VIDEO: Exploring the last frontier of Gay New York City in its most diverse borough

When you step out of the subway in New York City and onto the sidewalk, take in the sprawling skyscrapers, smells of fresh meat, and taxi cab exhaust, your brain becomes overloaded. There isn’t any other city in the world where, on the same street, you can walk past Bradley Cooper talking about the weather on one corner and a cop harassing a homeless person on the next. The processors of your brain start to work on overdrive, then time and space become distorted. Before you know it, the day is gone and all you’ve done was walk through a hoard of tourists in Rockafeller Center. 

In the sprawling urban jungle of New York City, hidden gems often live in the shadows, waiting to be discovered and celebrated. In a recent episode of TransContinental, I embarked on a journey through the vibrant borough of Queens, unearthing untold stories and shedding light on the rich tapestry of its diverse communities. My goal was to uncover “everything gay” while focusing on the experiences of the transgender people who live there. What I found was a battle for queer safety through community and perseverance.

Viva La Heights: The Battle for Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights, a melting pot of cultures, creativity, and queerness proved to be a great starting point. Our documentary took an unexpected turn as I found myself caught amidst a protest against drag queens at Viva La Heights, a popular venue known for its LGBTQ+ scene. Sensing the tension in the air, Vivian Adams, a Jackson Heights native, delved deeper. What emerged was a clash of ideologies–us and an army of queers against two lonely and misguided bigots with poorly made signs.

Eventually, my nonbinary sibling, Angel, joined us at a coffee shop as we licked our wounds. Regardless of how poorly executed the protest was, it was still evidence that there are bigots out there who hate us–and that hatred was creeping into places we’ve considered safe. Queens stood as a beacon of hope in New York City, a sanctuary where diverse identities found refuge amidst the chaos. The protest, though disheartening, was another example of our resilience as queer people. The drag show went on without a hitch and we still had a great night.

Unclockable in Astoria – Transcending Boundaries

Meanwhile, in Astoria, I had the privilege of spending time with Mattie Bleistern, the founder of Unclockables, a transformative tucking kit designed specifically for transgender women and nonbinary femmes. Basically, a product for anyone who wants to tuck. Together, we delved into the heart of the Astoria neighborhood, weaving through its bustling streets, and engaging with the locals who make this community so vibrant.

As the camera rolled, the lens struggled to capture the emotion behind Mattie’s eyes and she described the danger transgender people face for simply existing beyond the binary. Her product provided these people with a moment of gender euphoria and a means to feel safe. Mattie’s stories were a poignant reminder of how fragile our community is. 

the strength and resilience of the transgender community–where something as trivial as a bulge in a bikini at the beach can determine the level of safety you’ll experience.

Riis Park Beach – A Transcendent Escape

As the documentary neared its conclusion, I turned my attention to Riis Park Beach, a place revered by transgender individuals for its magical allure. Although the beach was closed for construction during our visit, the serenity of its sandy shores still resonated. The camera painted a picture of a transcendent escape, a sanctuary where individuals could bask in their authentic selves.

Riis Park Beach, with its awe-inspiring beauty, served as a transformative space, fostering a sense of belonging and liberation. It became evident that the physical environment mirrored the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community who made it their home. It’s a difficult journey to get there, and once you’re there–you’re on your own. All you had around you was an abanded hospital and a few concession stands with fried food and watered-down drinks. But once you’re there, surrounded by your people, you feel the magic of the community. It was only rivaled by the pink glow of the sunset and the soft drone of the Atlantic Ocean. Even today, overrun with construction equipment, the magic and memories are still there. 

Queens, with its diverse tapestry of cultures and experiences, continues to be a testament to the power of acceptance and understanding. Just outside of Manhattan, lives a vibrant borough–filled with stories and cheap drinks. It’s just a subway ride away.