To the guy at the EpiCentre who lifted up my dress as his friends looked on and laughed … I hope the swelling’s since gone down on your face.
Is it just me, or does the nightlife scene sometimes feel like a sixth grade dance? So, last weekend when I felt like going out dancing, I called on my gay boyfriend to take me some place where my ass would be safe from indecent exposure.
And thus, I penetrated the gay nightlife scene. Because I am gay after all … gay as in happy. Though I did come out of the closet for a night — well, I went to The Closet. This progressive dance club is the new rave on the gaydar … and I wondered if I was actually at a rave.
There is a rainbow of gay and lesbian clubs in Charlotte from dives, clubs, biker bars, strip clubs and, of course, discos. Here’s a quick tour through the Q.C.
Hartigans — it’s luck of the lesbians at this Irish pub. A pool hall type atmosphere on top, and a dance floor on the bottom.
“Got Men?” Chasers in Plaza Midwood certainly does, as well as a multitude of six packs … abs that is. Too bad this male strip club doesn’t cater exclusively to the ladies. But right down the street is Central Station and Petra’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, both big watering holes for the gay/lesbian/transgender crowd.
Of course, Scorpio is a staple for the gay nightlife scene with its infamous drag shows.
And Bar 316 has taken over the old Liaisons, bringing back all the old regulars, and Tutto Mundo has just been taken over. There’s also Woodshed Lounge, Sidelines Bar and Faces Nightclub.
Meanwhile, one night I went to The Wine Up thinking I was attending a spoken word event. Before I realize what’s happening, some woman offers me chocolate-covered strawberries and a massage. At first, I was confused at how complimentary the women there were being, but it didn’t take me long to see that I had better make my “strictly dickly” policy known.
These bars check your ID, not sexual orientation at the door… they’re equal opportunity. “Homo” may mean “same,” but if you want to try something different, check out one of these bars.
This article appears in Apr 13-19, 2010.
