Giovanni’s Room to Dedicate Historic Marker

The first LGBT historic marker in the state (courtesy of PA Historical and Museum Commission)

As more bookstores struggle to keep their doors open, Philly’s Giovanni’s Room has something going for it: It’s the oldest, continuously operating LGBT bookstore in the country. And it’s about to receive a historic marker from the state.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will dedicate the marker outside the bookstore on Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. during Outfest.

The Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus had initially applied for the designation last year, with support from Philadelphia Navigaytour, Washington Square West Civic Association, PGN, Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation, Equality Forum and the city’s director of LGBT affairs Gloria Casarez for the role the bookstore has played during the gay rights movement in the 20th century.

The only other LGBT marker from the state is also located in Philly at Sixth and Chestnut as a reminder of the 1960s LGBT rights demonstrations that happened here.

Giovanni’s Room Dedication, Oct. 9, 2 p.m., 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.