Image of Shinjuku Ni-chome as a Gay Neighborhood and Its Evolution

DOI Web Site Web Site 9 References

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 「新宿二丁目」地区におけるゲイ男性の場所イメージとその変化
  • 「 シンジュク ニチョウメ 」 チク ニ オケル ゲイ ダンセイ ノ バショ イメージ ト ソノ ヘンカ

Search this article

Description

<p>Geographic studies on sexuality have been conducted in human geography in English-speaking countries since the 1970s. However, Japanese geographers have paid little attention to this topic. This study aimed to clarify the image of Shinjuku Ni-chome and the process of the evolution of its image through the practices and experiences of gay men. Shinjuku Ni-chome is a former red-light district and the most famous gay district in Japan. Semi-structured interviews with 24 gay men living in the Tokyo metropolitan area revealed the following three main findings.</p><p>First, the development of relationships between gay men using online sites did not necessarily decrease their patronage of gay bars in Shinjuku Ni-chome. Second, the influx of heterosexuals in Shinjuku Ni-chome could be attributed to mass media reports, and gay men felt conflicted about whether to reject or accept heterosexuals in the neighborhood. Third, many gay men view Shinjuku Ni-chome as a special, safe place to exhibit their sexual orientation, but the recognition of its uniqueness varies based on the development of friendships with gay men and self-establishment as a neighborhood regular.</p><p>These findings suggest that gay identity continues to be tied to the physical environment of a place despite the strengthening of connections made through online sites, and that the recognition of place is dynamic.</p>

Journal

References(9)*help

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top