In celebration of Pride Month, Visit Philadelphia has unveiled In Plain Sight, a striking 10-foot sculpture on display at Cherry Street Pier throughout June. Created to honor the Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (TQ+) members of the LGBTQ+ community, the rainbow-infused installation is more than just a photo op, it’s a powerful message of visibility, inclusion, and love in the face of rising political scrutiny.
A Monument to Visibility
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights, especially those of trans and gender-diverse individuals, are increasingly under fire nationwide, In Plain Sight stands tall as a vivid symbol of support. From afar, its colorful design is hard to miss. But up close, every groove, hue and angle tells a deeper story about intersectionality, identity, and resilience.
Commissioned by Visit Philadelphia, the sculpture was developed in partnership with local artists, including arts consultant Bill Adair, creative agency A&G, and the fabrication studio Outshaped. The result? A 250-pound visual love letter to some of the community’s most underrepresented voices.
It’s Giving: Representation
The sculpture features the bold colors of various pride flags:
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Transgender: Light blue, pink and white
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Queer: The full rainbow (classic red through violet)
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Intersex & Asexual: Yellow, purple, black and white
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Progress Pride: Black and brown stripes to honor LGBTQ+ people of color and other marginalized groups
Deep carved grooves run across the surface, symbolizing layered identities and lived experiences. The design is as intentional as it is Insta-worthy.
“This sculpture is a visible reminder of Philadelphia’s commitment to being a welcoming place for all,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “Representation matters, and LGBTQ+ travelers notice that. They want to feel seen, affirmed, and celebrated.”
Philly’s Queer Legacy Runs Deep
This isn’t Philadelphia’s first time putting its glitter where its mouth is.
The city’s LGBTQ+ roots stretch back to the “Annual Reminder” protests outside Independence Hall in the 1960s, one of the earliest organized gay rights demonstrations in the U.S. Fast-forward to 2004, and Visit Philadelphia launched the country’s first-ever LGBTQ-specific tourism TV ad. Just last year, the city made headlines by helping the Philadelphia Gay News earn a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest drag story time.
And in 2025? It’s a 10-foot love letter to LGBTQ+ folks.
Permanent Home Wanted… Is That You?
After its June residency on the Delaware River Waterfront, In Plain Sight will need a new home. Visit Philadelphia is now accepting proposals from businesses, museums, and community groups that want to host the sculpture permanently. Think your venue has what it takes to keep the LBGTQ+ celebration going year-round? Submissions are open through June 23.
“We’re honored to be part of its journey,” said Joseph Forkin, president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “Cherry Street Pier is a hub of creativity and diversity — the perfect launchpad for a sculpture with such an important message.”
The Power of the Pink Dollar
This isn’t just about art, it’s smart tourism, too. LGBTQ+ travelers represent a market with an estimated $1.4 trillion in purchasing power, and they travel more frequently and spend more per trip than non-LGBTQ+ tourists.
According to Community Marketing & Insights, 63% of LGBTQ+ travelers already view Philly as a welcoming destination. Visit Philadelphia is currently running a bold Pride-themed advertising campaign in New York City, including placements during the Tonys and NYC Pride, expected to reach over 4.7 million impressions.
Because when you show up for the LGBTQ+ community, they show up for you. Learn more or submit a proposal to host In Plain Sight at: visitphilly.com/inplainsight
