Exploratory Notes on the Geography of Black Gay Leisure Spaces in Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract

Gay leisure space development has of late been an important area of investigation in geography. Generally, these investigations have primarily concerned white gay men in Western countries. Most of these debates have not been considered in the developing world context, particularly in Africa. This investigation explores the leisure geography of black gay men in the city of Bloemfontein. It is shown that differences in race and class positions explain a gay leisure geography which stands totally separate from that of white gay men. The investigation argues that differences in class position, linked to race, explain these separate geographies. However, it is also revealed that the black gay men of this investigation do not see exclusively gay leisure spaces as desirable and would rather seek leisure spaces that are inclusive of different sexual orientations.