Sexuality and Space: Nonconformist Populations and Planning Practice

The gay, lesbian, and queer population is a marginalized group, but its concerns are not marginal to planning. It is a sizable group, heterogeneous (not least in income), and growing in visibility. This article examines the implications for planning practice of the emergence of gay men, lesbians, and related nonconformist groups. Most of the research that is easily applied to planning practice has focused on residential enclaves and neighborhoods. Work is also starting to appear on zoning and housing, business development including tourism, historic preservation, and the use of public space.