'Historically Queer' Long Beach Corridor To Become Cultural District

LONG BEACH, CA — What has long been known as a hub for the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Long Beach may soon become an officially designated cultural district, according to preliminary city plans.

The neighborhood at the Broadway Corridor has been a hub for queer-owned businesses and celebrations throughout history. Most recently, a three-day-long festival took over Bixby Park in the area to celebrate Pride Month.

“The LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of Long Beach, and our City has always been a leader in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and visibility,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This new Cultural District will engage our local LGBTQ+ residents and families in place-making, healing, and activism. This will help educate our broader community about the significant contributions that the queer community has made in shaping our City’s history and success.”

The preliminary plan highlights and recommends various ways to activate the District along the East Broadway Avenue corridor between Alamitos and Temple Avenues. The goal of the distinction is to help support LGBTQ+ businesses and institutions as well as invest in public improvements to ensure the community continues to thrive in the neighborhood.

In 2022, then-Mayor and current U.S. Congressman Robert Garcia recommended city staff work with stakeholders in the community to create a visioning process and feasibility plan for the LGBTQ+ cultural district.

"Now the City plans to encapsulate and celebrate the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the historically queer Broadway Corridor," city officials said.

City officials have gathered feedback from stakeholders and have now requested wider community feedback about the activation be sent to LGBTQVisioning@longbeach.gov through Aug. 25.

City staff will consolidate all feedback and revise plans to present to the City Council for consideration early this fall.

“The LGBTQ+ Cultural District will serve as an important symbol of inclusivity and pride in our community,” said Vice Mayor Cindy Allen who represents City Council District 2, which encompasses the proposed District. “I encourage our community to review the report and stay involved in future engagement opportunities.”