The Web: The Birth and Legacy of New York's First Asian Gay Bar
November 14 - December 5, 2025
Artist:
Curated by:
Xiaojing Zhu, Yukai Chen
Location:
Gallery 456
Exhibition Statement

In the early 1990s, when racism and homophobia shadowed New York’s nightlife, at the corner of Madison Avenue and East 58th Street, a quiet revolution took place. The Web, known in Chinese as 盘丝洞,opened as New York’s first Asian gay bar, founded by Alan Chow and his business partner Chan. For a generation of Asian queer immigrants who had long existed in the margins, The Web offered what New York had never before given its Asian queer community: a home.

The Web is a space where Asian queer men could see themselves reflected, respected, and celebrated. This exhibition, through archival materials, photography, and a project-specific interview zine, we revisit The Web’s legacy and see how it redefined Asian queer nightlife in New York.

Opening Reception: 6-8PM, November 11, 2025
Coverage