Today, we recognize October as LGBTQ+ History Month – a time to honor the legacy, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. But what we don’t always pause to consider is how this month began, or the person whose vision sparked what has now become a global observance. The origins of LGBTQ+ History Month echo...Read More
In 2018, I started giving LGBTQ+ walking tours in NYC. What began as a Facebook post and a free Eventbrite listing eventually turned into Christopher Street Tours. When I first started, it was just me – a solo tour guide with a binder full of photos, sharing stories I’d collected from books, podcasts, and deep...Read More
Every year, people from around the world come to New York City to explore LGBTQ+ history with Christopher Street Tours. For many queer folks and allies, NYC is synonymous with Pride – a city often recognized as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement. So it’s no surprise that when they visit, they want...Read More
When we think about social change, it’s easy to imagine huge organizations and sweeping movements changing the world. But the truth is, so much of the progress we celebrate today started with small groups of people, or collectives, thinking about ways that they can make a difference. There is power in small groups, chosen families,...Read More
When I started Christopher Street Tours in 2018, it felt like I was just a singular, passionate, gay tour guide with a binder full of photos and a head full of stories. What began as a one-person operation has since grown into a globally recognized LGBTQ+ walking tour company, welcoming tens of thousands of guests...Read More
Earlier this month, the National Park Service removed the word “transgender” from the Stonewall National Monument website. Erasing the contributions of trans people from one of the most pivotal sites in LGBTQ+ history is completely unacceptable. Trans people are integral to the history of Stonewall and to the continued fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and to...Read More
Recently on tours, I’ve started stopping at a particular photo displayed outside of Christopher Park. The image captures a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history – the first Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day, which occurred on June 28, 1970. This historic event began as an annual protest march and demonstration to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. Over...Read More
Happy New Year, friends! Michael here, founder and owner of Christopher Street Tours. 👋 As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that this year has been. There have been so many memorable moments and milestones – both personally and for Christopher Street Tours. If you’ve ever taken a...Read More
I’ve been thinking a lot about anger recently. So often, anger is painted in this negative light, as if the feeling itself is unproductive or irrational. But anger can be a beacon in the dark, showing us where change is needed and pushing us forward to demand it. In moments of uncertainty, I look back...Read More
At Christopher Street Tours, our mission is to share stories and uplift the voices of those who paved the way before us. We’re equally committed to supporting small, local, LGBTQ+-owned and queer-friendly businesses, which inspired the creation of this LGBTQ+ Community Guide. These are our top recommendations, thoughtfully curated by our team of LGBTQ+ guides....Read More
