Chamber releases survey on Detroit LGBTQ+ district
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A local chamber of commerce wants to know: Where should Detroit put an LGBTQ+ business district?
Why it matters: The city, and the region at large, lack a concentrated area providing resources, support, a welcoming environment, businesses and tourism for LGBTQ+ people.
The big picture: Detroit is behind other cities including Chicago and Philadelphia that have already established these safe spaces to socialize and strengthen community.
- Detroit had a bustling queer community in Palmer Park in the 1970s and 1980s, and nowadays Ferndale is seen as a congregating point for some, but inclusive spaces are lacking.
State of play: In an effort to eventually change that, the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce released a survey with Rocket Cos. asking Metro Detroiters questions around what they'd want to see in an LGBTQ+ district — and where, Kevin Heard, the chamber's president, tells Axios.
Between the lines: Rocket Cos. is helping the chamber get the word out about the survey campaign to show its allyship — and as part of its Home Is initiative aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ people in homebuying, KimArie Yowell, the company's chief diversity officer, tells Axios.
Context: This is not a new topic — LGBTQ+ Detroiters have been making their own queer spaces amid a relative lack of designated establishments or neighborhoods for many years.
Reality check: This district isn't something that could crop up anytime soon, as it involves long-term planning, real estate site selection and a capital campaign.
What's next: The survey closes at the end of July, then the results should be available by late September, Heard says.
Take the 10-minute, anonymous survey online — including allies, not just LGBTQ+ individuals, Heard says.