Perth Needs a New Gay Pub
It all started from a status update on Facebook. Soon a group was created, called Perth Needs a New Gay Pub and within 48 hours over 300 people had been added to the group and started to discuss Perth’s gay venues, media and culture. It just kept on growing.
The discussion has been wide ranging including the loss of gay spaces, the invasion of hen’s nights and boys nights out into gay pubs and clubs, the emergence of a homogenous culture where Bears, Trans* people, Dykes and Queens begin to feel out of place. Hundreds of topics have been raised, over zealous security, an unclear banning policy, a lack of support for community groups, and a newspaper that is seen by some to not ask the hard questions.
There have also been proposals for new nights, ideas have about commandeering a straight venue and making it gay, enthusiasm for supporting community groups and calls for public meetings and demonstrations.
“It’s just so interesting, the comments have been so varied”, said Brad McKay, who’s status update sparked the discussion. “People obviously have a lot of grievances with the Court Hotel. But I want to make it really clear, this is not bashing The Court. The Court is no longer meeting some of the community’s needs; that is the main thing.”
OUTinPerth asked the owners of both The Court and Connections Nightclub for their thoughts on the disappearing gay culture, homogenisation of the community and the challenges of running a gay orientated business
Bree Day – The Court Hotel
The Court will always remain a GLBTIQ venue that welcomes anyone through the door regardless of their sexuality; we have not and will never discriminate against anyone based on their sexual preference.
We will continue drag shows, gay events, keep the rainbow flag on the building and support the gay community. What makes the venue gay however is the people that come here. If the community want the venue to be more ‘gay’ then they need to come and support the venue.
We cannot turn person away because they are straight, discrimination works both ways. We also never presume we know someone’s sexuality when they come to our door, some people may surprise us!
The Court won two community service awards from the AHA in recognition of the work we do for our community. Unfortunately the relationship between The Court and Pride has not been ideal over the last few years. We have been trying hard to mend the relationship with each new committee. Pride night itself costs the Court a large amount of money and is a huge risk. It is not the ‘cash cow’ night that people think it is the costs are extremely high.
I’ve have spent many nights at the venue both working and socially. I have watched the way our security has dealt with many situations and I am completely happy with their performance.
We deal with any issues as they arise and we investigate any complaints made. Our security have been commended by the police and licensing on the way they manage the venue. They do a very difficult job and are exposed to some pretty abusive situations. Unfortunately after a few drinks, people’s recollection of events can differ from the actual event which is why our venue is covered by over 30 cameras.
This has been a challenge for us over the years. We hoped the restaurant would attract more of the older members of the community. I have considered holding an “olden days†night where people who remember the good old days of going out can come to, listen to retro music and reminisce, but the community need to support it for the night to survive. We’re happy for suggestions from the older members of the community!
Tim Brown – Connections
We are a business that needs to make money and turn a profit but we understand that success in this area is implicitly linked to our engagement with our community. For us it is, always was and will continue to not be about being gay or lesbian identifying as different and then accepting that difference in others and going on to celebrate together.
As a community and culture (and in this case I mean the gay and lesbian one and to a lesser extent the bi and transgender one) we find ourselves at an interesting time in history. We have, for the most part assimilated into the wider community, but still need to hang on to and celebrate our culture. Our venues have a key role to play in this but so does the community
We must remember though that it’s a two way street and not always easy either. Community and culture need dialogue and engagement from all parties. I would ask anybody who chooses to enter this debate, have they actively contributed? Would they be willing to do so again?
To remain relevant whilst still satisfying loyal customers is a difficult task and this situation is made harder in a small town where all of us that identify as different (for whatever reasons) have been forced to party together but we must always remember that this is also our greatest strength.
We argued for so many years to not be labeled and yet we find ourselves very quick to identify others as not belonging. This argument is not one of ‘gay’, ‘gay friendly’ or any other label. It is one of cultural imperatives not business ones. The engagement in these cultural imperatives should inform those business ones.
That community means all its members, whether they are young or old. The drive to provide service and venues for all of these people is a great challenge, particularly in a city when many people settle in the suburbs as they get more mature.
Drew Green, promoter of former ‘Bent’ night at Bar 138
Everyone says “I don’t want to go to the Court, I don’t want to go to the Connies” and there was nowhere else. So we tried to start something.
Basically it flopped; there wasn’t support for it. It lasted seven months. We were packed on opening. Everything that starts in Perth will be packed on opening but will flop after that. Everyone wants something different but don’t support it.
WORD ON THE STREET: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE “SCENE” IN PERTH?
Michael
It’s alright. It’s getting better but it isn’t quite big enough or established.
It’s just the Court and Connections. Even Flawless is just Sundays. The gay scene is 10 per cent of Perth, so it’s tiny.
Annick
I think it’s very colourful, full of drama and keeps you on your toes.
You’re lucky to find someone who hasn’t been with someone else but that’s Perth for you.
Miss DD Merits
I think the Perth gay scene has the potential to rival any in Australia in terms of camaraderie, love and support.
However I think that individuals in the community need to think as a group.
Chris
There should be more gay clubs. The drinks are a bit pricey and entry prices hold you back. I love the drag queen shows.
The gay culture is getting more recognition, people are more comfortable and holding hands in public.
