The district has been represented by gay politicians on the Council since 1993 - two women and two men. Why does it matter where gay people live?įor one thing, it affects politics - the heavy LGBT presence in San Diego’s Council District 3 gives the gay community a larger voice in city politics. Gay men tend to prefer living in hip urban centers, while lesbians - who are more likely to have kids and therefore less money - are less concentrated in “gayborhoods.”Īs San Diego’s Pride Weekend begins, here is more on what the census numbers reveal and why anyone other than real-estate agents should care where gay couples and families like to live.
This gap is familiar to researchers, though. 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. 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. Hillcrest is San Diego’s gay neighborhood, right? Think again: For women, not so much.Ĭensus 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. SRO Lounge: Known for its great jukebox, long history in the neighborhood, and a location that's much closer to downtown than the gay bars in Hillcrest, the SRO has a strong following among drag queens and their fans, but all kinds tend to drop by here, albeit not necessarily in large numbers.For Women, Hillcrest Isn't the Only Gayborhood | Voice of San Diego Close.Leather, uniforms, military gear, and the like are the preferred attire. Eagle Bar: As bars with the name Eagle go, the Eagle is your classic dude's leather club, a place where real men cruise for real men.Park & Rec: Set in the space formerly occupied by the popular gay bar Bourbon Street, this is an expansive nightspot and restaurant that still draws plenty of LGBT folks and open-minded revelers.Pecs: Regulars tend to be of the local, bearish crowd and this bar is well-known for hosting a wonderfully long happy hour and a convivial staff.Number One Fifth Avenue: A great all-around neighborhood gay bar, it balances an intimate ambiance and friendly atmosphere without the tired, divey feel that sometimes dominates in smaller lounges.There's a good beer and wine selection, but martinis are, of course, the libation of choice.
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The space is attractive, nicely lit, and comfortable, with a full menu of upscale, contemporary American fare.
It's a cozy space with the usual array of video monitors, a nice little patio seating area overlooking the busy sidewalk, and a variety of fun theme nights. Flicks: Along a strip of gay-oriented businesses, Flicks gay video bar has long been a hub of schmoozing and socializing.Many regulars stop by for happy hour before heading out to dinner or some of the neighborhood's larger clubs. The Loft: This laid-back locals bar is a fun place to shoot pool, listen to tunes on the jukebox, and nurse affordable, well-poured cocktails.The Hole in the Wall: Famously popular with Navy and other military personnel, it's right in the heart of Point Loma and is renowned for its huge, atmospheric patio and legendary Sunday afternoon parties.Cheers: A cozy, slightly off-the-beaten-path neighborhood spot in charming University Heights, Cheers is exactly what its name suggests: a laid-back spot where everybody knows your name, or, at the very least, even outsiders will be treated as friends.