Gay Clubs Are Sanctuary of Safety, Acceptance
Back in June of 2016, the tragedy at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub struck a deep chord with people all over the country. The passionate debate over gun control was reignited. A once peaceful community was forever scarred by unthinkable violence. The U.S. had seen its deadliest mass shooting in history. But for the LGBTQ community, it was about so much more than statistics or laws or even pain. It was about the destruction of a safe space that we could no longer depend on.
Gay clubs play a seminal role in the lives of gay youth all over the world. For many of us, these venues are often the backdrop for some of the defining moments in our journeys of self-discovery.
When we first step foot inside a gay club, it’s first time we’re surrounded by people who are just like us. We see other same-sex couples publicly display affection without fear of violence or consequence. We can live freely in our gayness without being judged. The gay club functions as a safe haven and a shelter of sorts. The bartenders are our friends, the DJs are our therapists, and the experience is unlike anything else.
For many people in the LGBTQ community, gay clubs represent the first place where we can feel accepted completely. For people who never had a chance to dance at Prom or Homecoming; for those who are surrounded by people who don’t support them-gay clubs are the only place where freedom is welcomed and celebrated.
When the Pulse shooting happened, it struck a pang of fear throughout the community. The one place that we’d always assumed was impenetrable to violence and discrimination was now the scene of a horrific crime. It wasn’t just the residents of Orlando that were scared. We were all scared.
In New York, multiple gay bars received anonymous calls threatening copycat attacks or explosions. Similar incidents took place across the US. Security was beefed up at high-profile pride events all summer long. After a couple years of historic process, Pulse was a stark reminder of the work that lied ahead.
However, in the aftermath of the tragedy, there have been several tributes to the victims. Almost all of them have shared a common theme: keep dancing. It’s a literal statement, but it’s also metaphorical. It’s a reminder that we all need to keep dancing.
No matter how far we’ve come with marriage equality and pro-gay legislation, gay clubs still serve as some of the only all-inclusive spaces in the country. They are sanctuaries of peace and roaring good times. They are beautiful environments where the young and old can coexist with pride. They are the one place where we’re constantly reminded that it’s okay to be who we are. It’s okay to be gay.
It’s not about the drinks. It’s not about hearing our favorite songs. It’s not even about meeting that special someone. It’s about having a sense of community and safety. And no matter what happens, that can’t be taken away.
If you are looking for a LGBTQ friendly therapist in Long Beach. Please remember that if you are not in driving distance from my office, that I do provide Skype and facetime sessions. It is sometimes difficult to find a gay friendly therapist, so I try to accommodate my clients by providing tele-therapy (meaning skype, facetime, etc).