Study Guide 10
Study Guide 10 | Lehman College on George Chauncey, Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World, 1890-1940, “Introduction”
- Explain the three myths and how Chauncey challenges these ideas.
Chancey identifies Gay culture prior to the 1920s. A culture generally forgotten by traditional mediums. Yet, gay culture and collaboration thrived in the early 1900s. A stable economical enclave, and culture hub centered in Harlem and other parts of the city grew, and shined.
- Describe the gay subculture.
Gay culture flourished in NYC prior to World War II. Gay men developed a unique culture based on brotherhood, and the rejection of the popular norm of name behavior. Homosexuals created their own circle where music, and dance flourished in Harlem, and other parts of New York City.
- In what ways do gay men resist the people of the dominant culture?
Gay men developed a unique identity where they found jobs, homes, and other parts of live within their homosexual circles. Gay men dressed, and and conduct themselves differently even though the popular homosexual culture thrived publicly. However, sadly, there are many cases of hate crimes.
- What does it mean when a man is labeled “trade”?
“Trade” refers to casual relationships between closeted men, and gay men. This negative slang represented those men getting into casual gay involvements. The term trade is also correlated to the slang “chow” as well. Terms no longer acceptable in society.
- Why does the word “gay” triumph?
“gay” triumph as the word suggest represents the accomplishments, and successes faced by the gay community. Such as the invalidation of the term homosexual, to gay marriage.
Lillian Faderman, Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in 20th century America. Pp 48-54; and, “Chapter3”
Romantic friendship was important in the United States from the late 1700s, into the 1800s. Now, we are reading about the 1900s. What happened to the idea of romantic friendship between women at this time? (Refer to pgs. 48-54)
- How did (some) white people view Harlem and black people in this reading?
Some white writers, and readers enjoyed, and collaborated with the Harlem Renaissance. A period where culture, art, music, and diversity was king. People shared ideas, and ideals, changing perspectives, and moving forward, even if slightly.
- Explain the sexual culture in Harlem at this time.
Gay men created an enclave in Harlem and other parts of New York City. Hence, creating some level of autonomy. Having their own shops, and venues having no need to go outside their sphere of comfort, and security. Having some level of sexual freedom during the pick of Pre war Gay men society in Harlem.
- What was lesbianism like in Bohemian culture?
Bohemian culture was predominantly sexually free. Women developed sexual bonds, and travelled in intimates groups wounding often without destination. The roaring 20s saw a period of sexual development, and freedoms. A period to remember the sacrifices made by early member of the gay movement.
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