Going out is one of the best things about being gay. Gay clubs, parties, and bars are just more fun than Shooters II. Let's talk about what people do and are looking for in their social scene.
I think one of the most difficult things about being gay at Duke is not having a good gay social scence in the area. So my question is, what do people do at night? Do you have a gay group of friends to go out with? Do your straight friends come to gay bars/parties/clubs/the center with you? Do you even go to gay events? Are there people out there that wish they had a gay group, but just can't seem to get connected to the right people?
Agreed. On the social side, I usually go to Chapel Hill on Sunday nights with some of my gay friends. My straight friends even love going. East End always has a really good and diverse crowd there, and the DJ is amazing.
ReplyDeleteRaleigh really isn't my thing, but sometimes I can be persuaded to go.
Besides that, during the week I try to grab lunch or dinner with some LGBT friends to at least touch base. I honestly spend more time with my straight friends. There's no set "plan" on how I spend my weekends. But I do like going out, grabbing a drink (or five), and just shooting the shit.
And yes, gay clubs are clearly better than Shooters.
Some people like Stir, which is Sundays in Chapel Hill like Alta notes. It's not really as much of a gay club as it is a collection of gay college students crowding in a bar for a once-a-week release.
ReplyDeleteLegends is the closest thing in the triangle to an actual gay club. I think it's a little overwhelming for a lot of students especially those not used to that sort of thing (people of all ages/backgrounds, drug use, etc.). It's in Raleigh; there are a few other gay clubs in Raleigh too. CC's is across the street from Legends, I had some fun there. Flex is another one, has a much more diverse crowd. I encourage you to check out all of them; they're probably more similar to what you'd find outside of college.
New to Durham starting this Friday (12th) is Thrive! It's a monthly LGBTA party at Club 9 on 9th street. Go and make sure the tradition gets picked up and stays strong, please.
Just thought I'd mention, for the girls there's Steel Blue, although that's not to say you won't find a mix of queer/ally women at the other clubs like Legends. And I agree, let's try and make sure Thrive is hoppin' so that it STAYS! It'd be fantastic to have an LGBTA club party so close to campus (and cheaper than the other places too)!
ReplyDeleteThats a great survey of all the places to go. But I want to keep the conversation on what WOJO7 brought up: Personally, what do you guys do? WhatDo you frequent these places? Do you prefer to do other things with your gay friends? Do you prefer to hang out with your straight friends? "What are you looking for in your social scene?" Get personal.
ReplyDeleteOn a day to day basis I don't think "Yea I wanna hang with my str8 friends today" I just have lunch with whoever however. I do understand that it takes a certain crowd to really enjoy Legends though. Straight or gay, they have to have the certain personality or want the exposure. We have been slowly building what is hopefully a more solid group to contact each other about night life for us. Stir usually is a solid choice but go with someone. NEVER go to any of these places alone. Needless to say Legends has the potential to be quite overwhelming for a number of reasons, and college kids are usually a high demand in every community. Its the same for any club you go to whether straight, gay, or other genre it all holds true. Go with friends.
ReplyDeleteI love taking straight people to drag shows to really show them a new side of culture. I don't think I really do anything different with my gay friends but I know they are more ready for the gay bars we will go to... actions I just may make sure my straight friends are comfortable.
Personally I'm looking for just a great community where we can all walk by each other on the plaza or in a hall and stop, know the persons name, plan a casual lunch maybe start talk of a weekend outing with a group, then go on with our day. I have that with so many other groups... why not with friends from the LGBT center.