the historical narratives of many communities are not etched in formal texts or legislation.
instead, they are woven through the fabric of intergenerational intimacies and the fluid exchange of informal storytelling. simon e van saarloos, through his installation titled "cruising gezi park" for refresh amsterdam, delves into this rich, unwritten history. this artwork draws a parallel between istanbul's gezi park and amsterdam's oosterpark, inviting a deep examination of concepts vital to queer existence: the practice of cruising, the nuances of visibility, the pervasive challenges of safety, and the ways public spaces are regulated and experienced.
the interplay of light, safety, and surveillance
in amsterdam, in response to concerns regarding public spaces, the local police force proposed the installation of additional lighting, particularly during nighttime hours.
while ostensibly presented as a safety enhancement, the introduction of increased illumination often carries a dual purpose, frequently serving as a tool for surveillance. this raises a pertinent question: whose definitions of safety and whose desires for pleasure are being prioritized in the shaping of the urban environment?
the sound support for this exploration was provided by g. october.
garden park: an urban oasis for migrant gay men
in the densely populated, dimly lit urban villages of a south china industrial zone, garden park emerges as a vital sanctuary for rural migrant gay men, offering a respite from the everyday.
for individuals like meilan, this park represents more than just a patch of green; it's a space where they can find relaxation, engage in conversation, and connect with others through cruising for sexual encounters, often in discreet locations such as nearby trees or public restrooms.
a memorable night under the moon
meilan recalls one of the most cherished evenings he spent at garden park.
it was a typical autumn night, yet it became extraordinary. approximately a hundred gay men, many of whom were migrant workers residing in the vicinity, gathered together. they were seated along the railings of a rock bridge, gazing down at the tranquil artificial lake.
some had thoughtfully brought along traditional mooncakes and other refreshments, which they shared with companions under the silvery moonlight. another attendee contributed a bluetooth speaker, filling the air with music that invited spontaneous dancing.
hundreds of individuals, united by their shared identities and experiences, spent the evening in joyous communion.
they were observed laughing and conversing under the moonlit sky until the stroke of midnight. meilan's connection with garden park began approximately seven years prior, not long after his migration from his rural hometown to the city.
the evolving landscape of gay social spaces
the communal life within garden park flourished as meilan soon integrated himself into the network of gay men who frequented the area.
at its zenith, this community comprised several hundred queer men. the majority were migrants transitioning from rural to urban settings, drawn by the park's welcoming atmosphere. however, the gathering also attracted a mix of accidental visitors and individuals who had learned about the park through word-of-mouth from other gay men or via social media platforms.
however, over the course of several decades, a significant shift has occurred in the social geography of gay life.
the proliferation of cosmopolitan consumer spaces and dedicated gay bars across urban centers has fundamentally altered the practice of cruising in public parks. what was once a clandestine activity, a shared secret whispered among individuals, has gradually transformed into a practice perceived as outdated.
it now carries the echoes of the shame and inherent dangers that were once inextricably linked to homosexuality in earlier historical periods.
the rise of consumption-based gay identity and its impact
the emergence of a gay identity heavily influenced by consumerism has, in many respects, fostered increased visibility for gay individuals and contributed to an improvement in the public's perception of the gay community.
this shift has led to greater acceptance and integration within mainstream society. yet, this very stereotype, built upon consumption and visibility, has also been internalized by some within the community itself.
on online forums and social media platforms that tend to be dominated by middle-class gay men, public cruising sites are almost universally portrayed in a negative light.
they are commonly depicted as being unsafe, unhygienic, and characterized by promiscuity. individuals who patronize these spaces are often subjected to stigma, branded as indulgent and even obscene. these ingrained prejudices act as a significant deterrent, discouraging many middle-class gay men from engaging with or visiting these traditional cruising locations.
the enduring relevance of cruising spots
despite the negative perceptions and the shift towards more formalized commercial spaces, it is crucial to recognize that cruising spots have far from disappeared.
their persistence speaks to a variety of enduring needs and desires within the queer community. these spaces, often unacknowledged by mainstream society, continue to serve as vital points of connection, self-expression, and community building for many.
navigating safety and desire in public spaces
the experience of cruising in public parks is inherently complex, involving a delicate balance between the pursuit of connection and the need for personal safety.
the very nature of these spaces, often existing in the liminal zones of urban life, can present both opportunities and risks. understanding the historical context and the contemporary challenges faced by individuals who utilize these spaces is essential for a comprehensive view of queer urban experiences.
the role of community and shared spaces
spaces like garden park offer a powerful illustration of how informal gathering spots can become crucial hubs for social interaction and support, particularly for marginalized groups.
for migrant workers like meilan, who may face isolation in their daily lives, the park provides a sense of belonging and a shared understanding that is difficult to find elsewhere. the communal sharing of food, music, and conversation highlights the fundamental human need for connection and validation.
challenges to public space accessibility and queer presence
the regulation of public spaces, whether through increased lighting, surveillance, or societal attitudes, can significantly impact the accessibility and safety of these areas for queer individuals.
the tension between perceived safety measures and the potential for increased surveillance underscores the ongoing debate about who benefits from and who is potentially harmed by urban planning decisions.
for many, cruising spots are not merely places for casual encounters but are integral to their social lives and their ability to express their identities in a world that does not always accommodate them.
beyond the stereotypes: a nuanced perspective
it is vital to move beyond simplistic or judgmental portrayals of gay cruising.
the practice is multifaceted, influenced by factors such as class, migration status, and the historical context of LGBTQ+ rights. spaces like oosterpark and garden park, each with its unique characteristics, demonstrate the diverse ways in which queer individuals carve out spaces for themselves and foster community, often in the face of societal pressures and evolving urban landscapes.
the future of queer public spaces
as cities continue to evolve, so too will the dynamics of queer social spaces.
the ongoing dialogue about safety, visibility, and regulation is crucial for ensuring that public spaces remain inclusive and welcoming for all. the stories and experiences shared within these spaces, though often undocumented in formal histories, are an invaluable part of the broader narrative of queer liberation and community building.