Pride Month at Eastern State

We are proud to support our LGBTQIA+ staff, visitors, and friends during Pride Month and every month.

Pride is a celebration, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the oppression and barriers facing LGBTQIA+ people throughout history and today. We know that people were incarcerated at Eastern State who, today, would identify as LGBTQIA+. They were often convicted using outdated and offensive language referring to same-sex relationships. Today, LGBTQIA+ people continue to experience disproportionately high rates of incarceration in the U.S.

We remain committed to fostering dialogue about the impact of prisons and policing on LGBTQIA+ people, past and present, and honor their resilience and strength, all year long. Visiting Eastern State Penitentiary and want to learn and reflect? Be sure to explore these tours, exhibits, and activities.

Hands-On History: Pride and Protest - June 2023
Uncover stories of LGBTQIA+ people at Eastern State in this guided Hands-On History tour offered exclusively during Night Tours: Summer Twilight.

Artist Installation: Michelle Handelman's Beware the Lily Law - Ongoing
The artist uses the 1969 Stonewall Riots as a starting point to reflect on issues facing transgender people in U.S. prisons today. Audio Stop 53

Postcard writing to people in prison - Ongoing
Write to people incarcerated in Pennsylvania, including women and trans prisoners connected with the organization Let’s Get Free. "Recharge Room" near Audio Stop 19

Audio Stop: Sexuality (20th Century Issues) - Ongoing
Stories of Eastern State prisoners who would have likely identified as LGBTQIA+ today. Audio Stop C

Can't visit in person right now? You can still learn more and engage with these topics on social media. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.