An article on gay men living in Istanbul - Part 2

How do places influence the continuity of the subculture or networking among people?
Places are important in that they create a sense of belonging; a “home away from home.”  Frequenters of certain places may be said to create a “neo-tribe.”  In the stories told by some interviewees, frequenting a place is followed by networking and coming together outside of that place.  Sexual identities may be practiced by place and time tactics.

What norms are created in these places?
I can’t make generalizations but some people have a negative relationship with places.  One of the reasons for this is the sexuality-based institutionalization of these places.  A more casual atmosphere is created on the web.  There is a continuity and a fragmentation between virtual and real places.  In addition to some requirements imposed by the norms of the place, we can stress adaptation to these norms.  Different places of the city may become “gayified” at certain times of the day.  This is actually parallel with the creation of a subculture over symbols, which I had mentioned before.

Can you talk about social differentiation between gay men over places?
Differentiation occurs not only between places, but within places as well.  We can map out a “territory of desire” by the different types referred to by different places, and the diverse types referred to by different symbols within the same place.  Being “provincial” is a significant point of difference: certain haircuts and outfits are associated with the “provincials.”  When referring to class differences between places, interior design and the music played become important factors.  These perceptions may coincide and merge with the self-descriptions of people.

Any comments on the Dicle Koğacıoğlu Article Award?
I learned of this award on a mail group.  I was delighted to be among the finalists.  This is my first award, which makes it even more important.  I would like to thank everyone involved.