Intersex, apparently here's what LGBT has turned into as of now, I guess - http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=LGBTQIA

I wouldn't describe it as something they have "turned into as of now" as much as a description that some people may simply prefer. In other words, the people didn't change, just some may prefer that label. But many people still use LGBTQ.

I wouldn't describe it as something they have "turned into as of now" as much as a description that some people may simply prefer. In other words, the people didn't change, just some may prefer that label. But many people still use LGBTQ.

I meant "apparently that's what the acronym that used to suffice (LGBT) has turned into now", and it's broader, to match what is in current use, and the acronym might get even longer as time goes on. Nothing derogatory or really anything about anybody at all, just a remark about terminology.

I think the main question is why is it ordered GLBiT in the tread title? It's been decades since L was moved before the G in common usage.

Nothing derogatory or really anything about anybody at all, just a remark about terminology.

Cool. Can't always tell on message board.

Didn't mean to start anything. But now we're all hip with it.

Not surprised that nobody bit on discussing whether physical gateway features should exist on Penn. That would be substantive :P

I would love for a gateway on Penn.. however I am surprised to get anything at all for the district so am just going to try to be optimistic that SOMETHING happens before wishing for more.

I agree, I would love to see a gateway to the district right there on Penn. I have a feeling, though, that the City will be reluctant to invest resources here without more development within the district itself; I for one would love to see some urban housing on that empty lot between Phoenix Rising and Penn Automotive, and redevelopment of the car wash lot into something with maybe apartments over retail, among other things.

I'm like Bullbear, all these new letters, and at Pride I was asked as well. Isn't there an "A" now too? My rainbow stickers keep growing.

I'm like Bullbear, all these new letters, and at Pride I was asked as well. Isn't there an "A" now too? My rainbow stickers keep growing.

Maybe we should have build your own stickers like the stick figure family on cars.. you pick the letters you need.

I've never understood why it's so important to label oneself. Can't we all just be humans?

With that being said I'm familiar with LGBT, I've heard the Q added, but really have no idea what that is, or many of the other letters.

So many letters have been added to our alphabet soup that if you were to include them all, it turns into something on the order of LGBTQQIP2SAA, which is inclusive but huge and unwieldy. Here's just one person's attempt to decode the letters (but it's by no means the final word on the matter): https://hulshofschmidt.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/whats-in-an-acronym-parsing-the-lgbtqqip2saa-community/

I personally have defaulted to calling our group the Queer Community instead, as that one word is really a multitool that covers the entire increasingly long list of letters (desipte it's derogatory history).

I was wondering why we didn't go the route of "Non-mainstream sexual/gender Identity" community, but I get how that could be perceived as non-inclusive in its wording. No offense intended, was just pondering on alternatives that were more succinct.

So many letters have been added to our alphabet soup that if you were to include them all, it turns into something on the order of LGBTQQIP2SAA, which is inclusive but huge and unwieldy. Here's just one person's attempt to decode the letters (but it's by no means the final word on the matter): https://hulshofschmidt.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/whats-in-an-acronym-parsing-the-lgbtqqip2saa-community/

I personally have defaulted to calling our group the Queer Community instead, as that one word is really a multitool that covers the entire increasingly long list of letters (desipte it's derogatory history).

Thanks for the info.

On that last one I always thought of that as a very derogatory word, and honestly don't know that I could ever use it and not feel like I offended someone.

Thanks for the info.

On that last one I always thought of that as a very derogatory word, and honestly don't know that I could ever use it and not feel like I offended someone.

Truthfully, at first, I did too - but that's the thing about reclaiming words like that; part of the process is normalizing the word, and draining the context of hate.

I like the way Jacob Tobia described the use of "queer" in his "LGBTQIA: A Beginner’s Guide to the Great Alphabet Soup Of Queer Identity" (https://mic.com/articles/28093/lgbtqia-a-beginner-s-guide-to-the-great-alphabet-soup-of-queer-identity) article on Mic:


Queer is a beautiful, mysterious, and subversive word. Think of it as 85% dark chocolate: it’s complex in flavor, and while some people find it bitter, others find it delicious. Back in the 1980s (i.e. when dinosaurs roamed the earth and zebra print was taken seriously), the word queer was used as a derogatory term. In the modern era, queer is more complex. For older folks, the word queer may still sting, but for the younger whippersnappers out there, the word queer has been reclaimed in a few different senses.

In modern lingo, queer functions as both an umbrella term and as a specific identity. Used as an umbrella term, queer is often used as a replacement for the acronym "LGBTQQIA" So instead of saying the "LGBTQQIA community" people simply say the "queer community." It’s basically a way to abbreviate the abbrev, because that’s what cool kids do. ("I heard you like abbreviations, so I abbreviated your abbreviation.")

Used as a specific identity, queer attempts to reject the idea that the labels of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender are able to explain any one person’s identity. If someone tells you that they’re queer, all that you know about them is that they aren’t explicitly heterosexual or gender-conforming; also, if someone tells you that they’re queer, you can probably deduce that they’re pretty awesome and that you should be their friend. Just sayin’.

I would love for a gateway on Penn.. however I am surprised to get anything at all for the district so am just going to try to be optimistic that SOMETHING happens before wishing for more.

That's fair. Wouldn't be happening without Ed.


Maybe we should have build your own stickers like the stick figure family on cars.. you pick the letters you need.

No i in team

Wow, that was a lesson, now I feel old & out of touch with the community. LOL
I'm not sure any of my friends know all this either. Makes fir an interesting dinner conversation.

If people are going to keep adding letters, they should at least make it spell something funny.

Found this on a Facebook page for a group hoping to raise funds from the city and otherwise to improve this area... Which is badly needed.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/39th062218.jpg

I've seen this plan passed around and talked about a bit. I would love to see it happen.

I've seen this plan passed around and talked about a bit. I would love to see it happen.

Maybe with the future renovations of the Habana Inn this project will get spurred along quicker??

looks to be JUST the boost the district needs.

Hope they can get it done and use this to VISIBLY prove the critics wrong about OKC !!!!

39th St. District and Oklahoma Mural Syndicate are accepting partnerships for 39th St. Walls (http://www.39thstreetdistrict.com/39th-st-walls)!

Would really like to see this gayborhood develop into a cohesive destination the city can be proud of. Donations will help.

The 39th Street Association (https://www.facebook.com/pages/39th-Street-District-Association/1008405045888136) working with OKC planning to turn the stip into an Entertainment District (http://www.gayly.com/okc%E2%80%99s-39th-street-district-association-looks-toward-future-annual-meeting).

Finally.

I really hope improvements come sooner than later. better streets and sidewalks could really make a difference. I look forward to seeing whats to come. I know the Boom has purchased the old Car wash are are to demo part of it and the one building to be remodeled and make space for retail.

It needs more than the owners of the Boom wanting to make things a good deal better for the district. Hopefully, the owner of the Habana Inn will remodel it, so people from out of state won't sum up their stay there with one word--gross! Making the 39th St. district a more desirable place for out of state visitors will help it prosper, which is even more important to do, since there is no longer a regional gay rodeo held every year.

I think something similar to what the city did with Western near Sushi Neko would make a huge difference on 39th.

All of the focus on this area is so great. I'm not sure if the "official" name is the 39th Street District, but I think shortening it to just "39th" or something like "District 39" might help with marketing, branding, etc.

Make the places non smoking!

or something like "District 39" might help with marketing, branding, etc.

yeah... somehow i don't think district 39 would work too well. : )

https://i.imgur.com/ll8UNsB.jpg

Make the places non smoking!

I keep hoping more will do so.. Apothocary 39 is the only fully non smoking bar. Boom show bar is non smoking but front bar is smoking. they made the front bar non smoking for a hot minute until winter came and the owners didn't want to go outside to smoke anymore.
the new Habana owners are planning on remodeling . they are working on a bank of rooms at a time and plan new vamped name and signage. I am hopeful it will update the look of that place because yes.. gross.

yeah... somehow i don't think district 39 would work too well. : )

https://i.imgur.com/ll8UNsB.jpg

Ha! Nice!

I tend to agree. Seems like a full remodel would be a perfect time to cut out smoking inside.

When they say non smoking does that also include vapes? I see a lot of people vaping all types of stuff but it doesn't have the harsh odor like cigs or weed. Is vape considered a health hazard like second hand smoke? Just wondering if some of these places could ban smoking but allow vaping? So many bar hoppers really enjoy a smoke with a drink.

^^ I looked at the website for Free the Night, it didn't specify. I think a lot of smoke free places include no vaping too

SIAP - Journal Record is reporting the Habana Inn has sold for $2.4 million to Los Angeles investors.

SIAP - Journal Record is reporting the Habana Inn has sold for $2.4 million to Los Angeles investors.

That seems like a lot of money! Is it for the land to create a development I wonder?

That seems like a lot of money! Is it for the land to create a development I wonder?

Unless something has changed I’m pretty certain the new owners plan on remodeling it.

From what I've heard about the new owners from several people in the inner Habana circle the bars will go smoke free. They will be completely redone as well as entrance to the lobby and restaurant. The rooms will all be redone as well. There are some people on site now doing something to them. The major remodel from what I understand will be after Sept which is when the last of the pre-booked events end. The copa and finishline will be non-smoking and they are adding a rooftop bar which will allow smoking. I've also heard the main hotel pool will be enclosed where the finishline pool will be as is. Any tenants living there have been given 10mos notice (don't know if they are going to continue to have people live there) As I said this is the word on the street, but is pretty consistent from person to person close to the inner workings of the complex. When its all said and done it should be really nice.

^

That all sounds really positive.

I hope it signals the beginning of enhancements to that entire area, which is pretty rough these days.

The issue of visible homelessness at I-44 and Penn will have to be addressed before any serious walkable nightlife returns to this area.

^^^ may be for Oklahoma, but homelessness doesn’t really cause much of an issue for walkable nightlife out in CA or other major urban centers I’ve been to.

The issue of visible homelessness at I-44 and Penn will have to be addressed before any serious walkable nightlife returns to this area.

as someone who has frequented the bars in this area for well over 20 years. this area has always had homeless people, Panhandlers and such and it has never really hindered people walking from bar to bar.

as someone who has frequented the bars in this area for well over 20 years. this area has always had homeless people, Panhandlers and such and it has never really hindered people walking from bar to bar.

It's more of an issue of attracting walkers from up and down Penn than it is on NW 39th St. itself. I live in the area and love to walk to east to Western, east/south to Classen, and even on a rare occasion north on Classen (even though the walkability at Classen near Expressway and I-44 is terrible). I pride myself on walking as much as I can despite the lack of infrastructure.

That being said, I don't walk north along Penn under the I-44 bridge anymore due to the amount of harassment, trash, and even human waste I have to deal with. I'm not unsympathetic to the plight of the homeless in our city by any means - our society needs to do more. But, the increasing presence at this one intersection has made it too difficult for me to deal with.

People should quit giving beggers at I-44 and Penn money or whatever, and they will go away. A society genuinely concerned about the plight of the homeless should think of a way to help them without making them feel compelled that they got to gather at a busy intersection or overpass and beg for help. Maybe part of the problem is that poor people with mental illness can not get help from the state.

Hopefully they have deep pockets and a long term vision...

https://newsok.com/article/5621341/los-angeles-group-buys-gay-resort-in-oklahoma-city

Hopefully they have deep pockets and a long term vision...

https://newsok.com/article/5621341/los-angeles-group-buys-gay-resort-in-oklahoma-city

...

"The Southwest's largest gay resort?" Admittedly, I've never stayed at the Habana, only driven by. Maybe I don't know. But would anyone really classify it as a resort? Really?

...

"The Southwest's largest gay resort?" Admittedly, I've never stayed at the Habana, only driven by. Maybe I don't know. But would anyone really classify it as a resort? Really?

Per Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resort), "a self-contained commercial establishment that tries to provide most of a vacationer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacation)'s wants, such as food, drink, lodging (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodging), sports (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport), entertainment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment), and shopping (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shopping), on the premises. "

Pretty sure the Habana Inn qualifies as a "gay" resort. May not be flashy or up-to-date (yet), but it does attempt to provide everything while on the premises.

The abandoned Anson car wash has been purchased by the same group that owns the Boom directly to the west.

Permits have been filed to have it demolished.

This is another small step forward for the district; will be interesting to see what goes up on that lot.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/anson.jpg

The abandoned Anson car wash has been purchased by the same group that owns the Boom directly to the west.

Permits have been filed to have it demolished.

This is another small step forward for the district; will be interesting to see what goes up on that lot.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/anson.jpg

Good to hear! Will be nice to have that eyesore gone.

...

"The Southwest's largest gay resort?" Admittedly, I've never stayed at the Habana, only driven by. Maybe I don't know. But would anyone really classify it as a resort? Really?

What does it need? A bunch of fake palm trees scattered about?

Good to hear! Will be nice to have that eyesore gone.

Wait... why tear it down? Isn't this a great example of period architecture that is part of OKC's heritage?


:)

Wait... why tear it down? Isn't this a great example of period architecture that is part of OKC's heritage?


:)
Are you just playing devils advocate here or trying to make a point?

What does it need? A bunch of fake palm trees scattered about?

Might help. :D

Actually I don't think you could really make anything I would consider "a resort" in that area of town. Could probably call it a "iconic symbol of the gay history of OKC" or something like that.

its not a tropical vacation resort hotel but it is a gay resort - that seeks to meet the needs of its clients full spectrum.

Wait... why tear it down? Isn't this a great example of period architecture that is part of OKC's heritage?


:)

If you didn't already know, a large part of it won't be torn down and will be made into upscale retail: http://www.gayly.com/boom-owners-purchase-adjacent-property

If you didn't already know, a large part of it won't be torn down and will be made into upscale retail: http://www.gayly.com/boom-owners-purchase-adjacent-property

This was in reply to the Anson car was to be demolished.


Oh... and I wasn't being serious about saving car wash architecture.

I know it'd be more costly, but I wish they'd put a building right up at the corner of the property at 39th and Barnes, instead of having that big corner be a parking lot and setting the storefronts back. It would be much better land use than what they're proposing right now - though the current proposal is certainly an improvement.

Looks like there is a bit of movement at The Habana, they were working on the sign yesterday. Looks like at minimum they are installing a screen underneath the main sign.

I hope they will put a whole new sign up since the name changed. The car wash is now gone next to The Boom. It'll be nice to see this area re-vamped, to say its way overdue is an understatement!

https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/hotel-potential/Content?oid=5790371