Separate Gay Districts?

The Associated Press reports that Gay activists in Spokane are planning to create a "Gay District," a neighborhood of gay-oriented homes, businesses and nightlife.

According to the AP, The idea for the district has roots in the theories of economist Richard Florida:

Florida, a Carnegie Mellon University professor, said members of the creative class consider recreation, culture and ethnic diversity, including a large population of gays, as central to where they live. Places like New York, Boston, San Francisco and Seattle have those qualities. Places like Spokane generally do not.

Even though they face little discrimination, gays stay under the radar in Spokane, said Aspen, a member of the Inland Northwest Business Alliance, an association of gay and gay-friendly businesses that is pushing the idea.

"Visibility equals freedom," Aspen said. "Invisibility we have dealt with all our life."

She predicted a gay district will exist within the next year or two.

Tom Reese, an economic development officer for Spokane, said city government is not exactly pushing the notion of a gay district, but they don't oppose it either.

"It is our desire to create an environment where diversity and different interests and lifestyles of all types can flourish," Reese said.

No public funds will be used to create the district, which is dependent on developers, Aspen said. No location has been announced.

While I know nothing about Washington State land use law, I do know something about land use law generally. I've never before heard of trying to "create" a district based on a sexual orientation. My initial gut reaction is that there would be serious constitutional issues to be faced by such any municipality trying to establish such a district.

At A Stitch in Haste, KipEsquire posts that such "districts" used to be called ghettos - black, and Jews before them, had it right -- the point should be to get out of the ghettoes, not to set up new ones. Well said!

Thanks to Wizbang's Kevin Aylward for the tip.

Comments

[Susie Flores]

Consider that the ghettos in the past came about, because of ridicule, discrimination, prejudice, and a need to socialize with those that understood and accept you are; I believe that the comment on getting out of the ghettos being well said, makes for an extremely sad statement. You are not able to see what the gay and lesbian life is like; most do not openly tell of their sexual orientation for fear of ridicule, discrimination, and prejudice. Even to the point of just not be associated with. I hardly think that any person at any point in their life, would want to be ridiculed, discriminated against, or feel prejudice. The gay district may seem a radical move on the part of the gay community, but unless you have walked in those shoes of HIDING YOUR LIFE because of fear. You cannot possibly imagine the relief in feeling free, in a community that accepts and understands, without ridicule, discrimination, or prejudice!!