Rainbow Surveillance and the Policing of Queer Nightlife in the Pacific Northwest

• In Event: 50465 - Sexualities and the Sociology of Nightlife

Abstract

In January 2024, four LGBTQ+ nightlife spaces in Seattle were raided by law enforcement, inciting fear and distrust among the queer community against the state. In this study, we ask: How do current law enforcement regulations, as exemplified by the January 2024 inspections, shape feelings of safety and belonging within LGBTQ+ nightlife spaces? We draw on 25 interviews with Seattle nightlife participants and employees, as well as other qualitative sources, and find that residents recognize that queer nightlife spaces 1) serve as protected "third spaces" outside mainstream society that foster community and validate personal identity essential to queer culture; 2) celebrate embodied expressions of queer culture that should not be policed; 3) Washington liquor regulations disproportionately impact the intimacy and safety of queer spaces; and in turn, 4) increased queer activism against the policing of queer bodies through cross-community coalitions and direct political lobbying at the state and local level. We conclude with a discussion on the need for future research on the role of law enforcement and state policy in policing queer behavior. Ultimately, this study offers insights into critical policy advocacy related to Washington health codes and law enforcement reforms to preserve the rights and dignity of queer individuals.

Authors

• Imma Honkanen, University of Washington

• Theresa Rocha Beardall, University of Washington