BGSQDBureau of General Services—Queer Division
BGSQD
Join queer culture historian David Kennerley and Club Kid Ernie Glam for a discussion about David’s new book, GETTING IN: NYC Club Flyers from the Gay 1990s.
The 1990s in New York City was a heady time for clubgoers, especially those with a queer bent. Massive dance clubs like the Roxy, Palladium, Limelight, and Tunnel drew fiercely passionate crowds. But the plucky smaller venues like Splash, Crowbar, Pyramid, and Sound Factory Bar were just as vital. David ventured into these now-legendary clubs. And when it was time to leave, promoters handed out flyers for the next week’s parties. Most people tossed them on the sidewalk, but he saved each and every one.
GETTING IN spotlights over 200 of the most eye-popping, culturally resonant examples from his collection. The invites are not only visually stunning –– depicting flamboyant Club Kids, shirtless hunks, and sassy drag queens –– but tell a story of a unique moment in history when the LGBTQ community was reeling from the AIDS crisis and nightspots provided a refuge.
With a foreword by nightlife guru Michael Musto, it features essays and quotes from denizens from the decade, like drag doyenne Lady Bunny, DJ Larry Tee, go-go boy Mark Allen, photographer Sean Kahlil, and, of course, Club Kid Ernie Glam. Ernie will share memories of his personal exploits at the clubs, especially his association with the infamous “party monster,” Club Kid ringleader, Michael Alig.
To reserve a copy of Getting In: NYC Club Flyers from the Gay 1990s (2023, hardcover, $49), please write to us at contact@bgsqd.com with “please reserve copy of Getting In for June 12th” in the subject line.
Thank you for supporting the Bureau by purchasing books from us!
This event will take place in person at the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division, on the second floor (room 210) of The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., NYC, 10011.
Registration is not required. Seating is first come, first served.
Also live-streaming on the Bureau’s YouTube channel:
Suggested donation to benefit the Bureau: $10.
All are welcome to attend, with or without a donation.
We will pass a bag for donations at the start of the event, but we can also take credit card donations at the register or on Venmo @BGSQD
David Kennerley is a journalist, archivist, and historian specializing in LGBTQ culture. For nearly two decades, he has been an Arts & Entertainment reporter for Gay City News, the NYC-based LGBTQ newspaper and website. Examples of his nightclub ephemera collection have been exhibited at The New-York Historical Society. His fully illustrated book, GETTING IN: NYC Club Flyers from the Gay 1990s, was published by DAKEN Press in August 2023.
Ernie Glam is a journalist, author, creator and New York City nightclub personality. He became involved in the club kid scene at the Tunnel nightclub in 1988, which led to a series of gigs at many nightclubs. He designs nightclub accessories under the AttentionShifter brand on his Etsy store. He was born and raised in Sacramento and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He lives in the Bronx and his favorite nightclub in 2024 is Basement underneath the Knockdown Center.