LGBTQ business district launching Downtown

Post Street in Downtown San Jose is officially going to transform into a LGBTQ+ district called "Qmunity." The idea will be to create something similar to the Castro in San Francisco or West Hollywood at much smaller scale. The street stretches from 1st Street to South Market and has had LGBTQ bars and nightclubs for quite some time.

The San Jose Downtown Installation just installed new trees and programmable LED lights for the new district. Urban artwork is currently underway for both crosswalks and sidewalks. Soon there will also be a LGBTQ+ mural and banners to help build the identity of the district.

Source: San Jose Inside

The Alameda gets new crosswalk honoring LGBT heritage

Apparently interesting sidewalks and intersections are going up all over San Jose. The Alameda has a new rainbow-colored sidewalk near the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. These unique sidewalks make walking and driving around our neighborhoods a lot more interesting and safer (they slow down traffic for pedestrians).

I have to wonder how self-driving cars are going to handle these special crosswalks in the future, but we still have a while before we have to cross that bridge.

Source: SVBJ

36th Annual San Jose Pride Festival

Info on the San Jose's annual pride event this weekend at Discovery Meadow:

August 20th and 21st will be the 36th annual Pride Festival in San Jose. It is the largest South Bay event to celebrate the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Allies community. There will be food, vendors, business and non-profit booths surrounding two stages. Martha Wash, Luciana, Lady Bunny, Sherry Vine and the Cheeseballs will headline the entertainment with local acts and DJs filling out the bill.

Saturday is family day and features the Women's Stage, with Free Admission. There will be children's activities in conjunction with the Children's Discovery Museum as well as a rock wall and bounce house.

Sunday is the climax with the headliners and thousands more folks in attendance. Admission is $15 at the gate or $10 if purchased on Saturday or at the Billy DeFrank in advance. Tickets may also be purchased online. Annual religious service will precede the festival at 10 AM Sunday.

We will be working toward Zero Waste Certification this year in conjunction with San Jose Green. Composting and dividing food waste will be featured for vendors and guests. The City Parks and Recreation department prohibits animals, cans and bottles from this event. The park is no smoking per San Jose City law. ATMs available on site. Parking is available throughout the downtown area for various fees. For parking locations visit: sjdowntownparking.com. The VTA Light Rail station is right next to the entrance, so ride don't drive!

Come Out and enjoy the excitement and offerings that this festival is known for as well as some new surprises! Join your community in Moving Forward Together!

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36th Annual San Jose Pride Festival
August 20 & 21, 2011
11 AM - 7 PM
Discovery Meadow
Corner of Woz Way and San Carlos

Sunday Headliners:
Martha Wash
Lady Bunny
Luciana
Sherry Vine
The Cheeseballs

Admission:
Free Saturday, $15 Sunday, ($11 online or
$10 in advance at the Billy DeFrank Center or the gate on Saturday)

Parking available
Light Rail to the park

No animals, cans or bottles
No Smoking
Wheelchair Accessible