BEHIND THE LENS: THE ARTISTS THAT DOCUMENTED QUEER HISTORY
A District Defined: Streets, Sex, and Survival exhibits the work of eight talented photographers, encapsulating the essence of the Meatpacking District in the late 80s and 90s. It stands as the most comprehensive and captivating display of photojournalism showcasing the neighborhood during that era to date.
The photos on display will not only offer a glimpse into the underground Meatpacking clubs and spaces where the LGBTQ+ community found solace and liberation, but they’ll also highlight the larger cultural battles and shifting societal norms of the time.
Read a few of photographers’ own words below for a behind the lens sneak peak into Streets, Sex, and Survival:
“[There] was more to the culture than just wearing an outfit. It was a lifestyle. It was a point of view. It was an expression of beliefs. And that’s what made it what it was.
These were places where you could go and become that life. And then when you leave, you would leave everything behind and go back to being normal.” - Efrain Gonzalez
“There's always a scene, right? So I ended up being there in the scene of club kids …” - Catherine McGann
“I wait for the moment to come in, and there’s always a moment. The neighborhood is very different now than it was in the 90s. Simply, it was a reality, it was real life, it was not fiction.” - Katsu Naito
A District Defined: Streets, Sex, and Survival runs June 23 - July 9 at 401 on 401 West 14th Street.
*Some of the works will be on sale with a portion of proceeds from photographs and merchandise swag going to the American LGBTQ+ Museum, a new museum based in New York City whose mission is to ensure that the dynamic lives and stories of the LGBTQ+ community are told and preserved.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE…
All Events
June, 2025
Sunday
June 1, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
Free Second Sundays
Admission to the Whitney is now free all day on the second Sunday of every month.
Not Your Standard Bingo at The Grill
Yas honey, let's play.
Monday
June 2, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Movies on the Cobbles
With Rooftop Films
Tuesday
June 3, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Wednesday
June 4, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Thursday
June 5, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
Harold Hunter '97
A Photography Exhibition
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Get Lost in the Hudson Triangle
Shop, Sip, and Celebrate
Clay in Context at the Whitney Museum
With Greenwich House Pottery
Friday
June 6, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
Harold Hunter '97
A Photography Exhibition
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Free Friday Nights
Admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art is now free on Friday evenings from 5–10 pm.
Sunday
June 8, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
Harold Hunter '97
A Photography Exhibition
Free Second Sundays
Admission to the Whitney is now free all day on the second Sunday of every month.
Not Your Standard Bingo at The Grill
Yas honey, let's play.
Monday
June 9, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Urban Justice Center Night Out Gala
A night to remember
Tuesday
June 10, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Wednesday
June 11, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Thursday
June 12, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
WHOLE HOG DINNER W/ THREES BREWING COMPANY
Hosted by Dickson's Farmstand
Friday
June 13, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Free Friday Nights
Admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art is now free on Friday evenings from 5–10 pm.
Queer Teen Night
At the Whitney Museum
Sunday
June 15, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
Free Second Sundays
Admission to the Whitney is now free all day on the second Sunday of every month.
Not Your Standard Bingo at The Grill
Yas honey, let's play.
Father's Day Specials At Puttery New York City
DADS GOLF FOR FREE
Monday
June 16, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Comedy is Gay with Brooke Finegold
At the Standard Hotel
Tuesday
June 17, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Wednesday
June 18, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Thursday
June 19, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
GOLDEN GOOSE F/W 25 PRESENTATION
Exclusive
Friday
June 20, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Free Friday Nights
Admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art is now free on Friday evenings from 5–10 pm.
Sunday
June 22, 2025
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
Free Second Sundays
Admission to the Whitney is now free all day on the second Sunday of every month.
Not Your Standard Bingo at The Grill
Yas honey, let's play.
Monday
June 23, 2025
The Standard Soda Shop
Watch it Fizz and POP!
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Tuesday
June 24, 2025
The Standard Soda Shop
Watch it Fizz and POP!
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Wednesday
June 25, 2025
The Standard Soda Shop
Watch it Fizz and POP!
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Thursday
June 26, 2025
The Standard Soda Shop
Watch it Fizz and POP!
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Friday
June 27, 2025
The Standard Soda Shop
Watch it Fizz and POP!
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
Free Friday Nights
Admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art is now free on Friday evenings from 5–10 pm.
Sunday
June 29, 2025
The Standard Soda Shop
Watch it Fizz and POP!
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
Queer History Walks
With the Whitney Museum
The Forest Within
An Immersive Retreat with Genesis House
Free Second Sundays
Admission to the Whitney is now free all day on the second Sunday of every month.
Not Your Standard Bingo at The Grill
Yas honey, let's play.
Monday
June 30, 2025
The Standard Soda Shop
Watch it Fizz and POP!
Alice + Olivia Partners with The Ali Forney Center
Spread the Love for Pride Month
Paige Semi-Annual Sale
$3 off Grilled Cheese Happy Hour
Saxelby's Cheesemongers
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Cull & Pistol
Half Priced Oyster Happy Hour
Every Monday-Friday at Lobster Place
$11 Happy Hour at The Standard Grill
Every Monday-Thursday
May
July
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