Save 4th St: Austin’s Historic Queer District up for Demolition.
Gentrification is a big problem all over the country, and in Austin, Texas, it’s no different. Just ask the residents of Austin’s East District — you’ll find a community and a culture almost completely priced out of their homes and cultural centers. The start of a very similar process is being proposed for 4th Street, an area known as Austin’s LGBTQIA+ epicenter. Developers want to demolish the bars in the area to make way for yet another high rise, eliminating another pivotal part of Austin’s culture. We went out to capture some photos of the people that frequent the area to learn what 4th Street means to them. What we learned is that Austin’s queer community needs this safe space - to feel comfortable being themselves, to let loose, and to have fun.
Austin’s City Council is holding a public meeting on May 5th to discuss the plans to demolish 4th Street bars. A few things you can do to help out are: 1) Email the Austin Historic Landmark Commission (here), 2) Sign this change.org petition, and 3) speak up at the Austin City Council meeting on May 4th @6pm at City Hall!
I’ve partnered with @save4thst.atx on instagram to raise awareness on this issue. Follow them for updates and for all the things you can do to help #save4thstatx