Mapping Queer Experiences in Glasgow’s Southside

safe spacesmaps

Feb 6

Delve into Glasgow's Southside on Queering the Map, an online platform cataloguing anonymous LGBTQ+ experiences, from joyous moments to acts of courage. Contribute to the archive and celebrate LGBT History Month by uncovering hidden stories.

*A screenshot of Queering The Map in Glasgow’s Southside*

By Samar Jamal | Photo by Queering The Map

Queering The Map is an online platform that allows you to digitally and anonymously catalogue your queer experiences in specific locations anywhere in the world. First launched in 2017 in Montreal by artist and designer Lucas LaRochelle, to redefine what queer spaces are, the counter-mapping platform preserves a multitude of stories; from coming out to transitioning, passionate love tales, gay awakenings, the hope of community as well as experiences of violence.

Over the years, the collection of submissions has grown and is currently home to over 80,000 stories. In the last few months, it has regained popularity and been utilised to address sentiments of ‘pinkwashing’ (the promotion and co-option of queer rights by states and organisations as a method to justify and conceal violence). Submissions have been made by people in countries often viewed as dangerous for queer people, allowing those affected to control the narrative and define their own experiences.

In the years since its inception, Queering The Map has undergone many security updates, ensuring the privacy and safety of its users. In the months leading to Trump’s presidency, the platform was hacked by Trump supporters forcing LaRochelle to take the map down. However, with the help of queer coders, the map was back online and it’s now harder for trolls to leave hateful comments.

There have also been more locally based attempts to create a queer map of Glasgow and Scotland. Dr. Jeff Meek is a lecturer in economic and social history at Glasgow University. He specialises in LGBTQ+ history. His website, Queer Scotland is a veritable treasure trove of history, including interactive maps of Glasgow’s queer spaces and places from 1885-1995 – although there are no records specifically in Govanhill.

Glasgows’ Southside though has become, for many, a queer hub with a rich queer history. There are welcoming spaces like Category is Books, a queer, independent book shop located on Allison Street. As well as other supportive queer friendly spaces such as Glad Cafe, MILK, Rum Shack, Bees Knees, Rumpus Room, Glasgow Zine Library and more.

There are also a multitude of queer-owned businesses such as House Party and Transylvania Coffee and Shop and Fulton’s Cafe. And there are inclusive community groups and events such as the LGBTQI+ gardening group, Un/Nature: a queer ecologies reading group, the Queer Families meet up, and Quoir: Glasgow’s Queer Choir. While the Facebook group, Queer’s Park provides an online space for the local community.

Unsurprisingly then, when you tap into Glasgow’s Southside neighbourhood on Queering the Map, there are several submissions. One plots out a queer event at GAMIS, others retell stories of joyous first kisses in Queen’s Park, and some recount the stories of violence experienced by queer folk.

In celebration of LGBT History Month and with Valentine's Day being just around the corner we encourage readers to visit the platform and celebrate the stories of queer folk in their neighbourhood. You can also submit your own, creating an archive for years to come.