People of all sexualities tend to congregate freely in shared space.
In my adopted hometown, Boston, the distinction between “gay” and “straight” social gathering venues is slippery. But the gradual induction of LGBTQ+ rights and the social acceptance queer folk have gained have subsequently diminished the need for the traditional “gay” social space. On one hand, LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and venues have provided a vital safe space for marginalized groups to congregate and affirm their existence on both a personal and political level. In recent years, the purpose of queer-specific establishments has been juxtaposed between the historic need for such spaces and the push to integrate.
