The Really Gay History Tour
THE REALLY GAY HISTORY
WALKING TOUR
It’s time for Vancouver’s secrets to come out of the closet. From drag kings and two spirit warriors, to queer church ministers and transgender crime fighters, this walking tour is a celebration of the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city.
BOOK YOUR TOUR
ON THIS WALKING TOUR YOU’LL DISCOVER…
A historic gay village
The gayest beer parlour in town
Drag queens who made a difference
How a gay church clergy made history
The site of an infamous bookstore bombing
The bravest pioneers of the LGBTQ2+ community
How a community defied police brutality….and won
Seriously funny gay humour – and its political bent
And more!
PUBLIC TOURS RETURN MARCH 2023 | PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE
DURATION: 2 – 2.5 HOURS
PRICE: $32 ADULTS / $29 SENIORS AND STUDENTS
BOOK YOUR TOUR
FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION POLICY
You can cancel your experience for a full refund up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Less than 24 hours before the start of your tour, you can receive a full credit for future use. No questions asked! Prices do not include fees and taxes. Student and senior pricing available on all tours. Contact us to arrange a private tour.
OUR AWARDS
WINNER TRIP ADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2012 – 2022
WINNER LONELY PLANET “TOP CHOICE” 2022
WINNER CITY OF VANCOUVER HERITAGE MEDAL OF HONOUR
WINNER MUST DO CANADA FEATURED EXPERIENCES 2022
MEET YOUR GUIDE GLENN TKACH
TESTIMONIALS FROM TRIPADVISOR
“I feel so privileged to have taken this tour, especially during pride week. Glenn is so engaging and speaks so incredibly thoughtfully. It was a truly special and moving tour.”
– MIC F, VIA TRIPADVISOR
“Glenn is not only knowledgeable about LGBTQIA and two-spirited history in Vancouver, he is fervently passionate about it. His storytelling is engaging and entertaining and you will find yourself laughing with him as well as shedding tears with him.”
– JOHN M, VIA TRIPADVISOR
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
When you buy a ticket for this walking tour, two percent of the ticket cost goes to support Covenant House Vancouver’s Queer Youth Program. The organization’s purpose is to serve all youth, with absolute respect and unconditional love, to help youth experiencing homelessness, and to protect and safeguard all youth in need. Their program staff participate in specialized training to ensure staff have the necessary knowledge and awareness to create a welcoming space for LGBTQ2S+ youth.
AS FEATURED ON
TOUR DESCRIPTION
DISCOVER UNSUNG HEROES
Vancouver is home to Davie Street, one of North America’s most vibrant gay villages. Our city’s annual PRIDE parade draws crowds in the tens of thousands. Our city has openly gay politicians and monuments to gay activists. But it wasn’t always this way…
Meet the unsung heroes of Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ community who forever changed the social fabric of our country. From the drag queen who fought for federal decriminalization to North America’s first openly gay church minister, Vancouver has played a larger-than-life role in the queer liberation movement.
Researched, designed, and guided by Forbidden Vancouver storyteller Glenn Tkach, the Really Gay History Tour weaves a colourful history of people and events that sets the stage for the inclusive society we all now enjoy. For members of the LGBTQ2+ community and allies alike this is a must-do experience. So join Glenn as you laugh, cry, celebrate and feel true PRIDE on the Really Gay History Tour.
THE WALKING TOUR
Meet your guide Glenn Tkach outside the Robert Lee YMCA on Burrard Street. You’ll quickly bust the myth of Patient Zero, hear tales of gay struggle at the United Church, and learn about drag kings at the Quadra. You’ll discover the history of the city’s very first PRIDE parade at Nelson Park before arriving in the gaybourhood on Davie Street.
The walking tour then strolls the historic West End as you discover protests, bookstore bombings, Jim Deva Plaza, Vancouver’s secret gay village, and the transgender campaigner who blew the whistle on the biggest crime in Vancouver history. You’ll finish in the heart of the historic Davie Street village with its wonderful array of bars and restaurants. The perfect place to enjoy a post-tour cocktail!
