LGBTQ+ history honored with Glade Show Club plaque

Plaque commemorating the Glade Show Club unveiled in Chinatown

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu’s LGBTQ+ community received a poignant tribute on International Pride Day when Mayor Rick Blangiardi unveiled a plaque honoring the Glade Show Club in Chinatown.

This historic venue was an important meeting place for LGBTQ+ people from Mahu in the 1960s and 1970s, providing a sanctuary for self-expression amidst societal challenges.

The plaque was placed at the N. Hotel Street entrance of the Maunakea Marketplace and blessed by Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, symbolizing its significance at the former site of the clearing across from Kekaulike Mall, now owned by the City and County of Honolulu.

“This plaque is a testament to the tremendous resilience and bravery of those who faced discrimination simply for being true to themselves,” noted Mayor Blangiardi. “It serves not only as a marker of historical significance, but also as an educational tool for current and future generations, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of our LGBTQ+ community.”

The installation was overseen by Maunakea Marketplace Chairman Ave Kwok and his team.

This site marks the first stop on the Lei Pua ʻAla Queer History Trail, designed by Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer.

The trail aims to educate and engage the public about the history of the LGBTQ+ community through historical markers, digital experiences, performances and more.

“For the first time, the LGBTQ+ Māhū community in Hawai’i will be officially recognized through a permanent installation,” noted Wilson and Hamer. “Our goal with the Lei Pua ʻAla Queer History Trail is to ensure our stories are preserved and celebrated, and to shine a light on our contributions and resilience.”

Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, who represents Chinatown, emphasized the neighborhood’s rich cultural diversity and the Glade’s role in promoting diversity and acceptance. “Chinatown has always been a place where diverse voices and identities thrive,” he noted. “The Glade has been an integral part of that legacy, welcoming artists, leaders and individuals who dared to be different.”

Honolulu’s commitment to inclusivity was recently recognized, earning it the title of “Safest City for Women/LGBTQ+/BIPOC Travelers” by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

This award underscores the city’s efforts to create a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors.