then & now: christopher street pier
Summer is coming in New York City, and we love spending our days in the sun with friends & lovers at Christopher Street Pier. The Pier is an enduring space for the queer community that has played a pivotal role in the broader journey of queer liberation in New York City over time. Learn more below.
A History of Queer Expression
In the aftermath of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, the then-decaying Christopher Street Pier emerged as a central artery for queer life in New York City. Christopher Street Pier and the surrounding piers became informal gathering spots where gay men could socialize, sunbathe, and express themselves freely. These spaces offered a semblance of sanctuary during a time when such freedoms were scarce.
Alvin Baltrop, The Piers (sunbathing platform with Tava mural) (1975–86)
The piers also became canvases for artistic expression. From the 1970s through the early 1980s, artists like David Wojnarowicz and Peter Hujar transformed dilapidated structures into sites of creativity, producing installations, photographs, and performances that captured the energy of the time.
Peter Hujar, Untitled (David Wojnarowics with cow mural) (1983)
Peter Hujar, Christopher Street Pier 4 (1976)
A Lifeline for Marginalized Youth
Beyond serving as a social and artistic haven, Christopher Street Pier became a refuge for homeless LGBTQ youth, particularly queer and trans youth of color. Facing rejection from their families and systemic discrimination, many found community and solace on the Pier. This reality was poignantly depicted in the documentary Pier Kids (2019), which chronicles the lives of young individuals as they navigate the challenges of survival and identity in a city that often overlooks them.
Pier Kids (2019)
A Stage for Activism
The Pier has also become a focal point for activism, notably hosting the annual Trans Day of Action organized by the Audre Lorde Project's TransJustice. This event brings together transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals and allies to advocate for justice and rights, addressing issues such as racial and economic justice, bodily autonomy, and the fight against systemic oppression.
In 2018, the significance of the area was further cemented with the dedication of New York State's first official LGBTQ memorial near the Pier. Designed by artist Anthony Goicolea, the abstract installation honors the victims of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting and stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights and recognition.
Today
Today, Christopher Street Pier remains a vibrant public space, welcoming individuals from all walks of life. Its legacy as a site of resistance and artistic expression endures, reminding us of the resilience of those who have fought for equality.
For Sean & Val, the Pier remains a central gathering place for our community, particularly in the summer months. We love spending long days sunbathing with our chosen family, friends, and lovers. Join us. ❤︎
