Philadelphia Celebrates the City's Vibrant 'Gayborhood'

PHILADELPHIA, June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, Philadelphia celebrates its vibrant "Gayborhood" with two weeks of happenings, taking place from Saturday, July 10 through Saturday, July 24. Dubbed There's No Place Like Home, the two-week event features a ribbon-cutting ceremony, block party, photo exhibit and special offers available at restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses throughout the neighborhood. The celebration runs concurrently with QFest, Philadelphia's LGBT film festival, which will screen the documentary film Welcome to the Gayborhood to help commemorate the occasion.

Since its inception in the 1970s -- when the gay community began migrating from west of Broad Street near Rittenhouse Square to its current location on the east side of Broad around 12th Street -- Philadelphia's "Gayborhood" has developed into an impressive cultural, retail and dining destination. The "Gayborhood," an unofficial name for the area, is located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia and shares boundaries with the developing Midtown Village neighborhood.

"Over the last two years, the neighborhood has welcomed many new businesses, renovations and developments, and July's celebration recognizes the efforts of the business owners, non-profit organizations, public officials, residents and visitors who invested time, passion and resources to make the 'Gayborhood' a dynamic, thriving city enclave," says Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC).

"Philadelphia has been unique among cities," according to Mark Segal, publisher, Philadelphia Gay News. "While neighborhoods catering to the gay community in other cities have struggled during the recent recession, Philadelphia's 'Gayborhood' has blossomed. New businesses of every variety, including our restaurants and nightclubs, have popped up and are thriving."

There's No Place Like Home featured events include:

• Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Opening Party: This press conference, including an appearance by Mayor Michael Nutter, serves as the official kick-off of the "Gayborhood" celebration. Revelers then head to Q Lounge + Kitchen for an opening reception. July 10, 4:00 p.m. Press Conference, 13th & Locust Streets; Reception, 1234 Locust Street, (215) 732-1800, qphilly.com.
• QFest Film Screening: Bars throughout the "Gayborhood" play the documentary film Welcome to the Gayborhood. July 10, 6:00 p.m.
• "Gayborhood" Photo Retrospective: This photo exhibition displays images from various phases of the "Gayborhood's" evolution. July 10 through July 24, William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, waygay.org.
• "Gayborhood" Block Party: Local businesses, organizations and vendors participate in an outdoor community-building event. July 11, 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m., 13th Street between Locust & Walnut Streets and Camac Street between Locust & Spruce Street.
• Re-launch: On July 11th, Roland Belmares will dj at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James Street, for a special t-dance.  The event will kick-off at 4:00 p.m.
• Rainbow Street Signs: The city unveils 32 new rainbow street signs (for a total of 69 signs) marking intersections throughout the "Gayborhood." July 11, 2:00 p.m., 13th & Chancellor Streets.
• Rainbow Discount Card: Valid July 10 through July 24, the Rainbow Discount Card entitles bearers to special discounts and surprises at "Gayborhood" businesses. Cards are available at Woody's, Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar, Q Lounge + Kitchen and Tavern on Camac while supplies last.

There's No Place Like Home is a collaborative effort between the following organizations: GPTMC, QFest, Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, Midtown Village, Southwest Airlines, Wachovia, Finlandia, Philadelphia Gay News, Philadelphia magazine, CBS3, The CW Philly 57 and numerous community businesses. For more information, visit facebook.com/visitphilly.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to Hear Philly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

SOURCE Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation