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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Quick takeaways
Riis Beach has transformed into a cherished sanctuary for the queer community, thriving in an environment that reflects resilience and acceptance.
The demolition of the Neponset Beach Hospital poses significant threats to the future identity and protection of Riis Beach, raising concerns about gentrification and community integrity.
Deep dives
The Allure of Rees Beach
Rees Beach in New York City has become a beloved sanctuary for the queer community, evolving into a space of acceptance and expression against the backdrop of an abandoned building, the Neponset Beach Hospital. The beach offers a vibrant atmosphere marked by topless bathing and diverse gatherings, serving as a haven for those seeking freedom from societal norms. Despite being initially an unintentional queer space, the area grew to symbolize refuge and joy for many visiting the beach over the years. The unique setup of the hospital created a protective enclave that contributed to the beach's development into a cherished queer landmark.
Historical Transformations of Rees
The history of Rees Beach is intertwined with that of the Neponset Beach Hospital, built in the 1910s to treat tuberculosis patients. This structure's presence heavily influenced the beach's evolution, attracting queer individuals since the 1940s and transforming the area into a consistent refuge. Urban planners note how various redesigns of the surrounding park, particularly those led by Robert Moses, completely altered the environment, yet the hospital remained untouched for decades, allowing it to become a central part of the beach's identity. Over time, Rees evolved amid changing societal attitudes towards queerness and public spaces, gradually forming its own unique community.
Demolition and Change
The recent demolition of the Neponset Beach Hospital has raised significant concerns regarding the future of Rees Beach and its queer identity. Historically a space where the queer community found shelter from societal judgment, the removal of the hospital prompts fears of increased scrutiny and less protection for beachgoers. Reports of rising arrests for public nudity and local pressure to change the nature of the beach highlight tensions between emerging norms and the community’s existing practices. As the queer oasis faces potential erasure and commercialization, discussions around community land trusts seek to preserve its cultural significance amidst threats of gentrification.
Cultural Legacy and the Future
Rees Beach represents more than just a physical location; it embodies the resilience and autonomy of the queer community, having adapted to both friendly and hostile environments throughout its history. The evolution of the beach space reflects broader societal shifts and has become a platform for communal identity and celebration. Individuals, including one person’s poignant ritual of taking their first hormone dose at Rees, illustrate the deep personal connections forged at this site. There is a collective hope that future initiatives will respect and honor the beach's legacy while fostering inclusivity, allowing it to thrive as a true sanctuary for all.
As the last warmth of summer fades, Riis Beach—a hidden queer oasis behind a decaying hospital—faces a new reality. With its shadowy protector demolished, can this haven survive in the open, or will its magic disappear with the ruins?