KILLED_LGBTQ+ Castro Walking Tour: The Fight for Human Rights
Highlights
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Hear the real stories behind one of the neighborhoods integral to the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the U.S.
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Learn about the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the Castro area
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Take in landmarks including Twin Peaks Tavern, Harvey Milk Plaza and the Castro Theatre
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Discover more about the lives of some of the area’s most famous inhabitants and have a donation made in your name to the Human Rights Campaign Center
Summary
Discover the history of one of the key neighborhoods in the campaign for LGBTQ+ rights on this local-led tour of the Castro area. Focusing on the ongoing struggle of the gay community to promote visibility, and equality for all Americans, this tour takes you to the heart of a movement that defined a city, and a nation.
Tour info
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
20
Pricing (From)
Adult:
(15-99 years)
$29.00
Child:
(2-14 years)
$29.00
Infant:
(0-1 years)
$0.00
Commentary
English
Meeting Point
3979B 17th Street (Local Take), San Francisco, California, CA 94114, US
Dropoff location
Human Rights Campaign , San Francisco, Califronia, US
Why take this tour?
COVID UPDATE. Effective August 20, 2021, proof of Covid-19 vaccination (over the age of 12) is required to enter sites on this tour. Everyone (over the age of 2) is required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status while indoors. For full requirements, please check here.
On this immersive hour-long tour, we’ll visit some of the most important landmarks in the campaign for LGBTQ+ rights as we uncover the history of the gay rights movement in San Francisco and the USA.
On this immersive hour-long tour, we’ll visit some of the most important landmarks in the campaign for LGBTQ+ rights as we uncover the history of the gay rights movement in San Francisco and the USA.
Our tour begins near the Twin Peaks Tavern; the first gay bar in the city to install floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting the fact that its patrons were not ashamed of their identities. From there, we’ll head into the heart of the Castro area, while examining the highs and lows of the fight for equality residents have endured over the years.
Crossing the route of the Pride Parade, we’ll step on rainbow-colored crosswalks, before making our way to sites most associated with California’s first openly gay elected official; Harvey Milk. At the Harvey Milk Plaza, we’ll discuss the details of Milk’s journey into politics, and his fight for marriage equality in San Francisco and beyond.
As we journey further into the Castro area, we’ll take in sites such as the notorius ‘Hot Cookie’ bakery - selling all manner of erotic treat - and the iconic Castro Theatre - San Francisco’s historic movie ‘palace’. We’ll talk about AIDS activist Bobbi Campbell and the Castro’s health and wellness center ‘Strut’, and delve into some illuminating stories surrounding the famously inclusive Most Holy Redeemer Church.
Breaking long-running taboos, we’ll openly explore the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and learn how a community banded together to fight it. It’s by breaking these taboos that this tour endeavors to shine a light on every aspect of the Gayborhood - from the unsung local heroes to current ideas around inclusivity - to analyze the impact it continues to have on American culture.
Finally, we’ll finish our tour at the Human Rights Campaign Action Center, a nonprofit store based in Harvey Milk's old home, where a donation will be made in your name.
Sites Visited:
- Twin Peaks Tavern (outside)
- Harvey Milk Plaza
- Castro Theatre (outside)
- Rainbow Honor Walk
- Most Holy Redeemer Church (outside)
- Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy
What’s included?
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Local English-speaking guide -
Expertly guided walking tour -
Donation to the Human Rights Campaign Center -
Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
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Gratuities
Things to know
Before you go
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This tour is conducted in English only.
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The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.
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Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
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San Francisco is a notoriously chilly city with micro-climates. It is best to wear/bring layers for all of our tours, even at the height of summer.
Covid Policy
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
Cancellation Policy
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Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable.
Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable.
Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes.
Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.
Redemption information
Mobile tickets will be accepted.
Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
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