We asked which Charlotte neighborhood has the most gay pride. Here’s what you said
We asked readers: Which Charlotte neighborhood has the most gay pride?
They answered: Biddleville-Smallwood.
In responses to an informal online survey and comments on Instagram, readers weighed in on which neighborhood is the Queen City’s LGBTQ neighborhood.
Most answers were expected, reflecting what others said in a previous Observer story on gay neighborhoods: Plaza Midwood, Dilworth or NoDa.
But Biddleville, as well as nearby Seversville and Smallwood, came away being the most common answer to our survey after the story.
“I’d add that Biddleville and area around JCSU is very up and coming with gay residents,” one commenter said on Instagram. “LGBTQ flag all over the place there lately.”
The town of Davidson and Charlotte’s West End were also nominated by readers. More than half of responders said “yes” or “maybe” when asked if Charlotte needs a singular LGBTQ neighborhood.
Unlike Chicago, San Francisco or Philadelphia, Charlotte does not have a historic LGBTQ district. The city doesn’t even have an LGBTQ center after one closed in 2014.
The owner of Sidelines in Lower South End, Kevin Cooper, said in a previous interview that homophobia and anti-LGBTQ policies made it difficult to open gay bars and businesses, blocking them opening in a centralized location in Charlotte. There have been discussions about bars moving close to one another, he said, but that hasn’t actually happened.
Instead, people will find LGBTQ bars and businesses sprinkled throughout Charlotte’s neighborhoods. Readers suggested some of their favorite LGBTQ business and locales.
In addition to Sidelines, one reader said they also frequent Petras, an LGBTQ music venue. Another said they favor 5 Points Realty, which has advertised that it works with LGBTQ clients.
While it’s clear readers have been able to find community throughout the Queen City, it’s also clear many desire a singular neighborhood for gays to gather.
“We need this effort toward building a stronger presence for the community in Charlotte,” one reader said.
