Boston’s City Council voted on March 12 to officially designate the city as a sanctuary for transgender individuals and the wider LGBTQ+ community. Out of 13 councilor members, Councilor Ed Flynn was alone in voting “no” in the 12-1 decision, raising concerns among Boston residents.

Many LGBTQ+ students say the heteronormative, non-diverse — and, at times, dangerous — nightlife scene in cities such as Boston has made it challenging for them to have enjoyable and safe experiences going out. However, in the wake of new queer nightlife opening in Boston — such as Dani’s Queer Bar in Back Bay — some of BU’s LGBTQ+ students have found better experiences within the queer nightlife scene.