David Kennerley, a journalist specializing in LGBTQ culture, has curated a handsome, coffee-table style book – GETTING IN – showcasing 230 flyers from NYC queer clubs from the 1990s, with commentary from nightlife luminaries of the era such as Michael Musto, Lady Bunny, and more.
From the official website:
The 1990s in New York City was a heady time for clubgoers, especially those with a queer bent.
Massive dance clubs like the Roxy, Palladium, Limelight, and Tunnel drew fiercely passionate crowds. But the plucky smaller venues like Splash, Crowbar, Pyramid, and Sound Factory Bar were just as vital.
David Kennerley ventured into these now-legendary clubs. And when it was time to leave, promoters handed out flyers for the next week’s parties. Most people tossed them on the sidewalk, but he saved each and every one.
GETTING IN spotlights over 230 of the most eye-popping, culturally resonant examples from his collection.
The invites are not only visually stunning –– depicting flamboyant Club Kids, shirtless hunks, and sassy drag queens –– but tell a story of a unique moment in history when the LGBTQ community was reeling from the AIDS crisis and nightspots provided a refuge.
GETTING IN is the first book to showcase queer nightclub invites from this era.
I was one of those young gays in NYC back in the 1990s and I remember all of those clubs vividly.
I have to say – I was lucky to know many of the “hot” Broadway dancers at the time who would assemble a group to head out to the clubs on a Saturday night.
While I never thought of myself has “hot,” I enjoyed being what I felt was “hot-adjacent.” LOL…
Related: Flashback Friday – My First Visit To A Gay Bar
I’m looking forward to the release of the book in September 2023. You can pre-order at the official website.
