By the mid 1970s, White Flight was ravaging Norfolk. The LBGTQ community took notice. Ghent became a safe haven and was often referred to as a "Gay Ghetto." Several businesses catering to gay clientele opened in downtown. However, as the gay community became more visible, it also came under fire. In 1977, Anita Bryant brought her infamously anti gay " save the children crusade to Scope. The gay community saw huge gains in public support and approval and as the 80s ticked by, public opinion began to shift. Many who launched the gay rights movement in the 70s said they never dreamed they would see the degree of support that exists today.