June 28th 2023.
In May, a Flint, Michigan businessman announced his plans to transform his downtown restaurant, 501 Bar and Grill, into a safe space for the LBGT+ community. The District, as it will be called, is a collaboration between two white, cisgender, heterosexual men. The news brought about a variety of reactions from the public, with some questioning the owners' intentions. Flint Beat reported that one commenter even referred to one of the partners, Phil Shaltz, as a “sleazy bastard.”
The co-owners nearly decided to abandon the renovation until their friends urged them to press forward, saying it was “the right thing” for the city. The term “safe space” dates back to Moira Kenney’s 2001 novel Mapping Gay L.A. It was initially a safe haven for those in the community to come and feel accepted during the Anti-Sodomy laws of the 60s. Soon, the notion of a safe space was adopted by the Women’s Movement and became commonplace in all levels of society.
In Flint, The District won’t be the first safe space. The Safe Space Ally Drop-in Center and Wellness Services has been a staple in the community since the late 80s. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the center had to eliminate its program due to social distancing issues.
Given the current climate of anti-LGBTQIA policies and hate crimes, Amber Weyn, the general manager of The District, took it upon herself to clarify the establishment’s intentions. “It doesn’t matter who you are,” she said, “our establishment is meant for everyone.”
The District is eager to become a safe space for people of all backgrounds and identities. Flint can only hope that it will prove to be a place of acceptance for those who need it most.
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