Queer Spaces in New York and Chicago: Sound, Style, and Safety

The history of popular music often disregards the pivotal contributions of the queer community despite its profound influence on musical genres and cultural movements. This master’s thesis delves into the intersection of queer-identified spaces in New York and Chicago from the early 1970s onward, exploring how these environments provided fertile ground for musical experimentation and innovation. Through four case studies, the thesis examines the emergence of diverse musical styles and performance aesthetics within queer spaces. Case Study One investigates the utilization of 'camp' by artists like Bette Midler in New York’s Continental Bathhouse, while Case Study Two explores Frankie Knuckles’ pioneering role as a queer EDM DJ in both cities. Case Study Three delves into the development of vogue music within Harlem ballroom culture, while Case Study Four examines how the Brooklyn venue dUMBA fostered the emergence of Queercore in the late 1990s. Existing literature often overlooks the musical aspects of queer spaces, focusing instead on social and cultural elements. This thesis fills this gap by employing a photo-story methodology, drawing on personal accounts and ethnographic insights to analyze the interplay between music and queer spaces. By employing historical-cultural methods, the thesis contextualizes the intentional construction of safe spaces within the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing their role in fostering creativity and community. Ethnographic approaches further highlight the significance of these spaces in encouraging self-expression and supporting performers’ freedom of sexuality. Queer urban dance spaces not only provide a sense of community and safety but also serve as catalysts for musical innovation, shaping genres like EDM and Queercore. Recognizing and preserving these spaces is crucial for both the well-being of the queer community and the enrichment of artistic creativity on a broader scale. This thesis emphasizes the profound impact of queer spaces on music, culture, and identity.