Tensions simmer as LGBTQ+ neighborhood tries to oust annual Lesbians Who Tech event

The fate of the annual Lesbians Who Tech (LWT) Summit hangs in the balance now that its organizers are being forced to consider relocating the event.

The summit is typically held in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, called the Castro district. But recently, the Castro Merchants Association voted to stop allowing the organization to close down two blocks worth of streets for the summit.

In a letter to San Francisco officials, Asten-Bennett described the issues caused by closing the streets in the past: “Issues such as unimproved barriers segregating the community, inadequate delivery points, unreliable garbage and recycling pickup, insufficient bus rerouting information, and noise disturbances from overnight construction have negatively impacted our residents, businesses, and the overall well-being of our district.”

LWT founder and CEO Leanne Pittsford expressed her frustration with how the Castro Merchants have handled the situation. She said she didn’t understand why LWT was not invited to the meeting ahead of the vote.

Asten-Bennett’s response to that question: “After months of inviting LWT to give us an update and Leanne informing me before the October meeting, ‘It was never in my plan’ to come back and give us an update, followed by a total disregard for every area of concern, I did not feel it was necessary to have their input. This vote was about what was best for us as a merchant organization.”

But Pittsford maintains the event is great for the Castro neighborhood.

“Having 2,000 queer women, queer women of color, and non-binary leaders walking around spending a million dollars during the weekdays is pretty impactful,” she said, estimating that the event’s economic impact on the city is about $3 million, with $1 million going to Castro businesses.