For decades, LGBTQ communities have created safe spaces in urban areas, where they could freely express themselves and feel welcomed. These communities, known as “gayborhoods,” are neighborhoods where LGBTQ individuals congregate and establish a sense of belonging. However, in recent years, these neighborhoods have seen a decline in the LGBTQ population as more families choose to move to the suburbs for better schools and more affordable housing.

One of the primary reasons for this shift is the increasing number of LGBTQ families. According to a report by the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, there were an estimated 69,000 same-sex couples raising children in the United States in 2019. As the number of LGBTQ families grows, the need for safe and supportive communities outside of gay neighborhoods has become more pressing.

The other factor contributing to this shift is the changing attitudes towards the LGBTQ community. With the legalization of same-sex marriage and the increasing visibility of LGBTQ individuals in mainstream media, more people are accepting of the community, and this has led to a decline in discrimination in housing and employment.

While the decline in the LGBTQ population in gayborhoods has been a cause for concern for some, it also highlights the progress made towards acceptance and inclusivity. In many ways, it is a sign of the normalization of the LGBTQ community, and it shows that LGBTQ individuals and families are integrating into society in a more significant way.

However, the decline in the LGBTQ population in gayborhoods has also raised some concerns. For one, it can lead to a loss of LGBTQ culture and history. Many gayborhoods have been important cultural centers for the community, providing spaces for LGBTQ individuals to gather, socialize, and express themselves freely. As the LGBTQ population in these neighborhoods declines, so too does the visibility and representation of the community in these areas.

Moreover, the loss of gayborhoods can also have economic consequences. Many businesses in these neighborhoods cater to the LGBTQ community, providing services and products that may not be available in other areas. As the LGBTQ population in these neighborhoods declines, so too does the customer base for these businesses. This can lead to closures, job losses, and a decline in the overall economic vitality of the area.

So, what can be done to address these concerns? One solution is to create more LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods in suburban areas. This can be achieved by working with local governments to ensure that housing discrimination laws are enforced and that affordable housing options are available. Additionally, community organizations can work to create safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ families, such as community centers and support groups.

Another solution is to preserve the history and culture of gayborhoods. This can be achieved through historical preservation efforts, such as designating gayborhoods as historic districts or creating LGBTQ cultural centers. These efforts can help to ensure that the contributions of LGBTQ individuals to these neighborhoods are not forgotten and that their legacies continue to be celebrated and appreciated.

At NAGLREP, we see the decline in the LGBTQ population in gayborhoods as a sign of progress towards inclusivity, but we also recognize it also raises concerns about the loss of LGBTQ culture and history and the economic impact on these areas. Creating more LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods in suburban areas and preserving the history and culture of gayborhoods are two solutions to these challenges. By working together, we can ensure that LGBTQ individuals and families have safe and supportive communities to call home, wherever they choose to live.

In conclusion, organizations like NAGLREP and LGBTQrealestatepros.com can help today’s LGBTQ homebuyers. These organizations of LGBTQ and allied real estate professionals have a distinct understanding of the communities across the nation and the degrees of safety and welcoming environments for their LGBTQ clients. Furthermore, the NAGLREP.com and LGBTQrealestatepros.com websites encourages referrals among the organization’s membership to assist home buyers relocating from one market to another, whether in another part of a state or another part of the country. 

As more LGBTQ households move away from yesterday’s gayborhood into today’s more LGBTQ inclusive neighborhoods, LGBTQ and allied real estate professionals are working each day to ensure LGBTQ clients find their safe space one home at a time.