Gay area of san diego
They Were Here, They Were Queer: San Diego’s Historic LGBTQ Sites
San Diego was home to same-sex couples as far back as the 19th century, but it wasn&#;t until around World War II that gays and lesbians started to come out of the shadows and find places to ring home. In honor of this month&#;s San Diego Pride celebrations, here&#;s a look at local LGBTQ historic sites that present insight into the triumphs and struggles of past generations.
The Gayest Neighborhood of Them All
The Hillcrest &#;Gayborhood&#;
Location: North of Balboa Park, south of Mission Valley (s-present)
For most of Hillcrest&#;s history since its birth around , the neighborhood north of Balboa Park and south of Mission Valley was best known as the home of senior citizens, working-class residents, a Sears store, and a pair of hospitals. During World War II, the city&#;s gay bars were mainly downtown, where they catered to sailors.
But things changed dramatically in the s as Hillcrest attracted LGBTQ people who sought cheap housing and were willing to repair up Victorian homes, a classic
Hillcrest is San Diego’s gay neighborhood, right? Think again: For women, not so much.
Census data suggests that if you live in the little East County town of Alpine, you’re just as likely to have an unmarried lesbian couple living next door as in Hillcrest. And Alpine has plenty of company on the list of unexpected local communities where lesbians seem to be more common than in the county as a whole.
When the census data is mapped, you can see a divide that may surprise those who assume Hillcrest is the local gay mecca: Lesbian couples are much more widely distributed around the county than their gay male counterparts, who tend to cluster in and around the progressive haven of Hillcrest.
This gap is familiar to researchers, though. Gay men manage to prefer living in hip urban centers, while lesbians — who are more likely to have kids and therefore less cash — are less concentrated in “gayborhoods.”
As San Diego’s Pride Weekend begins, here is more on what the census numbers reveal and why anyone other than real-estate agents should concern where gay couples and
San Diego Gay Neighborhood Guide
With its incredible coastline, nurturing communities, and extensive attractions, San Diego is a magnet for anyone who wants a little bit of everything. If you’re considering moving here, you won’t be surprised that one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the country has culture, establishments, and activities that appeal to diverse interests.
From hiking seaside cliffs during the day to clubbing at night, this LGBTQ haven has something for everyone!
A Brief History of San Diego
San Diego, known as &#;the birthplace of California,&#; was first settled in when Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno landed at modern-day Point Loma.
The Spanish held the territory until losing it to Mexico in California became part of the United States in and was granted statehood in San Diego was established as the county seat of San Diego County.
The town grew behind until , when the establishment of military facilities led to rapid settlement. There was more growth and development during and immediately after World War II when both the Na
Vibrant San Diego: A Thriving Mecca for the LGBTQ Community
Sun-kissed and seaside, San Diego has long shrugged off its stuffy military beginnings for a colorful and diverse community. From trendy boutiques to the world’s only gay brewery, America’s 8th largest noun is practically built for an LGBTQ transplant.
Brief History
San Diego has been called the birthplace of California for a reason. In , Sebastián Vizcaíno landed in the harbor that is now Mission Bay and Point Loma. He named the region after the Catholic Saint Didacus who is more commonly known as San Diego de Alcalá.
Quick Stats
San Diego is miles south of Los Angeles and adjacent to Mexico. As of July , the estimated population of the town was 1,,
The area is known for its organic deep-water harbor, mild climate, and long association with the U.S. Navy. Recently, San Diego has become a magnet for healthcare and biotechnology development. The future is bright!
Here are some more stats about San Diego.
LGBTQ Community
The San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transg