The Castro district has been a safe space and hotspot for the queer community, expression, and tourism for many decades. But when there is popularity there is a chance for profit for corporations, and a common theme of "gaytrification." These corporations are engaging in "rainbow-washing" — such as promoting LGBTQ Pride Month — and then not engaging with meaningful support once the profit stream ends at the end of June.
In many cases, large corporations entering queer spaces take business from locals hoping to maintain their small businesses within high-rent spaces, harming our community.
For example, Bank of America at 18th and Castro streets recently attempted to remove the memorial and LGBTQ activism site. A true ally would be aware of