16.y - 2307 Windsor Rd #2 - public comment — original pdf

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From: To: Subject: Date: City of Austin HPD Preservation Historical Relevance to LGBTQ community 2307 Windsor Road #2 Monday, April 29, 2024 12:14:28 PM This message is from Aaron Rochlen. [ ] Dear HLC Representatives, I'm aware there is quite a bit of discussion going on regarding 2307 Windsor Road #2 -- in terms of a demolition permit being considered and moving forward to more traditional historical documentation (that I definitely support). I am the neighbor of this property, residing at 2212 East Windsor. What is quite clear is some of the historical importance of Trueman O'Quinn and his contributions to the city -- as well as some of the historical and architectural components of this property. Importantly, there is another aspect of the home and property that has been overlooked: The importance of the property to the LGBTQ community from a historical perspective. In the 80’s and 90s, this property where Trueman O’Quinn’s son Kerry lived was a “safe place” for the LGBTQ community in Austin. More research and original resources are needed -- but below is what I've garnered through multiple conversations. The property, was referred to as “Camp Queer”, and served as a refuge where gay men were welcome to be themselves and enjoy community. The turquoise gate that was originally from the Texas Capitol building (this is tremendously important as well) served as a landmark to the gay community. This was a marker of the private space beyond. The bathrooms near the playground and all along Parkway were well known places where gay people met up with essentially the “gay zone” being delineated by the bathrooms to the south and ended with the turquoise gate to the north of this property. Among many artistic interests and accomplishments, Kerry O’Quinn directed a short film called “Queerantine.” This movie briefly tells the story of havoc consuming a high school when students are infected with “The Gay.” Obviously you all are well aware —— Austin has seen significant threats to the queer built environment. Bars and nightclubs that have long provided Austin’s gay community with safe space have been threatened, and the City has made efforts to include gay history in our Austin story. We believe this home should not be demolished, in part due to its historical significance to the gay community and place in our history. I completely understand this is a complicated property to consider. Also of note is the inside of this house -- there are parts that are truly tremendous, and definitely historical. This is a good instagram link with a great look at the inside! https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzpVc51ubZW/ Aaron Rochlen