The silver lining?

It’s like a joke. A really bad joke. Yes, I’m talking about the opening of the Imperial this weekend. I don’t think anyone knew it would be this long, including Shadd.

Before I was familiar with staff, memories of the Impy are distant, but fond. It wasn’t until I lived across the road that I became enamoured with the old gal. I’d heard about Bingay, but didn’t quite know what it was, and Mitzi scared me. The front bar had a rep as the only place open at certain times.

And of course, after Priscilla, she cemented herself in pink history. It’s a landmark.

Another iconic Sydney venue courting her fair share of controversy of late is the Shift.

As SSO reported, this pink bastion was just sold in a contentious legal schism. The new owners have vowed to continue running a GLBTI venue. But does gay ownership make a difference? Only time will tell.

With bogan weekend warriors at epidemic proportions on the strip, could the re-opening of the Imperial be the silver lining? Could this be the death knell for Oxford St? Is it time to Go West?

There’s been a lot of griping about the Imperial, with judgement being cast before the doors have even opened. They’re businesses. With overheads. They give back to the community, and provide safe spaces for like-minded peepaleenys to hang.

The value of common ground like this for GLBTI youth — particularly in the inner west — is immeasurable. I don’t really do queues or cover charges. But I’d happily pay top dollar if I had to.

I’m not hobnobbing at the pre-launch soiree. Much like reviewing shows, I prefer to loiter in stealth so I can get a better sense of what to really expect. You can definitely expect shows akin to anything you’ve seen elsewhere. Probably better, given the schmick new surrounds.

The Cellar Bar will surpass expectations of the most fastidious clubber, with killer sound and lighting, and a dancefloor to match.

Time to unleash your inner diva, pry yourself from Twitbook and Grindface, and show some support for our venues. Who knows — you may even have a good time.