For Immediate Release: May 13, 2025

Media Contact: Jeanene Harris, Communications and Engagement Specialist, Jeanene.harris@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4734.

Historic Alexandria Honors World Pride Month & Alexandria’s LGBTQIA+ History

Alexandria, VA – As the region welcomes World Pride Month, taking place from May 17- June 24, the Office of Historic Alexandria is committed to providing welcoming spaces for all—places where everyone can explore, learn, and feel seen. Historic Alexandria is highlighting diversity and inclusivity through updated content, new events, and community partnerships throughout June, beginning with the launch of a brand new LBTGQIA+ website on May 13 because LGBTQIA+ history is Alexandria history.

New Website

Did you know that Alexandria was the first locality in Virginia to extend protections to gays and lesbians through its human rights ordinance? Learn more on the new Historic Alexandria LGBTQIA+ History webpage. This new site, found at alexandriava.gov/historic-alexandria/lgbtqia+-history-in-alexandria, will expand online storytelling and share the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals and businesses in Alexandria.

Two Programs in June

• Proud History Hangout
  Thursday, June 12 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
  FREE ADMISSION 
  Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.)
  Celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories in a relaxed, drop-in setting. Meet new friends, contribute your story to Alexandria’s Oral History Project, chat with the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force, and craft your own shrinky-dink to take home. Alcoholic (21+ with valid ID) and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. For Ages 16+.
• Tavern Game Night: Pride Edition
  Friday, June 20 | 7–9 p.m.
  $10 cover | Cash bar available | Purchase tickets at alexandriava.gov/Shop
  Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.)
  Tavern Ga(y)me Night is back—now with a Pride twist! Explore 18th-century clothing and gender performance, play themed tavern games, and enjoy the crowd-favorite LGBTQIA+ history jeopardy. Ages 16+. Note: Ballroom is on the second floor and not elevator accessible.

Visit us at the Pride Festival

Historic Alexandria will be participating in Alexandria’s 8th Annual Pride Fair on Saturday, June 28, from 3 – 6 p.m. Come visit our booth for Alexandria history! For more information on the City of Alexandria’s Pride Month activities, visit alexandriava.gov/LGBTQ.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

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For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711. 

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.