Watermark readers have a lot to say about “Raising the Bar,” our in-depth piece from our latest issue discussing the role and relevancy of gay bars now that LGBTs are arguably mainstream.
Read a sample of reader comments from WatermarkOnline.com and Watermark’s Facebook page after the jump:
“Gay and Lesbian bars are still very relevant. It would be like saying,’now that restaurants have burgers on the menu, there is no reason to have a burger joint.’ I am very comfortable being gay and somewhat affectionate in public, but even I have some reservations on my behavior in straight bars. I know the “younger Todd” was far more affectionate. Plus, I want the odds to be in my favor (of them being gay) when it is time to pick up a man. After all, I am not a heathen. Well…” — Todd Kachinski Kottmeier
“I’m a bartender at a gay bar. Over the last few years, what we’ve seen is not that the bars have become less relevant, but that they’ve become more accepting. Gay bars included. There was once a time that if a straight couple came into a gay bar, they would get some serious “side eye” where people would assume they were either going out to laugh at the freaks, or they were looking to score a 3 way. These days, we think nothing negative of our straight clientele. They’re just as important to us as our LGBT guests. Our general rule is, everyone is welcome, as long as you leave your bull$#!% at the door. I would estimate, because of our location in South Cape Coral, that our clientele is about 70% gay to 30% straight, roughly. Gay bars aren’t irrelevant, they’ve just evolved over the years.” — Ron Jakubisyn
“I remember the days of the “Gay bar” . Having bartended in those clubs where you open the front door and the smell of hot humid sweaty men just dancing the night away. This was the last 80’s all the way till 2000. Our bars always had the windows covered for privacy, but we would be packed wall to wall. No cell phones, no apps….just pure face to face and chest to chest interaction. THe smaller bars, your bartender was the entertainment and kept the party going all night long. Back then a pretty face didn’t guarantee a job slinging drinks at the best clubs. As bartenders and drag queens, we were the “Social media” We were the voice of our communities, the ones raising all the funds. Those were the days!” — Matthew D. Moss
[Are gay bars still relevant?] “Yes, yes, and yes. Did I mention yes? Have you been to a straight bar? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ” — Doug Ba’aser
“College kids I worked with used to comment gay bars were passe’, I would ask them if they felt comfortable and safe, did they have the ability to be unaware of their surroundings when those chose to dance close to their partner, to kiss their partner. Made them think. Of course we still need our spaces, places where we’re safe, where we watch out for each other.” — Mickie Bee
“It’s still nice going to a place and be yourself without judgment and feel safe to flirt.” — David Chudney
