2SLGBTQ+ Community Reflects On History Of 39th St Ahead Of Pride Celebration

After years of work, the 39th Street District is finally taking its final shape just in time for the 35th year of pride. 

“It’s rather important it is really rare for most cities especially one this city to have what is considered a gay district some of the larger cities have it but in this area, it started 40 years ago with a gay bar,” said Craig Poos, the President Of 39th St. District. 

The vision for this district started over 10 years ago with a city council meeting. In 2007 they finally got in on a bond issue to get city funding and officially be recognized as a district. 

“Creating this little enclave of these clubs of people and their safe space where they could be themselves no matter who they were, how they identify whatever the case may be,” said Poos. 

What started as a small watering hole, a safe space off 39th set for the 2SLGBTQ+ Community is nearly complete. 

“The fact that over 40 years it is still here, and it has been accepted by the city as a commercial district. We are continuing the safe feeling for everybody, they have a place they can go,” he said. 

“It’s clearly come a long way, I remember being in a building just over there looking at early designs and proposals for it this was before I was elected,” said David Holt, the Mayor of OKC. 

The district is filled with vibrant murals, wide sidewalks, and new roadways. Poos is ready to celebrate Pride like never before. 

“All the ally’s, all the families, all the support it is just a truly amazing feeling and now they can do it in a beautiful new spot that feels even more like home,” he said. 

“I’m from a small town out in the panhandle. Being able to celebrate, being able to show pride during this festival and any day is amazing,” said Craig England, the OKC Pride President. 

While the district has come a long way there is more on the way for the community on 39th Street. 

“Moving forward as a district we want to bring businesses down here, get that energy going where we have people on the sidewalks, patios, get restaurants, boutiques all that kind of stuff,” said Poos. 

The Pride festival kicked off Friday June 3 on 39th St. There will be events all weekend leading up the parade on Sunday.