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When AIDS became known as the “gay cancer,” Mineshaft became a sour place to be and a place where NYC officials could come in raid and shut the club down for health violations. Their gayness became powerful in an interpersonal way.ĭuring the time that Mineshaft was open, the AIDS epidemic hit gay communities across the United States. 5 Back when the Mineshaft was open 1976 – 1985 was when gay sex was really coming out in the world, so this idea of doing what they wanted, how they wanted, with who they wanted, and not caring what anyone else had to say about it, was political in itself. There were also a great variety of occupations represented including artists, actors, models, etc. There was a great diversity of members at the Mineshaft they were not prejudiced against any race. This overall vibe made Mineshaft a safe, loving place for gay men to explore their sexuality, and to fulfill their urges for wild, kinky sex. There was something very beautiful and profound.” 4 We were in a state of bliss, of ecstasy, of love, and pure animal attraction. They did not allow transvestites nor transsexuals, because everyone was very butch and tough as Annie Sprinkle describes in correspondence with the authors, They threw out this idea of women and femininity being a weak and submissive role. This place threw out the notion that there had to be a ‘masculine’ and a ‘feminine’ partner that is, a masculine man could be submissive to another masculine man. The collection of characters included Police Officers, Cowboys, Motorcyclists, and the works. 3 The men who went to the Mineshaft were uber-masculine in dress and action much like the men depicted in artwork created by Tom of Finland. Inside you would find an entire wall of glory holes, a jail cell, the back of a truck, dungeons, and even a bathtub perfect for golden showers. The point of the bar was for men to have completely unrestrained sex. You could check your clothes at the door and walk around wearing as much or as little as you’d like. If you got past the bouncer with your acceptable wardrobe, then you walked into another world. As Sprinkle describes it, the Mineshaft was “definitely a place of sex positivity, personal acceptance, power, love, fun, community.” 2 Although, the prejudice was usually only prominent against women there in other words, the club welcomed diversity in race, occupations, and sexual preferences.
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Prejudice against these women was inevitable, since the place was considered home to homosexual men. According to Annie Sprinkle, only three women, including herself, were permitted into the Mineshaft. 1 There were, however, exceptions to this exclusive, gender-specific club. Though the Mineshaft was known as a predominantly male members-only club, membership was granted to those who showed up in compliance with the dress code.
Gay sex clubs in new york code#
This dress code was enforced for erotic reasons in addition to political reasons. Adopted since the beginning, the dress code rules of the Mineshaft denied the following: cologne any formal wear including suits, tuxedos, ties, and dress pants any designer clothes sneakers disco drag and dresses.
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The Mineshaft, in addition to its interest in BDSM and alternative kinks, was notorious for its strict regulations on dress code, which listed more of what one should not wear in opposition to what one should wear (what was allowed).
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That said, not all men were allowed to participate. Managed by Walter Wallace, the Mineshaft was designed strictly for men to practice sexual activities distinct from the conventional gay norm. During the time it operated, the Mineshaft provided space for the gay community to thrive. Formed in October 1976, the Mineshaft was known for its strict regulations on dress code and distinct sexual practices. On the west side of Greenwich Village, however, was a lesser known gay hotspot: an exclusive, members-only BDSM sex club / gay bar called the Mineshaft.
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The most notable landmark is the Stonewall Inn that led to a series of riots in 1969. In New York City, the meatpacking district of Greenwich Village is home to many LGBTQ communities and movements.