99% Invisible

Meet Me at Riis

8 snips
Nov 5, 2024
Join Jasmine J.T. Green, an artist and producer, along with urban planner Dean Labowitz and documentary artist Chris Bernson, as they dive into the rich history of Riis Beach—a vibrant queer sanctuary. They share personal stories that celebrate the beach's unique community and its ties to the Neponset Beach Hospital. The discussion also touches on the mesmerizing allure of ruins, reflected in the history of Sutro Baths through insights from historian John Martini and local enthusiasts like Tom Bratton and Jill Corral. It's a heartfelt exploration of memory, identity, and preservation.
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ANECDOTE

First Time at Riis

  • Jasmine Green's first experience at Riis Beach in 2017, initially seemed like a typical beach.
  • However, she was led to a secluded area behind the abandoned Neponset Beach Hospital, a queer haven.
INSIGHT

Riis Beach Evolution

  • Riis Beach organically evolved into a queer space, not by design.
  • The demolition of the Neponset Beach Hospital raised questions about the beach's future identity.
ANECDOTE

Riis's Varied History

  • Dean Labowitz describes Riis Beach's history, starting as a military base and then a tuberculosis hospital.
  • Despite its varied uses, the beach became a queer gathering spot almost immediately after becoming public.
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