Colourful voices : centering LGBTQ+ perspectives of public spaces

Sammanfattning: How inclusive are public spaces for LGBTQ+ peoples and what can be made visible through using an intersectional approach in urban planning and landscape architecture processes? At the UN Habitat III meeting in Quito 2016, the UN failed to recognize LGBTQ+ peoples in their Sustainable Development Goals (UN 2015) as 17 countries voted against it. Liljefors (2016) points out the importance of inclusive policies on a global level as many planners work towards these on a local level, and therefore impacting who is included in the cities we build. The objective of this thesis was to emphasize the importance of intersectionality in urban planning processes, with a focus on LGBTQ+ aspects. The study object of this thesis was the LGBTQ+ space of Jim Deva Plaza, Vancouver. The aim was to create awareness among urban planners and landscape architects of how to challenge structures in order to create more inclusive cities. Specifically, this thesis explored the following research question: “What can we learn from taking an intersectional approach to studying LGBTQ+ representation in the planning process, design and use of public spaces?” Through analyzing the process, design, use and experiences of Jim Deva Plaza and LGBTQ+ peoples experiences of public spaces through an intersectional lens, the main findings in this research can be summarized to: ' Lack of pluralism and recognition of challenges in the planning process can lead toneglecting LGBTQ+ peoples and their needs (Winkle 2015; Doan 2015). ' Lack of understanding the context and LGBTQ+ theirstory (Winkle 2015; Gieseking 2016) ' There is a heightened need to take an intersectional approach to planning due to risksof gentrification and displacement of vulnerable groups (Gieseking 2016; Doan 2015b; Winkle2015). ' Stereotypical illustrations of LGBTQ+ communities can maintain prejudices, particularlyif the underlying issues of improving safety (e.g., addressing the high levels ofdiscrimination and violence LGBTQ+ people’s experience (Abramovich 2016)), such as byenforcing policies. ' For people working with urban development and public spaces to have access toinformation and tools about LGBTQ+ aspects in planning, the need for future researchin this area is of big importance. Examples on future research: - The interconnections between LGBTQ+ public spaces and gentrification, polarization and homelessness. - Studying how queer spaces are dependent on time and people (e.g., beyondLGBTQ+ designated spaces) - The role of place-making in queer public spaces Urban planners and landscape architects have an important role and responsibility in providing the spaces for LGBTQ+ peoples to have a voice in these processes. It is therefore important that they are equipped with the right education in order to facilitate inclusive spaces. The same goes for policies and framework that need to become more inclusive and anti-discriminating.