Go back in time another ten years, however, and this portion of Center City was better known for prostitution, open air drug deals, and some of the last downtown strip clubs. The 21st century Gayborhood has become a well-established part of Philadelphia’s cultural geography and one which is aggressively promoted by Visit Philadelphia to gay and straight tourists. It’s been ten years since Mayor John Street dedicated 36 rainbow-colored street signs, formally designating the area from Chestnut to Pine Streets between 11th and Broad Streets as the Gayborhood. Participants convened in Rittenhouse Square and marched to Independence Hall. Philadelphia’s first Gay Pride Parade in June 1972.