First Advisor

Martha Works

Term of Graduation

Spring 2000

Date of Publication

5-26-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography

Department

Geography

Language

English

Subjects

Cross-dressers -- Oregon -- Portland, Spatial behavior -- Oregon -- Portland, Gender identity -- Oregon -- Portland

Physical Description

1 online resource (2, iii, 81 pages)

Abstract

Space is socially and culturally constructed. As such, experiences in and perceptions of the environment vary on the basis of culture and position in society. These perceptions influence the creation of places, especially places designed to make people feel accepted and at home. The building of such places and of community networks between these places is most important among groups who find themselves outside of societal norms.

This research examines these notions of space and place through a focus on the drag community in Portland, Oregon in order to determine whether spatial perception contributes to the construction of a place-bound identity. As gender and sexual "outcasts," drag queens and kings view space differently than other subcultures; such a unique "world" view has resulted in the construction of specific (private) places and the (re)claiming of (public) space which has profoundly impacted the identity of the drag community. The central purpose of this research is to determine the whether this unique perception of space leads to the production of private urban places by an alternative (sub) culture; in short, is the identity of the drag community place-bound?

A combination of field techniques captured community member's perceptions and beliefs. These included participant observations made in three different settings and in-depth interviews with ten community members.

The information from these sources shows that specific places nurture Portland's drag artists and foster community unity. They provide venues for performance as well as locations for contact between artists. These private places provide a home for community members, allowing for individual expression while also encouraging the establishment of social networks. Social ties to place were crucial in the development of the Portland's drag community. They are the glue that holds the community together.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44734

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