Rendezvous in the Ramble

From the July 24, 1978 issue of New York Magazine. Picture Central Park-without a sailor, Picture Mister Lord, minus Mister Taylor.

The west side of that 30-acre section of Central Park known as the Ramble had a reputation as a homosexual meeting ground long before Cole teased his friends at private parties with this suggestive lyric. But though Central Park at night—any part of the park—is dangerous, the gay ghetto that is the Ramble is perhaps the section most fear-ridden. Gangs of toughs—teenagers and the macho middle-aged, usually drunk, occasionally including a couple of off-duty cops—roam the Ramble at night, engaging in an old American pastime: fag bashing.

[Malbec lover]

Interesting historical article - 30 years old - I am a little unsure why it was posted now - perhaps some context?

[LindaS]

A very interesting and thurough article, but 30 yers old. That's ok, history give us perspective. What is that area like now? Anyone know?

[Malbec lover]

LindaS wrote:

A very interesting and thurough article, but 30 yers old. That's ok, history give us perspective. What is that area like now? Anyone know?

It is a very beautiful and peaceful area - a great place for bird watching and an afternoon stroll. It is still very popular with gays. As far as I know it is much safer than it was in the '70s but that is true of most, if not all, of NYC