LGBTQ+ Cultural District Community Visioning Process

Background

In June 2022, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved a recommendation brought forth by Mayor Robert Garcia, for City staff to work with community stakeholders to create a visioning process and feasibility plan for the LGBTQ+ Cultural District. Since then, project stakeholders have convened to create a community vision for the creation of an LGBTQ+ cultural district recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community located along the Broadway Corridor. This area on Broadway running between Alamitos and Junipero Avenues has long been home to a strong and active LGBTQ+ community. Many of Long Beach’s gay bars and LGBTQ+ businesses are located along the corridor, and the area has been a longstanding and important place for the LGBTQ+ community to gather and organize.

By designating the area as a Cultural District, the City hopes to work with the community to educate visitors about the cultural and historical significance of the LGBTQ+ community in the neighborhood, support the LGBTQ+ businesses and institutions in the district, and invest in public improvements to ensure the LGBTQ+ community continues to thrive.

If you are interested in receiving updates about the LGBTQ+ Cultural District project, please sign up on our interest form.

Engagement Opportunities

LGBTQ+ Cultural District Community Visioning Event – Thursday, October 27th

The City of Long Beach hosted a community visioning event for the LGBTQ+ Cultural District on Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bixby Park Community Center (130 Cherry Ave.). LGBTQ+ community members were encouraged to attend this outreach event to learn more about the development of the LGBTQ+ Cultural District, which is envisioned as the Broadway Corridor between Junipero and Alamitos Avenues, and participated in the community visioning process focused on celebrating the contributions of the Long Beach LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ Cultural District will serve as a community hub, showcasing queer local history and supporting local businesses in attracting new visitors.

Community Visioning Boards and Community Responses

LGBTQ+ Cultural District Community Visioning Survey

Community members can also participate in the visioning process through a survey that will be available at the event and on the LGBTQ+ Cultural District visioning webpage through December 4th, 2022. The session and the survey are designed to solicit feedback on the priorities for an LGBTQ+ Cultural District, with final recommendations and possible options to be presented to the Long Beach City Council in the coming months.

For more information or questions, email LGBTQVisioning@longbeach.gov.