ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author uses autoethnography to explore his experiences with queer bars, what Weightman refers to as the “most important social and cultural institution” in the queer world. Specifically, he relies on his memory, fieldnotes, conversations, and deep hanging out to develop and craft thick descriptions about prominent and vital organizations. Spaces such as queer bars provide contexts of comfort and support for queer persons by providing safe retreats from rampant homophobic and heterosexist contexts and allowing “lesbians and gay men drop all straight facades”. Within queer bars, there is not much concern about discrimination based on sexuality and queer patrons do not have to explain or defend same-gender/sex attraction. Queer bars continue to be threatened by the increased acceptance and assimilation of queerness in the United States as well. Ironically, queer bars may have been safer then as they were not always apparent; now, with increased acceptance and new technologies.
