Chicago’s Boystown is famous in the LGBT+ world, but now a new petition says it should have its name changed.
Activists say the male name of the US city’s LGBT+ neighborhood encourages sexism, transphobia and even racism.
Indeed, they say the Northalsted Business Alliance made the problem worse by adding ‘For the Boys’ signs this summer.
So far, just over 1,000 people have signed a Change.org petition saying they also think the name should change.
Petition creator Delvyn Camp writes:
“Boystown’s moniker started in the 1990s as a joke and is now a marketing tool used by the Northalsted Business Alliance, and perpetuates existing social issues that deter many LGBTQ people in the neighborhood.
“Many of our transgender brothers and sisters need to visit the Center on Halsted to use the necessary resources. Many of them experienced transphobia in the North Halsted area.
“Our LGBTQ brothers and sisters of color seeking inclusive bars have faced racism. Many women visiting and working in North Halsted businesses have faced sexism. »
“This is just the beginning of the many changes needed”
The area has a long LGBT+ history and hosted one of the world’s first Prides in 1971.
In recent years, he has helped make Chicago and Illinois a global destination for LGBT+ travelers. Boystown appears on countless articles suggesting LGBT+ destinations “must visit” and it has even been named “the best gay neighborhood in the world”.
But there may be a change in the air. Some Chicagoans want to see their LGBT+ neighborhood become more than just a commercial “stage” primarily targeting gay men.
Indeed, this June, Boystown held an LGBT+ Black Lives Matter march. During the event, several speakers spoke about their issues while visiting Boystown where some feel unwelcome because of their race.
Although the petition does not specify what other changes its organizers want, it concludes:
“This is just the start of the many changes needed in the North Halsted area.”
Meanwhile, Mary Hallerduff, who signed the petition, said:
“It’s time to make this neighborhood safe and welcoming for black and trans families! Black Trans Lives Matter! »
Additionally, Zamantha Henriquez, another signer, added:
“While I doubt anyone cares about lesbians, I have had many experiences of misogynistic and hurtful slurs being said to me by gay men when I have been out in this neighborhood.
“They refuse to accept queer identities but do have them in a city with great diversity. This must change. Bars need to start catering to all sexualities and genders.
“Fuck gay white boys thinking there’s the most downtrodden, deserving group in their own space.”
GSN invited the Northalsted Business Alliance to comment.
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