Long Live Queer Nightlife: How the Closing of Gay Bars Sparked a Revolution

In this eye-opening study, sociologist Ghaziani (The Dividends of Dissent) disputes the widespread notion that the queer community is suffering in the wake of an “epidemic” of LGBTQ bar closures over the past two decades. While acknowledging some problems stemming from such closures, rather than dwelling on “decline,” Ghaziani argues that queer night life is undergoing a hidden renaissance, outside of mainstream view. In particular, he points to the rise of themed club nights, which are often hosted by intersectional queer collectives in rented spaces on the outskirts of cities, describing these events as ephemeral, diverse, and potentially revolutionary. Usually inclusive of members of the queer community who were previously excluded from mainstream gay bars, these gatherings, Ghaziani argues, exemplify the radical type of community-building that emerges in disruptive political moments. Furthermore, they gesture to what society could look like in a more egalitarian and collective-oriented future. As examples, Ghaziani spotlights events such as Femmetopia, a bimonthly London club night celebrating feminine gender expression, and CAMPervan, a traveling free outdoor party for working-class queer people across Europe. Ghaziani provides an immersive view of these communities, profiling partygoers and event planners and participating in the club nights himself. It’s an invigorating and upbeat view of queer life. (Mar.)