LGBTQ+ community members worry about impact of proposed 76 Place on Gayborhood in Philadelphia [Video]

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The proposed 76 Place, which would be the new home to the 76ers, now has a new set of opponents: members of the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia.

They spoke out against 76 Place in front of City Hall on Thursday morning, expressing concern for how the arena will impact the nearby area known as the Gayborhood.

The project has always gotten pushback from Chinatown residents worried about businesses being negatively impacted and housing prices becoming unaffordable.

Residents, businesses, drag performers and allies of the Gayborhood share those concerns, along with other worries about the proposed arena taking away safe queer spaces.

“We are claiming space in the Gayborhood. We do not want to be pushed out again,” said Lasha Cristál, a local drag queen who often performs at clubs in the Gayborhood.

Opponents are worried that the project’s proximity to the Gayborhood will create gentrification, make the area unaffordable, and take away queer …