OUTgoing: NYC Gay History Map

Image: The site of the first documented gay bar in NYC, the Slide, at 157 Bleeker. 

OUTgoing: The Hidden Geography of NYC Gay Nightlife – is a research and design project to map documented historic locations of gay nightlife in New York City as far back and comprehensively as possible. This project was created by me, Jeff Ferzoco, designer and owner of linepointpath , a mapping and information design practice.

The reasons for doing this project are many, and all focus on the fact that we live in a very interesting time to be LGBT in America.  The United States is approaching 50 states with legalized gay marriage, medications are bringing HIV under control and dating/hookup apps are shifting the bar scene. The LGBT experience is in the midst of a 21st century upshift and it's time to look back and get some perspective – and data – to look forward. Nightlife is an important part of gay life and it should be better understood and cultivated, rather than simply remembered. 

But this takes time, development and research.  

I'm raising money to deepen the research and get more stories, photos and places on the map for NYC (and possibly beyond).  The funds will go towards map production, research, assistants and interns, and travel to research locations (photography, visiting archives, purchasing found gay guides, etc). By funding this project, you are helping to find more sources of places lost in history and adding them to OUTgoing's story and map. 

New features being developed:
> TImelines and deeper visualization
> Mobile app for finding the historic nightlife spots where you are, right now.
> A library of images and stories
> A discussion forum


What will YOU get out of this?
> Research & visualization of NYC's extensive gay nightlife history
> Images and stories about the places that existed and/or still exist
> The chance to tell the world YOUR stories 

A variety of bonus gifts, depending upon level:
> A walking tour of Manhattan's West Side at the Lure level and above
> Drinks and a cheeseburger with me at Julius at the Saint level

Thanks for your support! I'll be monitoring and adding more levels/prizes as this project goes on. Any questions or comments? Reach me at [email redacted]  or through GoFundMe.

Thanks,
Jeff Ferzoco