Narcan in Vending Machines: Community Engagement and Queer Nightlife
Project Description
This project examines the significance of queer nightlife as a cultural phenomenon and a mechanism for fostering solidarity, resistance, and joy. Examples of mutual aid and other creative forms of fundraising and community building are explored through the history of queer nightlife, present-day case studies, and questionnaires with current organizers. It highlights how these spaces have historically navigated systemic challenges, adapted to changing technologies, and built networks of care. Research methods including background historical research and interviews were conducted. The project’s focus is on New York City and the events and community that has and continues to exist here.
Methods
The methods utilized in creating this research paper were fairly traditional. In addition to sourcing and analyzing literature about the subject material, I also visited the LGBTQ Center Archive to conduct research on historic party flyers.
My Role – Individual
Learning Outcome Achieved – Research and Ethical/Creative/Critical Practice
Rationale
This project demonstrates my ability to engage in ethical, creative, and critical practice within Library and Information Science (LIS) as well as exemplifying my research capabilities. By examining queer nightlife as a cultural phenomenon and its role in fostering solidarity, resistance, and joy, I highlight the intersection of information, history, and community. This research aligns with LIS principles through archival research, community engagement, and the documentation of historically marginalized narratives.
A key strength of this project is its critical examination of LIS’s role in preserving underrepresented histories. Conducting research at the LGBTQ Center Archive and analyzing historic party flyers reinforced my commitment to ethical archival practices and accessibility. By incorporating case studies and interviews with current organizers, the project connects past activism with present-day community-building efforts.
This work contributes to LIS by advocating for the importance of nightlife archives and using creative research methods to document ephemeral cultural practices. It actively engages in problem-solving by addressing the lack of formal documentation around queer nightlife and its role in mutual aid and activism.