New York Gay
Gorge Chauncey Gave Insights into New York’s Gay World
20th century city. He thought the world was lost to the myth of invisibility,
Isolation and internalization (Stack & Boag, 2019). According to Barney, this information is critical
In the modern world where being gay is closely associated with the closet
concept. He provides a vivid description of the use of various primary sources and personal information
by gay men. This article examines Chauncey’s arguments and why they take center stage
Learn about homosexuality in modern society.
Chauncey believes the myths of gay culture are built on cupboards
concept. However, this could not be further from the truth and did not exist before the 1960s. he explained
Gay men don’t read about getting pregnant or talking about existing in the closet. period
Chauncey explains that there is no duality, men are judged according to their femininity or
masculinity, not the gender of their sexual partner. So men can have sex with women
However, “fairies” are not considered “gay” (Stack & Boag, 2019). Barney explained this in the 1910s
2
In the 1920s, as the middle class grew, sexual preferences shifted, creating a
Male heterosexual identity, “gay” is the “fairy” of the bourgeoisie.
Identify by their attractiveness to men. So Chauncey thinks this caused it
Horrible responses to bourgeois sexuality and
Middle-class men are anxious about their masculinity.
Gay culture based on external sources and different dates
public and private records to develop narratives of gay culture in New York, and to discover
Cultures vary according to who they represent. For example, he explained
A married man, “normal”, cut off sexual relations with other men, did not share the same
Experience “fairness” (Chauncey & Strange, 1997). Anti-gay people, according to Chauncey
NYC culture doesn’t stop gay people from interacting with each other, it allows them
Another Gay Culture Development; Arguments Against the Isolation Myth. In addition, he has
The belief that gay men aren’t invisible to “normal” men prevents interaction. he
Proof that “pretty” is still distinctly feminine for “normal” people to recognize
Gays in New York City. He also noted that gay men use mannerisms and other indicators such as
Let them hide from “normal people” clothes. he also noticed
Police and vigilantes continue to raid gay venues, including parks, bars and bathrooms
Develop a private attitude about feeling safe about your own sexuality (Stack & Boag, 2019). Chauncey
Countering internalized myths, pointing out that gay men did it in the 20th century
Do not fight against oppression. Sexual Openness and Extravagance of “Fairy”
against internalization. Chauncey also explained that many gay men go to parks,
Bathrooms and other facilities, despite the risk of being raided by the police.
From this it can be concluded that disturbances are generally unusual.
3
All in all, Chauncey’s work helps to understand that the gay world was visible until then
It was in the closet before the end of the world war. Moreover, the centrality of the gay world
Civil Society in New York City. Hardly any binary definition of the individual
Throughout the period, but that’s based on their masculinity or femininity. gay men also have
Communities can sometimes be seen in settings of public and private spaces.
4
refer to
Barney, J. Book Reviews in Brooklyn’s Queer Period: A History. madison history
Review, 17(1), 8.
Chauncey, G., & Seltsam, C. (1997). Homosexuality in New York: Gender, Urban Culture and
The Gay World, 1890-1940. Work, (39), 261.
Stapel, B. and Boag, P. (2019). George Chauncey’s GAY NEW YORK: What to Watch
25 years later. Journal of the Gilded and Progressive Times, 18(1), 120-132.