Back Bay Quotes

How do residents feel about sexual-diversity in the Back Bay?

Stephen Schaeffer, 26, of Beacon Street, has lived in the Back Bay for the past three years after moving from New York, and said that although he dates women, he is supportive of the changes taking place.

"Generally, I see many more gay men in the Back Bay than lesbians. But, overall I think it's a good thing. It makes for a more diverse neighborhood."

Catherine Freedman, 23, of Berkeley Street, has been living in the neighborhood since 1998 and currently works at the Women's Educational and Industrial Union on Boylston Street. When asked, Freedman noted that she had observed more gay-friendly businesses recently in the community.

Volunteers for last year's 2002 Boston Pride celebration hang a rainbow flag, a symbol of gay unity. Courtesy of www.bostonpride.org

"I don't notice it all that much, although, I did notice the other day that my doctor's office, on Marlborough, has a lot of gay magazines and newspapers in the waiting area," said Freedman, who is heterosexual. "It did make me wonder whether one of the doctors was gay or if they are catering to gay patients."

Kate McGarr, 29, of Commonwealth Street, works in the Back Bay as well. She noted that it's an attractive area for anyone to live in, regardless of sexual preference.

"The Back Bay is one of the nicest places you could live. Everyone wants to be here. I think it's easier for gays to move here because most don't have children and so there is a much larger disposable income to move around with."

Steven Sayers, 47, of Marlborough Street, has lived at his current residence for the past 20 years and considers it to be the most beautiful place on Earth, "even next to Paris." When asked how he felt about the gay community becoming more prominent in the Back Bay, Sayers remarked that he felt it always has been.

"I think the Back Bay has been integrated for years. That's what happens in urban areas. I remember reading in Dear Abby, even as a child, about being gay and the advice would always be 'move to the city,'" said Sayers, who is openly gay. "For me that has rung true. People in close proximities get to know each other as people, not as stereotypes."

Max Irwin, 25, of Marlborough Street, is a self-employed computer programmer who works out of his Back Bay home. Irwin, who dates women, said that he feels a person's private life has no bearing on the community.

"It's not something I really think about that much. I don't look at people in terms of whether they are gay or straight. Whether my neighbors are gay or not, is not important to me. I just care if they are good neighbors."

JOANNA PRISCO