spokane - liberal? (Seattle, Bellevue, Renton: internships, bars, gay friendly)

[goose7]

Can anyone tell me what the feeling is towards gays/lesbians in Spokane? Is there a gay culture there - do they celebrate pride? Are there any gay bars?

[ArcticPhoenix]

Spokane is a relatively "conservative" part of the State, compared to the Seattle, Bellevue, and Renton areas. I've never heard much about "gay pride celebrations", but then, most people tend to keep to themselves here.

Not sure if there are any gay bars, but I'm sure there are. Considering there are nearly half a million people in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area, I'd say that there's a good chance there's at least one or two.

As far as gay culture... Nah, not much. Spokane is pretty much has the classic "old west" feel mixed in with Washington environmental conservatism. It's an odd mixture, or so it seems to me.

Best of luck for whatever you're looking for!

[WendyK]

There are gay bars and an annual gay pride parade in Spokane. Do a google search and you can learn all you need to about the Spokane gay community.

[Rooter48]

Several years ago the voters of Spokane recalled the Mayor Jim West because he was gay, only because he was gay. The local paper alluded - only alluded and falsely - that he was involved with children.

[fy10fyr]

Originally Posted by Rooter48

Several years ago the voters of Spokane recalled the Mayor Jim West because he was gay, only because he was gay. The local paper alluded - only alluded and falsely - that he was involved with children.

Wrong.

He was recalled for improper use of city resources and abuse of power. He used his office computer to surf dating websites, and promised employment/internships to young men in exchange for dates, etc.

He would have been recalled for doing that if he was looking for dates with women as well.

As far as the local paper...... fishwrap.

[kena]

Just a second to fy10fyr's response about Jim West. There are multiple threads here about his recall but it was NOT because he was gay. He was misuing city property and handing out city jobs/internships in return for dates with minors or those just turning 18 and that is why he was recalled. As fy10fyr stated, had he been soliciting under age or barely 18 year old girls, on city time, with city resources and offering jobs/internships to the same in return for romantic prospects he would have been recalled all the same. Had he just come out one day and announced he was gay there is zero percent chance he is recalled from office.

In general, no one will confuse Spokane with San Francisco or Seattle in terms of the gay scene but there certainly is a gay community here with, I believe, a newspaper and gay friendly business directory in addition to bars and a pride parade.