rights
A secret trans support group met above a brothel in 1890s Manhattan. It may have changed the world.
Summary by LGBTQ News Editorial Desk Molly Sprayregen , as published by LGBTQ Nation
· July 24, 2026
· 1 min read
Photo: LGBTQ Nation · view original
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Summary created by LGBTQ News Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Byline on source page Molly Sprayregen, as published by LGBTQ Nation Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 24, 2026 Indexed here Jul 26, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Although it was officially known as Columbia Hall, a brothel and saloon, it served as a gathering place for the city's queer subculture.
In 1890s Manhattan, a covert network of gender and sexual misfits existed, providing a sense of community for its members. This network, referred to as the Underworld, included individuals who felt they didn't fit societal norms. A hub of the Underworld was Paresis Hall, located near Washington Square Park.
Although it was officially known as Columbia Hall, a brothel and saloon, it served as a gathering place for the city's queer subculture. Further details about the Underworld and its members, including a self-described "androgyne" named Jennie June, are available from local historical sources.
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Category: rights Published: July 24, 2026 Source: LGBTQ Nation Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? In 1890s Manhattan, a covert network of gender and sexual misfits existed, providing a sense of community for its members. This network, referred to as the Underworld, included individuals who felt…
When was this published? This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
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