THE NORTH RIDING PROJECT

The irony of having so many gay bars in the heart of the meat-packing district was underscored by signs that read WELL-CUT BEEF and CHOPPED MEAT. [Mapplethorpe] rarely participated in any of the public orgies; he spent most of his time roaming the dimly lit passageways that led to rooms where men were being whipped and chained. There was a bathtub for “watersports” and a jail where “prisoners” were handcuffed or strapped to chairs, and leather slings to facilitate fisting.

Morrisroe/Mapplethorpe