tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6968723288420536675.post3074313500262627663..comments2023-10-26T10:42:47.013-04:00Comments on Rev. Steve: Is the Gay Bar Facing Extinction?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10857477383538283181noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6968723288420536675.post-18958277094839656732011-07-05T11:38:52.242-04:002011-07-05T11:38:52.242-04:00This article intices comments from our community, ...This article intices comments from our community, and I hope some will respond. I am speaking from my own perspective of course regarding this issue. I do not believe it is accurate to generalize that all gay bars will cease to exist here in Roanoke, or in other rural or conservative towns and cities across America. For the secluded GLBT communities in many,many of these places, the gay bar is the only place where they can be themselves...to congregate,hold hands or kiss openly. That is real, and the need will always exist as long as inequalities, bigotry and hate exist in America and perhaps even beyond that point.Our two bars continue to attract a good crowd late on Fri-Sun nights because they are simply the (only)safe,nearby place of refuge, meeting new gay friends, etc for many. <br /><br />Although many other bar venues exist in downtown, it is very highly unlikely that you'd get away with kissing your boyfriend in any of them w/o some real problems. So, yes, many do go to these other-more upscale bars yet they are closeted while inside them, curtailing their behavior, trying not to attract attention, and essentially oppressing themselves. Many, I would say, do not feel comfortable having to do that, and are afraid that they will slip up if they drink just a tad too much. <br /><br /> It can be argued that to some degree our gay culture is fading as many are assimulated into straight behavoral patterns and customs.I call it having one foot in the closet unable to decide what to wear....should I be someone else-a straight acting man or woman, or should I be myself today/tonight? I think the effects of long-term oppression, and our own self oppression, are taking their toll. While our sexual orienation does not define us, it should not be ignored or sequestered or hidden from view out of fear.Never should we be embarrassed about who we are, or about a friend who you think is acting too gay out in public. <br /><br /> It is interesting to note that even our bars here in Roanoke are frequented by straight people on a regular basis for one reason or another.. Bars do not care where their revenue comes from, nor should they. They just want to make some profit, or often just enough to exist maybe. In my mind, the best thing any bar can do, is to be known as place where everyone is truly welcome to be themselves...straight, gay,bi, trans, lesbian etc etc. Whether the patrons are comfortable with that or not is their problem or phobia or worse. That potential open diverse environment will challenge all to get along and to party together. It can be an instrument of equality-building, if the patrons choose to not flee out of territorial disgust that "others" have taken over their bar. <br /><br />If a straight man or woman kisses his/her partner passionately while at the Park or Backstreet, would their be problems from that? My guess is not. Reverse this for a gay couple in a straight bar...my guess is yes. I feel it is important for us to accept everyone within our two bars, yet we should also not deny our true selves if we choose another venue with friends. Without some(slightly measured if necessary) visibility, our equality struggle,esp. here in VA, is hopeless.Franknoreply@blogger.com