Something to remember, as we enter a new year: Yesterday's history, Tomorrow is a mystery and Today is a gift, that's why it is called "the present". [Via]

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

LGBTQI Survey

Did you know, the 2000 U.S. Census, the City of Oakland had the third-highest gay and lesbian concentration in the country?

According to The Bay Citizen, Oakland has the largest per-capita lesbian population in the United States. http://www.baycitizen.org/

Demographic studies show the city ranks among the top LGBT communities, according to Gary Gates, a Williams Distinguished Scholar at UCLA and the author of “The Gay and Lesbian Atlas.” In Alameda County, there are twice as many lesbians as gay men, and Oakland ranks fifth in the nation in lesbian population, Gates said. http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/900695_GL_FactSheet.pdf

Five percent of all Oakland females reporting identified themselves as gay or bisexual in a recent California Health Interview Survey. The number of female same-sex couples in Oakland, according to an American Community Survey, was nearly five times the national average.

The Bay Area is the gayest area of the country,” Gates said.

Oakland is home to some of the world's most notable black gay and lesbian film-makers to include the late Marlon Riggs (Tongues Untied & Ethnic Notions) and more recently award winning directors Debra Wilson (Butch Mystique & Jumpin. The Broom) and Maurice Jamal (Dirty Laundry & Ski-Trip) who's films have also been shown on Logo (MTV-Networks).

Another unique characteristic of Oakland is that it is home to the largest population of African and African-American LGBT people in Northern California, according to a recent survey by the International Federation of Black Prides. http://www.onbayarea.com/node/337

Oakland would like a complete picture of the economic, social and cultural makeup of LGBTQI community. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our residents.

Help identify and plan for services and economic development for the LGBTQI community by taking this survey.