Portland, OR, like most major cities, has a gay district where homosexuals like to go to congregate and drink. However, if a plan goes through, Portland will be the first city in the country to have an official gay district.
I read in the Portland Tribune today that a small triangle of land where West Stark and Burnside streets join, which has been a base for gay taverns and clubs for close to 30 years now, could be named an official gay cultural district. The hope is that even though this will carry no legal stipulations as to what the land can be used for, that the recognition of the cultural significance of the district will discourage uncontrolled gentrification of a traditionally community owned neighborhood.
Whatever our beliefs on homosexuality, I can just say that if the Portland City Council approves this plan, they should in all fairness make Hawthorne Street an official Dirty Hippy district.