Jun 16, 2023 - Things to Do

Celebrate Pride by touring Seattle's underground LGBTQ+ history

Christine Clarridge

A mounted image of an ad that says "Go Gay! Go Underground! A guided exploration into the history of Pioneer Square's underground night life and how Seattle became a queer cultural mecca." — Courtesy of Beneath the Streets

Even among locals, Pioneer Square's eminent position in LGTBQ+ history may be little known.

Why it matters: Along with San Francisco, frontier city Seattle showed an early tolerance of gay-friendly clubs and bars. Pioneer Square was home to The Double Header, believed to be the oldest gay bar in the U.S.

Its underground neighbor, The Casino, was established in 1930 and for years was considered "the most open place for gays on the West Coast," according to HistoryLink.
About 200 people reportedly attended a picnic held in Occidental Park during the city's first Gay Pride Week in 1974.

Driving the news: Beneath the Streets' Queer History Tour explores the creation of Seattle's gay community from its early roots to the underground spaces used as community hangouts over the years.

Catch up quick: After the Great Fire in June 1889, the city lined some existing streets with concrete, raised and regraded the streets, and built on top of the old buildings. The original basements and passageways became part of what is now known as Seattle Underground.

What's next: People can book a tour now to celebrate Pride month or throughout the summer.

Add Axios on Google

Celebrate Pride by touring Seattle's underground LGBTQ+ history

More Seattle stories