Philadelphia Unveils "In Plain Sight": A Monumental Tribute to the TQ+ Community in time for Pride Month

This Pride Month, Philadelphia has unveiled a striking new piece of public art that sends a powerful message of inclusivity and affirmation. Titled In Plain Sight, the 10-foot-tall, 250-pound sculpture is on display at Cherry Street Pier throughout June and honors the Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (TQ+) members of the LGBTQ+ community. The installation, commissioned by Visit Philadelphia, is a bold visual celebration of a group that continues to face heightened scrutiny in today’s social and political climate.

Crafted in collaboration with Philadelphia-based creatives and fabricated by Outshaped, a local family-owned 3D design studio, the sculpture incorporates an array of pride flag colors representing diverse segments of the LGBTQ+ community. Light blue, white, and pink symbolize the Transgender Pride Flag; a rainbow of red through violet honors the traditional Pride Flag; while black, brown, yellow, purple, and grayscale shades represent Intersex, Asexual, and marginalized communities within the Plus (+) spectrum. Carved grooves throughout the sculpture reflect the layered identities and lived experiences of the TQ+ population.

“In Plain Sight is a visible reminder of Philadelphia’s commitment to being a welcoming place for all,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “When travelers come here, we want them to feel our city’s love, pride, and spirit. Representation matters — and LGBTQ+ travelers are paying attention to where they feel affirmed.”

The travel sector is indeed taking note. According to Community Marketing & Insights, 63% of LGBTQ+ travelers already view Philadelphia as a welcoming destination. Meanwhile, a Booking.com study found that 73% of LGBTQ+ travelers feel increased inclusivity has enhanced their comfort while traveling. With an estimated $1.4 trillion in annual purchasing power, the LGBTQ+ travel market is one of the most influential, averaging four to six trips per year and spending significantly more than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.

Cherry Street Pier, part of the Delaware River Waterfront, was chosen as the launch site for In Plain Sight. “The waterfront is a place for everyone,” said Joseph Forkin, president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “Cherry Street Pier — home to a vibrant and diverse creative community — is the perfect location to spotlight this important symbol.”

After Pride Month, Visit Philadelphia is seeking a permanent home for the sculpture. Businesses and cultural institutions in Philadelphia or surrounding counties whose values align with the city’s mission of inclusion are encouraged to apply by June 23, 2025.

The installation is the latest chapter in Philadelphia’s ongoing legacy of LGBTQ+ advocacy. From the “Annual Reminder” protests of the 1960s to the groundbreaking “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay” tourism campaign in 2004, the city has long stood at the forefront of LGBTQ+ visibility. In recent years, Visit Philadelphia has continued this tradition through initiatives like In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: Drag Queen Story Time on Independence Mall and a Guinness World Record–setting drag story time with Philadelphia Gay News in 2024.

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

Visit Philadelphia is also amplifying this message nationally with a major advertising campaign in New York City. The campaign includes prominent placements during the Tony Awards and NYC Pride, running through June 29 and expected to reach more than 4.7 million impressions.

To learn more about In Plain Sight and Visit Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ initiatives, visit visitphilly.com/inplainsight.