The Ultimate LGBTQ DNC Guide

The parties, protests, forums, and events you don't want to miss!

Democratic National Convention is from Monday, July 25 thru Thursday, July 29.

MONDAY EVENTS

National Legal Panel
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
National Museum of American Jewish History (Dell Theater)
101 South Independence Mall East (5th and Market streets)

The Equality Forum hosts a conversation around LGBTQ laws and policies with a panel of legal experts and activists fighting for equal rights. SCOTUS marriage equality plaintiff Jim Obergefell will be in the room to sign copies of his book, Love Wins. This event is free and open to the public.

TUESDAY EVENTS

Barbara Gittings Residence Historic Marker Dedication

11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Locust Commons
241 South 21st Street (intersection of 21st & Locust streets)

Honor the legacy of one of the mothers of the LGBTQ civil rights movement at a dedication ceremony featuring a keynote from the first elected gay mayor of Houston, Annise Parker. This event is free and open to the public.

Great Wall of Love – Blocking Westboro Baptist Church at Mazzoni
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mazzoni Center
809 Locust Street

Advocates in the community plan to hold a peaceful demonstration as the controversial anti-LGBTQ hate group Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest outside of Mazzoni. If interested in participating, details can be found here.

National Politics Panel
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
National Museum of American Jewish History (Dell Theater)
101 South Independence Mall East (5th and Market streets)

This must-attend bipartisan discussion on LGBTQ politics features a diverse mix of perspectives from a panel that includes the president of the Log Cabin Republicans and a former Obama administration senior advisor. This event is free and open to the public.

Equality in the Sky: A Fundraiser for LGBT Get Out the Vote
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
SkyGarten
3 Logan Square (1717 Arch Street)

One of the ultimate political LGBTQ DNC parties. Top LGBTQ policy makers, leaders, and activists will be mingling as they fundraise to support the 2016 GOTV initiative. Come out for the drinks, appetizers, and entertainment by Gayborhood favorite Martha Graham Cracker. TICKETS

QOTA Block Party at Cantina and Bing Bing
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Cantina Los Caballitos
1651 East Passyunk Avenue

This popular monthly LGBTQ happy hour is taking place in the streets and staying open longer that usual with drink specials and food deals.

Post-Gavel LGBT Karaoke Party
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tavern on Camac
243 South Camac Street

Join Liberty PA, Equality PA, Liberty City, and the office of state Rep. Brian Sims for a night in the Gayborhood, featuring drink specials, snacks, and karaoke with DNC LGBTQ delegates. This event is open to the public.

Working Families Party All Night
10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Dr. Joseph Leidy House
1319 Locust Street

A progressive afterparty featuring some powerhouse speakers, entertainment by local drag stage performer Icon Ebony Fierce, and music from DJ Aura. This event is free and open to the public with snacks, an open bar, and more! TICKETS

WEDNESDAY EVENTS

Mayors Against Discrimination Forum on LGBT Anti-Discrimination Actions and the Federal Equality Act
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Philadelphia City Hall (Mayor’s Reception Room, 2nd Floor)
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulvard

Hear Mayor Jim Kenney and other LGBT-progressive mayors across the nation discuss their plans for enacting anti-discrimination policies in their cities and advocate for the Federal Equality Act. This event is free and open to the public.

Philadelphia Conference Historic Marker Dedication
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Arch Street Meeting House
320 Arch Street

Gather around to hear a keynote from Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black as Equality Forum leaders recognize this important location as a keystone in the LGBTQ civil rights movement. This event is free and open to the public.

Elected Officials Panel
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
National Museum of American Jewish History (Dell Theater)
101 South Independence Mall East (5th and Market streets)

Moderator Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, president and CEO of the Victory Fund and Institute, will lead an important discussion with national LGBTQ elected officials on their work in advocating for progressive policies. This event is free and open to the public.

BLKOut: Social Mixer
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Tactile Group
109 South 13th Street

Connect with black queer professionals as they unite during cocktails and food to talk everything related the DNC, business, and more! This event is free and open to the public, but guests must RSVP right here.

Agitated! DNC Edition
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Franky Bradley’s
1320 Chancellor Street

Local burlesque star HoneyTree EvilEye and drag queen Pilar Salt is putting on provocative show featuring performed pieces inspired by political scandals and failed presidential candidates. Details

The Human Rights Campaign & Everytown for Gun Safety
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
District N9NE
460 North 9th Street

In light of the tragic Pulse shootings, the Human Rights Campaign is taking a stand against gun violence during the DNC. To attend this event, you must RSVP as soon as possible.

THURSDAY EVENTS

LGBTQ POC Briefing: What’s Next for “LGBTQ People of Color”
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
William Way LGBT Community Center
1315 Spruce St.

The Center for Black Equity, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), and the Unión Fuerza Latino Institute are joining forces to give the community a policy briefing on the state of LGBTQ affairs affecting people of color. This event is free and open to the public.

Future of the Movement Panel
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
National Museum of American Jewish History (Dell Theater)
101 South Independence Mall East (5th and Market streets)

Media superstar Melissa Harris-Perry and HRC president Chad Griffin are just a few of the big names on this panel talking about what’s next for the LGBTQ civil rights movement. This event is free and open to the public.

LGBT Champion Awards Reception
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
National Museum of American Jewish History (Third Floor Freedom Experience)
101 South Independence Mall East (5th and Market streets)

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell will be honored for their LGBTQ advocacy at an exclusive party that’s scheduled to include notable guests such as Jim Obergefell and Malcolm Lazin. TICKETS