100 Objects #21: Window from the House of D

Audre Lorde reflects on her experiences in Greenwich Village during the late 1940s, a time when the neighborhood began to gain its reputation as a haven for outsiders and artists. She describes the Village as a liberating space where individuals could express their identities freely, contrasting it with the oppressive societal norms of the time. Lorde's journey of self-discovery as a queer Black poet unfolds against the backdrop of the Women's House of Detention, New York City's first prison for women, located in the heart of the Village.

Historian Hugh Ryan provides insight into the House of D, emphasizing its unique architectural feature: windows that allowed communication between inmates and the outside world. This design inadvertently fostered a connection between the incarcerated women and the vibrant community around them, contributing to the Village's queer culture. As the prison became a gathering place for women who defied traditional gender norms, it also served as a catalyst for activism, particularly during the Stonewall riots in 1969. Many women from the House of D participated in the uprising, using their voices to demand rights and recognition.

The conversation explores the duality of the House of D as both a site of oppression and a space for community building among queer women. Despite its intended purpose of reforming women into "proper" societal roles, the prison became a playground for self-exploration and solidarity. The legacy of the House of D continues to resonate, highlighting the complexities of identity, resistance, and the impact of incarceration on marginalized communities.

How a women’s prison in Greenwich Village, and its unusual open windows, helped shape queer community and the modern gay rights movement.