Photo by Dani Duh Bones
I love you, Bushwick, but I have some complaints. This neighborhood, so creative, friendly, so densely populated and diverse, desperately lacks a thriving queer scene.
Take a moment and stand on the corner of Myrtle-Broadway on any given day for five minutes. You will see plenty of ostensibly queer people and their allies, ready to bend the boundaries of gender and express themselves bravely. However, these fellow Bushwick queers don’t stay around town, they are merely get on the JMZ trains and leave for Williamsburg, the Lower East Side, or the East Village. Yet, all of them are more than willing to proudly disclose their status as residents of Bushwick and elaborate on the same quaint features I’ve listed above. When they get home after a night out, they run from the train to their apartments like soldiers jumping from the fox hole to the bunker, and I can’t blame them, really.
If I counted, instead of sheep, the number of times I have heard “Maricon” (the spanish word for “faggot”) on the two block walk from subway to my house, I would probably put myself to sleep.
Some of my friends have revealed to me that they are bisexual or queer, and yet they prefer to date the opposite sex in Bushwick because of their social scene. Really, people? I came to New York to ESCAPE that sort of sexuality policing.
Most importantly, Bushwick is significantly lacking organized resources, nightlife, or events catering to LGBTQ people. Sure, most of the people here claim to be liberal and accepting, but I find myself the token queer almost all of the time I try to hang out with my friends. For most of us singles, gay or straight, having absolutely no one to flirt with can be a downer. With all of that said, it’s no surprise to me that Bushwick queers are heading to Sugarland, Metropolitan, and the recently opened This ‘N That in Williamsburg, rather than trying to navigate the chaotic mix of acceptance and heterobias that comprises the Bushwick social scene.
Despite that I’ve tried to compile a, very, very, very short list of some of the more queer friendly venues in the Bushwick area:
This East Williamsburg venue has a Monday night queer party thrown by the talented, gender fucking queen named Mason King. The name of the party is Bath Salts, with various weekly sub themes.
Tandem has been named by many of my friends as the “unofficial” gay bar in Bushwick. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays have all been cited as the most queer, though I’m guessing it really depends on who decides to go in. Tuesdays are a regular queer night; Witches are a monthly lesbian dance party held on Tuesdays and Invocation is a monthly gay party on Thursdays. However, these events lack promotion in order to really grow as events dedicated to queer audience.
Wreck Room on 940 Flushing Ave is organizing a weekly KITTY party that is supposed to be a lesbian night but it brings in a large straight punk/indie crowd.
Last Thursdays of the month belong to a pop-up performance party Bushlick. This lesbian table dancing party collective was last spotted at King’s County Bar.
And…. that’s about it. I could add queer friendly Miles Bar on 101 Wilson, because the owners and bartenders bring in a pretty heavy LGBTQ crew every time I’m there, but, again, everything is unofficial.
While it may seem great, in a sense, that everything is so accepting and unofficial and that gay people can comfortably hang with their straight counterparts without fear of hatred or violence, I would have to say that this air of assimilation is a bit premature. Many of the implants in Bushwick aren’t from liberal areas, and not everyone who lives here is as accepting as one might think. As you can discern from my anecdote about the Bisexuals that consciously avoid same-sex attraction in Bushwick, there’s still a lot of heterobias here and a lot of over-saturation from definitively straight musicians, straight artists, and straight people of all sorts. In short, Bushwick NEEDS a centralizing queer scene or force in the area that reaffirms our position and part in creating what has become one of the most vibrant parts of Brooklyn.
How do you feel being a queer in Bushwick? If you know of more LGBTQ friendly events and places, please leave us a comment below.
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About James Ryder
Writer, I guess, Bartender, and Music and Kitten lover. My days mainly consist of nearly cathartic, idealistic planning and going to music shows in the area.
I completely agree with this post, I wish there was more of a scene. In fact I feel that the LGBTQ population in Bushwick is so large that I’m amazed there isn’t more available. I do however remember that I saw posters up a while back advertising a “Gay Punk Night” on Tuesdays at The Cobra Club but that was at least a couple months ago so I don’t really know if it’s actually a thing. Bring me dem ghey barz, plz!!
Tomorrow night yo!
https://www.facebook.com/events/452127474851931/
KC, thanks for the link. Can you add this (and other queer events you know of) to our Events Calendar at http://events.bushwickdaily.com
There is a scene in Bushwick. You just have to know about it and it’s not all about clubbing. All the places in Bushwick are super mixed and not blaring Cher music every 5 minutes. As a queer I prefer it more and have meant awesome people.
This article just makes me angry. We live in one of the gayest cities on earth. And the best part is that we don’t have to label it “gay”. It just is. Maybe James just moved here from some town in middle America where things needed to be clearly spelled out for him. Here, James…you are welcome HERE and over THERE. That doesn’t happen around here. Maybe you’re just too young and not comfortable being out just yet. You don’t need a place labeled “gay” to feel like you belong. Bushwick is definitely not closeted. I don’t understand why people have to care about “scenes”. Make your own damn scene wherever you go. That’s what we do here in the big city!
Bo, thanks for your passion but I’d have to disagree quite vehemently. I’m actually a born and raised New York Stater. I’m a little lost between all of your here’s and there’s but, either way, there’s something centralizing and powerful about queer resources that are unabashedly labeled queer whether or not you want to participate in their services. While your experience in Bushwick (or NY, or life in general) may be one that involves a lot of positive, accepting experiences in straight bars and scenes, that is not the biography of all queer people. Maybe those people want gay resources in bushwick? You’re not required to partake if they’re available. Second, I sense some internalized homophobia in your comment: there’s nothing wrong with labeling anything GAY or QUEER because there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being either of those things. There is also no such thing as “too gay” or “too queer.” Those are archaic sentiments that are based in homophobia and heterobias and are part of what I’m trying to get at in this article when I name this air of assimilation “premature.” I’m quite active in the Bushwick music/social/writing scene and I can tell you that not everyone feels as “accepted” as you might and feels as though many of the largely heterosexual implants from the midwest or elsewhere are dismissive of their abilities and talents because of their sexuality or gender expression. Many of the queers I’ve spoken to feel tokenized and isolated. All I’m suggesting is that we should be unashamed of our presence in the area and that a scene or resources may help to give the community in Bushwick some visibility and backing. It’s undeniable that an area with more LGBTQ resources is more LGBTQ-friendly/accepting, because, believe it or not people actually do respond to positive peer pressure.
P.s. Did I notice you actually shaming an LGBTQ person from the Midwest that WOULD feel more comfortable in appropriately labeled scenes? Take a better look at the anger you’re directing at people in your own community and find its source. Thanks.
Bo, thanks for your passion but I’d have to disagree quite vehemently. I’m actually a born and raised New York Stater. I’m a little lost between all of your here’s and there’s but, either way, there’s something centralizing and powerful about queer resources that are unabashedly labeled queer whether or not you want to participate in their services. While your experience in Bushwick (or NY, or life in general) may be one that involves a lot of positive, accepting experiences in straight bars and scenes, that is not the biography of all queer people. Maybe those people want gay resources in bushwick? You’re not required to partake if they’re available. Second, I sense some internalized homophobia in your comment: there’s nothing wrong with labeling anything GAY or QUEER because there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being either of those things. There is also no such thing as “too gay” or “too queer.” Those are archaic sentiments that are based in homophobia and heterobias and are part of what I’m trying to get at in this article when I name this air of assimilation “premature.” I’m quite active in the Bushwick music/social/writing scene and I can tell you that not everyone feels as “accepted” as you might and feels as though many of the largely heterosexual implants from the midwest or elsewhere are dismissive of their abilities and talents because of their sexuality or gender expression. Many of the queers I’ve spoken to feel tokenized and isolated. All I’m suggesting is that we should be unashamed of our presence in the area and that a scene or resources may help to give the community in Bushwick some visibility and backing. It’s undeniable that an area with more LGBTQ resources is more LGBTQ-friendly/accepting, because, believe it or not people actually do respond to positive peer pressure.
P.s. Did I notice you actually shaming an LGBTQ person from the Midwest that WOULD feel more comfortable in appropriately labeled scenes?
A few things…
-”New York Stater” is not the same as someone from New York City or any other big city.
-You mention queer resources but your article is more focused on gay parties and scenes. Seems like you just want a party no one else is invited to.
-Labels can be negative when we’re constantly fighting for equality. What happened to everyone being welcome and “one human family”. Sorry, this counter only seats LGBTQ patrons.
-If you find yourself the token queer every time you’re with your friends, maybe you should find new friends. I can throw a rock out my window and hit 10 gay people. I live in Bushwick. How about you?
-You may be active in whatever scene you’re currently pigeonholing yourself into. But I’m VERY active in Bushwick and I don’t really know any queers who have these issues you’re having.
-And, no, I’m not shaming anyone. Except maybe you…because, well, shame on you.
A few MORE things…
-I’m not really getting into some elitist nyc seniority tit-for-tat with you, sorry.
-Are straight people banned from gay parties? Gay bars are often a resource for the LGBTQ community and this article is just one thought on the gay community in Bushwick. I don’t really understand the hostility. If you don’t want to go to a gay bar or party that might appear in bushwick, you don’t have to! However, you really haven’t said anything constructive except ‘mrehh, my friends don’t feel this way so you’re wrong about everything.”
-Again, allies are more than welcome. And labels can also be a cohesive rallying force, a sense of pride (because there’s nothing wrong with being labeled gay, walking into a bar labeled gay, etc…), and can heighten visibility in an area.
-I can throw a rock and hit those same gay people and when I ask them where they’re going out… it’s not in Bushwick, most of the time (especially not to socialize with other gay people). Just because YOU and YOUR FRIENDS don’t feel a certain way doesn’t mean that other people don’t.
-Again, I do know a lot of queers, spanning a very large social network that do feel that way. Your experience isn’t really generalizable. And, again, so much hostility and petty name-calling.. why? Because someone wrote an article trying to outline gay parties in Bushwick/calling for a gay bar that might be actually really cool and lucrative in the area? You’re clearly just trolling the BUSHWICK DAILY with nothing better to do than bash writers.
-Shame on me if I respond to anything else you write. Kthnx.
The Thurs Party at Tandem is Invocation. (vs. Vindication)
Thanks Hayhook for the edit!
Invocation was last night (2nd Thursdays of the month) as was PACKED with every LGBTQIA and whatever other letters and everything in between. Freaky, fun, amazing music (goth, new wave, punk, electropop). Tuesdays are “gay night” “C>U>Next>Tuesday” with rotating Djs including the monthly “Witches” party which is always HUGE. If you need a “gay” bar in Bwick, Tandem is the best you’re gonna find.
With Tandem, there’s always a good 30% of the crowd that’s gay, as is half of the staff. Hence the Unofficial Gaybar status. As someone else wrote, maybe the peeps in the neighborhood are accepting enough for there not necessarily needing to be an official GAY BAR here… just the best party any night, where the folks from the LGBTQ community are always embraced?
Yup.
I believe you have missed a few very “gay friendly” bars, and ironically, some of these bars/restaurants/cafes you have missed are owned and operated by openly gay people…..just because the “gay scene” isn’t overtly flamboyant in Bushwick, doesn’t mean that there is not one, it may just not be the scene you are looking for.
This blog post is a complete lie! Clearly James Ryder didn’t attend ‘Trey LaTrash’s Dizzyland’ this past weekend at Spectrum or ‘Spank’ (which happened last month). This dude obviously knows nothing about any “scene” in Bushwick when he throws names around like King’s County? Tandem? Are you kidding me? Why not just mention Roberta’s (the ugly poster child of good ‘ol Bushwick) while you are at it….barf!! I’m so sick of these newbies like James Ryder who move into the neighborhood that act like they know wtf is going on here. Please, Bushwick Daily extend your resources to more knowledgeable people.
Hey James! Do yourself a favor and get familiar with what the hell you’re talking about before you throw out a bunch of vomit. You wanna have an opinion and be somewhat a journalist? Do some research and look past the obvious that any person could tell us … And to the commenter ‘Bo’ and ‘jobushwick’, you’re both exactly on point!
Guuurrrlll, you so fish!
Fishbait, while throwing around petty words like “newbie” and “gamer” (and then, btw, only mentioning two parties that occurred in the last month- both of which I had heard of and neither of which can by themselves completely alter the bushwick social landscape) you actually did do something quite important: ADDED to the article’s original intent of outlining gay parties in the area! Thanks for that! If you’d like, you can also add other, upcoming LGBTQ themed parties to the Bushwick Daily event calendar.
Hey there, this is the booker at Don Pedro, Jake Noodles. Wanted to say thanks for considering us your #1 queer friendly venue in Bushwick! Laurels to us! In the five years I’ve been here the place has gone from Ecuadorian restaurant/Latin nightclub to rock n’ roll dive and has become (I’m very proud to say) a place where all folks of all types can collide. Our ties to the LGBTQ community have not only been good for sales and fun as hell for parties, some of our old regulars from the neighborhood have had their old school mentality changed and challenged. We’re quite proud of that. Thanks for the kind words!
Bushwick is so ready for a gay bar or club!!
Being “straight” as a concept and for ur “career” in the industry. When she finds out, she won’t even like ur music any more, let alone u. One “artist” in Bushwick once told me if I have a dick and it’s not fucking her than she wants nothing to do with me. This a a queer friendly blonde bombshell around town u kno her. U gotta be a faggot or straight. There’s no room in between. Not even in Bushwick. I’m winning these ppl ovr tho. As in “the ppl” as in the local who calls u faggot. and they kno wat I’m about so … Idk … That’s my perspective.but I feel like bigotry exist so much in Bushwicks “art” youth because its all the fuckers from the Midwest who think they’re “progressive” but really have an ass backwards out look on things. Or they’re local or Aussies or from any where but I see bigotry heavily in the young ppl more than strangers in the street that I would NVR chill w. And I’m not trying to restrict myself to a “gay scene” or any “scene” what’s happening now in Bushwick is ppl kind of all mesh together. I like that more than a “thriving gay scene” like go get married wat else do u want that u can’t have? Just blend in. End segregation by just letting every one melt together.
Hmmm. OMG I’M BEING SERIOUS FOR ONCE! (It’s a new year) Okay, anyways… There is definitely a queer scene in Bushwick that is one of the strongest in the country. It’s a “QUEER” scene. There isn’t a HUGE queer scene anywhere, there aren’t tons and tons and tons of queer people on this planet, it’s a small minority/niche of the population. With that said, Bushwick is one of the most concentrated neighborhoods of queer people, queer nightlife, and queer art. It’s a thriving neighborhood for the queer community especially young adults due to the low(er) rent, access to space, and network of young artists. Lets not forget to mention access to beauty stores!!!…Back to serious. But seriously dollar weave ever color of the rainbow. I know SOOOOO many drag performers that live in Bushwick, including myself. I have adapted and prefer performing almost exclusively in Bushwick and Williamsburg. This area is a cesspool for young drag performers, artists of all torts, people that go out in face and exotic looks etc. I don’t know if “brooklyn” drag is a helpful example or really a completely inclusive example supporting the queer activities in Bushwick but we have to also look at other elements of the neighborhood. It’s still hard to order food late at night in some parts, and lots of people that live in Bushwick aren’t the young people looking for cheap rent. There are people that have lived in Brooklyn their whole lives, families, etc, all attempting to coexist. The neighborhood is in the midst of being gentrified and being molded at an astonishing pace. Bushwick is a very interesting place to look at due to the fact it is gentrifying so quickly and everything is constantly changing due to the resources currently available. The scene also grows as people create it, these are people that weren’t even in the area at all 5 years ago. Don Pedro is a great example of how things have changed based on the demographic shifts paired with the work of people creating something that is inclusive and accommodating to a queer scene. Lastly, whether I am in drag, in a look, or walking down the street in whatever, it’s Bushwick and whether you are gay, straight, queer, poor, wealthy, purple, whatever, after a night out if you have a cell phone on you or a wallet, intoxicated or not you become a target for crime so you best run home to your bunker or at least be as aware as possible because the fact is there is still crime in the area affecting everyone. Finally, I believe some people feel passionate about this subject of a gay and queer scene because there are a lot of people working really hard creating a queer scene and it’s definitely present. Like anything though, if there is a scene you desire, you must create it, if the resources are present and you have an idea for something that you want to do and want to enjoy you must put in the time and energy and create it. Many folks are doing just that out in Bushwick and that’s why it’s getting so much attention as being one of the hot newer neighborhoods for people to flock to. I hope to see Bushwick grow positively and am excited to see what people will be turning out this new year, as mentioned in some of the comments, as a queer community we are off to a fucking amazing start. But that’s just my opinion.
-Stevie Zar
Holy crap I am going to be seriously serious for once and write a comment. Okay, so here’s the rundown… There are some overall discrepancies on the terms LGBTQ, gay, and queer at the root of any argument like this. Putting that aside, let’s chat about the Bushwick and it’s queer scene. First of all I am a queer performance artist and often perform in the drag queen lens. I guess I’ll be spinning my opinion here from that angle and my observations living and working in Bushwick and being queer identified in that hood. The community that we are talking about globally is one that is a small minority of the population. No matter where you go there isn’t going to be a huge scene simply because in term of population, it’s a niche, it’s a minority, there simply are a lot of people that don’t care because they aren’t LGBTQ or haven’t educated themselves on what other lifestyles are like, or just have other interests they are passionate about. It’s a fact. Living and visiting other places in the country, I can confidently say that Bushwick is one of the richest, currently active, queer scenes in the country. There are so many drag performers, queer artists, and young people looking for a good time in Bushwick paired with low(er) rent that allows these people to live here more easily. Whether you are a native New Yorker or not it doesn’t really matter because none of us are most likely native residents of Bushwick which is a neighborhood going through swift major changes in terms of gentrification and the changes include the vibrant queer scene that has popped up and is present. One element of Bushwick and where it is in development involves the crime. I very often feel like I am jumping from foxhole to bunker every so often but it’s because I am a smallish white boy with longish hair, gaudy clothes, a cell phone, and a wallet but mainly it’s because I’m walking down streets anyone would get mugged simply for their phone. You really only need the cell phone or the wallet, or a wrong place, wrong time situation to have to have a reason to dodge back to your bunker in Bushwick. It doesn’t matter how you identify your sexuality, how you are dressed, your race, or what breakfast food is your favorite, if you are out at night almost anywhere, especially a neighborhood with a crime record you are a target and you best be running to that bunker girl or at least be watching your back! You never know. It’s the way it is. That is gentrification. On the bright side because of this crazy mix, the resources for young people to assemble in real life is possible. People are able to host queer events like none other in the world right now in Bushwick and people are watching this happen globally due to social media, blog coverage, etc. and in turn people are flocking to this neighborhood because of the buzz. Also in turn there are way more drag artists, queer artists, roll around on the floor artists, crazy parties, unconventional bars, active performance spaces etc. in this area than anywhere else in New York. Bushwick is a relatively new neighborhood and it’s still being molded. I think a lot of people feel passionate about what seems like an ignorance of the already present and vibrant queer community in the article, or at least that’s the way it sort of sounds. I know that there are people working their tails off creating queer spaces and events in Bushwick. Don Pedro’s is an amazing example of how there is a clear queer shift of interest due to the hard work of many individuals who have been able to create a working queer scene in their establishments due to the shifting demographics paired with their own direction and hard work. The other component for a growing queer scene is their needs to be active participation sustaining the scene. That means going out, seeing art, supporting artists in any way you can, meeting people, and networking with these people you meet. I live in Bushwick because that’s where I want to create my work, where I feel comfortable being a queer identified person because of the resources, people, and outlets I have available, and the network of other people and artists that fit into same realm of interests and identity. If there is something you want in a scene you must create it, work hard, and support it. I can confidently say that is just what passionate queer, LGBTQ, young people in Bushwick are doing and doing so very successfully. I can’t wait to see what sort of events, art, and environments will unfold in this new year because as you can see the queers be off to a damn good start this year so far! Go out and see some queer shit in Bushwick cuz you won’t see it anywhere else. Also you can walk just a few blocks in any direction and find dollar weave in any color of the rainbow so yeah that’s why I really live here. That’s my opinion. I’m serious and boring today.
-Stevie Zar
“Some of my friends have revealed to me that they are bisexual or queer, and yet they prefer to date the opposite sex in Bushwick because of their social scene. ” Where are you from and how OLD are you? If you have a do something like this, it’s probably because you’re a hot mess and don’t know how to watch out for yourself in ANY neighborhood. It’s not because gay or bi or look queer. Maybe it’s because you’re loud and complain too much about a neighborhood that doesn’t belong to you and your annoying friends in the first place. I’ve been in the city over eight years and no matter where I live, I’ve never had to do something like that – much less BUSHWICK. Christ.
Unofficial is just fine by me. Hell’s Kitchen is official. I think this concern stems from an insecurity and needing to see sexual identity reflected back and reinforced by immediate surroundings. I hope an official gay bar never opens up in Bushwick. That would feel REGRESSIVE to me, especially when the broader community has clearly embraced homosexuals and their goings-on in local establishments. I have no problem sucking gay face indoors anywhere in Bushwick. Straights feel better about themselves when they welcome it. The only problem is the Puerto Rican homophobia on the streets. Yes, I said Puerto Rican homophobia, but they will be priced out soon enough, so…
This is a socially regressive complaint and is a residual product of internalized homophobia replicating a need to segregate and admit the insufficiency and inability of homosexual desire and activity to exist and integrate in the larger community. I hope a gay bar never opens in Bushwick. I have no problem sucking gay face anywhere indoors in Bushwick and it feels liberating to be able to do so, shamelessly, among straights.
I actually think this comment is beautifully written. However, beneath the well-written analysis is inaccuracy. You point out insecurity and yet you hope a gay bar never opens, so that you are FORCED to shamelessly suck face in ostensibly straight venues? Again, you can still do that even if a gay bar opens. Also, this post is about much more than sexual contact. In fact, it seems regressive to state that by labeling something GAY and self-segregating, we should be ashamed. Like I’ve said above, over and over again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being, acting, seeming, or self-labeling oneself or a space as gay/queer. Who is actually representative of internalized homophobia among us? The gay who wants to embrace his or her community, which, BY THE WAY is segregated and compartmentalized regardless of if YOU are sucking face at Tandem once a week or the gay who fears a local gay venue because it would negate his or her excuse to attempt to prove how accepting these straight venues are?
I think you’re misunderstanding what olen (and the other commenters) said. It’s not that anyone wants to be FORCED to display their sexuality in a “straight” bar. Queer people want to be accepted in a REGULAR bar and not have to create their own homosexual versions of bars that already exist. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having a queer community. In fact, it’s important to be around people that are just like you. But if the queer community isolates itself from the rest of Bushwick, it will be lost and misunderstood. How can you expect acceptance if you’re limiting interaction with people who would normally not seek out queer people? Again, it’s important to understand that by segregating you’re doing more damage than good. Not to mention that we do live in a progressive neighborhood and it’s inspiring to see places like Tandem and Don Pedro’s where everyone exists harmoniously. Hopefully all bars will be like this in the future, where we don’t have to carve out our own space in the neighborhood, but we can exist as we are amongst our neighbors. I kind of hope there will never be a queer bar in Bushwick. It doesn’t need to become Chelsea or Christopher Street. We’re better people than that.
Thanks for the article, James.
I’m sorry you had a few reactionary people post here to tell you the article is unwarranted, but I was relieved to see mention of this. I have felt the same way and so have all of my gay friends. Whether there are gay-friendly bars, events, and resources isn’t so much the point, but whether those things can BE SEEN and are actively visible, promoted, and accepted. And you are right: they are not visible, or obvious, and based on behaviors I’ve seen across this wonderful, giant neighborhood, they are far from accepted to the extent that this need for visibility and obviousness can just be dismissed.
For those who do not have to worry about being beaten silly, harassed, or killed for only their differences, they cannot fathom the necessity for obvious promotion of the embrace of a minority who has to, unfortunately, still navigate danger, assault, and humiliation in their basic, every day lives.
I love Bushwick. It’s the best neighborhood I’ve lived in since the East Village and the Lower East Side, before Manhattan became the new Midwest. I still love my Manhattan, but Bushwick reminds me of the old East Village and LES before it got taken over by SUV limos and bridesmaid after parties.
Bushwick doesn’t need to become the West Village or Christopher Street, but it would be really great to have a visible and thriving community among all of the other communities. Embracing and catering to a specific niche community within a larger community is always beneficial to the whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
The key to the beauty and attraction of New York City is that it has never ignored our differences among us, acting like “we are all the same,” but celebrated those differences without apology.
Cocteauboy says “Bushwick reminds me of the old East Village and LES before it got taken over by SUV limos and bridesmaid after parties.”
There’s the rub. One of the things protecting this neighborhood from the SUV limos and bridesmaid after parties is the fact that it isn’t entirely safe and it isn’t entirely welcoming (at least on the surface). If someone was priced out of the EV/LES (or Chelsea/HK), perhaps they would like to see this neighborhood pushed farther towards that “ideal,” but for those who moved to the neighborhood because they liked what the neighborhood already had to offer, the ruggedness and underground-ness of the scene is a plus.
James, the context of this moment is different than those moments when the established gay bars in other neighborhoods were established. There is greater acceptance, even in this neighborhood, so less need for segregation. Meeting people in person is nice, but the number of websites and apps means that finding other queers in the hood is a pretty trivial problem at this point, so the “Gay Bar with 18 Rainbow Flags and a Juke Loaded with Cher/Gaga” model is less necessary.
And, I really sincerely don’t quite know what you mean by “gay bar.” You say that allies are welcome in a gay bar, so it’s not that it be an exclusively queer space. I was at Tandem just last night, and as has been the case for a long time, the crowd was heavily queer (at least 50%). No, the place doesn’t have “gay bar” painted on the door, nor are there those rainbow flags, but it seems like we already have what you’re looking for.
Full disclosure: I’m gay, white, middle-class, cis, and a transplanted midwesterner who’s been in the city since ’99. I don’t think any of that invalidates my perspective, but I understand that things might look different for people with different adjectives.
Damibe,
Thank you so much for this addition. You’re totally right about applications and how they change queer social life in a way that is new, I definitely need to remember to factor them into any analysis of the queer landscape not only in Bushwick but all over.
And also thanks for remembering that people with different adjectives have different experiences, even if they identify as being in the same community as someone who is male/white/cis/etc..
all around, great comment
Uh, wait. Bushwisk is less than perfect cause it lacks a thriving queer scene? It lacks a lot of scenes. What a silly article.
Really? When ever I have walked in to tandem, pearls, or even in Williamsburg like lady jays or legion you would see a gay couple or lesbian making out & it’s no big deal. Do we need to create self-imposed segregation: gay men here, lesbians here, bisexuals there, & transgender over here.
As far as I’m concerned regardless of race, gender affiliation, or sexual orientation the bar scene of Bushwick or North Brooklyn in general has been welcoming to all. Never felt that way about night life scene in the city. The bars of Bushwick are safe & welcoming to all. That’s what makes the bars of Bushwick great.
But I find it sad that you need to create self-imposed segregation considering hundreds of died since stonewall to have the right to be open & coexist.
The bar scene in Bushwick is unique because it is one of the most open & welcoming to all.
There’s also a monthly queer-punk-hardcore party at The Cobra Club, by the Jefferson stop.
Thanks, B. Please add your events to our events calendar at http://events.bushwickdaily.com
The best thing about this article is if someone wrote this 4 years ago no one would of gave a sh*t about Bushwick of people whining about community for queers. ‘Hand Clap’ for Bushwick.
I am loving the comments. Perhaps you should start a party, James.
Sometimes, there is no way around it. No matter how much you fag it up, there is that walk home/to the train. Some cultures just have no interest in integrating with other sub/cultures. That is that. I have been in Bushwick since 2006 and I have been gay bashed and harassed this whole time. I CANT even go past Broadway junction. In Latino culture, there are no double standards between fe/male bodied queers,homos WHATEVER..no matter how non practicing they are, YOU ARE GOING TO HELL. I have grown to feel comfort in this with Latino’s considering in other hoods, because of that double -I could be sexualized in the way a lot of straight women have learned to ignore…the unwanted attention from the scrubs and married men who’d rather stare at body parts giggle on the sidewalk than to go look for a job or spend time with their OWN wives.