gay places

[fur_q]

having doubts?

Edited May 20, 2014 by fur_q

[Festival Liam]

Liam... does there need to be positive discrimination for those Jamie Cullem/Cleo Laine jazz hand types? Can't they stay in New Orleans and Ronnie Scott's bar???

[carlosj]

No I agree with you, there's very good reasons for gay bars. I was more playing devil's advocate.

[zero000]

Actually sometimes they are like that - even been questioned myself.

And that second paragraph is a big part of why... They've kinda become a safe haven for some women and they don't want to spoil it or ruin the love in

All kinda odd to me

Edited May 20, 2014 by zero000

[MagicalGlitterBunny]

Full homo here monkey

[king_oxymoron]

Another gay Glastonbury lover here!

I came here to say pretty much exactly what 'audio farm' said

As a Glastonbury lover in previous years I have always liked the idea of being able to potentially find a partner who loves it as much as I do... and where is a better place to do that? I am sure many of us, whatever sexuality, would understand that.

What isn't as easy to understand for straight people (and this is not a criticism as quite frankly why would you?) is just how much harder it is to know who is gay or not, you can't just approach everyone and assume in the same way. So for that reason this kind of place is important to me personally.

That said, I went to the Downlow last year in a group of about 10, and I was the only gay person, girls, straight guys, I wouldn't want it to be exclusive at all.. just more chance that eyeballing someone might get you somewhere haha.

[SOAD]

I never went to NYC Downlow last year. Always seemed to be ridiculously packed. Like a few people in here I'm a gay Glasto goer and I do like the idea of meeting like minded people in such a great place. May give it a go this year. A couple of my mates (straight) were happy to go with me last year so I could check it out but we were always put off by queues. I'd much rather go see something else than queue for anything. There's far too much to see and do as it is.

[the_hutch_keeper]

Isn't the NYC Downlow more of a retro themed venue. Artistically dressed up at as 70's gay bar.... Very Village People!! Some might be offended by the stereotype!

I'd don't matter what your sexual orientation is... Just embrace Glastonbury with open arms and give it a big kiss!!!

Keep your eye out for Will Young ... I've spotted him round the Avalon tent a few times over the years

[seanjw]

I spent a lot of time at NYC Downlow last year and I loved how inclusive it was. As long as they're not excluding people, I don't see what the problem is.

As much as we like to think of Glastonbury as some "Utopia" where everyone is equal, or we "personally don't care what someone else's sexuality is", we've got evidence here in these threads that there are some in attendance, however small a minority, who don't agree and aren't afraid to let it be known.

That's why I think it's important to have such a place where gay guys and girls can feel 100% comfortable and not afraid that they might be verbally or physically abused, regardless of "copping off" opportunities (though I'm sure that's a big bonus for many!).

[LondonTom]

Surely if we need to have "gay friendly" places, something is wrong with the rest of Glastonbury? It might be easier to say that cause I am straight.I really don't mind stuff like NYC Downlow where its "gay club"/camp themed but it seems the wrong way to go about it having a "gay place" for people to go to hook up or what ever.

I always thought of Glastonbury as being quite free and open where ever you go, obviously the odd bellend as it reflects society but apart that odd bellend, would mopst straight guy really be upset if you hit on them at glastonbury?? and I am sure there would be enough decent people around to put anyone who took offence at it in their place. I'd take it as quite a compliment!

Edited May 21, 2014 by LondonTom

[progue]

Maybe it just comes down to convenience though Tom...Narrowing down the field a bit in order to avoid missing out altogether.

I now have images in my head of some poor gay bloke propositioning hundreds of blokes at the festival only to never find a gay / bi one for the entire weekend ...Sorry

I must admit it would be really nice if they could corale all the gorgeous ladies who are attracted to slightly overweight, middle aged balding blokes into one area for my convenience too

[mrpman]

It can't hurt anyone to know there are a few venues which are more gay-friendly can it?

We've already heard that a few people have been discriminated against, so it is relevant that there are places people might be able to feel a bit more relaxed in.

A friend of a friend was on the receiving end of some looks and comments from some complete arseholes who came through that door at the side of the pyramid stage that leads from backstage. He was stood with a group of girls and I was stood a couple of yards away next to these idiots. They were saying how if they were anywhere else they'd give him a kicking and look at the state of her etc.

Our friend then walked past and we stopped to have a chat before he went off to the bar (he'd seen them and was not going to do anything differently).

After he'd left they all shut up, and the main instigator said "yeah just having a laugh at Glastonbury, messing around, nothing serious mate".

I just looked at him and said "It's fine if there is, completely fine mate" in my best threatening manner and he and his mates bricked it!

I'm quite big and I was looking particularly sweaty that day though so they must have thought better to leave it!

So I'm all for a couple of "unofficial" places, best to keep the bigots away anyway.

[eoinca]

I'm straight and I spent a night dancing on the stage of the NYC downlow with my top off, with my straight cousin and 2 of my gay friends and a load of drag queens.

Of course, I absolutely love Disco music and the history of club culture, which is intrinsically linked to the history of gay righrs. I love going to Horse Meat Disco in London as well, which is the definition of inclusive, its mainly gay men, but I've been there with my wife and had an amazing time.

As with the NYC Downlow, I think the fact that most people are there for the music and to have a laugh, rather than trying to score, makes it really easy to be inclusive of all types tbh.

Really disappointed to hear about people getting abuse at glastonbury though, idiots everywhere unfortunately,

[LondonTom]

Maybe it just comes down to convenience though Tom...Narrowing down the field a bit in order to avoid missing out altogether.

I now have images in my head of some poor gay bloke propositioning hundreds of blokes at the festival only to never find a gay / bi one for the entire weekend ...Sorry

I must admit it would be really nice if they could corale all the gorgeous ladies who are attracted to slightly overweight, middle aged balding blokes into one area for my convenience too

[Schaferhunden]

Gay for Glasto here as well. Going with my BF for the second time.

Loved NYC Downlow last year. The best part was the small club that was in the backyard of NYC Downlow. Went out to the smoking area/toilets and then down to the right.

Crazy people and eclectic music - had a blast! Much more fun than the "main area"....

[Ed209]

I always thought NYC downlow was there merely as a themed New York gay bar. I don't think its intention is to specifically be the "gay friendly" bar on site.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Ed209

[frostypaw]

Surely if we need to have "gay friendly" places, something is wrong with the rest of Glastonbury? It might be easier to say that cause I am straight.I really don't mind stuff like NYC Downlow where its "gay club"/camp themed but it seems the wrong way to go about it having a "gay place" for people to go to hook up or what ever.

I always thought of Glastonbury as being quite free and open where ever you go, obviously the odd bellend as it reflects society but apart that odd bellend, would mopst straight guy really be upset if you hit on them at glastonbury?? and I am sure there would be enough decent people around to put anyone who took offence at it in their place. I'd take it as quite a compliment!

[matt1991]

there's more to life than what you do in your pants. as we see here plenty have got the idea that it's "the gay bar" or "the place for gays to pick up" and that seems to miss the point

[frostypaw]

it isn't the highlight of the festival for me

[DJL]

I'm straight and go with a large group, many/most of which are gay. I've yet to persuade any of them to go to nyc downlow with me in the last two glastonburys despite the fact it plays more of my favourite music than any other bar.

[Monkismo]

I'm straight and go with a large group, many/most of which are gay. I've yet to persuade any of them to go to nyc downlow with me in the last two glastonburys despite the fact it plays more of my favourite music than any other bar.

[Redwinevino]

It can't hurt anyone to know there are a few venues which are more gay-friendly can it?

We've already heard that a few people have been discriminated against, so it is relevant that there are places people might be able to feel a bit more relaxed in.

A friend of a friend was on the receiving end of some looks and comments from some complete arseholes who came through that door at the side of the pyramid stage that leads from backstage. He was stood with a group of girls and I was stood a couple of yards away next to these idiots. They were saying how if they were anywhere else they'd give him a kicking and look at the state of her etc.

Our friend then walked past and we stopped to have a chat before he went off to the bar (he'd seen them and was not going to do anything differently).

After he'd left they all shut up, and the main instigator said "yeah just having a laugh at Glastonbury, messing around, nothing serious mate".

I just looked at him and said "It's fine if there is, completely fine mate" in my best threatening manner and he and his mates bricked it!

I'm quite big and I was looking particularly sweaty that day though so they must have thought better to leave it!

So I'm all for a couple of "unofficial" places, best to keep the bigots away anyway.

[yearsofrefusal]

Helloooo! Well, I'm def up for meeting new faces, especially as my gayness isn't exactly screaming out and I could miss the chance to meet some decent chaps!

Haven't been in a few years, though before that, was a veteran, so looking forwards to the adventure once again...

Join me and hit me up!

Steven

[Joshuwarr]

Glastonbury shouldn't have "a gay club / bar" its an all inclusive festival. Straight / Gay / Half Homo (your words) / asexual or whatever.. glastonbury should be about treating everyone as an equal regardless. If you can't do that - fuck off somewhere else.

As a straight man, I couldn't give a toss who is gay and who isn't, but I dont think having a "gay area / club" is right at glastonbury. Ive never been in the NYC downlow and didnt know it was "gay" til I read this post.

[FuzzyDunlop]

Firstly if my comment offended anyone, I certainly didn't mean it to. I may not have worded it perfectly, but Ive re read it and I am a little surprised it has caused a fuss.

I had read the orignal post as the NYC downlow was a gay area - as in gay only. To me, as I say, Glastonbury should be about treating everyone equally. No matter where they are from (as should life... But we know it doesn't work like that). I have absolutely no problem what so ever with gay culture being expressed at glastonbury. In fact it should be encouraged. I read the original post as it was "a gay club" an arena I wouldn't be wanted. That is my fault.

I would be offended if a gay person was not allowed in any other area of the festival, as I say. It was meant to be a "we are all one" kind of post. Quite anti homophobic in truth.

Edited June 10, 2014 by FuzzyDunlop