Detroit is making strides to establish an LGBTQ business district, aiming to fill the void left as queer spaces have diminished. Kevin Heard, founder of the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, noted the city has lost many of its LGBTQ venues since the 1970s and '80s, now down to just eight. Unlike cities with established "gayborhoods," Detroit lacks a dedicated LGBTQ hub, a gap Heard seeks to address. The Chamber, in collaboration with the City of Detroit and LGBTQ research firm Community Marketing and Insights, launched a survey to identify the most LGBTQ-friendly areas in Detroit. Heard said, “The chamber will be able to prioritize resources and services,” highlighting that the survey results will guide focus groups and site selection for the district. So far, over 1,000 people have participated, with the survey set to close by Labor Day. Once the location is chosen, the chamber will start a capital campaign to buy properties for LGBTQ businesses. The ambitious plan could take up to a decade, but the goal is to acquire the first parcel by 2026. #Queer Up Business