A tribute to the ‘TQ+’ community

A massive sculpture honoring Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual members of the LGBTQ+ community was unveiled at Cherry Street Pier on June 1.

Visit Philadelphia introduced “In Plain Sight” to Philadelphians with a ceremony at the pier as Pride Month is underway nationally. The sculpture will be on display during June but Visit Philadelphia will seek a permanent location for it in July.

“Visit Philadelphia is honored to present In Plain Sight as a meaningful tribute to the TQ+ community,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “This sculpture is a visible reminder of Philadelphia’s commitment to being a welcoming place for all. When travelers come here, we want them to feel our city’s love, pride and spirit. Representation matters and research supports that. LGBTQ+ travelers spend more, travel more often and are more likely to choose destinations where they feel seen and affirmed.”

To bring the artwork to life, Visit Philadelphia consulted with local artists including Philadelphia-based Bill Adair, an independent arts and culture consultant and former director of the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. The concept was developed in partnership with local agency Allen & Gerritsen and the final piece was fabricated by Outshaped, a family-owned 3D design and manufacturing studio.

The sculpture is 10 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds. It features colors from the different LGBTQ+ pride flags, each representing a segment of the community. The artwork also features carved grooves, symbolizing the layered identities and lived experiences within the community. The design choices were intentionally selected to reflect the diversity and intersectionality of the TQ+ population. The sculpture serves as a sign, representing the city’s longtime history as welcoming destination. 

“2025 calls for marketers to be bold and brave,” said Neil Frauenglass, chief marketing officer, Visit Philadelphia. “Our TQ+ sculpture sends a message to the community that they are seen and welcome in Philadelphia today, next year when we celebrate the country’s 250th birthday and always.”

Philadelphia was the site of the “Annual Reminder” protests at Independence Hall in the 1960s, one of the first organized gay rights demonstrations in the United States. In 2004, Visit Philadelphia launched Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay, the country’s first LGBTQ-specific tourism television commercial. Two decades later, the organization introduced In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: Drag Queen Story Time on Independence Mall and in 2024 it sponsored Philadelphia Gay News’ successful effort to secure a Guinness World Records title for the largest drag story time reading.

“We’re proud to host In Plain Sight during Pride Month,” said Joseph Forkin, president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “The waterfront is a place for everyone, and Cherry Street Pier — home to a vibrant and diverse creative community — is the perfect location to spotlight this important symbol. We’re honored to be part of its journey and can’t wait to see where it goes next.”

As the sculpture looks for a new, permanent home next month, local businesses or cultural institutions whose values align with Visit Philadelphia’s welcoming mission are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to host the sculpture next. The deadline to submit is June 23.