A Night at the Snake Pit: Gay Life in 1970s New York City
A Tumultuous Night and the Spark of Protest
A tumultuous night at the Snake Pit, a gay club in 1970s New York City, left a lasting impact. An attempt to escape by one patron, culminating in a tragic impalement on a fence, ignited a powerful protest march.
This event served as a crucial demonstration of the nascent gay rights organizations' strength and inspired a surge of political activism among LGBTQ+ individuals, many of whom had remained on the sidelines following the Stonewall Riots.
A Cornerstone of the Gay Scene
Located in the basement of a building on West 10th Street, the Snake Pit was a key hub in the city's burgeoning gay community.
Photos from the time vividly illustrate the entrance to this underground space, showcasing the stairwell and iron railing that led to the basement bar.
A Tense Atmosphere and a Cry for Justice
Fear of further unrest from the large crowd of male patrons led to arrests.
One of those arrested, Argentinian immigrant Diego Vinales, a 23-year-old visiting the bar for the first time, panicked upon facing the possibility of deportation for expired visa. His attempt to escape the third floor of the jail led to a tragic impalement on an iron fence below.
Thankfully, firefighters were able to free him.
This incident, widely covered by the media, resonated with the community. Arrested individuals, recognizing the opportunity, used the empty police office to contact the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) and the press, bringing further attention to the injustice.
The Daily News became heavily involved.
A Movement Gains Momentum
The story of the impalement served as a catalyst, inspiring numerous LGBTQ+ individuals, including future film historian Vito Russo, future GAA president Morty Manford, and educator Arnie Kantrowitz, to become politically active - many inspired for the first time since Stonewall.
Critically, this incident also highlighted the growing strength of the burgeoning gay rights movement. The incident's subsequent media coverage served as a defining moment for the burgeoning LGBTQ+ rights movement.
While the charges against Vinales were ultimately dropped, he continued to face immigration bureau issues.
Despite the lack of definitive post-incident details, journalist Arthur Bell reportedly visited him at his home in New Jersey later that year.
Beyond the Snake Pit: The Vibrant Gay Scene of London in the 1970s
The 1970s brought a lively gay scene to London, with numerous clubs and venues catering to a diverse and vibrant population.
Underground Night Spots: Small Dives and Superclubs
Smaller venues, such as Shanes in West Hampstead and The Catacombs in Earls Court, provided intimate settings for music and dancing.
One-nighters, orchestrated by promoters like Tricky Dicky, filled bars and pubs, showcasing diverse musical acts.
Larger venues, like Bang, became key destinations for the gay disco scene.
Clubs like El Sombrero and The Rainbow Disco offered varied musical tastes and diverse crowds.
Other venues, like Monkberrys and Adams, presented sophisticated atmospheres and cutting-edge music.
A Rise of Glamour and Mixing
The Embassy Club in Bond Street introduced a more upscale and refined atmosphere to the gay disco scene in London.
Key DJs like Ian Levine, with their diverse music choices, further elevated the gay scene's sound and style.
Disco's popularity waned as other styles gained prominence, yet London's gay scene continued to evolve and attract both local and international crowds.
The Evolution of the Scene
The 1970s saw a transformation in the gay scene, from small, intimate venues to larger, more commercially successful clubs.
Styles of music and culture reflected the growing confidence and vibrancy of the gay community.