The GSBA was proud to welcome Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, representative for Washington’s 7th Congressional District, to a walking tour of some of Capitol Hill’s LGBTQ+-owned locations. Business owners were allowed to raise essential issues while celebrating the neighborhood’s legacy as a staple of Washington’s LGBTQ+ community.
Congresswoman Jayapal started her visit at GSBA’s newly expanded office space next door to our old location, where she talked with staff. GSBA’s President & CEO Ilona Lohrey celebrated Capitol Hill’s strong post-pandemic recovery while highlighting that continued financial support from the Federal Government would help abate ongoing issues like public safety and neighborhood cleanliness concerns.
The group hiked up the hill to enjoy homemade pop tarts at Shikorina Bakeshop & Café, enjoyed the atmosphere of Queer/Bar, and sampled the Pride offerings at retailers Capitol Thrill and Sergius & Baccus. Congresswoman Jayapal was keen to hear from each of them. Business owners discussed the neighborhood landscape post-pandemic and brought up continuing pain points, including high insurance costs, public safety concerns, and unaffordable retail rents leading to storefront vacancies. The congresswoman asked many questions and left the discussion with a greater understanding of the nuanced experience of being a Capitol Hill business owner.
GSBA was honored to host Congresswoman Jayapal in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. She—and we—are full of pride for our local LGBTQ+ community!
