Gay district backers looking for support

A community that sometimes considers itself invisible gathered to publicly brainstorm ideas for building a business district where diversity thrives and people of all orientations can be themselves.

The Saturday forum, held at Washington State University Riverpoint Campus, attracted nearly 100 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) and straight people. They shared their vision for creating businesses and housing in a collective area where people could freely hold hands and children wouldn’t be teased about having same-sex parents.

“I liked how there was some discussion about wanting to connect with multiracial communities and creating an atmosphere of creativity and acceptance, which is good for everyone,” said Sarah Luthens of Lambda Legal.

According to several economists, fostering an openly gay community encourages economic growth. “Technology and Tolerance: The Importance of Diversity to High-Technology Growth,” by Richard Florida and Gary Gates, said that communities with large populations of gay couples, artists and foreign-born residents build communitywide tolerance that attracts top technology talents of all orientations.

High-tech companies tend to locate in cities where the most talented work pool lives, the book contends, and techno-talents tend to live in diverse cities where gay individuals are accepted.

Many in the audience voiced support for businesses that echo the family-friendliness for which Spokane is known. Accessibility was mentioned, as was a video store with gay-friendly videos – but no porn – movie theaters, day-care centers and pet groomers.

The district might display Pride flags in front of stores and incorporate a museum to educate people about historical contributions of GLBT people.

“If we had a visible and comfortable community, I think we would have more people coming out,” said Marvin Reguindin, a presenter.

Reguindin, owner of Thinking Cap, a graphic design firm, has worked with a group of Inland Northwest Business Alliance members who formed a Vision Committee. They met every two weeks for over a year to brainstorm how to unite GLBT people and create a visible gay community in Spokane.

Among other benefits, Reguindin said, having an openly gay community would enhance Spokane’s tourism appeal.

“I’ve got to believe for the National Figure Skating Championship, there’s got to be a lot of gay people,” he proclaimed, as the audience laughed.

Reguindin said researchers estimate that 5 percent to 10 percent of the population in most cities is gay, which would mean an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people in Spokane. Presenter Bonnie Aspen, a member of Inland Northwest Business Alliance, said that although the gay community has a low profile in Spokane, those within it spend a lot of money.

A survey of 295 GLBT residents found that 81 percent go out of their way to support gay businesses. “We know that gay consumers are very loyal,” Aspen said.

A senior citizen, who identified himself as straight, commented that the group would have broader support for a district if it keeps radical groups away from the mix.

A gay man emphatically agreed, saying the district should be mainstream and free of sights that would shock non-gay people.

“We don’t need to be marching down the street half-clothed with piercings,” he said.

Some people said certain parts of the city are dangerous for GLBTs and told of beatings in the past. “Why is Spokane so closeted? It’s because we don’t feel safe,” one man explained.

Still, there was some agreement that police are prioritizing hate crimes and that the situation is improving. Ramon Alvarez, a Gonzaga University graduate, left Spokane and then returned with his partner. As a student 10 years ago, Alvarez would never have imagined the enthusiastic response to the forum.

“I don’t think the larger community knows that we’re here and that we’re an asset to the community,” Alvarez said. “I thought this was great because I think that the gay community is invisible, but is becoming more visible.”