‘LGBT Icons’ Tour Planned for Congressional Cemetery

Congressional Cemetery visitors soon will be able to learn more about the notable gay rights figures buried there.

Attendees can explore the cemetery’s “gay corner” during the new “LGBT Icons” tour by Atlas Obscura, planned to take place at the cemetery (1801 E St. SE) on April 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Notable figures buried along the tour route include Peter Doyle, the man believed to have been “the greatest love of gay American poet Walt Whitman,” famed designer Ken Dresser and Leonard Matlovich, a Vietnam veteran and the “first named gay person on the cover of a mainstream magazine.”

More information from Atlas Obscura’s website:

Although earlier LGBT burials are located at HCC, the so-called “gay corner” began in 1988 when gay rights advocate and Vietnam Veteran Leonard Matlovich made the decision to be interred at HCC. Matlovich is most known for his appearance on the cover of Time Magazine in his Air Force uniform with the headline “I am a homosexual.”

His decision to make HCC his eternal home inspired a generation of LGBT activists to make their final resting place here as well. Today, HCC is an active cemetery and the future site of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit LGBT Veterans Memorial.

Details –

Location: Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street Southeast

Cost: $15

Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Notes for this adventure:

– A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Congressional Cemetery.

– This walking tour is about a mile, so please wear comfortable shoes and water.

– Share photos on Twitter and Instagram with us @atlasobscura, @CongCemetery with the hashtag #ObscuraDay

– After a day full of exploring, join us at Georgetown’s Tudor Place for music, drinks, and merriment! Click here for information and tickets.

Photo via Atlas Obscura / Congressional Cemetery