22 min

17. Mobsters & Mos: How the Mafia Owned Gay Nightlife A Jaded Gay

    • Sexuality

In 1960s New York City, the Mafia needed a place to conduct business without police detection and gay men needed a safe space to socialize without being arrested. The result: the Genovese family ended up controlling the majority of gay bars in Greenwich Village, which was emerging as a gay hub at the time.

In this episode, we’re diving into this unlikely partnership that eventually led to the exploitation of the gay community.

Additional Resources:
Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the StreetsStonewall Uprising: Why Did the Mafia Own the Bar?How the Mob Helped Establish NYC’s Gay Bar SceneThe Italian Mafia Played a Pivotal Role in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising – But Don’t Call Them AlliesHow the Mafia Once Controlled the New York Gay SceneSupport the Show.
Get Your Merch

In 1960s New York City, the Mafia needed a place to conduct business without police detection and gay men needed a safe space to socialize without being arrested. The result: the Genovese family ended up controlling the majority of gay bars in Greenwich Village, which was emerging as a gay hub at the time.

In this episode, we’re diving into this unlikely partnership that eventually led to the exploitation of the gay community.

Additional Resources:
Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the StreetsStonewall Uprising: Why Did the Mafia Own the Bar?How the Mob Helped Establish NYC’s Gay Bar SceneThe Italian Mafia Played a Pivotal Role in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising – But Don’t Call Them AlliesHow the Mafia Once Controlled the New York Gay SceneSupport the Show.
Get Your Merch

22 min