Traveling Through Time: LGBTQ+ Women’s Historical Sites to Visit
Discover the untold stories of queer women’s history through iconic sites around the globe. From Audre Lorde’s Berlin to Anne Lister’s Halifax, explore the legacies of LGBTQ+ women in art, activism, and community-building.
History is more than dates and events—it’s the stories, lives, and legacies of those who paved the way for change. For queer women, traveling to sites that honor our community’s history is an inspiring way to connect with the past while celebrating how far we’ve come. From Audre Lorde’s Berlin to Radclyffe Hall’s London, these destinations bring LGBTQ+ women’s history to life.
Here’s a curated guide to must-visit historical sites that honor queer women’s contributions to art, activism, and community-building across the decades.
1. Audre Lorde’s Berlin, Germany
Audre Lorde, the iconic poet, writer, and activist, spent much of her later years in Berlin, where she empowered Afro-German women and ignited conversations about race, gender, and sexuality.
Historical Highlights:
Freie Universität Berlin: Lorde taught poetry workshops here, fostering creativity and activism among young writers.
The Audre Lorde Archives: Located at the Spinnboden Lesbian Archive, this collection offers a glimpse into her transformative time in Berlin.
Why Visit:
Lorde’s legacy in Berlin is a testament to the power of intersectional activism and queer feminist thought. Exploring these spaces connects travelers to her vision of a more inclusive world.
Travel Tip:
Pair your visit with a stroll through Kreuzberg, a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood filled with queer-friendly cafes and art spaces.
2. Radclyffe Hall’s London, UK
Radclyffe Hall, author of the groundbreaking novel The Well of Loneliness, is a key figure in lesbian literature. London, her home, is dotted with landmarks that tell the story of her life and work.
Historical Highlights:
South Audley Street: Visit the neighborhood where Hall and her partner Una Troubridge lived, a hub of queer literary life in the early 20th century.
The Gateways Club: Although no longer in operation, this legendary lesbian nightclub was a significant gathering place for queer women during Hall’s era.
Why Visit:
Radclyffe Hall’s London offers a lens into the challenges and triumphs of being openly queer during a time of intense societal scrutiny.
Travel Tip:
Explore LGBTQ+ history in the broader city by visiting the LGBTQ+ gallery at the British Museum or taking a queer history walking tour.
3. Lesbian Feminist Communes of the 1970s, USA
During the feminist movement of the 1970s, lesbian women created communes across the United States, fostering community, self-sufficiency, and activism. While many of these spaces are no longer active, their legacy can still be explored.
Notable Locations:
Oregon Women’s Land Trust (OWLT), Oregon: One of the few remaining women’s lands from this era, OWLT continues to preserve the spirit of feminist community-building.
The Furies Collective House, Washington, D.C.: A hub for radical lesbian feminism, this site is now part of the National Park Service's LGBTQ+ history initiative.
Why Visit:
These communes represent the resilience and creativity of queer women carving out spaces to thrive in a world that often excluded them.
Travel Tip:
Research local archives or museums that document feminist and LGBTQ+ histories to gain deeper insight into these communities.
4. The Anne Lister Diaries, Halifax, UK
Anne Lister, often referred to as “the first modern lesbian,” chronicled her life and relationships in detailed diaries written in code. Her home, Shibden Hall, has become a pilgrimage site for those inspired by her boldness and authenticity.
Historical Highlights:
Shibden Hall: This beautifully preserved estate showcases Lister’s life, complete with exhibits about her groundbreaking diaries.
Lister’s Grave: Pay respects at her resting place in Halifax Minster, a poignant spot for reflection.
Why Visit:
Anne Lister’s story, popularized by the series Gentleman Jack, is a celebration of living authentically despite societal pressures.
Travel Tip:
Plan your visit around Halifax’s Anne Lister Birthday Festival for guided tours, lectures, and celebrations of her life.
5. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s San Francisco, USA
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, trailblazing activists and the first legally married lesbian couple in California, lived in San Francisco’s Noe Valley. Their home became a hub of queer feminist organizing.
Historical Highlights:
Noe Valley: Walk through this charming neighborhood where Martin and Lyon lived and worked.
GLBT Historical Society Museum: Visit exhibits dedicated to their activism and contributions to LGBTQ+ rights.
Why Visit:
Martin and Lyon’s story embodies the spirit of resilience and love in the face of discrimination, making their legacy a cornerstone of queer history.
Travel Tip:
Explore other queer landmarks in San Francisco, such as Harvey Milk’s Castro Camera and the Women’s Building mural in the Mission District.
6. Natalie Clifford Barney’s Paris, France
Known as the “Amazon of Paris,” Natalie Clifford Barney hosted a literary salon that became a gathering place for queer women writers and artists in the early 20th century.
Historical Highlights:
Barney’s Salon on Rue Jacob: While private, the street remains a tribute to Barney’s role as a patron of the arts and queer culture.
Père Lachaise Cemetery: Visit Barney’s resting place in this iconic cemetery, where many luminaries of LGBTQ+ history are buried.
Why Visit:
Barney’s Paris celebrates a golden age of queer creativity, showcasing the intersection of art, identity, and love.
Travel Tip:
Combine your visit with stops at queer-friendly cafes in Le Marais, Paris’s LGBTQ+ district.
7. The Lavender Scare Memorial, Washington, D.C., USA
The Lavender Scare of the 1950s targeted LGBTQ+ individuals in government positions, and countless queer women were affected. Recent efforts have created spaces to honor their resilience.
Historical Highlights:
Frank Kameny’s House: A National Historic Landmark, this site commemorates one of the most vocal activists against the Lavender Scare.
LGBTQ+ Memorials in Congressional Cemetery: Reflect on the contributions of activists who fought for queer visibility and rights.
Why Visit:
These memorials serve as reminders of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in history and the progress that’s been made.
Travel Tip:
Visit during LGBTQ+ History Month (October) for special tours and events highlighting these sites.
Final Thoughts: Honoring Queer Women’s Legacies
Traveling to LGBTQ+ women’s historical sites is about more than sightseeing—it’s about connecting with the lives and legacies of those who’ve shaped our community. These places remind us of the courage, creativity, and love that define queer women’s history.
Ready to Explore Queer Herstory?
Join Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips to visit these and other inspiring destinations with like-minded travelers. Book your next journey today and celebrate the rich history of queer women around the globe!