They allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to explore their identities, express themselves freely, and build new creative connections. These were spaces where gender roles were ignored, and people could present and dress as they liked. These were especially important as homosexuality was a capital offence until 1861.īut molly houses were home to more than drinking and hook-ups. James’s Park, which was popular at the time. Often in rookeries - equivalent to modern-day “slums” or “ghettos” - molly houses would provide a place for men to meet for sexual liaisons that were somewhat safer from law enforcement actions than cruising in parks, such as St. These gay enterprises, molly houses, were widespread across the capital and served as meeting places for gay men for centuries. In Sojourners, a UBC sociology journal, Alexander Salem reports that London has had LGBTQ+ nightlife since as early as the 1700s.
But, as behaviours, attitudes, and trends shift, we’ve begun losing these hubs - including gay bars, performance venues, and cafes - leaving the queer community often scattered and disconnected. Through times of criminalisation and discrimination, we’ve carved out safe spaces that have provided a sense of belonging. LGBTQ+ centric venues have fostered new talent that wouldn’t be platformed elsewhere hidden rooms above gay bookshops have allowed for the birth of countless grassroots movements. From the molly houses of the 18th and 19th centuries and New York’s iconic Stonewall Inn to Heaven and G-A-Y later, gay bars have long served as a source of community and joy for the LGBTQ+ community.
0 kommentar(er)
