Handle Bar
Those who find the term gay a little passé are getting a firm handle on a brand new offering. Jon Hewitt reports
For some, the label ‘gay' embodies empowerment, pride and a history laced with struggle. For others the term epitomises a scene that looks tired, dated and sometimes out of touch. As a result the quest for clubbing experiences that accurately reflect our changing culture is becoming something of a challenge.
While new scenes have emerged over the last five years throughout Europe and America catering to those seeking less rigidly ‘gay' but more diversely ‘queer' weekly club nights, Sydney has largely failed to follow suit. However the debut of a new weekly offering, Handle Bar, has risen to the challenge, catering to a growing audience who wear the label of ‘queer' with more comfort and ease.
As Handle Bar's promoter Peco points out: "The terms [‘gay' and ‘lesbian'] amongst the art/club world are looked at as being too limiting. Not everyone wants to be just one thing. Lesbian, gay, straight - whatever! Why not be all of them? Just be fabulous while being it."
Although still in its infancy, Handle Bar's start-up weeks have delivered straight from the top shelf. Regular spinner de jour Sveta agrees. "I like the randomness of it. You can hear a combo of DJs and musicians who never normally get programmed together and they're all united in sleaze. The atmosphere is a little like ‘The Cock' bar in New York." The new night promises to cater to the niche scene's unquenchable thirst for the shiny, bent and new. Resident DJs include Seymour Butz, Lovertits, Mark Murphy, Sveta, A-cYbele, Ben Drayton, Matt Vaughan, Johnny Pash and the beautifully named Vinyl Richie. All on high rotation.
The debut of Handle Bar doubled as a launching pad for the eagerly anticipated debut performance of local performer St John, also known on the scene for his work as one half of Ghetto Pussy. The left-of-centre night has continued rolling out bent performances by featuring a live set by Nathan of Faker fame as well as those fine ‘vagina designers' The Blush Foundation.
As Sydney continues to harbour alternative creative peeps from every one of her bent corners, it's comforting to know that expressive sanctuaries such as Handle Bar offer a place where their talents can be natured, showcased, and celebrated.
Handle Bar happens every Saturday from 10pm at Gilligans.
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