Yeah, I don't think that marginalizing and insulating on group from another is the best way of gaining acceptance in mainstream society. There was an interesting article in the Eastsider LA about our other major "gay ghetto," Silverlake. Which is technically North of Downtown and west of the LA river but still isn't considered the "West Side" though it's really not that far from the Pink Vatican we know as West Hollywood. Anyway the article was about how this always very artsy, eclectic community at one time had 7 LGBT bars and clubs but over the years that number dwindled to 2 and now it's just one.
The funny thing is that the LGBT population in that area had grown, not shrunk and they were not going to WeHo to get their club/drink on. The LGBT community was so gentrified that they'd begun frequenting regular "straight" establishments with no resistance from the general community because they'd gained so much acceptance. I've heard from friends of mine in other cities a similar decline is happening where more and more LGBT individuals are mainstreaming and their "gay ghettos" declining.
I suppose it's a good thing, but still kinda sad at the same time. We gain acceptance but seem to lose something special along the way. I feel like Captain Janeway in "Death Wish" when Q offers to send her home if she rules in the Continuum's favor and she echoes Q's question to her saying softly to herself: "that's what I wanted."
And yes, I too get the Genosha reference. ;)
