Summary of "Meet Me at Riis" – 99% Invisible Episode
Episode Title: Meet Me at Riis
Host: Roman Mars
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Produced by: Jasmine J.T. Green
1. Introduction
In this episode of 99% Invisible, host Roman Mars delves into the fascinating history and transformation of Riis Beach at Jacob Riis Park, highlighting its significance as a haven for the queer community. Through interviews with key figures and archival research, the episode explores how design and architecture shape social spaces and communities.
2. The Birth of Riis Beach and Neponset Beach Hospital
Jasmine J.T. Green recounts her first visit to Riis Beach on July 4, 2017:
"I was seven months into living in Brooklyn after a move from Chicago. The ocean was never part of my landlocked life in the Midwest... we landed on a patch of sand that was partially shaded by an abandoned building... the Neponset Beach Hospital." [01:49]
Dean Labowitz, an urban planner and historian, provides historical context:
"In 1914, before it was a beach, it was a military base for the Rockaway Naval Air Station. Then in 1915, the Neponset Beach Hospital was built to treat children with tuberculosis." [05:00]
Designed with beautiful porches and open-air balconies facing the beach, the hospital initially served as a healthcare facility but soon became integral to the park’s identity.
3. Riis Beach as a Queer Sanctuary
The abandoned Neponset Beach Hospital inadvertently provided a secluded area that became a sanctuary for the queer community. Jasmine J.T. Green explains:
"This rundown old hospital became a landmark of queer sanctuary. It offered a kind of protective shadow for this queer paradise to persist." [03:05]
Chris Bernson, a documentary artist, shares archival photographs showcasing the vibrant LGBTQ+ presence at Riis Beach during the 1980s:
"People's fashion is really on point. It's like Riis has always been a congregation point for everybody." [08:28]
Despite its unofficial status, Riis Beach became a widely recognized space for queer gatherings, offering a sense of community and freedom that was rare in other public spaces.
4. Demolition of Neponset Beach Hospital and Its Aftermath
In the early 2020s, the long-abandoned Neponset Beach Hospital faced demolition. Jasmine J.T. Green reflects on the emotional impact:
"I didn't know what would become of this place that had made me feel safe. We wondered what would happen to the future of queer Riis now that our private oasis was no longer in shadow." [12:55]
The demolition led to increased visibility and regulation of Riis Beach, causing apprehension within the community. Chris Bernson expresses concern over the potential erasure of its queer legacy:
"Chris would hate to see that happen to Riis." [15:49]
5. Current Challenges and Future Prospects
With the hospital gone, Riis Beach faces new challenges, including rising arrests for public nudity and pressures from local residents advocating for increased safety measures. Jasmine J.T. Green highlights ongoing community efforts:
"Glitz, Gays, and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society is working on a proposal for a community land trust that leads to a healthcare facility focusing on trans New Yorkers." [15:49]
Chris Bernson envisions a future where Riis Beach balances its natural allure with improved infrastructure:
"I would love to see native plants and grasses and trees be planted there and give some nature back to the place." [15:49]
Despite the changes, Riis Beach remains one of the few accessible queer spaces that do not revolve around alcohol or expensive entry fees, maintaining its unique role in the community.
6. Personal Reflections and Closing Rituals
In a poignant moment, Jasmine J.T. Green shares her personal ritual at Riis Beach:
"This was the first time I would step into the ocean as an out trans lesbian woman. I took the pill and just like my ancestors before me, I took a deep breath and ducked my head underwater, fully submerging myself into the sea." [16:29]
This act symbolizes both personal transformation and a connection to the enduring spirit of Riis Beach as a sanctuary for marginalized identities.
7. Conclusion
"Meet Me at Riis" intricately weaves the architectural history of Riis Beach with its social evolution, illustrating how physical spaces can become pivotal in fostering community and identity. The episode underscores the resilience of the queer community in carving out safe spaces amidst changing urban landscapes and highlights ongoing efforts to preserve Riis Beach’s legacy.
Notable Quotes:
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Jasmine J.T. Green [03:21]: "Ever since that first visit to Riis, I've made a trip every summer to enjoy a nutcracker while gazing at the Atlantic Ocean."
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Dean Labowitz [04:19]: "Rhys is Dean's queer haven as well. Their apartment is decorated with shells and sea glass they've collected from the beach."
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Chris Bernson [08:52]: "This is like a weird, timeless image where I'm like, Riis has always been a congregation point for everybody."
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Avery Trufelman [23:16]: "Ruinenlust. The long-standing aesthetic obsession with decay."
This episode sheds light on the intricate relationship between design, architecture, and community, showcasing how abandoned structures like the Neponset Beach Hospital can inadvertently become pillars of social sanctuary.