Mexico City: Gay Tales
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Learn about gay life in Mexico City in the 1800s and 1900s on this walking tour. Explore the area around Main Street and see historic buildings like La Esmeralda, Iturbide Palace, Casa Borda, House of Tiles, Café de Tacuba, Ópera Bar, and El Rule.
Highlights
- Discover the LGBTQ+ history of Mexico City on a walking tour
- Explore the heart of the city and learn about its gay legacy
- Learn about the gay community's activities during the 19th and 20th centuries
Description
Discover the rich LGBTQ+ history embedded in Madero Street, one of Mexico City’s most iconic thoroughfares. This tour takes you through the heart of the city, highlighting its beautiful gay legacy and uncovering hidden secrets associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
From the first pornographic cinema to museums and exhibits celebrating LGBTQ+ history, explore the vibrant and enduring heritage of this historic area. This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of LGBTQ+ heritage along Madero Street, combining historical insights, cultural landmarks, and hidden secrets to provide a deep understanding of the area's significance to the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn about the gay community's activities like 'the cruising lizards' during the 19th and 20th centuries in the Historic Center. At the former military academy, now a museum, you will learn of the first trans man unsuspectedly recognized as a colonel by the army.
The Palace of the Countship, a jewel itself, still hosts the cruisiest restrooms in town made popular all over the country by a store chain. You will see the main office of censorship against 'immoral' editions, part of the reason for the existence of this experience. Then, visit the backstage door site of the Old National Theatre where gay men hooked up in a bar, which led to the biggest LGBTQ+ community present in the country.
See replicas of high-heel shoes worn at the famous cross-dressing ball of 'Those 41' in 1901 and stroll past the place of the first porn cinema, the first bath house and Dr. Fagg's office. Walk past one of the last remaining gay cinemas, enter (through a bakery) inside a former convent where 'the favorite seminarist' of the Inquisidor-in-Chief lived.
This tour will guide you to more forgotten secrets along the Main or High street, like the bath houses and Pools' Circuit Trolley. Your guide will tell you about why and where the community moved in the 1950s.
Within two blocks and along the most important street within the 16th century city limits, discover the LGBT+ side of history by walking on the scene, visiting hidden corners and sharing stories seldom told. See historical sites, learn about the interpretation of monuments and sites by gay men at the turn of the 20th century and more.
Includes
Walking tour
Guide
Digital LGBTQ-focused map of the Historic Center
Collection of videos, sources, and resources that you can enjoy after the experience
Important Information
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
This tour involves a significant amount of walking
Be prepared for varying weather conditions
Photography is allowed, but respect for the sites and their history is expected
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund