Bright lights, crack pipes
Isn’t it swell to see news unrelated to Bieber Fever?
SSO’s reporting on the bashing at the Colombian Hotel attracted a slew of forum posts last week. But here’s a thing — maybe it’s not all bad. Now before you decide I’m certifiable, hear me out.
We’ve lamented the demise of Oxford St and our Sydney scene. Everyone’s up in arms about who’s to blame, suggesting different venues and boycotts, even relocating our sacred subculture.
But maybe, just maybe, we’re beyond that. Maybe we don’t need a gay ghetto any more. A gaudy entertainment mecca peppered with convenience stores, two-dollar shops, and fast food joints, Oxford St pimped her booty long ago, whoring herself out to bogan weekend warriors. The latest incident at the Colombian highlights that.
The mindset of subculture has its pitfalls too, especially for queer youth lured by the ‘flight to ghetto’. Sadly, stereotypes of bright lights and crack pipes can become murky realities.
Once upon a time when homosexuality was illegal, it made sense to consolidate and create spaces where we could walk down the street holding hands with the person we loved. We needed that pink bubble.
But is it unrealistic to think we can hold hands elsewhere? Is community a state of mind or a place? Is this a sign of the times, underpinned by a shift from subculture?
Events are progressing beyond the old haunts, with a number of different hot spots hosting some bang-up pink shindigs. I wonder if gay ownership does make for better venues. If they get it right — with friendly, responsible staff — and all patrons are afforded the duty of care they deserve, does it really matter?
Maybe it’s embryonic, as we rock it out in the wider community, and others realise we’re their equal. Or maybe I need to lose the rose-tinted glasses. I’ve always been a bit of an idealist.
Your disco still needs you. But maybe, just maybe, we don’t need our pink bubble any more.
Always an interesting topic with differing opinions.
Sorry, been crazy busy, but feedback is always welcome & appreciated. Thanks for your comments.
I am inclined to agree with the article. It is an interesting point. If I want to be accepted everywhere is claiming a certain area a gay only zone a bit closed minded??? Oxford Street is far from saving as “ours” anyway. As for gay ownership of venues I dont know however I have received appalling service @ places like The Midnight Shift and Arq and The Columbian and have had some fabulous gay nights in other venues that are not on The Strip too. Who knows what the answer is however I dont think it is to be found on The Strip
Oxford St may not be as needed as it was in the pre-internet days when homophobia was more rife & we needed to gather together.
But it is still needed – because it is OURS.
What message would the Chinese be sending if they said they didn’t need Chinatown anymore? Well, it just wouldn’t happen would it, so why are we giving up Oxford St like an unwanted toy?
OF COURSE gays & lesbians will get better treatment in venues that are gay owned, where the gay owners & management stress to security that their jobs will be on the line if they don’t PROTECT US and STOP HOMOPHOBIA FROM COMING IN.
This town & its citizens are becoming way too complacent….
Oxford street died years ago. Newtown has a lot more character. I like the idea of having places that are for us where we can feel safe and comfortable to be ourselves. I do agree however that we are more accepted in mainstream venues and society which is about bloody time !
lol bieber is a hot lesbo lol……….i was going to disagree and then saw the story on clarence going for sale……thats the shift, the oxford, flinders and clarence recently……sometimes me and my mates have just as good a times at straight venues…….maybe ur right dude i dunno but columbian is dingo dog so whats left??? the stonewall and arq????! :-(
Editor’s Note: Adam, the Shift has not been sold, nor is it for sale.