7. Webster Hall Was an Important Location For Early LGBTQ Culture in America

In the 1920s, Webster Hall gave way to some politically charged, outlandish masquerade balls. The crazy costume and masquerade parties allowed people who felt they did not belong in the city’s mainstream society to openly express themselves. Particularly, the gays and lesbians of the community whose behavior might seem flamboyant in some of the city’s neighborhoods would be welcome here. Not only was Webster Hall an important location for early LGBTQ culture, but for anyone that felt they belonged outside of mainstream society in areas such as the arts, could freely express themselves through costume and participate in odd, eccentric parties.