posted 01/13/09 01:43 PM | updated 01/13/09 02:19 PM
Views: 439 | Comments : 4 | News, etc.

How will Capitol Hill protect queer space?

By jseattle
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Slog points out an anti-development poster making the rounds on Capitol Hill power poles:

The poster maker would not be the first person on the hill to decry development. But they may be the most melodramatic.

''Notice of Proposed Gentrification''

 But let's put the cynicism aside. Slog has it covered. Since you asked, poster maker, you should check out a write-up we did about the process around developing new zoning and rules for development in the Pike/Pine core -- seems like a good place for you to start: How to save Pike/Pine: data, maps, proposals

The city council is scheduled to vote on the proposal in the first quarter of this year so the time to act is now. Can you translate 'queer space' into zoning requirements? Don't laugh. That's how it gets done. If not, well, there's nothing for you to do but print more posters. Me, I'd start pulling together a translation of the needs of the communities you want to protect into rules and requirements, get as many people as you can to stand behind those ideas and start spreading the word about that. It's not the boogeyman you wan to target here -- it's the Seattle city council. I'm seeing some rad poster potential with those requirements.

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Again with the bullshit...
Slog has it covered... So, y'all put together a meeting to discuss the issue and develop a strategy? Melodramatic? It's not melodramatic when you're forced to move out of your apartment because they want to tear down your building and build a condo. It's not cynical when going to the Seattle City Council to "express your opinion" and let them "hear your voice" only gets you noted and ignored, if you're even allowed to speak at all. Maybe you guys aren't in tune with the way people are struggling in this community, but your readers are. Is that the Stranger's response to everything? "Someone's taking care of it..." No wonder people read your rag for the info about shows and not about politics.

What does the Stranger propose when people go to these meetings and are ignored?

You Stranger writers are really out of touch with the community you write about.
Comment by Lonnie
9 months ago
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To the person(s) who made the poster...
You should check out the Queer Ally Coalition. This is definitely something I've heard many non-Stranger-employed queers on Capitol Hill are concerned about. Allyship put together a discussion forum on gentrification issues. Fridays at 7 pm, Cafe Vivace, 532 Broadway Ave E.
Comment by Lonnie
9 months ago
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Discriminatory
Why not be INclusive instead of EXclusive. As a non-gay person who believes in being left alone, I'm all about queer rights, but when I see things--dance nights, activities, meetings--that are labeled gay and implied gay-only I feel like I'm not welcome there.

Gay folk have straight folk who will stick up for them, just don't make us feel as unwelcome as the assholes make you feel!
Comment by Brant P
9 months ago
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Get a grip
I'm a gay guy who lives on Capitol Hill. While I agree that the seemingly increased hate crimes are troubling, and need to be examined, I'd first explore whether there is any correlation to the increased number of predominantly straight and hip hop community bars and clubs, and segments of the customer base that they attract. The LGBT center closed on account of mismanagement and a poor fund raising base.

As for the threats on the LGBT bars on the Hill, I first read about it in the Seattle PI shortly after the Slog reported it, and nothing has happened (thankfully). What more should the media say?
Comment by caphillguy
9 months ago
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