Should Boystown get an official designation, along the lines of Koreatown or Little Ethiopia? That’s what Larry Block thinks and tells WestHollywood.com.
“It’s like there’s an invisible bubble [along Santa Monica Boulevard] between Robertson and La Cienega,” said Block, a resident of West Hollywood since 1987. “They should officially designate it, put up signs announcing: ‘Welcome to Boystown.’”
Block has been talking about this idea amongst friends for a while, but went public with his desire during the public comment time at Monday’s City Council meeting. In the 24 hours since he made those comments, he said he has received nothing but praise for his idea.
“Boystown is as a part of the city, just like the Sunset Strip,” said Block, who owns the Block Party clothing store located in the old A Different Light bookstore building. “We need to acknowledge that.”
Block points out that Los Angeles has areas named for the ethnic populations living in areas like Thai Town and Little Ethiopia. He wonders why West Hollywood has not followed suit for its gay population.
“It will attract our culture,” he said. “Let people know we belong here. It’s about the preservation of the core of what put West Hollywood on the map.”
Block acknowledges this is also an effort to stave off the ever encroaching gentrification and increasing straight presence seen in Boystown.
“The day that Mickey’s goes straight, the day that Rage goes straight, that’ll be the end of Boystown,” Block fears. “We need to protect Boystown while it’s still here.”
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