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Dennis Holland's Reviews > Gay Bar: Why We Went Out
Gay Bar: Why We Went Out
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I don’t go out much anymore since I got sober but once upon a time I was a party boy and went out every night of the week. Thanks to this cross continental adventure and Lin’s dense, detailed examination of the scene—those memories that shaped my life can live on more happily ever after.
Freshman year, college 1996, I was introduced to the UK magazine Attitude. I’ve been reading it every month ever since. Ages ago, they used to print candid snapshots of partygoers from various nights of the British club scene. Those people and that nightlife seemed so very far away from me and Minneapolis but it was the feature I always turned to first. Even as I was having more than my share of fun, I daydreamed of drinking, drugging and dancing at Horse Meat Disco or Popstarz. This book made those pages come back to life and I didn’t know it but I really needed this.
Freshman year, college 1996, I was introduced to the UK magazine Attitude. I’ve been reading it every month ever since. Ages ago, they used to print candid snapshots of partygoers from various nights of the British club scene. Those people and that nightlife seemed so very far away from me and Minneapolis but it was the feature I always turned to first. Even as I was having more than my share of fun, I daydreamed of drinking, drugging and dancing at Horse Meat Disco or Popstarz. This book made those pages come back to life and I didn’t know it but I really needed this.
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Reading Progress
December 29, 2020
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December 29, 2020
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March 5, 2021
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March 7, 2021
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Gerhard
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rated it 5 stars
Mar 07, 2021 09:04AM
Dennis, I think we've all got memories of places like this, which tend to gain a patina of nostalgia as one gets older. In South Africa in particular, our 'safe zones' of community, camaraderie (and debauchery) have always focused on our clubs and bars. I am looking forward to reading this, especially for the international insight and perspective, but I suspect it is going to be doubly poignant reading this now in the time of Covid-19.
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Gerhard wrote: "Dennis, I think we've all got memories of places like this, which tend to gain a patina of nostalgia as one gets older. In South Africa in particular, our 'safe zones' of community, camaraderie (an..."I do think, yes, the gay bar experience does play a significant role in many of our narratives and lives and has been the historical setting and a part of our individual histories for many, many generations now. The book does acknowledge all that and the hallowed past these bars hold but it also questions whether these party establishments have ever been truly “safe spaces� for queer youths to inhabit. And as today’s more inclusive, less exclusive queer youth seek different sorts of sanctuaries, this book did make me wonder what role these bars will continue to play and whether they will just be considered history to future generations. Hopefully this book is as interesting of a discussion and surprises you as much as it did me, Gerhard.
Sergio wrote: "Such interesting reflections."Sergio, I’m sure whenever you decide to go on this gay bar adventure, you are certain to have your own interesting reflections. I’m excited to read it again just so I can reflect some more.
Dennis wrote: "Gerhard wrote: "Dennis, I think we've all got memories of places like this, which tend to gain a patina of nostalgia as one gets older. In South Africa in particular, our 'safe zones' of community,..."Dennis, yes the generational aspect of all of this is fascinating. I am of the generation where I look at all the youngsters today and their freedoms and pronouns...and wonder when did the gay world become so unfamiliar? Of course, they/them have their own challenges and issues to navigate. And there are still many countries where simply 'meeting up' in a 'gay venue' is akin to a revolutionary act. I am really looking forward to reading this book, which I think is very timely and necessary.
Have you read The Pink Line: Journeys Across the World's Queer Frontiers by Mark Gevisser, a South African writer?
Gerhard wrote: "Dennis wrote: "Gerhard wrote: "Dennis, I think we've all got memories of places like this, which tend to gain a patina of nostalgia as one gets older. In South Africa in particular, our 'safe zones..."No I have not read The Pink Line. I remember reading about it when it was making a bunch of lists and receiving a lot of press last year. It seemed very scholarly and I didn’t add it to my TBR list perhaps out of intimidation? I made a goal this year to read more nonfiction, though, so perhaps I will make time for it. Thank you for bringing it back to my attention.
Dennis wrote: "Gerhard wrote: "Dennis wrote: "Gerhard wrote: "Dennis, I think we've all got memories of places like this, which tend to gain a patina of nostalgia as one gets older. In South Africa in particular,..."Dennis, I've just started reading 'Gay Bar', and I'm loving it. Unfortunately, it's reminding me of a lot of shit I used to get up to in such places, which if I think about it now makes my toes curl.
Gerhard wrote: "Dennis wrote: "Gerhard wrote: "Dennis wrote: "Gerhard wrote: "Dennis, I think we've all got memories of places like this, which tend to gain a patina of nostalgia as one gets older. In South Africa..."Hahahaha... Gerhard, I believe you called it “nostalgia� ha! ;) Joking aside, I’m glad you’re loving it. I’ll be looking forward to your updates� I always enjoy your highlights.
Chon wrote: "Cant wait for this one!"Chon, you won't be disappointed! Being South African, I am unfamiliar with these largely US/UK places in person, but JAL paints such an amazing picture of the scene, including its history and transformation, that it just springs to such vivid life in the reader's mind. A wonderful read, doubly so in these stay-at-home Covid-19 times.
Chon wrote: "Cant wait for this one!"Chon, why wait?!? ;) .. although it’s definitely worth all the excitement and anticipation
