About BFAB Tours

BFAB Tours offers walking tours of the west side of Manhattan, centered around the dynamic neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen (with additional neighborhoods in the works!). The tours have been designed with the LGBTQ+ participant in mind, including historical landmarks and stories that describe the evolution of LGBTQ+ life in these neighborhoods.  However, the tours also include the general history of these iconic areas of New York City, and information about what makes them special and unique, so the tours are of interest to anyone! 

BFAB Tours are not your typical walking tour.  They are equal parts education and entertainment!  As a participant on a BFAB Tour, you will not only discover some interesting facts about the areas you walk, you will also hear colorful stories about the neighborhoods from a local and insider. Most of all, you will have fun!

Meet BFAB

BFAB, whose real name is Brian, has a passion for traveling and discovering new places, and has visited over 40 countries.  Son of a Japanese mother and an American father, he grew up in Wisconsin, and has lived all over the world, including Tokyo, Guam/Saipan, Hong Kong, Paris, Honolulu, LA, and Vancouver, Canada.  He is now proud to call New York City home, specifically the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, for over a decade. 

The nickname “BFAB” comes from “Brian the Fabulous”, and was born from Brian’s alter ego while he served as Royal, or social chair, for the world-renowned New York City Gay Men’s Chorus from 2023 to 2024.  BFAB has sung in the chorus since 2019 and is currently their Baritone Section Representative.

For most of his career, BFAB has worked in retail management, including opening and managing The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards.  However, one of his very first jobs after college was working as a tour guide in Guam.  BFAB Tours was born of BFAB’s love of entertaining people, and sharing stories about both his travels and the places he has called home.

When he is not working or leading tours, BFAB can usually be found owning the dance floor and looking fabulous at one of the many gay parties in New York City, or walking his tripod dog, Peggy, through the streets of Hell’s Kitchen.