INTRODUCTION

In design there are discussions of “inclusiveness” but only in terms of disabilities and ADA. If asked to think of spaces that are designated for the LGBTQ+ community, often people think of a bar or club, but what about a space that is for queer people who might not be able or want to be in one of those settings? There are “gay streets” in big cities or designated areas that have been diminished or were minimized overtime, but a community center designed for queer people would provide a local getaway right within their city. An LGBTQ+ community center is not meant to be exclusive but is intended to give queer people a space to find their voice and express themselves. Interior design is meant to improve the lives of those who inhabit the space, and the purpose is to enhance the universal design principle of ‘designing for all.’ Queer spaces provide a safe space to foster a sense of community, vital information, facilitate discussion, and personal development for the those who belong within the LGBT community.

As mentioned before, queer spaces evolve with time and the spaces that have once existed have been gentrified as time has passed. Often when designing spaces, the designer does not think of how lighting, empty space, greenery, art, signage, etc. can all be factors that provide a hostile or unsafe environment for queer individuals. The people within this community need more privacy in public spaces because common activities that most people take for granted (holding hands, kissing, public displays of affection) can draw negative attention. Spaces are not designed with this in mind. Designers need to design a reality that aligns with LGBT people’s thoughts, individual expressions, and safety in mind. Queer people have never had spaces that they can rely on for safety, but it is time that they also get to feel safe for simply being themselves.

HISTORY OF LGBTQ+ CENTERS

For a community center design to be effective, we must look at LGBTQ+ community centers that have existed and precedent this study. The history of the LGBTQ+ centers go back to 1970 when the first ever hub for the queer community was built. The Pride Center of the Capital Region in Albany, New York is the first and oldest center that remains in the location. Following the center in New York, other centers like the LAGLC, in Los Angeles (1971), San Diego (1973), Chicago (1973), and many others like it were soon built (Centerlink). From researching these community hubs, the mere idea of these places was revolutionary at the time. The premise that lesbian and gay people deserve to live open and free of discrimination or bigotry was not accepted in the 70’s. These hubs offered “coming out” support groups, health clinics, and community organizing spaces that were the catalysts for progressive changes.

Recognizing and responding to the long-term, pervasive effects that racism and sexism have on queer and trans people of color, is an essential part of the fight for equal rights. To best design a space that encompasses these values and needs there is a quote that speaks to this mission by Sara Ahmed, “If orientation is a matter of how we reside in space, then sexual orientation might also be a matter of residence, of how we inhabit spaces, and who or what we inhabit spaces with” (Kojima). There have been a handful of LGBT community centers that were all started for the same reason but there is still a disparity of safe spaces for the LGBT that has yet to be addressed.

LGBTQ+ community centers assist those who are queer but more importantly those with intersectional identities. People of color within the queer community not only deal with homophobia, but systematic racism and economic injustices.

Catalysts

This project advocates for equality and inclusion for the LGBT. Since as long as anyone can remember the queer community has been treated unfairly, and for that reason being openly gay in some cities, states, and even countries can be dangerous because there are those who wish to harm queer people. There have never been spaces that make queer people feel comfortable other than the party scene. Many instances where equality and inclusion have been thrown out the window have happened in spaces where queer people were supposed to be safe. For example, in 1950, during the McCarthy Investigation, seven to ten thousand real and suspected gays lost their job called “The Lavender Scare” (Friedman). The injustices did not end there with a more present incident, on June 12, 2016, where 49 people were killed and 53 more injured in a mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida (Zambelich).

Even at a gay bar, where it should be the “safest” space for LGBTQ+ people, there is no sense of safety due to tragedies like what happened at Pulse. There are no regular spaces that the LGBT can use day to day and feel comfortable. The public is an open field to be harassed in but staying at home in fear is not living.

LGBT people have been victims and singled out through many decades. Presently, Florida governor signed a law that says public school teachers may not instruct on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades kindergarten through third grade (Diaz). For just existing, queer people could not legally be married until 2016 in the United States, but there are still countries that have yet to legalize it. Even now, the legalization of gay marriage is in question (Knauer). In some countries the crime of being gay is still punishable by death. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people should all be able to live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association. The fight for equal rights has been long and hard but there is still work to be done as hate still exists. What the LGBT community deserves is a sense of community and a neighborhood that can come together in the fight for equality. Just having a community can aid the mental and physical wellbeing of queer youth and elders Unhoused queer people would have safety and people around them that share their experiences -- this would provide an important source of social connection and a sense of belongingness (Lin). Many within the LGBT community do not have a family that supports them or a network that they can rely on, but a community can help those who don’t. All too often, schools are not the safest spaces they should be for LGBT youth, who experience bullying and harassment at alarming rates. The reality is most institutions like schools, are underequipped to handle homophobia (Coleman). Schools, places of employment, retirement homes and more are all places that can encounter hate. Discrimination does not differentiate between young and old. The LGBT community is a part of an underrepresented group and do not have access to or feel comfortable in a society that is rooted in homophobia and inequality. A community of similar people coming together can be beneficial for those seeking safe and inclusive spaces especially if it is within their own neighborhood. Having a community gives people opportunities and access to helpful resources or information that gives them hope for something better.