About Philadelphia

Known as the “City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection,” Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy and the GLBT civil rights movement. A historic marker across from Independence Hall identifies the site where the first organized annual gay and lesbian demonstrations took place on July 4 from 1965 to 1969.

Philadelphia embraces GLBT culture with a vibrant, welcoming GLBT community that includes the “Gayborhood,” the William Way Community Center, and events such as the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the largest annual GLBT film festival on the East Coast.

Hotel Information

Special Equality Forum rates are available at the Courtyard by Marriott, 21 N. Juniper Street (adjacent to City Hall's northeast corner in Center City Philadelphia). Rates are $189/night from Wednesday night, April 30, through Saturday night, May 3.

Rates may be booked by clicking here or calling (888) 236-2427 with group code: EFMEFMA

(Due to another conference, the Courtyard by Marriott has limited or no availability on Sunday night, May 4. Should you need accommodations for this night, we suggest the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, only one block away.)

Amtrak Discount

Save 50% off a companion ticket with a paid regular fare to Philadelphia by requesting Discount Code V454. Restrictions may apply. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL.