Queer Isolation or Queering Isolation? Reflecting upon the Ramifications of COVID-19 on the Future of Queer Leisure Spaces

Abstract

The introduction of “social distancing” and quarantine orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have temporarily limited the ability for queer communities to engage in physical forms of social leisure. This pandemic also serves as a reminder of the importance of leisure spaces for queer communities and their unique leisure experiences. Given this opportunity to (re)examine the importance of queer leisure spaces, this paper will take a critical look at the impact this pandemic has had on queer leisure provision and the ramifications for queer leisure and queering leisure in a post-pandemic world. This paper will examine the current absence of queer leisure outlets, portrayal of public queer spaces, how the response to the sudden elimination of queer leisure spaces can inform our current understanding of leisure, and potential lessons about the connection between physical social engagement and queer leisure spaces.

Keywords:

• COVID-19;
• Leisure spaces
• LGBTQ
• pandemic
• queer

Notes

1 We use “queer” as an umbrella term inclusive of all minoritized sex, gender, and sexual identities that draws distinction from hegemonic/heteronormative society. The acronym “LGBTQ” (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) is also used as a whole or in part throughout the article to specify segments of the community.