Beyond the Closet Walking Tour
Overview
Today Washington DC is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly jurisdictions in the country with gay-friendly laws, an inclusive school curriculum, anti-discrimination protections, and marriage equality. But from the 1940s-1970s, this city was ground zero for actively uncovering closeted gay federal government employees and firing them without justification. On this walking tour, you’ll see Washington DC’s iconic government buildings through the eyes of the committed government servants who were persecuted because of their sexual orientation. You’ll see the sites where the brave few chose to fight back and demand their civil rights. And you’ll see where they built their own communities and paved the way for today’s more inclusive city. Our country chose fear over competence and denied the service of hundreds of eminently qualified researchers, diplomats, and leaders. But in the end, learn how this discrimination caused the LGBTQ community to organize, to unite, and to emerge from the closet.
What's Included
- Guided walking tour only
- Snacks No food provided to guests during tour. Customers should bring food if needed for health purposes.
- Bottled water Customers should bring own water for consumption during tour
Meeting Location
912 17th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20006, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
1525 20th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20036, USA
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Lafayette Square
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
White House
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Dupont Circle
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Beyond the Closet Walking Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-486267P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool DC customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Guided walking tour only.
- Snacks. No food provided to guests during tour. Customers should bring food if needed for health purposes.
- Bottled water. Customers should bring own water for consumption during tour.
The minimum age to participate is 13..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Beyond the Closet Walking Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Beyond the Closet Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool DC. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Guided walking tour only
- SnacksNo food provided to guests during tour. Customers should bring food if needed for health purposes.
- Bottled waterCustomers should bring own water for consumption during tour
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
