Gay village

A gay village (sometimes called a gay ghetto or gay enclave) is usually an urban geographic location with generally recognized boundaries where a large number of gay and lesbian people, as well as bisexuals and transsexuals live. They usually contain a number of gay-oriented establishments, such as gay bars or pubs, nightclubs, bathhouses, restaurants, bookstores, and other businesses.

Gays as consumers

The gentrification of once run-down inner-city areas, coupled with the staging of pride parades in these areas, has resulted in increased visibility of gay communities. Parades such as Sydney's Mardi Gras attract significant investment and tourist revenues, and cities are beginning to realize that, first, the acceptance (or promotion) of lesbian and gay culture is becoming a sign of urban "sophistication," and second, gay-oriented events, such as the pride parades and the Gay Games can be potentially lucrative events that can bring in tourists and their dollars. The growing recognition of the economic value of the gay community is not only associated with their wealth, but also with the role that gays have played (and continue to play) in urban regeneration. Richard Florida argues that cities that embrace all sorts of diversity, including sexuality, are more likely to be open to creativity and entrepreneurial activity.

Related Topics:
Pride parade - Sydney - Mardi Gras - Gay Games - Richard Florida

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Some cities have taken it upon themselves to artificially create a gay village to capitalize on gay dollars. Oakland, California recently (as of 2004) tried to create a village in a run-down portion of the city, in an attempt to ensure that entertainment and shopping dollars are spent there, rather than in neighbouring San Francisco. The project has achieved mixed results, as that city's gay community is spread out over a wide area, and some critics claim that the level of social acceptance is higher in Oakland than in other cities, which would negate the need for a centralized gay village.

Related Topics:
Oakland, California - 2004

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