Towards a More Comprehensive Queer Urbanism: Understanding the Spatial Aspirations of the Queer Non-Male Community in Seattle, WA

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between queer space and belonging in the City of Seattle for queer residents who do not identify as men (or queer non-males). A combination of focus groups, individual, and paired interviews with members of this population were conducted to understand how this population feels about belonging in Seattle and its queer spaces. Participants were also asked to envision queer spaces that they would like to see in the City to provide initial insights into how Seattle’s queer spaces could better serve this population. The study found that Seattle’s queer non-males feel strong ties to Capitol Hill, the City’s gayborhood, suggesting a continued relevance for this population. However, participants shared that many queer spaces are cost-prohibitive, non-inclusive of intersecting identities such as race and ethnicity, and mostly center around alcohol. The desires of the participants included more variety in the types of queer spaces available, more accessible queer spaces in terms of cost and ability for those with disabilities and queer parents to use the space, and queer spaces or events that cater to a variety of intersecting identities. The participants also desired a mix of spaces that are just for queer people and those that support queer values regardless of the identities of those present. Overall, the study reveals that Seattle, while overwhelmingly accepting of queer identities, does not contain the spaces necessary for its queer non-males to find a sense of belonging in their queer community.