Gay Activist Alliance Firehouse

About

Step back into the roots of the movement at the Gay Activist Alliance Firehouse, a legendary pillar of LGBTQ+ history in New York City. Located at 99 Wooster Street in the heart of SoHo, this former firehouse served as the epicenter of queer liberation from 1971 to 1974. As the headquarters for the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), it became the city’s first true gay community center—a place where radical political strategy met a vibrant social sanctuary. On our global gay map, the Firehouse is highlighted as a top-tier culture destination. It was within these walls that activists planned their famous 'zaps'—high-visibility public confrontations that demanded civil rights and dignity for the community. But the Firehouse was about more than just protest; it was famous for its high-energy Saturday night dances and 'Firehouse Flicks,' a movie series curated by the legendary Vito Russo. It provided a safe haven for gay men, lesbians, and queer youth to gather, dance, and organize at a time when queer-friendly spaces were often clandestine or targeted. Though an arson fire in 1974 led to the organization’s eventual relocation, the building was designated a New York City Landmark in 2019 for its profound historical significance. Today, while the ground floor has transformed, the spirit of the lambda—the symbol of the movement first adopted right here—still resonates through the streets of SoHo. Visiting this site is an essential experience for anyone navigating New York City’s rich tapestry of pride, offering a powerful reminder of the courage it took to ignite the modern movement.