West Hollywood: Looking back and moving forward

Since its inception in 1984, West Hollywood has upheld its identity as one of the most progressive and LGBT inclusive cities in the world. It not only has a large concentration of LGBT residents, it also holds the record for the most number of openly gay members in its City Council. It was the first city to recognize a same-gender domestic partnership and extend its benefits to same-gender couples who are city employees.

This city also has one of the strictest anti-discrimination regulations, which are strongly enforced. It made history in 2009, as the first to institute a Transgender Advisory Board, which provides vital policy recommendations together with the women, lesbians and gays, and other cultural boards. Truly, this city is ahead of its time when it comes to progressive policies and continues to model an ideal LGBT inclusive government.

West Hollywood is home to some major local and international LGBT events such as the Los Angeles LGBT Pride - one of the biggest and most celebrated in the globe - and the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is commemorated in the Matthew Sheppard Triangle where the Transgender Memorial is located, the very first of its kind in the world. It also has close proximity to the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center (LAGLC), a major healthcare and social services provider, as well as a community venue for the LGBT community. Indeed, the City of West Hollywood and its officials are advocates and supporters of the community, particularly in issues of equal rights, employment, and HIV/AIDS.

The colorful, multi-cultural, and out-of-the box ethos of West Hollywood is another characteristic that makes it famous and desirable, particularly to LGBT from around the world. Most conservatives would probably say it is "outrageous and peculiar" but for WeHo residents and visitors, it is a celebration of life and diversity, from its restaurants, bars and clubs, to its strip clubs, bath houses, and massage parlors.

You can find an exquisite caviar in a Russian store and across the street the most unusually-shaped sex toys at one of the many novelty shops. Rainbow flags are waving in every corner in almost every door and window of public and commercial establishments. Businesses are adept to accommodate the unique and ever-changing lifestyle of LGBT people. Tolerance and acceptance are both celebrated - truly a place where you can be yourself and live your life without shame.

Recent City Council election brought to light several issues and challenges confronting the city. There were 10 candidates and three of them were incumbents. They faced a major challenge - a failure to maintain the city's heritage and identity as well as the inability to address the problems of the increasing cost of living.

For the same reason, a lot of younger LGBT individuals are not able to afford to live in the place. After the March 8 elections, two of the incumbents kept their seats - current mayor John Heilman and Abbe Land - while John D'Amico is the new addition to the Council. Heilman has been serving the city since its incorporation, while Land has been a council member since 1986. This will be the first time for D'Amico in the council though he already was part of the city's planning commission way back then.

The issue of gentrification is something that has been a debate in West Hollywood. The bath houses and unique shops were being replaced by pricey condominiums and upscale restaurants. The city is becoming more chic and most places can only cater to the wealthier customers. As some critics said, it is becoming more like its neighbor Beverly Hills.

This has become a serious issue in West Hollywood, like San Francisco, which is one of the safe havens for troubled LGBT individuals, particularly the young ones who are experiencing rejection from families, harassment, and discrimination in their towns. Apparently, the neighboring cities of Hollywood, Los Angeles and Long Beach are good alternatives. This resulted in a phenomenon where the older and wealthier LGBT people are the ones living in the city but the younger ones dominate the nightlife and club scenes. At least, one way or another, they still feel "at home" in West Hollywood.

One may argue that there are also benefits of commercial development in West Hollywood. The opening of major retail chains such as Best Buy and Target on the eastern edge of the city brought revenues and employment opportunities for city residents. Also, recent developments in many of the city's establishments have increased tourism. The challenges to the incoming city council include the advancement of economic development while preserving the city's heritage and unique identity, as well as the accommodation of younger and up-and-coming LGBT populace.

Economic growth and human rights are deemed equally important. Our history, no matter how dark and challenging it is, motivates us to fight and change the world for the better. To balance it all is the way to go - remembering who we are and being proud of our identity and unique culture but also not being afraid of change and modernization. Change is always but a continuous challenge. As Darwin pointed out in his theory, "it is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

(Editor's note: This piece is graciously contributed by the author for the Pinoy LGBTs)

Photos courtesy of ICLAH. Some rights reserved.

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites