Queer Harlem Renaissance AR Walking Tour

In honor of the exhibition Wonder City of the World: New York City Travel Posters, Poster House is hosting a walking tour celebrating the history of the Queer Harlem Renaissance. On Saturday, August 17, step back in time to learn about the queer Black artists and writers who dominated the cultural space between  1919 to 1935. This tour celebrates the gay social networks of the Harlem Renaissance, as well as the safe spaces that were integral to the community—spaces that no longer exist. Utilizing augmented reality through the Queer Harlem phone application, participants will walk through Harlem and witness the people, places, and histories of the past, from Drag Balls to Rent Parties. Bring a fully charged battery and get ready to excavate this exciting history! The event will conclude with a performance by Harmonica Sunbeam and mixer at 4West Lounge. All proceeds from this program will be donated to the Ali Forney Center.

This tour will be hosted by Brian Turner and Abriannah Aiken, the co-authors of Disappearing Queer Spaces, and will feature the Queer Harlem app that digitally reconstructs seven spaces from the Queer Harlem Renaissance, including the Savoy Ballroom, the Rockland Palace, and the Niggeratti Manor (a self-proclaimed name). Please note that none of these spaces currently exist, so the augmented reality application will be integral to the experience and storytelling! This program was created in collaboration with DLR Group, which funded the Queer Harlem app through an internal grant. 

All proceeds from this program will be donated to the Ali Forney Center.