In Boystown, Orne describes how recently many of the bars and gay spaces in the town are becoming increasingly less gay. There is a gentrification that is occurring with outsiders coming into the town and joining the Boystown culture often unwantedly. Orne describes the newcomers as on a “safari” coming to these gay spaces and watching rather than participating in the actions. In class we discussed whether or not “Disneyfication” and a “safari” were different or in the residents of Boystown were they the same. Orne uses the word safari to bring a level of danger to the actions of the newcomers. Those on a “safari” do not participate in the same way. They like to watch and observe the new and erotic actions happening in the back of these bars, some things they have never experienced before. “Disneyfication” is viewed as those viewing and participating in certain places like a theme park, unlike a “safari” these places do not seem dangerous.

Similar to the social preservationists and the creative class pushing out locals of new, hip neighborhoods, the original residents of Boystown are finding themselves wanting to relocate away from their new neighbors. More heterosexual couples and families are moving into neighborhoods like Boystown because of their safety and also their convenience to restaurants and local nightlife. Similar to how the food standard was rising in Portland with the Creative Classes’ desire for niche restaurants, these incoming families to Boystown are looking for a specific culture filled with activities, but also safe neighborhoods to raise their family. Like how members of the Creative Class are entering predominately black neighborhoods and gentrifying the space, these families are gentrifying Boystown in a second wave. As more of these families move into this neighborhood, I am interested to see what happens to the culture of Boystown. If more of its gay residents are moving out of the neighborhood will they be willing to go back and participate in the nightlife or will the seek out for a more exclusive place to express their culture.

Unfortunately for city officials, it is difficult to make rules to keep a certain culture alive. If the residents of Boystown want to keep the town and its nightlife culture the same it is up to institutions like bars and clubs to make the rules to maintain the culture. Like how Orne explains many of the backroom fees are no shirts, whether you’re male or female. This type of rule keeps those from solely watching and forces them to participate. Many gay residents of Boystown do not mind the heterosexual couples participating in the backroom actions, because they are participating rather than observing. Those who only observe, like bachelorette parties or even new gay people make the originals feel like an entertainment act. Bars have started to not allow groups like Bachelorette parties into their establishments. Keeping these groups away keeps the original and intended users of the establishments happy and helps them continue to feel comfortable in the environment they have decided to reside in.