Comprehensive LGBT Queer History Tour Launches in Time for Southern Decadence

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 28, 2019) – New Orleans Secrets Tours announced today the launch of their newest New Orleans experience, the LGBT Queer History Tour, which will have its first public offering this Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 3:30pm.

New Orleans scored a nearly perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index last year and was named “The Best City in America for LGBTQ Retirement” by Senior Advice in 2019. The city has been a melting pot for centuries, combining people of different ethnicities, races, and sexual orientation to create a culture rich with art, music, food, and all things decadent. Currently home to the fourth largest population of LGBT residents in the country (according to 2015 Gallup survey), New Orleans metro area is known for its gay inclusiveness and year-round LGBTQ-specific events. But there are moments in the city’s past that were anything but welcoming to this thriving gay community.

New Orleans holds some of the earliest gay history in the United States, and while there are stories of early gay pride and acceptance, there are also setbacks of hate crimes, beatings, and even mass-murder that mar its past. The new LGBT Queer History Tour is a poignant exploration of both the struggles and advancements made by the gay community in New Orleans over the last one hundred years.

“Since the beginning of the 20th century, New Orleans and the French Quarter have attracted residents who identify as LGBTQ including famous writers, wealthy business owners, and the working class—all who have made significant impacts in shaping the city of New Orleans.” said Angela Monroe, co-owner of New Orleans Secrets Tours, which has become known for their small group tours and out-of-the-ordinary experiences. “We are so excited to share yet another lesser-told story that contributes to our unique culture in New Orleans, and it is indeed a very, very important story to tell.”

“I want to provide an honest and diverse history of the local LGBTQ community,” stated Tylyn Anson, the curator and leader of this experience. “It’s an opportunity to help share and preserve this often neglected aspect of New Orleans history.”

The two-and-a-half hour LGBT Queer History walking tour includes discussions on the struggle of the LGBTQ community through the decades, from the opening of the country’s oldest gay bar in the 1930s to the UpStairs Lounge Fire of 1973 through to today, along with the open expressions of the LGBTQ community like Gay Mardi Gras, Southern Decadence, Pride Fest, the ever-popular Drag Brunch tradition, and activism clubs.

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“The LGBTQ community here has faced serious oppression and adversity, but we have also turned those tragedies into humor and points of pride. I want to share the history of how members of our community have supported each other, and the legacy that lives on from that in New Orleans to this day,” Anson said.  

The new LGBT Queer History Tour runs daily Thursday through Monday of Southern Decadence Festival (August 29 – September 2) from 3:30pm to 6:00pm and is $32 per person. There is one break where participants may enter and purchase a drink at the oldest gay bar in the country. Beginning September 3, the tour will be offered every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 3:30pm. While the content is adult themed, mature teenagers are welcome on the tour. The experience is capped at 8 people to ensure an intimate experience and the opportunity to ask Anson questions in a comfortable setting; those interested are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Private tours are also available. Groups larger than 8 or that need custom dates/times should call the New Orleans Secrets office to inquire.

The tour begins at the New Orleans Secrets tour boutique at 519 Wilkinson Street, Suite 105. For more information or to book the tour, call 504-517-5397 daily between 8:00am and 8:00pm or visit http://www.NOSecretsTours.com.

 

About New Orleans Secrets

New Orleans Secrets, LLC (NO Secrets) has been unlocking the many historic and cultural mysteries of New Orleans since 2014. Owned and operated entirely by New Orleans locals, the company seeks to give visitors an inside look at the unique and interesting city of New Orleans, whether they are interested in food, cocktails, history, nightlife, voodoo, or haunted experiences. Their 500-sq-ft tour boutique located in the heart of the French Quarter offers books, mementos, gift items, and sundries for sale as well as complimentary concierge services and a conversation nook.

Tour groups are kept small for a more intimate experience but larger, private groups can also be accommodated. The company’s passion and commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience, every time, is evidenced by being the #1 organically ranked tour company in New Orleans on TripAdvisor out of 298 companies and by being named “Best Tour Company in New Orleans 2019” and winning the “Excellence in Cultural Tours 2019” award by Lux Life Magazine. New Orleans Secrets has also been featured on Travel Channel, Frommer’s, USA Today, Business Traveller, and more. For more information, please visit www.NOSecretsTours.com or call 504-517-KEYS (5397).

 

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Contact:
Angela Monroe, Co-Owner                          
New Orleans Secrets Tours
504-517-5397
angela@nosecretstours.com