Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Urban & Regional Planning
Department
Urban and Regional Planning
First Advisor
Dr. Sarah Raskin
Second Advisor
Dr. Meghan Gough
Third Advisor
Dr. Paulina Guerrero
Abstract
The intersection of queerness and planning is an understudied subject area that has implications for equity and access. Queer communities face real barriers to equitable access of resources that stem from a long history of legal, cultural, and economic marginalization. Experiences of shared spaces for queer groups and organizations is important to understand, as outward expressions of queerness are not always welcome in shared spaces, depending on sociopolitical context. Richmond, Virginia has a rich queer history both filled with challenges as well as examples of queer success and joy that makes it a prime case study selection.
This thesis utilizes qualitative interview data and document analysis to create a thematic analysis that describes how some queer groups access, shape, and experience shared space in Richmond. The data suggests that themes related to 1) visibility, 2) ownership, 3) target audience, 4) safety, and 5) immaterial understandings of place are common to the queer experience of shared space. The following pages will provide an overview of queer planning, the research question and methodology, findings, and implications.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-7-2026