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Editor’s Note: This Op/Ed piece comes from Cameron Parker
I’d rather go to a bar in Shockoe Slip than go to a downtown gay bar any night of the week. Not all of the LGBT community feels the same way, though. That’s not to say that self-segregation is a regular practice in the community; for the most part, Richmond’s minority groups are all very adept to being involved in many of the various nightlife scenes in my estimation. Nevertheless, there’s still a certain curiosity as to why typical non-niche bars often fail to attract gay customers, and why gay bars may seem too exclusive for a heterosexual patronage.
Why should straight bars try to reel in the gays? Well, for several reasons. Although the Richmond bar scene is already pretty progressive, it seems to be timidly so. When Richmonders feel comfortable in their drinking environment, word spreads like wildfire and people flock to those bars. By showing a commitment to minority groups with a roar rather than a whisper, local establishments will speak volumes of their commitment to inclusivity.
Beyond social justifications, there are very clear monetary motivations to reach out to the gay community. Some studies suggest that the levels of alcohol consumption among members of the LGBT community may be significantly higher than those among heterosexuals. Accordingly, appealing to a gay clientele could have an evident bright economic incentive for local establishments.
The socioeconomic determinants being clear, I feel that we, the LGBT community, should task Richmond bar establishments with being more vocal about their support for gays as an integral part of nightlife. It seems to be nothing but a mutually beneficial idea: the gay community will feel comfortable enough to expand its horizons, and the bar community will benefit from a more comprehensive image.
Cameron Parker is one of the creators of OMGWTFRVA.net where he shares thoughts on nightlife and other Richmond happenings.
Be Out.Spoken.
10 Comments
Pay attention, saloon-keepers. Cameron’s speaking truth – LGBT customers are trendsetters, in addition to having higher disposable incomes than many of their straight counterparts. Here’s a link to a powerful chart showing the market power of LGBT:
http://ow.ly/116Fq
As someone who remembers the ’60s/’70s gay ghetto of NYC’s West Village becoming Ground Zero for countless foodie, art, and business trends of the ’80s (except for big hair, they had too much style to fall for that mess), RVA bars and restaurants that adopt not just a gay-friendly approach, but who market directly to the gay community, will see immediate ROI.
Nice post Cameron. I feel the same way. All establishments would be wise to take your advice.
For me, I like a variety of places. It depends on how I feel that night and who I’m out with..oh, and if dancing is in my future. ;)
How do non-gay bars attract gay customers? Have lgbt nights? Drink specials for people with rainbow stickers?
I am puzzled by most of this article. There seem to be several unrelated points. The title suggests there is a message for mainstream bars. Then.
Cameron doesn’t like gay bars. Cameron would prefer to go to mainstream bars and find gays. Mainstream bars should want gays because they drink more, and if gays like the place they will tell their friends and come back.
Well, the LGBT community already has a reputation in mainstream bars. It is a result of 4th Fridays, resulting in some bars begging the group to come back, because-we come early, spend money, and are well behaved as a group. Capitol Ale, Triple, Lucky Budda, New York Deli to name a few. I am puzzled as to what it is that Cameron wants addressed. Is it more bars with gay nights putting further pressure on long time community establishments, better or different gay bars. Is he suggesting spreading the herd, or moving the herd.
Roland,
Immediately after writing this, I realized that upon reflection that it wasn’t as organized or clear as I’d like it to be. I’m glad that you called attention to that, and I’ll take this moment to address that.
This wasn’t meant to be a commentary on whether I like gay bars. Nor is it meant to suggest that gays don’t like to go to mainstream bars as a rule; as I said, most of us are aware of the dangers of self-segregation.
Furthermore, I’m not suggesting that mainstream bars aren’t aware of the presence of the LGBT community. I’m simply stating that more of them should at least try harder to capitalize on that, whether it be through “gay nights,” drink specials, etc.
Any other points needing clarification? :-)
One more point to supplement those that I just made:
When I speak about outreach, I mean that more of it should come from the inside rather than from the outside. It should NOT have to suffice for the LGBT community to have to organize themselves in a herd once every four weeks to arouse interest in mainstream bars. If these establishments would take it upon themselves to be more proactive about their support for the community, it would speak volumes to their social character as well as reeling in more money.
As a manager at the New York Deli, who is openly gay. We have always had a open door policy to the Gay community. And very proactive about supporting the LGBT community. If the Deli has any events there, we do it with everyone in mind. Way before 4th came a knocking, we had a Gay Pride after party, we gave money for LGBT causes and events. I would say we have outreached
This is definitely a conversation that needs to be had.
Though some of the initial statements needed some elucidation, in the end the point is very clear and valid. There are definitely some establishments that have been completely open with their support of the gay community, but they seem to be so scarce that one or two anecdotal stories cannot suffice to refute the idea that most of local establishments don’t have this “inclusive” image.
In the end, when people go out, we all want to do the same thing: have a drink or ten, socialize, maybe do a little dancing, and enjoy themselves. Not being gay myself, I’d imagine it to be harder for gays to enjoy themselves if they feel that they may be scrutinized for holding hands or showing a little bit of public affection. While this isn’t entirely the responsibility of bars and their owners, fostering an image of comfort for everyone can really only result in a positive outcome.
Cameron, have you seen a typical mainstream establishment on a Friday or Saturday? Line out the door and down the block. Try comparing that to your local queer bar. Not even close. Straight folks support their favorite watering holes and hangouts en masse. We do not.
Gay bars in Richmond can’t attract and retain a steady clientele of their own these days, much less “organize a herd” to do ANYthing outside of those confines, so why then, should mainstream bars and clubs bother investing marketing and advertising resources in an attempt to lure a demographic that refuses to even support it’s own?
There are all kinds of reasons as to why people aren’t coming out. Mainly, the quality of the product is AWFUL and nothing ever changes. Would it kill Fieldens to slap a coat of paint on the walls? When’s the last time Barcode changed their menu? How about NOT getting run out of Nations at 1:15? Or being abused by off duty cops and being shouted at while closing my tab at Godfreys?
I have to disagree with you about straight bars. Have you been to NY Deli? They’re VERY welcoming of the gays. Ditto for Mars Bar, where Tucker has made a fortune by welcoming EVERYONE. Several other places come to mind, most recently the Sunday Tea Dance at Bank & Vault before they closed (ironically due to lack of support from homosexuals) Hill Cafe on Broad in Church Hill has a HUGE gay following….
I Agree with CHGuyRva, You have to spend money to make money. Bar Code owners should be ashamed, that bar looks like it open in 1970 and never changed. How about clean it up, paint it, get a new tv, advertise. All three gay bars in this town are SAD. The worst drag show i have ever seen in my life at godfreys, I also spend my time at straight bars. I have been in Barcode 50 times, Do you think the bartenders said hello ? Hell no. they hold there hand out fast enough for cash. Please tell me when the other MEN hang out. Are they in the closet ? or embarrassed to go in one of these run down bars. Great web site nations …FACEBOOK are you for real. calgon take me away. Sorry I missed the tdance at the vault, I would have been by myself. I’d bring my paint brush. these bars are awful. oh lord…..