality, and this naturally extends to the LGBTQ community. With annual pride celebrations, a lively gayborhood, and a host of gay-related cultural events taking place throughout the year, gay Philly should certainly feature on your travel itinerary for your next gaycation to the United States. 

In Philadelphia, the gay district is not named specifically, but simply referred to as The Gayborhood, and you will find it in the heart of Philadelphia’s Midtown Village. Running between 11th, Broad, Chestnut, and Pine Streets, The Gayborhood is teeming with LGBTQ-related and owned bars, restaurants, cafes, and clubs. 

From swanky cocktail lounges and clubs, to underground dive bars and sports joints, The Gayborhood caters to all tastes. Along with plenty of LGBTQ venues, Philadelphia’s gay district boasts 69 rainbow street signs, and several rainbow-painted crossings to make you feel right at home.

Gay bars and restaurants Philadelphia

Kick-start your day in The Gayborhood with a visit to popular cafe Green Eggs . This is the kind of place to head if morning gluttony is your thing, and it offers a decadent menu items including red velvet pancakes and cajun crab mac n ’cheese. For the best gay bars in Philly, Tavern on Carmac is a great start and it provides something a little unique; it’s a piano bar that hosts singalongs. Here you can also enjoy various craft brews along with a decent wine list. Alternatively, stop by Knock Restaurant and Bar on a Wednesday and you can get into some karaoke. 

Those who like leather and levi should head to The Bike Stop , this is a welcoming bar that attracts a certain crowd, and offers sport viewing upstairs. Beers come at reasonable prices, and there’s also food options to ensure you don’t leave on an empty stomach.

Gay clubs Philadelphia

If you are looking for the best places to go gay clubbing in Philadelphia, Woody’s is a good place to start - and finish. This mega club and lounge is one of the city’s most iconic gay clubs and guarantees a fun night out on the town. On the first floor, you’ll find a traditional bar and coffee lounge, while the second floor offers streaming videos and one impressive dance floor. Voyeur is also a popular after-hours dance club, and is a great spot to partake in the odd bit of flirting. Things only really get going from 2am here, and you can expect top-notch DJs along with an excellent sound system and lighting.

Gay Pride Philadelphia

Pride takes place at the beginning of June every year, and is a week-long event of parties, cultural activities, and one impressive Pride Parade that travels through the streets of The Gayborhood, Midtown Village, and Old City.

• Gay clubs Philadelphia  
• Gay bars Philadelphia 
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Green Eggs Cafe

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Mykonos, Greece: Why You’ll Love This LGBTQ-Friendly Paradise

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Ooooooookavango Where The Wind Comes Sweeping Down The Delta

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7 Highlights Of Our Gay River Cruise Down The Mekong

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Welcome to PIED PIPER CRUISES!

Pied Piper Cruises is the premier agency for LGBTQ group cruises, serving the LGBTQ community for over 32 years! Committed to offering an extensive variety of cruise destinations on the finest cruise ships and liners at the best fares available, Pied Piper gives you so much more, including private parties, group shore excursions and dining together with your new friends. You’ll have more fun and will never be alone when you are in the comfort of your own group environment. You can relax in knowing that Pied Piper will have it all arranged for you before you board your ship. It’s cruising your way. All Pied Piper LGBTQ group cruises are subject to minimum participation.

PIED PIPER CRUISES is thrilled to announce that we have partnered with MSC Cruises to offer you sailings on the fabulous and exciting ships of MSC Cruises! Thanks to requests from our passengers, we are pleased to offer more alternative itineraries and different innovative ships! First to be added to our calendar are three amazing voyages to Europe in the Summer of 2024! We’ll be sailing on three amazing MSC Cruises ships, Orchestra, Splendida and the incredible new ship, World Europa! The itineraries we’ve selected are spectacular, with visits to new and exciting ports of call you’ll love! Please click on our calendar for exact dates and details!

Why MSC cruises? MSC has an incredible fleet of new and exciting ships! They’re larger and have much more activities to do onboard. Also, the MSC ships have larger cabins, more onboard dining options, lounges, and incredible entertainment! Plus, the balcony cabins on MSC ships have real outdoor balconies and not Verandas with windows! Also, the MSC itineraries are more unique with ports of call you most likely haven’t been to before! Not the same old itineraries, but something new and exciting!

MSC matches other cruise lines loyalty status! Even if you’ve never sailed with MSC cruises before, they will match the loyalty status you have with other cruise lines before you even make a reservation with them! Then, you will get on your MSC cruise the same benefits that you enjoy with the other cruise lines, including onboard benefits and past-passenger discounts! Please let us know your other cruise line membership number at time of inquiry or reservation and we’ll set up a matching loyalty status account with MSC cruises. Your benefits will be similar to what you get with the other cruise line! You’ll also get an additional discount on your new reservation with MSC cruises!

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Brock McGillis reflects on ‘grueling’ and ‘rewarding’ tour to combat homophobia in youth hockey

For the past three months, Brock McGillis’ schedule has been meticulously planned.

So when he finally gets a chance to exhale next week, McGillis plans on pivoting to a more relaxed agenda.

“I’m going to sleep on a beach for a week,” McGillis told The Athletic with a laugh recently.

This week, McGillis is concluding his Culture Shift tour, an ambitious project that aimed for him to conduct 100 talks with high school-aged minor hockey teams in Canada over the span of 100 days. McGillis, who played in the Ontario Hockey League as a teenager and later came out as gay as an adult, created this grassroots initiative with the mission of trying to break down barriers that exist around homophobic and toxic language in youth and minor hockey dressing rooms.

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As he took a moment to reflect on what he’s accomplished since launching the tour Nov. 15 in Vancouver, McGillis conceded this has been more taxing than he ever could have envisioned.

“I’ve put myself through something very grueling,” he said. “I kind of knew it would be, but I didn’t know how grueling this would actually be. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. And also the most physically and mentally exhausting thing I’ve ever done.”

On the day he spoke to The Athletic in late January, McGillis was at the Walter Baker Sports Centre in suburban Ottawa. The backdrop is fairly typical of where McGillis has hosted most of his sessions on this tour.

He welcomed members of a U16 Nepean boys hockey team into a large salon room located on the second floor above the two ice pads inside the facility. His tour partner, Dom Granato — whom McGillis referred to as the “logistical wizard” behind the sessions — set up posters and a video camera in the back of the room to capture some of the talk.

Granato is a gay former hockey player himself, having played at the collegiate level in the United States. He also comes from one of the most decorated and recognizable American hockey families. His father, Tony, played and coached in the NHL ; his uncle Don is the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres ; and his aunt Cammi is arguably the greatest American-born women’s hockey player ever and the current assistant general manager of the Vancouver Canucks .

As McGillis started speaking with roughly 20 teenage boys and some of their parents and coaching staff, he wanted to make sure this was an interactive session. So he went around the room and asked each boy to name an activity or hobby they’d never discussed with their hockey teammates inside the locker room.

One boy talked about baking with his grandmother.

Another, doing puzzles.

A third, reading Harry Potter novels.

McGillis wants to broaden what he said is historically a narrow focus inside youth hockey locker rooms, where players only talk about the sport and maybe a couple of external things like video games and girls. McGillis believes that if hockey locker rooms can become more open to a wide array of talking points — such as baking, doing puzzles or reading Harry Potter — the environment will naturally become more inclusive.

“It’s about becoming that shift-maker and creating these environments where people feel comfortable to be themselves,” McGillis said. “So many adults have come up to me and said they quit hockey growing up because of the culture. For queer kids and other marginalized groups, that locker room can be a reminder of all the oppression you experience.”

While the majority of his talks were given to young men, McGillis did speak with a number of girls hockey teams during his tour. He doesn’t alter the tone of his meetings too much when he does, although he said there are some nuanced differences.

“They are probably more likely to be exposed to an out or queer player on their team, and I don’t think they have that ‘group think’ as much,” McGillis said. “But they still have their own conformity within the room. So they still need to learn to humanize and have empathy and respect. Those things still apply.”

The Culture Shift tour costs tens of thousands of dollars to execute, with hotel rooms and transportation required for McGillis and Granato over the course of 100 days. It’s worth noting that several corporations that vacated their sponsorship of Hockey Canada in the wake of sexual assault allegations involving members of its 2018 World Junior team, opted to put their money toward McGillis and his Culture Shift tour.

Companies such as Canadian Tire , Scotiabank and Skip the Dishes are listed as key sponsors, after recalibrating their sponsorship priorities in the aftermath of the Hockey Canada scandal.

“This wouldn’t be happening without them,” McGillis said. “They see the importance and value in it.”

McGillis is hopeful that more companies will jump on board as he is planning to expand this initiative for the 2024-25 hockey season. This initial tour took McGillis and Granato to all seven Canadian NHL cities — Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Next year, McGillis is hoping to double the number of talks he gives and expand south of the border.

“I want to do 100 again in different cities in Canada, but I also want to do a U.S. one,” McGillis said. “In an ideal world, I’d like to do 100 here and 100 there.”

McGillis said several moments from this initial tour will stick with him.

In one instance, a youth hockey player who experienced bigotry at the hands of his teammates felt empowered after hearing McGillis address his team.

“This kid came to me and said, ‘You inspired me to share how that made me feel,'” McGillis said.

A mother from British Columbia emailed McGillis with a poignant and powerful note he still has saved on his phone.

“This woman wrote to me saying that her son’s best friend had seen me speak during one of these talks,” McGills said. “And this boy told her that I changed the way he saw the world. And I changed his life.”

McGillis always ends his speeches by inviting the players or coaches to reach out to him via direct message — and anonymously if they would prefer — on Instagram. Over the years, he’s received countless messages from hockey players who identify as LGBTQ+ and are seeking guidance or advice.

As he does his final tally for this tour, McGillis said that he’s exceeded his original goal of doing 100 talks over the course of 100 days. The final number will be closer to 120 talks given to hockey teams since Nov. 15 — a threshold he didn’t imagine he would be crossing.

And as he spends a week decompressing on a beach in the Dominican Republic this month, McGillis said he’ll reflect on the work done over the past three months.

“There’s an appetite for this and it’s been predominantly positive,” McGillis said. “I’m going to take it all in and take a moment to recognize what I’ve done. And what the impact has been in the hockey world.”

(Top photo: Ian Mendes / The Athletic ) 

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Ian Mendes is a senior writer covering the NHL. Prior to joining The Athletic in 2021, he spent seven years as an afternoon talk show host for TSN 1200 in Ottawa and as a contributing writer for TSN.ca. He also worked as a television reporter and host with Rogers Sportsnet for 12 years and has served as a feature columnist for both The Ottawa Citizen and Today’s Parent magazine. Follow Ian on Twitter @ ian_mendes

Beyoncé raises – and clears – her own ambitious bar at Renaissance tour US opener

PHILADELPHIA – Two  Beyoncé s come to play on her Renaissance World Tour .

There is the understated Beyoncé  of the opening segment, her creme brulee -colored hair blowing delicately as she vocalizes intently through “Dangerously in Love,” sits elegantly atop a sliver baby grand piano for “1+1” and thanks the crowd for their loyalty (“You are the reason I’m standing on this stage”).

Then there is the Beyoncé of the other five segments of the show, with themes such as “Renaissance,” “Opulence” and “Motherboard.”

This Beyoncé is an unstoppable force of precise movement and vocal dynamics, a superstar who, two months shy of turning 42 and in the where-did-the-time-go third decade of her career, has raised – and cleared – her own ambitious bar yet again.

At Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field Wednesday, Beyoncé finally unveiled her colossal, eye-popping production in the U.S. She’s already played for a million-plus fans since launching the world tour in Sweden in May, allowing her time to perfect every second of this polished, 2 ½-hour spectacle that will play nearly two dozen stadiums through October.

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Though a tiny, taut figure on a stage designed with ramps, staircases and catwalks, Beyoncé loomed magnificently on a video screen wall, her doe-eyed beauty and trademark snarls amplified to reach the farthest cranny of the venue.

Bombarded with bras : Drake attracted much attention from fans at his Detroit tour stop

The dazzling concept videos that ushered in each changeover – particularly, the futuristic visual feast that created a Bey-bot for the “Renaissance” segment – captivated, never feeling like costume-change filler or a glitzy stall tactic.

Of course, there is no stalling in Beyoncé’s universe . The blizzard of beats powering “I’m That Girl” and “Cozy” was complemented by rigidly snapped elbows, severe shoulder shrugs and cocked hips by Beyoncé and her cadre of 10 female dancers.

Her ode to house music, punctuated by “Cuff It” and “Break My Soul” – standout tracks from last summer’s “Renaissance” album – pulsed accordingly, with lights attacking from every angle of the stadium.

Clad in a Barbie-pink gown with more slits than material, Beyoncé radiated glam-infused confidence. When her sunglasses slid down her nose one too many times, they were brusquely tossed offstage. No errant eyewear will impede her rhythm.

A hearty rump shake at the start of “Break My Soul” sent the sold-out crowd into spasms, but it was the midsong interpolation of Madonna’s “Vogue” that further encouraged their glee as Beyoncé name-checked Lizzo, Nina Simone, Solange Knowles and Jilly From Philly in her recitation.

By now, the Beyhive knew to expect an appearance by Blue Ivy, the 11-year-old daughter of Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z (aka Shawn Carter), who started joining the team on stage in Europe. But even with advanced knowledge, the crowd erupted when the preteen arrived during “My Power,” leading the dance crew down a ramp while Mom followed atop a glistening tank-like vehicle.

Blue Ivy ably kept pace with the fleet feet around her, ending “Black Parade” with her fist in the air. As the audience showered the young Carter with more whoops of appreciation, Beyoncé’s game face melted into a proud smile, leading to one of the most memorable snapshots of the night.

The tour set list draws heavily from “Renaissance” as expected, but Beyoncé sprinkles in hits – though maybe not enough for some fans – from her robust catalog, including “Naughty Girl” and “Formation.”

A musical highlight landed with the double punch of classics “Love on Top” and “Crazy In Love.” With her male dancers lined up behind mic stands, Beyoncé humorously led the crowd through the escalating key changes in “Love on Top” before the delectable groove of the song dovetailed into the snaky bass line of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back,” complete with throwback choreography.

It was a moment of unadulterated joy that remained through the sizzle of “Crazy in Love,” which included a fabulous coda by her hardworking band.

The tempo of the show decelerated a bit as Beyoncé entered the homestretch in her already-famous Loewe bodysuit designed with strategically placed handprints. “Plastic Off the Sofa” and “Virgo’s Groove” didn’t have the audience as adrenalized as intensely as other selections from “Renaissance.” But by the time she reemerged for the encore sporting a yellow-and-black headdress and offering a powerful missive with “America Has a Problem,” attentions were rapt again.

Soaring balladeer and poetic messenger. Refined couture and sequined camouflage. Warm smiles and dramatic sneers.

Beyoncé delivers all of it, with excellence.

The Boss overseas: Bruce Springsteen wowed a crowd speckled with celebs in London's Hyde Park

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Trans debt collector sues former employer for bias

A transgender debt collector in Pennsylvania has filed a suit against her former employer, claiming pervasive workplace harassment and bias forced her to resign from her job.

On April 25, “Jane Doe” filed a 27-page federal lawsuit against Ability Recovery Services LLC, claiming violations of state and federal civil-rights laws. Ability Recovery Services is based in Dupont, Pa., a borough located in Luzerne County in the northeastern region of the state.

Doe worked at Ability Recovery Services as a debt collector from August 2023 until April 2024, when she resigned due to alleged mistreatment. Her job duties consisted of calling customers for the purpose of collecting debts. She did a “commendable” job for her employer by collecting many debts, according to the lawsuit.

However, Doe’s co-workers allegedly harassed and mistreated her, from the beginning of her employment until she resigned. Shortly after Doe was hired, a co-worker asked Doe how much gender-affirmation surgery she planned to undergo. “What are you going to get done,” the co-worker allegedly asked.

Another co-worker stated in Doe’s presence, “I think some people here are using the wrong bathroom,” and other co-workers laughed at the remark.

Multiple co-workers intentionally misgendered Doe by calling her “sir” or using incorrect pronouns. They also made inappropriate comments about her appearance, according to the lawsuit.

A debt collector, identified only as “Jennifer,” confided in Doe that she cannot accept her child “because he wears women’s clothes,” according to the lawsuit.

In late 2023, a supervisor referred to a client as “a man pretending to be a woman,” within earshot of Doe. Doe reported the inappropriate comment to another supervisor, who allegedly told Doe: “You have to have thick skin. Maybe you don’t belong working here.”

April 2024 was a particularly challenging month for Doe. A co-worker told Doe: “I can’t stand you.” Another co-worker directly informed Doe that she’s a “man” and that she emanated a foul odor. The co-worker also said, “I’m going by what’s in the Bible. I don’t have to be nice to anybody. If I want to say stuff to you, I will,” according to the lawsuit.

On April 11, 2024, a co-worker told Doe: “I can’t stand you.” Later that day, Doe terminated her employment with Ability Recovery Services.

On April 22, 2024, Doe was given a right-to-sue letter from the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on April 22, 2024. Doe is seeking more than $150,000 in damages along with a court order requiring Ability Recovery Services to conduct trans-inclusive sensitivity training for its employees.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Karoline Mehalchick of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. A jury trial has been requested.

Patricia A. Cobb, chief operations officer for Ability Recovery Services, issued this statement: “Ability Recovery Services LLC denies all allegations set forth in the mentioned lawsuit. Our company has a diverse and inclusive workforce.  I cannot comment further on any open litigation.”

Attorneys for Doe had no comment for this story.

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Everything to know for the 2024 PGA Championship

The second major golf tournament of the year is approaching., by sanjesh singh • published may 13, 2024.

The second of four major golf tournaments in 2024 is on the horizon.

After Scottie Scheffler won the Masters Tournament in mid-April, next up is the PGA Championship.

The PGA Championship is, of course, a multi-day tournament that invites the best golfers in the world to compete for the title. The field of players, like last year, includes certain LIV Golf members.

So, from how to watch the tournament to the location and players, here's what to know for the 2024 PGA Championship:

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When is the 2024 PGA Championship?

The 2024 PGA Championship will run from Thursday, May 16, through Sunday, May 19.

Where is the 2024 PGA Championship?

It's a boy! Scottie Scheffler arrives at PGA Championship with a newborn at home

Where is the PGA Championship? Here's a look at this year's host course and future locations

Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, is the host venue for the tournament. It previously hosted the 1996, 2000 and 2014 editions.

Who are the golfers in the 2024 PGA Championship?

The full field of golfers in the 2024 tournament was officially released on May 7. The list includes 2023 winner Brooks Koepka, the only active LIV Golfer to win the PGA Championship, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth and more.

McIlroy, who is coming off a win at the Wells Fargo Championship this past weekend, is returning to the course where he won his last major 10 years ago.

The full field for the 2024 PGA Championship can be viewed here .

How to watch the 2024 PGA Championship

All four days of the tournament will be available to watch via ESPN and ESPN+. CBS will join ESPN with coverage on Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday, May 16

• ESPN: 12-8 p.m. ET

Friday, May 17

• ESPN: 1-8 p.m. ET

Saturday, May 18

• ESPN: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ET
• CBS: 1-7 p.m. ET

Sunday, May 19

Who won the 2023 PGA Championship?

American Brooks Koepka won the 2023 tournament. Koepka finished 9-under, two strokes better than runner-ups Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland.

The last non-American golfer to win the tournament was Australian Jason Day in 2015.

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