The Gay Scene - do I fit?

[princealbertofb]

Exactly. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Though I do however realize that people use the phrase "gay scene" to describe gay clubs, for lack of better words

What was wrong with 'GAY CLUBS' (as words) in the first place???

[Lilmy87]

Hi Sil,
Well, I am not gay, but I am from Newcastle, and I have some awareness of the gay scene locally, having gay friends and a gay brother. I agree with you that some of the bars on the scene aren't so great, if you're not into chart dance/pop type music, which seems to be mostly what is available on the main drag (that is, Scotswood rd type area). I say that not to dismiss it; I have had some good times there, and I do think there are some good places and good times to be had, but I accept that it is not for everyone. I suppose Newcastle is smaller and maybe less gay friendly than some places (we only just have had a pride event in the last few years, or so I heard), so maybe it is just not there yet, in terms of the richness and variety on offer in bigger cities like London, Manchester and Brighton.

However, I might tentatively suggest that Newcastle's gayscene is beginning to evolve and develop. A recent article in the Crack (I assume you are aware of this free publication), stated that

'It is refreshing and increasingly common in the north-east to see diversity and difference beyond that of the usually white gay male ghettos: alternative queer nights alongside events at The Star and Shadow and Tyneside Cinemas are changing our scene'

I must, in order not to misrepresent the article, clarify that it was not wholely complementary of the scene, but never the less this quote is true. It seems that the scene is reaching out from beyond the 'pink triangle' and thriving within other venues, for different kinds of people.
Other than those mentioned above, gay friends of mine sometimes go to a monthly alternative gay night, the reportedly draws a very different crowd to, say, the Loft. There were also several satellite events to this years pride that were a lot more specialist in there appeal, such as queer film events, lgbt history events and nights based around gender diversity etc. There are also a couple of club nights I can think of, which are not explicitly gay, but can genuinely be described as mixed or 'gay friendly'. I have witnessed in such places that kissing/holding hands etc between members of the same sex is far more common in these places than most mainstream (straight) venues (other than the odd pair of straight girls kissing to tittilate the men!)

I would sugges that you keep your ear to the ground, as it were; comb local listings, such as the Crack or Narc mag, and see what's around for gay people in Newcastle that would suit you and your tastes and preferences. From there, I am sure you would find like minded people, who may be able to introduce you to further events. I hope I don't speak from ignorance, since I am not gay myself, but I think there is a places for gay people who are other than 'mainstream' in the toon, if you look below the surface. Good luck!
xxx

[posterpicture]

I am living in one of the most homophobic city in the USA. The college that I am attending is the most conservative school in the whole country and the 5th in the country that refuses alternative life style ( base on Princeton Review ). Hate to sit in my Political Science class where every one makes fun of gay people and the professor has to change to the topic every single time he accidentally talks about homosexual.
My life here sucks.

[mooninleo]

Hey there. I know what you mean about the stereotype. In college all of my friends started going to the bars, and i never quite understood it myself. It felt like everyone was pushing this notion of drinking yourself to oblivion everynight and bluring the lines between sanity and crazy was what you had to do.

I've felt sad more times at a bar. ugh. when i think of those days and trying to fit in and being a certain way so i'd feel normal. My life right now is pushing me towards finding myself, and I'm indulging in that. Hopefully we can all find friends who make us feel good about ourselves. Have people over for wine and a movie. I always enjoy that more anyway. - Austin

[ShinigamiLegend]

Gay bars and clubs are like straight ones, they are money making ventures. They cater for the teenagers who spend money on buying alcohol at inflated prices, listen to loud music and taking some form of drug. Why do you think a lot of us don't go, drinking in a pub with good beer and with some good friends is a much better idea.

This situation is very hard to create or control and what I mean is I prefer to have my own get together to home but their is a lot networking and meeting people that has to be done! In the US if you are not going out to the clubs and parties or you are not on a Hookup/Dating site and your not attending the Pride events or GBT events and parties and your single with no friends who are supportive of who you really are its your fault because you didn't get out their and socialize with like minded people! The Clubs,Parties and Clubs do cost money but in this world everything is money very few things are free! It still doesn't change the fact that you have to meet people in order have the setting or the scene you want with people!

[posterpicture]

This situation is very hard to create or control and what I mean is I prefer to have my own get together to home but their is a lot networking and meeting people that has to be done! In the US if you are not going out to the clubs and parties or you are not on a Hookup/Dating site and your not attending the Pride events or GBT events and parties and your single with no friends who are supportive of who you really are its your fault because you didn't get out their and socialize with like minded people! The Clubs,Parties and Clubs do cost money but in this world everything is money very few things are free! It still doesn't change the fact that you have to meet people in order have the setting or the scene you want with people!

i don't agree with that. Many people choose just to come out to some close friends and they are still fit in. Mr. Right will walk in your life when it 's time. Hookup/Dating site can provide you a dick but hardly a soul.

[ShinigamiLegend]

Where do you get this stuff from? Seriously...are you watching movies or something?

I worked in a gay nightclub for 20 years...more than one...so I should know what I am talking about. It seems you are referring to circuit boys...or that is what we used to call them...and they are a small fraction of the clientele in a gay nightclub. I had over 1,000 regular customers...probably more.....and I never saw any of them more than once or twice a week...more likely once or twice a month...some once or twice a year...something you reserve for straight people in your stereotype analysis. The only ones who came daily or more than once or twice a week were alcoholics and they certainly didn't dance the night away...alcoholism it is a disease...same disease affects straight people.


As for fitting in...I know a secret...most everyone feels the same way...it is normal.

Ok maybe you can educate me no, yes you can! Tell me why are there these Gay Promoter who make a living on Promoting Gay oriented events that take over huge cites on holidays and special events and venues? For example there are about 5-10 different promotions that in the south east of the US alone that organize and plan a city to city Pride or Party that include covering New York,Chicago,Philly,Washington DC,Maryland,Atlanta,Miami,Orlando,Las Vegas,L.A.,San Francisco,Dallas and New Orleans and they all have a theme or holiday associated with it Labor Day,Super Bowl,Black College,Black Pride,Memorial Day,Thanksgiving,Christmas,4th of July,Mardi Gras,MLK Jr Birthday,Black History Month,Puerto Rican Pride,Bike Week,Valentines Day and on and on and on some are strictly Gay Pride and other are Party atmospheres celebrating something in a Gay friendly atmosphere Pride! Everybody shows up to these events to the point hotels have to block there reservations for space exclusively rented out for these 5 day party events it so big Movie TV and Music celebrities show up as well as porn stars representing there companies at these events! I wouldn't call these Circuit Parties the city government officials welcome it and even help to make it bigger and better! How many pride events can one city have if its a Gay City meaning the pride flags are everywhere and the billboards have Gay related advertisements on on the like Gay dating sites and over half of the clubs in the city are Gay or Lesbian Clubs the pride and party events are back to back! This is a reality no a fantasy go to Philly,San Fransisco and Atlanta and Miami take a look around and you will see that circuit party is not the term for it and the boys are not just bouncing form one party to another they are living it 247-356!

[posterpicture]

I have lived in some major cities like Minneapolis and Dallas but I have never got a chance for these events sad @@

[ShinigamiLegend]

i don't agree with that. Many people choose just to come out to some close friends and they are still fit in. Mr. Right will walk in your life when it 's time. Hookup/Dating site can provide you a dick but hardly a soul.

I honestly dont know how you do it ,a 19yr old Bi boy living in Texas doesn't appear to understand that its not quite as simple and easy as you make it sound! There a reason why Pride Events exist and this is one of the main reasons why! When Im at home with my family they dont know who I really am but when I get around people who think like me and they dont have any problems with it I can be free to be me the conversations are comfortably and what you normally think twice about doing you can just do because chances are the other guy wants to do the same thing you do. There are gay behaviors that are completely normal and common knowledge among Gay and Bi men but are completely unwelcomed by straight men. If you have straight friends that feel its ok for you to about sex with other man with them or hug them or kiss them on the cheek and they not get offended kwel but if not its your embarrassment !

[eastofeden]

Ok maybe you can educate me no, yes you can! Tell me why are there these Gay Promoter who make a living on Promoting Gay oriented events that take over huge cites on holidays and special events and venues? For example there are about 5-10 different promotions that in the south east of the US alone that organize and plan a city to city Pride or Party that include covering New York,Chicago,Philly,Washington DC,Maryland,Atlanta,Miami,Orlando,Las Vegas,L.A.,San Francisco,Dallas and New Orleans and they all have a theme or holiday associated with it Labor Day,Super Bowl,Black College,Black Pride,Memorial Day,Thanksgiving,Christmas,4th of July,Mardi Gras,MLK Jr Birthday,Black History Month,Puerto Rican Pride,Bike Week,Valentines Day and on and on and on some are strictly Gay Pride and other are Party atmospheres celebrating something in a Gay friendly atmosphere Pride! Everybody shows up to these events to the point hotels have to block there reservations for space exclusively rented out for these 5 day party events it so big Movie TV and Music celebrities show up as well as porn stars representing there companies at these events! I wouldn't call these Circuit Parties the city government officials welcome it and even help to make it bigger and better! How many pride events can one city have if its a Gay City meaning the pride flags are everywhere and the billboards have Gay related advertisements on on the like Gay dating sites and over half of the clubs in the city are Gay or Lesbian Clubs the pride and party events are back to back! This is a reality no a fantasy go to Philly,San Fransisco and Atlanta and Miami take a look around and you will see that circuit party is not the term for it and the boys are not just bouncing form one party to another they are living it 247-356!

I am a native of San Franicisco and worked in the gay nightclubs for 20 years and I don't really understand what you are referring to...are you talking about things like the Castro Street Fair or Gay Pride...or rave parties...or Halloween? This veers from your original post which I was responding to in which you characterized gay men as spednign every night in bars. ect. Of course there are events that are well attended but I don't know what that has to do with your original post.

I absolutely knew what was happening in San Francisco but I have no idea what you are talking about...perhaps I missed an entire subculture that you are very familiar with?...