I love that photo, and that you mentioned the mob ownership of the gay bars. They also owned all the topless bars back in the day. It wasn't just that money was there to be made, and laundered, but also, those were two industries they didn't have to worry about either staff or customers complaining or filing complaints. Back in the day, both were things men did on the DL, and didn't want to be outed for. Same for the women that worked in the topless bars and massage parlors. The mob relied on shame and marginalization for a problem free business model. Well, not problem free, but certainly union free!
ooh, thanks for the info about the coney island book fair!!!
I think it’s going to be chock full o interesting conversations!
I love that photo, and that you mentioned the mob ownership of the gay bars. They also owned all the topless bars back in the day. It wasn't just that money was there to be made, and laundered, but also, those were two industries they didn't have to worry about either staff or customers complaining or filing complaints. Back in the day, both were things men did on the DL, and didn't want to be outed for. Same for the women that worked in the topless bars and massage parlors. The mob relied on shame and marginalization for a problem free business model. Well, not problem free, but certainly union free!
I wish I was there! Thanks for these great stories!!