Back in 2015, I started The Gay Locals because I saw a need to promote LGBTQ+ travel. I met travelers like myself who hesitated to say they were gay or lesbian, or who didn’t see themselves represented in the stories that mainstream guides told.

So I started offering LGTBQ+ specific tours and, well, we’re still doing it. We’re a two-person team, one born in the U.S. (Bryan) and one in Canada (Jonathan) but we’ve both spent most of our adult lives in Paris, immersing ourselves into the culture. I even became a French citizen after I completed my PhD at the Sorbonne, so yes, we are all in on French queer culture.

But I never knew everything. Now, looking back on ten years of keeping this company afloat during some difficult times (thank you 2020…) I realized I learned a few things. Well, ten things, more specifically:

1. Storytelling Sells

People don’t care about facts and details as much as a good story. They rarely ask for a fact you didn’t give them. I would spend time laboring over historical accuracies when really people just want to get to know the queer characters from history as well as my own personal story of being in Paris.

2. Queer Culture Really is Everywhere

Building a queer tour in Paris is actually hard because there is so much to tell! There’s always a way to key in LGBTQ+ stories because LGBTQ+ people are everywhere. When I stopped looking for it so aggressively, I started finding it everywhere.

3. People Don’t Know They Need This

We still get people asking us what gay tours are and why they should take one. It’s been a real lesson in humility finding out how many people perceive LGBTQ+ visibility around the world. Some people feel seen and don’t care to tour with us, but many feel like they still have to hide.

4. Paris is an Outlier

In that same vein, we’re fortunate to be able to do this in Paris, because few cities have the same storytelling potential, a dedicated gayborhood, rainbow flags, a queer bakery, and all of the other features that make our tours so engaging. Sure, gay people are everywhere, but their stories are just easier to find in Paris!

5. I Love Talking

I identify as an introvert, but let’s face it, I can talk for a while. Maybe I just get excited to share my stories with people. Fortunately I know how to listen just as well.

6. Connection is Key

I’ve learned that everything on a tour is secondary to the connection that people feel with us as guides. They want to walk through Paris with someone knowledgeable, yes, but also someone fun, kind, and sympathetic. We’re all people first, and tourists second. This is what sets us apart from many other types of tours.

7. You Can’t Please Em All

I gave up long ago thinking our tours will please everybody. Some people just don’t want to be on a tour, or don’t want to listen, or just want to shop—and all that’s fine. I’ll keep trying to make everyone fall in love with our version of Paris!

8. Niche Isn’t Profitable

The biggest reality check was that this kind of touring isn’t a gold mine. I didn’t expect it to be, but over ten years and hundreds of tours, it’s still important to realize that doing something niche won’t attract mass audiences. But that hasn’t made me any less passionate about offering our tours.

9. Paris is Evolving

I couldn’t have known how much Paris would change when I started these tours, but it’s gotten…gayer. Between new local businesses, more historical markers, and a shifting nightlife scene, the city is still the perfect place to welcome queer travelers.

10. We’ve Solved Nothing (Yet)

It’s obvious after ten years that a little visibility from our tours won’t move the needle on LGBTQ+ rights. In some places (as of 2025, at least), it’s gotten worse. Some gay tourism professionals we know have closed their companies. But I think being part of an out and proud queer tour company is something to celebrate, and if even one person has been changed because of a tour with us, then I’m satisfied.

Get in touch with Bryan (that’s me) the founder of The Gay Locals to learn more about touring, educational opportunities, or other opportunities to work with us.