På en bar i København: Intime møder, heteronormativitet og prostitution

摘要

This study investigates how to understand and to what extend the heteronormative prac-tices and the normative conception of the prostitution miliou in Copenhagen’s “Red Light District” are being challenged. Our empirical data is collected through various visits to a Thai bar in Copenhagen's “Red Light District” where we have observed what is happening at the bar and the interactions between the guests at the bar. This data is based on observations, informal conversations and a qualitative interview.The analysis is based on the theory by Judith Halberstam about queers, queer time and queer space, and Henning Bechs theory about the space of the city, the look and staging. The study concludes that the Bar is a place with various functions. It is a place where the heteronormative practices are being challenged, because the sexual connections are more diverse than just a male/female perspective. Furthermore the study illuminates that the Bar is a space where prostitution cannot be defined as only one thing. The place involves prostitutes who make contact with possible customers, but it is also a place to relax and enjoy the company of other queers who share the same interests. It is a stage where queers constitute the majority of the Bar and the queers construct the norms and rules in this space.