It’s time to move on

Fri., Aug. 20, 2004

Kat Olson Correspondent

I’m going to be part of the infamous migration out of Spokane. I’m moving to Seattle at the end of this month.

But I am not moving because I dislike this town. I’ve actually grown to like it quite a bit. I am moving to try my luck at a career in art gallery management in a larger city.

Unfortunately, most people in my age group of 18- to 30-year-olds move from Spokane because they don’t see the great aspects of this city. They see it as boring, uncultured, conservative and offering a limited job market.

Yes, maybe we are a little behind more liberal, culture-oriented cities such as Seattle. I’m not that optimistically blind.

But Spokane has many assets. It is small enough that you don’t get easily lost. People still say “hi” when you walk down the street, and you usually aren’t afraid of them. You can drive 15 minutes and be in the country. Being involved in the community is not necessarily a daunting task.

Most important to me, though, Spokane has a gay community. It may be small, and at times it seems like everyone is more connected than by 8 degrees of separation. But having a small community means people can come together more easily.

There is currently a project being developed to establish a “Gay District” in Spokane, according to Marvin Reguindin, of the Inland Northwest Business Alliance. The group is acting as visionaries for a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and friends community to be developed.

The group hopes to get GLBTQ persons and their friends involved to help define and create the district. The alliance envisions affordable housing, a community center and stores, among other things.

By creating such a district, the gay community may be able to strengthen itself and help boost the cultural diversity of Spokane. The gay district also could develop a positive message to the general community that such diversity is an asset.

There is no set timeline or deadline for this project.

As for me in Seattle, I’m hopeful I will be able to find a niche in the gay community. Because of its size, I’m a little worried about how difficult it will be to get involved. But the gay district in Seattle may make it easier than I think. Determination paid off in little Spokane; I suppose I should be fine there.

So with my departure to Seattle around the corner, I have written my last column. I appreciate the responses, good and bad, that I have received while writing for 7. I hope whomever follows me will be accepted and receive the same encouragement I have.

Local journalism is essential.

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