Karaoke as Racism at The Abbey?

Same old song

by j. brotherlove

via Washington Blade / SoVo

Photo: Pride 2007 by juicyrai

It’s been a minute since I’ve updated the blog; I’ve been enjoying a Spring Break. But there’s no shortage of things to bring to your attention. I’ll start with the recent blog post at Gay Bar Culture about a subversive change of events at popular Los Angeles club, The Abbey.

According to a conversation between the blogger and a club waiter, the owner is concerned by how popular Sunday nights has gotten with the black, gay crowd. As a countering measure, the club has switched from trademark dance music to… karaoke. While some may be tempted to call this account hearsay, it isn’t difficult for me to believe. In every city I’ve lived or visited, I’ve experienced countless, racist tactics used by at least one gay bar to keep black patrons out (yes, including Atlanta).

I’ve known of clubs changing their music formats before to affect a change in customer. But I’ve never seen a plan as “covert” as karaoke. More popular deterrents are higher cover charges, increased ID requirements, sudden dress codes, and good old fashioned rude treatment.

However you slice it, it’s disheartening that we are supposedly fighting for the equal marriage rights when racism is still a big problem in the gay community; notably in California. You may recall last year’s racial problems in San Francisco. We still have a lot of work to do.

But the questions on my mind right now are: Assuming this is true, will it work? Do black, gay men hate karaoke so much they will stay away from The Abbey on Sundays? Or will they flock to the club for a chance to sing Jennifer Holliday? And how many white patrons will they lose as a result.

[h/t: Karsh]

Uhm…err…uh, it’s been mo’ than a minute since you posted. But we loves ya anyway.

Yeah, we have all seen this same tactic (and others) to dissaude the Black patrons from coming. Isn’t it passed the time we started our own clubs?

Quality vs. Quantity, Bernie (heh).

Seriously, I’ve had countless conversations related to “Isn’t it passed the time we started our own clubs?” What are your ideas as to why there are so few black, gay owned/managed bars and clubs?

>What are your ideas as to why there are so few black, gay owned/managed bars and clubs?>What are your ideas as to why there are so few black, gay owned/managed bars and clubs?

Same reason there aren’t a lot of black or black gay owned businesses in general. Lack of startup capital. Bar and club ownership isn’t just about buying or renting a space, it’s about the liquor license, which can cost a fortune.

Good to see you back posting, thought you had headed off to a beach in Bali or some place :). WestHo just like San Francisco are hotbed’s of racism in the gay clubs. Cali isn’t as progressive as some think. Usually its subtle, but, usually not. This is one black gay man who will sit by my pool and have friends over on the weekends, I learned from my grandparents, don’t go where you are not wanted or get a tepid welcome, and that to me is a store or a gay bar, my coins are as legal as any others.

And, to end it, blacks in general just don’t have the start up for anything. And, sadly, its not that hard with some self education on how business work. I can’t recall one black owned gay bar, other than Catch One in LA.

I feel you on this tip. Racism within the gay community is quite rampant, and it isn’t just in the bars or discos. From LOGO, to online blogs, it is apparent that blacks, hispanics, etc. continue to be marginalized by white gays.

At 23, I try not to be cynical or jaded, I just try to take people as they are. It is tough though when you look around in the gay community, and don’t see anything that reflects you. I think the blame lies equally with the racist white gays & gay blacks themselves who are too ashamed to buikd or maintain our own culture.

Just a few random thoughts. Peace.-QH

@Jeff: Thanks! Sorry no beachside vacations to brag about. I could sure use one!

Share your love:

The ability to comment on this site is a privilege; not a right. Inflammatory, off-topic and ignorant comments will be removed. Basic XHTML is permitted (if you don't know what that means, stick to plain text).