Los Angeles recently removed the last remaining traffic signs in the Silver Lake neighborhood that targeted the gay community. The signs that prohibited cruising, U-turns, and restricted activity from midnight to 6 am were originally put up in 1997, with the aim of preventing gay men from meeting up in the area. However, these signs have now been taken down as part of an effort to erase the neighborhood’s anti-gay past, just in time for PRIDE month.
Councilmember Nithya Raman highlighted the significance of this removal, stating that while Los Angeles has a history of embracing the LGBTQIA+ community, there has also been a presence of homophobia that was embedded in the city’s physical spaces, such as these discriminatory traffic signs. This move comes decades after the Black Cat protests and sheds light on the persistent homophobia that lingered in Silver Lake.
In the late 90s, gay men used printed guidebooks to find public spaces where they could connect with others in the community. Silver Lake’s Griffith Park Boulevard was one of the locations listed in these guides, along with West Hollywood. Councilman Higo Soto-Martinez emphasized that the no-U-turn signs were used to target and discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, and their removal marks a step towards inclusivity and acceptance.
The first “No Cruising” signs were taken down in 2011 after a vote by the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, but the remaining restrictions went unnoticed until recently. Silver Lake resident Donovan Daughtry brought attention to the issue after learning about the neighborhood’s queer history through a podcast episode. The removal of these signs signifies a positive shift towards creating a more welcoming and tolerant environment for all community members.
Despite concerns about noise and rowdiness in the neighborhood, Albert LeBarron, co-owner of Akbar, a gay bar in the area, acknowledged that many individuals were simply looking for a place to socialize and connect. The removal of these discriminatory signs reflects a broader effort to promote diversity, inclusivity, and understanding within the community.
The removal of the traffic signs in Silver Lake serves as a reminder of the progress made in challenging discrimination and promoting equality. By dismantling physical symbols of homophobia, Los Angeles takes a step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This move aligns with the city’s commitment to celebrating diversity and embracing the LGBTQ+ community, especially during PRIDE month.
