ニューヨーク・タイムズのインスタグラム(nytimes) - 5月21日 21時59分

Located to the west of Downtown Los Angeles, the Vista Hermosa Natural Park is a pocket of rolling woodlands that cradle streams and lush meadows. It has long been a space of community, peppered with picnic areas, a playground and an amphitheater. But during the pandemic, when so many other gathering places were closed, its power came into focus for a cohort of queer and trans young adults.

Meeting at the park was therapeutic for the group, allowing them to express themselves and learn from one another in a safe, intimate space. The tradition has continued.

As the identity, health and freedom of queer people is threatened, the friends said, it is more important than ever to be able to meet in a public space that doesn’t draw a lot of unwanted attention and where you can feel fully yourself.

“Sometimes you want to be self-expressive,” said Rory Manns, a member of the group. “I have a lot of trans friends who are afraid to be in public, and when we’re all together I feel like there’s a sense of safety.

“You can’t leave your identity at the door because it’s always with you. But I just feel like it doesn’t matter when you’re with the people that care for you and understand you.”

This article is part of the Where We Are visual series, which explores young people coming of age and the spaces where they create community. Tap the link in our bio to read more about how the Vista Hermosa Natural Park nurtures a feeling of safety and community. Photos by @danieljacklyons

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