Food for Thought: Queer Design Examples (Adrian Apollo) (Queer America, Eaklor, Chapter 3)

 

When I think about Queer Design, I envision it in the realm of claiming a space within an already oppressive system. Chapter 3 explains the affects of the Great Depression and wartime struggle on the American population as a whole, but also LGBT Americans as well. During Prohibition, there were many entertainment based establishments that had to go underground in order to sell alcohol. I think the first example of queer design that I recognized within this reading is the ability to not only claim these spaces as places to be openly queer but to also claim them as a means of income. Tiny Davis was able to be a proud lesbian amongst the nightlife, and she built a career off of performing. Queer people are resourceful, and they were able to redesign the cultural norms and social aspects of American life. As factories opened up, and the economic struggle occurred, lesbians were able to adopt masculine roles and means of existence. They could wear pants, work for themselves, and live a truer life for themselves. This may be coincidental, but I believe it to be resourceful and tactical, and an example of queer design. 

I also believe that an example of queer design would be the ability to not only congregate in groups and come together in order to support one another, but to do so in a manner of secrecy. Queer people redesigned communication within American life. Spaces like the bath houses became known for being queer spaces over time, but at first they were not easily identifiable as queer spaces. The amount of queer spaces were so numerous that they could not be completely nailed down. Prohibition created a culture of secretive spaces, and with this, queer people were able to be resourceful and find means of congregating. I think spaces like the bathhouses, the YMCA, and queer nightlife clubs are a good example of queer design, as it demonstrates the ability of queer people to recognize or establish codes that would make them identifiable. 

Another example of queer design that I recognized would be the freedom of self expression, and advocation of rights. "Cross dressing" was an action that the police began to persecute over time. Even in Hollywood movies, theater, and other forms of entertainment it was prohibited or censored. However, queer design is all about pushing the boundaries of what is accepted amongst straight and cis society. Straight and cis people openly enjoyed vaudeville shows that featured cross dressing roles often times. There were ways in order to have drag be an appealing thing to straight and cis people even if it was marketed as a comedic act. Queer people found ways in which they were able to adapt their own wants and needs to mainstream society, and they did so in a way that was true to them. They remained vigilant and strong even if they faced persecution or death threats.