The future of the annual Lesbians Who Tech (LWT) Summit is in jeopardy following a decision by the Castro Merchants Association to prevent the closure of streets typically used for the event. Held in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ Castro district, the summit is a significant gathering for the community but now faces the challenge of finding a new location.
Merchants Association’s Decision and Impact
The Castro Merchants Association, led by President Terry Asten-Bennett, voted against allowing the two-block street closure necessary for the LWT Summit. Concerns cited included issues like community segregation, delivery disruptions, and noise from overnight construction. This decision has sparked a debate about the balance between community events and local business interests.
LWT’s Response and Community Significance
LWT founder and CEO Leanne Pittsford expressed frustration over not being invited to discuss these concerns before the vote. She emphasized the economic impact of the summit, noting that it brings significant revenue to Castro businesses and the broader city. LWT event producer Audrey Joseph highlighted the importance of hosting one of the few lesbian events in the city’s gay neighborhood, citing the frequent displacement of women and lesbians.
Opposition from Local Business Owners
Some local merchants, like Patrick Batt, have voiced opposition to the street closures, suggesting that the event has grown too large for the neighborhood and that LWT has not engaged sufficiently with local concerns. Despite these criticisms, Pittsford maintains that LWT has been a positive force for the area, using local vendors and contributing to the community’s vibrancy.
The Challenge of Relocation
Relocating the summit poses significant challenges for LWT. The proximity to the Castro Theatre and the need for street closures for stages and booths are crucial for the event’s success. Pittsford questioned how the Castro Merchants could be more supportive of the queer women, queer women of color, and non-binary leaders who participate in the summit.
LWT’s Impact in the Tech Community
Founded in 2013 by Pittsford, LWT has grown into the world’s largest community for LGBTQ+ individuals in tech, with over 40,000 members and an annual summit attendance of around 5,000. The summit not only serves as a major event for networking and professional development but also symbolizes the presence and significance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the tech industry.
The controversy surrounding the LWT Summit underscores the complexities of hosting large-scale community events in urban neighborhoods. It also highlights the ongoing struggle for space and recognition faced by LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in historically significant areas like the Castro district. As discussions continue, the fate of the summit remains uncertain, but its importance to the LGBTQ+ tech community remains undiminished.