On October 10th, 2004, the eve of National Coming Out Day, OUT in Oakland came to the Parkway neighborhood. The "Parkway" is the neighborhood on the southeast shore of Lake Merritt. City Council member Danny Wan is "nurturing" a new LGBT-oriented commercial and residential neighborhood in that area. According to the Parkway Pride announcement on the Oakland Community and Economic Development Agency's website, Wan envisions creating a welcoming district lined with cafes, shops and other businesses that would appeal to Oakland's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender residents.
OUT in Oakland took place on Sunday, October 10 at 4 p.m. This free event included live music performed by groups such as Deep Dick Collective, LGBT information booths, food, children's activities, and walking tours of the up-and-coming Parkway neighborhood. Photos It remains to be seen whether a district oriented towards queer communities can be created, rather than growing by itself.