Activist Willy Coakley Photographed by Sam Barker

These portraits captured by Sam Barker feature New York poet and LGBTQ activist Willy Coakley in his W71st apartment, where he’s lived for over 60 years. A lifelong friend to Sam and his family, Willy is a regular host for tea whenever Sam visits the city. For 48 of those years, Willy shared the space with his partner, author Robin Prising. Together, they created a vibrant sanctuary filled with books, art, and lively conversations about New York’s arts and literary scene. Robin, often seen in purple silk robes, passed away 15 years ago. Since then, the apartment has overflowed with even more books, and a flood added to the chaos.

Willy and Robin were pivotal figures in the 1970s New York gay scene, a time marked by liberation and expression, with legendary nights at Studio 54 and underground clubs in the Meatpacking District. This era, brimming with revolutionary spirit, contrasts sharply with today’s more restrained social norms. Willy reflects, “I am a night person, often disappearing into bed at dawn. My favorite dive is the old leather bar, the Eagle on W28th. Even as an octogenarian, I still enjoy the camaraderie, spirit, and atmosphere of this iconic place.” And with that, he was off into the New York night, heading to the Eagle.