On June 6, the Freedom Trail Foundation’s Rainbow Revolutionaries Tours will step off for the third year to illuminate the lives, loves, and fights for liberty of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community, while exploring how queer individuals have been making history for centuries. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, the tours will travel along the Freedom Trail and visit seven places featuring Boston’s LGBTQ+ history, including official Freedom Trail historic sites as well as sites just steps off the Trail.
Rainbow Revolutionaries will uncover the history of Boston Marriages, political milestones for LGBTQ+ rights, and the storied romances of some of Boston’s most famous individuals, from literary giants to a world-renowned actress, and even a Revolutionary war hero. Tour goers are invited to join in to bring this history to life and celebrate Pride by discovering the achievements of the queer people who have always been a part of and have helped shape Boston.
“Queer history is an essential part of American history. It feels increasingly vital to share these stories and to honor the achievements and resilience of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community,” said the tours’ creator, Programs Manager Catherine Benjamin. “Same-sex relationships and gender-nonconforming people have existed throughout history, and we are proud to do our part to ensure that all visitors see their history reflected on the Freedom Trail.”
These special tours will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays throughout June and on Saturdays, July 11 and August 8, departing at 10:45 a.m. from the Boston Common behind the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial. Additionally, African American Patriots Tours will step off on June 19, July 18 and August 15, and Revolutionary Women Tours will step off on July 25 and August 22. Freedom Trail Foundation walking tours are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors/students, and $8 for children, and include a $1 donation to the Freedom Trail Foundation’s Preservation Fund. Tickets may be purchased at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center and The BOS Traveling Mobile Visitor Center (various locations) and online at TheFreedomTrail.org.
