As we walked around the neighborhood, we can see Rainbow flag hanging in almost every store, for some of them also have stickers on the door saying Hate Free Zone or “This location is a SAFE PLACE for victims of Anti-LGBTQ crimes and harassment to call 911 and wait for the police to arrive.” Nevertheless, almost all apartments and hotels are friendly to the LGBTQ+ community, which gives sexual minorities a safe and comfortable space to live.
Our Experience
Observations
I observe that Belltown area is very conclusive, especially in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The apparency of Rainbow Flag and Transgender Flag, stickers on the window, and the community activity centers all make Belltown a realistically inclusive city for all genders, especially the LGBTQ+ community.
Asset or Barrier?
There are many evidence to support that Gender and Sexuality is an Asset in Belltown, Seattle. Even though we didn't find any gender-inclusive washroom in public areas (e.g., subway station), the activities for LGBTQ+ community take place in Belltown makes it a place where people would like to go for fun, socializing, and networking. From my research, all hotels and apartments are friendly to LGBTQ+ community, Rainbow Flags are hanging everywhere, and all the variety of different LGBTQ+ centers are all ideal for most of the people.
