LGBTQ+ Heritage in the GGNRA

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is proud to be part of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience—places that connect past struggles to today’s movements for human rights and social justice. This includes honoring the vibrant and resilient history of LGBTQ+ communities in and around the San Francisco Bay Area.

From sites of protest and pride to ongoing advocacy, LGBTQ+ stories are woven into the landscape of the GGNRA. Today, this legacy continues through public programs, ally events, and community-driven initiatives that celebrate queer resilience and create space for history in the making.

Explore the past, engage in the present, and help shape a more inclusive future with the resources and events featured below.

What's New
Ribbon dancers performing at the Presidio Tunnel Tops for FACT/SF Fluid Form
Fluid Forms

San Francisco dance company FACT/SF premieres its latest work, fluid forms, at Presidio Tunnel Tops on Sunday, June 4, 12 to 3:30 pm and Sunday, June 11, 12 to 2 pm.

Colorful t-shirt with illustrated tree graphics and PARKS FOR ALL! text.
Parks for All collection
Explore Gear
Battery Townsley "pond" in a former gun emplacement
LGBTQ+ History at Battery Townsley

Celebrate Pride Month in the Marin Headlands! Join a ranger-led hike to Battery Townsley, followed by a tour inside the historic WWII fortification. This program will focus on WWII’s impacts on the LGBTQ+ community, the history of the Lavender Scare, and the importance of sharing these stories today.

Roving Ranger van with pride flags waving on its roof.
LGBTQ+ resources for the parks and beyond

At your leisure, peruse through our curated resources to better understand Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ (LGBTQ) history, how to be a better ally in the parks and beyond, and much more.  

Sunset on the horizon with mitten-shaped rock formation on left.
Sunset LGBTQ+ History Hike

Come celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with us! Join this NPS Ranger led hike to Battery Townsley, followed by a tour inside the historic WWII battery. While sharing the history of the battery, this program will focus on WWII’s impacts on the LGBTQ+ community, discrimination during the Lavender Scare, and the importance of sharing these stories today.

Aerial photo of Fort Mason, the San Francisco Bay, and the city.
How the military fomented San Francisco's queer community

Discover the history of how the military shaped San Francisco's LGBTQ community.

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