Qmunity District pilot program sees Post Street transform into pedestrian-friendly social space Thursday through Sunday throughout 2022

What is the Qmunity District?

Project MORE is excited to work with Post Street businesses, the City of San Jose, San Jose Downtown Association, and others to bring back a pedestrian-only space in the Qmunity District. Located on Post Street and Lightston Alley between South Market and South First Street in downtown San Jose, the Qmunity District is closed weekly to vehicle traffic from 4pm Thursday to 8am Monday through the end of 2022. 

What is the vision of the Qmunity District?

The Qmunity District has been a vision long in the making. The District was officially founded in the summer of 2020 with investment from the City of San Jose and with special thanks in particular to the support from District 3 Councilmember, Raul Peralez. There is a lot of potential for an LGBTQ+ centric space in San Jose, and the LGBTQ+ and downtown communities have overwhelmingly supported its development on Post Street. We envision this district as a gathering space, a place for fun, activism, and for solidarity. We are dedicated to furthering this goal through continuous improvements together with the community.

The history and reason for founding the Qmunity District

Since September 2020, the District has come far. Lamppost banners, programmable LED lighting, and new rainbow crosswalk paint were installed. Local Post Street businesses expanded astroturf and seating space. One of the most impactful projects was the new murals, which were unveiled in April 2022 and touched up this August. This latest phase seeks to continue building on these last two years of achievements.

We have seen how effective community-enriching outdoor pedestrian areas were during the pandemic. Other happenings like the San Jose Al Fresco Program, South First Fridays, and continued pedestrian-only space in San Pedro Square demonstrate resident support for safe, public outdoor spaces. Not to mention, support for diverse community-led public spaces, highlighting local cultures, histories, and diversity like the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose, the historic Lavender Heights neighborhood of Sacramento, and the Transgender District in San Francisco, show the promise of an incredible queer culture hub in the Qminity District. Moreover, the current general socio-political climate has made public visibility and community solidarity imperative to preserving and progressing towards a more inclusive, welcoming society — something we believe the Qmunity District will help foster.

Now more than ever, we see the District as a hub of activism and support, and most importantly, a place where people can feel safe and welcome.  The District’s central location and public setting will also allow for an increase in intersectional community building and activism, and will hopefully mature into a place for solidarity and exchange between the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

What’s next?

It is our ongoing mission to improve and enrich the Qmunity District. The current pilot program is a step towards that goal. There has yet to be a dedicated public LGBTQ+ community space in the South Bay, so there are a lot of firsts. As such, there are many ways you can help: 

• • The easiest thing is to show up! Enjoy a beverage, mingle with friends on the street, dine at local Post Street restaurants, get your groove on in the clubs, and attend our free, safe, and inclusive events. 
  • We want and appreciate your feedback! Take the survey to let us know what you like and want to see.
  • Help us organize and support the district by becoming a volunteer.
  • Have an event you want to suggest for the District? Know a great queer band, singer, or entertainer who wants to perform live? Submit your ideas and inquiries.

We are so excited to share the district with you!  So come on down and join us! #WeAreQmunity!

Check out some upcoming events in the Qmunity District:

Thursday night music with the Urban Vibrancy Institute

• • Every Thursday, 7:30-10pm
  • Join us every Thursday night through September to jam with local artists in collaboration with the Urban Vibrancy Institute.
    

Qmunity Night Circus

• • October 29, 8pm-1am
  • The Qmunity Night Circus invites you to get spooky! Games, entertainment, a cash prize costume contest, and a few tricks and treats await you at the Qmunity District’s fall festival with a  Dia de los Muertos theme.
  • https://qmunitydistrict.org/nightcircus

Coats & Cocktails

• • November 11, 6pm- 9pm
  • Coats & Cocktails is a social mixer for a cause. Help keep local members of the LGBTQ+ community warm this fall with donations of coats and outerwear. 
  • https://qmunitydistrict.org/coats-and-cocktails

Qmunity Winter Market

• • December 2-4, 5pm-10pm
  • Browse a variety of local LGBTQ+ and Ally artists, makers, and pop-up shops among holiday cheer. Purchase fine and unique wares for yourself or gifts for others. Support local businesses and shop with the sounds of the season with performances by local performers.
  • https://qmunitydistrict.org/wintermarket