Marco Colantonio has established a professional trajectory defined by community advocacy, transitioning from the founding of a hyperlocal news outlet to a real estate practice focused on the LGBTQ+ community. His perform spans two of the West Coast’s most prominent queer hubs, West Hollywood and Palm Springs.
The Role of Accountability in Local Journalism
In late 2016, Colantonio launched WeHo Times to provide diverse perspectives in West Hollywood. He noted that the city’s global impact made it too important to have a single voice shaping the local narrative.
The publication gained significant prominence by breaking the story Sex, Politics, Meth and Death in West Hollywood
. This report detailed the death of Gemmel Moore, who suffered a methamphetamine overdose in the home of a powerful political donor.
Colantonio stated that this reporting helped spark an investigation that eventually led to the conviction of Ed Buck. He describes this as the single most meaningful accomplishment of his life.
Shifting Queer Cultural Hubs
While West Hollywood remains a beacon for the community, Colantonio has observed a renaissance in Palm Springs. He first noticed this shift in energy and a younger crowd roughly seven years before the pandemic.
The pandemic accelerated this trend as residents of West Hollywood and Los Angeles sought open, sun-filled environments. Colantonio describes Palm Springs as a sister city to West Hollywood, offering a lifestyle of space and ease compared to the dense urban nature of the latter.
He suggests that while West Hollywood celebrates where a person is, Palm Springs embraces where they are going. This distinction has influenced his approach to guiding clients through their next life chapters.
Real Estate and the Impact of Marriage Equality
Colantonio observes that marriage equality fundamentally altered the landscape for queer homebuyers. Previously, couples faced significant uncertainties regarding ownership rights and legal protections.
Current buyers now approach homeownership with greater confidence and a long-term vision. This shift allows couples and families to build wealth and put down roots with a level of security that was previously inaccessible.
In markets like Palm Springs, this manifests as a desire for homes that reflect personal identity and community connection. The focus has moved from navigating legal barriers to exploring lifestyle possibilities.
Future Outlook for Queer Communities
The evolution of West Hollywood may continue to see a tension between its “urban village” roots and its growth as part of the broader Los Angeles area. Future engagement from new voices could be a key factor in maintaining the city’s core values of tolerance and acceptance.
The growth of Palm Springs as a primary destination may persist as more buyers seek a lifestyle-oriented environment. This could lead to further development of the city as an independent cultural center rather than a satellite of Los Angeles.
As legal protections remain stable, queer buyers may continue to shift their focus toward aggressive wealth building and strategic real estate investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the impact of the Gemmel Moore story?
The story, published by WeHo Times, gave a voice to Moore and helped spark an investigation that ultimately led to the conviction of Ed Buck.
How did the pandemic affect Palm Springs?
The pandemic accelerated a pre-existing renaissance in Palm Springs, as Angelenos and West Hollywood residents sought an escape to a place that felt open and livable.
How has marriage equality changed homebuying for queer couples?
It removed previous barriers related to legal protections and ownership rights, allowing buyers to approach homeownership with more confidence and a focus on building wealth.
For more info, head to MarcoHomes.com
Do you believe the “urban village” experience of historic queer neighborhoods can be preserved during periods of rapid city growth?