Zachary Blair

When I went to the Pulse Nightclub on the night of June 10, 2017, the first thing I saw was a sign posted with rules of the nightclub parking lot turned memorial. "We ask that visitors maintain proper etiquette, personal behavior, and conduct at all times." This need to construct sacred space through disciplining bodies was a disturbing reminder of the oppressive forces that are always at play. Partnered with an ever present police force, memorial tourists striking somber pos

Reportedly, 150,000 attended Orlando Pride. This was the first Pride Parade after the Pulse nightclub shooting. The usual corporate sponsors were there, including Wells Fargo despite their recent scandal. Here are some photos of the event. #OrlandoPride #Pride #gaypride #Orlando #Florida #LGBT #gay #LakeEola #DowntownOrlando

Here are some photos of Pride and Market Days from 2007-2010, which I took during my ethnographic fieldwork in Boystown, Chicago. #gay #LGBT #LGBTQ #LGBTQ #gaypride #pride #chicago #boystown #photographs #ethnography #pictures #parade #festival #street #public #gayneighborhood #gentrification #party #neighborhood #queer

As gentrification continues in the neighborhood of Boystown, so too does the writing of my dissertation. I have written and re-wrtiten quite a number of drafts over the years (yes, years) and I am finally down to my last round of draft writing. It's going to be a giant push, but it's going to be pushed. This website is an effort for me to wrap my head around all of my research and writing during this time, and to help me organize my new thoughts and reconnect with some old on