DeepSummary
The podcast episode discusses the importance of queer spaces, particularly lesbian bars, and explores the reasons behind their decline. The hosts talk about their experiences in different queer spaces, both positive and negative, and emphasize the need for inclusive and affirming environments for the LGBTQ+ community.
Arielle, a guest on the podcast, shares her research on the history of lesbian bars in the United States and the factors contributing to their closure, such as inflation, the rise of dating apps, and conflicts within the community over issues like trans inclusivity. She highlights the economic and social barriers that have made it difficult for women to own and sustain these spaces.
The conversation also touches on the prevalence of queer spaces catering primarily to cisgender gay men, and the challenges faced by queer women, non-binary individuals, and trans people in finding and creating their own spaces. The hosts discuss alternative ways of building community, such as through online platforms and pop-up events.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Queer spaces, particularly lesbian bars, have been declining in number due to various factors, including inflation, the rise of dating apps, and conflicts within the community over issues like trans inclusivity.
- Lesbian spaces have historically been more inclusive of diverse gender identities compared to spaces catering primarily to cisgender gay men.
- Bars have been central to the LGBTQ+ community as spaces where individuals could gather and engage in activities that were once considered illegal.
- The lack of permanent queer spaces has led to the creation of alternative communities and events, such as pop-up gatherings and online platforms.
- Individuals within the LGBTQ+ community have found ways to create their own affirming spaces, even in places not traditionally considered queer spaces.
- There is a need for more inclusive and affirming spaces that cater to the diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Economic and social barriers have made it difficult for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community to own and sustain queer spaces.
- The gentrification of traditionally queer neighborhoods has contributed to the closure of many LGBTQ+ establishments.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “So, actually, my first experience in a queer space is in a lesbian bar.“ by Arielle
- “And, like, historically, that makes sense because bars were a space where people could, like, do illegal things. And for a long time, that was, like, gay shit.“ by Arielle
- “But I hear people make fun of it and they call it like, oh, they're like, oh, they changed boys town to, like, they themstown now. But I'm like, that's the exact sentiment of boys town.“ by Arielle
- “And I think being able to look back on that and see how those were queer spaces in a sense, at least in feeling, even if we weren't explicitly, like, we are queer and this is our space, is, like, a way that I like to think about spaces that I've inhabited where it's just, like, we are queer, and we happen to be here to the point where, like, now best friend and I will go to this bar, and we're like, this is a trans bar now. Because we're here.“ by Jules
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Episode Information
Season of the Bitch
Season of the Bitch
2/25/22