New Books Network Gender Crisis N.Y.C.
Jul 1, 2025
Lucy Sante, celebrated writer and author of influential works like 'Low Life,' dives into the vibrant rock scene of 1970s New York, a backdrop for gender exploration and social change. She reflects on her writing journey from poetry to historical narratives, influenced by the city's punk movement. Sante discusses the legacy of Candy Darling and her ties to Andy Warhol, while unpacking the cultural importance of venues like Max's Kansas City. The conversation contrasts punk and no wave music, exploring their societal reflections and lasting impact on today's music landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Lucy Sante's New York Roots
- Lucy Sante moved from Belgium to New Jersey as a child and later attended high school and college in New York City.
- She lived continuously in New York City from 1972 to 2000, soaking in its cultural scene.
Candy Darling's Groundbreaking Image
- Candy Darling was an iconic transgender figure in 1970s New York who embraced glamour and visibility despite social constraints.
- A striking collage image of Candy with male anatomy shocked even her close friends due to norms of that era.
Transgender Visibility Was Forbidden
- Transgender representation in the 1970s was socially and aesthetically forbidden and invisible.
- Public visibility of gender transition was rare and often met with taboo, despite some public figures like Christine Jorgensen.
