This city created an LGBTQ District to celebrate queer culture

Oakland, CA, has taken a monumental step to honor the LGBTQ+ community.

City leaders have chosen to designate a portion of the town as an LGBTQ Cultural District.

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“We love you, you are what makes Oakland so beautiful,” Mayor Sheng Thao told a gathering of residents prior to the vote. “You are what makes Oakland so proud.”

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The City Council passed the bill shortly after; the designation was meant to “uplift the rich history of and cultivate a supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals, families, allies, and businesses in Lakeshore, and nurture a safe, vibrant, and welcoming community” according to the resolution.

Thao, council President Nikki Fortunato Bas, and Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan introduced the bill to the council.

“We see you, we hear you, we love you and more than anything we are committed to putting resources to making sure this is a welcoming, safe and resourced place for the entire LGBTQ community,” Bas said. They represent the newly created district on the council.

Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider, a trans woman who lives in the community, emceed the pre-meeting event.