As LGBTQIA+ History Month came to a close, a new historical marker was unveiled at Occidental Park in Pioneer Square on Tuesday, Oct. 29, commemorating the site of Seattle's first Pride celebration. The marker will become part of the Trail to Treasure historic walking paths in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

"I can think of no better way to close out Queer History Month than this moment, a lasting reminder of our vibrant history here for us and future generations. Thank you all for celebrating with us today," Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn told the assembled crowd.

The marker, designed by Seattle-based brand strategy and interactive agency People People, is the result of collaboration between Seattle Pride and the Alliance for Pioneer Square. It features photos and storytelling about the city's Pride celebrations, the history of Pioneer Square as Seattle's original Queer neighborhood, and a timeline of the city's LGBTQIA+ milestones.

"This sign commemorates the Seattleites who put their energy into creating our city's first Gay Pride Week to promote the visibility and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community," said Alliance for Pioneer Square Executive Director Lisa Howard. "Please join me in honoring these individuals and their community as we unveil this historical marker."

Among those present were David Neth, Ann Manly, and Tom Hubbard, organizers of Gay Pride Week in 1974. "[It was] not a protest, and it wasn't a demonstration, just events out in the daylight, out in the sunshine, to let the world know our joy and freedom, even if it is just us being us," said Neth, the lead organizer of Seattle's first Pride. "We chose what was then this newly created Occidental Park for our big Saturday celebration - a public space in the heart of the city and the center of all the ten Gay bars that were around here. Queer people out and proud!"

Beneath the Streets offered an abbreviated version of its tour, showcasing Pioneer Square both above- and belowground, with an emphasis on Queer history.

Free Trail to Treasure walking tour maps are available throughout the Pioneer Square neighborhood, including at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (319 Second Ave. S) and at information booths in Occidental Square and Pioneer Square Park.

"This sign commemorates the Seattleites who put their energy into creating our city's first Gay Pride Week to promote the visibility and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community," said Alliance for Pioneer Square Executive Director Lisa Howard. "Please join me in honoring these individuals and their community as we unveil this historical marker."

Among those present were David Neth, Ann Manly, and Tom Hubbard, organizers of Gay Pride Week in 1974. "[It was] not a protest, and it wasn't a demonstration, just events out in the daylight, out in the sunshine, to let the world know our joy and freedom, even if it is just us being us," said Neth, the lead organizer of Seattle's first Pride. "We chose what was then this newly created Occidental Park for our big Saturday celebration - a public space in the heart of the city and the center of all the ten Gay bars that were around here. Queer people out and proud!"

Beneath the Streets offered an abbreviated version of its tour, showcasing Pioneer Square both above- and belowground, with an emphasis on Queer history.

Free Trail to Treasure walking tour maps are available throughout the Pioneer Square neighborhood, including at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (319 Second Ave. S) and at information booths in Occidental Square and Pioneer Square Park.