Sexualized/Gendered/Queer Spaces by Patricia Fraser

Checking out El Barrio for spaces that would be considered mainly masculine or feminine was fairly easy, but in terms of spaces that would be considered gay/lesbian/queer spaces, was alot harder to define. The spaces that were predominently female were all the hair and nail salons. The school grounds were also mainly female because more caretakers dropping off and picking up kids were female. During the day, the staff working with the kids in the playground were also predominently female. Laundromats were split evenly between men and women in attendance.

The males spaces that I found turned out to be local stores that on the outside look like small grocery stores, but inside Spanish music is blasting, and chairs and tables are set up. There are no customers inside, only older men sitting at the tables in groups talking, playing cards and Dominoes. There are no women in sight. Also in front of the gates of enclosed community gardens sit groups of men also talking and playing Dominoes. Again, maybe one or two women are in the group, but no more. Even in the garden, which is stereotypically considered a woman's domain, there are only men watering plants and taking care of the garden.

In terms of gay/lesbian/queer spaces in Spanish Harlem, I did not see any openly obvious spaces. However, in observing groups of young people together, it is not uncommon to see gay or lesbian teens, sometimes in couples, among a group. Also many adults, reagrdless of age, walk around singularly, as couples or in small groups together, on their way to someplace else. Being a part of this community, I know that I feel safe in Spanish Harlem walking with my partner and friends in the street. There is no negative talk or behavior directed at us or anyone else I have seen.

Manhattan has several spaces that offer support, advocacy, and social networks for teens, adults and seniors who are part of the gay and lesbian community. Hetrick Martin Institute is a multiservice organization located in the Village for gay and lesbian teenagers. Along with the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center, also in the Village, these places offer a safe space to meet and hang out, and get advice and guidance from adults. Harvey Milk High School is for teens who identify as gay, lesbian or transgender who were bullied and ostracized in other high schools, but still want to continue their education. The Door is also a multiservice agency, but it serves all teens aand young adults, regardless of gender, orientation, disability, race, nationality or socioeconomic status. SAGE is an organization for gay and lesbian senior citizens to find friendship, support, advocacy and social opportunities.

When I typed in a search for "gay New york City", alot of links to bars, restaurants, and social events for residents as well as tourists came up. Besides that bookstores, retail stores and hotels offering discounts to visitors also came up. I could go on because I know of many more places, but the point is that New York is alot more open and tolerant of many different types of people and there is something for everyone in this city.