Liverpool is developing a gay village, but what will this really add to the lives of gay people in Liverpool? Gay villages began because of persecution, but I would argue that over time they have actually become oppressive rather than empowering. They have created a set of stereotypes for gay and bi people
(NOTE: NOT ALL GAY MEN JUST WANT TO CONSUME ALCOHOL AND GET LAID!)
(NOTE: NOT ALL GAY MEN JUST WANT TO CONSUME ALCOHOL AND GET LAID!)
DOES LIVERPOOL NEED A GAY VILLAGE LIKE MANCHESTER?
NOTE: THIS ARTICLE IS SIMPLY MY INDIVIDUAL VIEW AS A GAY MAN. I DO NOT CLAIM TO BE SPEAKING FOR THE MAJORITY OF GAY PEOPLE
Liverpool is slowly in the process of developing its own gay village.One of the clubs is to be called 'Addictions'! However, I have to ask, does Liverpool need a gay village? Gay villages originally began because people were suffering persecution, so they were a refuge. However, I would argue that far from liberating me gay villages have simply created a set of stereotypes that I have to conform to.
Surely the end goal of gay liberation must be that gay or bi people can go into any bar /club/ shop /cafe, and that in each of these places gay people can be found.
I do not want to go to a 'gay' cafe bar for a coffee, then to a 'gay' hairdresser's to get my hair cut, then to a 'gay' estate agents when I need to buy a house. I want full freedom to go into any bar/ club / venue / cafe / shop/ hotel etc. I do not wish to be ghettoised and subsequently stereotyped.
NOT ALL GAY MEN WANT TO CONSUME AS MUCH ALCOHOL AS POSSIBLE AND THEN GET LAID!!!
WHAT I AM BASICALLY SAYING IS THAT THE MAIN CONCERN OF THESE BUSINESSES IS TO MAKE MONEY; THEIR PRIMARY CONCERN IS NOT THE WELFARE OF GAY AND BI PEOPLE. THEREFORE I BELIEVE THAT TRUE LIBERATION EXISTS OUTSIDE THE GAY VILAGES.
If anyone disagrees with me that is fine, but I have the right to voice my opinion.
James Whitelock
NOTE: THIS ARTICLE IS SIMPLY MY INDIVIDUAL VIEW AS A GAY MAN. I DO NOT CLAIM TO BE SPEAKING FOR THE MAJORITY OF GAY PEOPLE
Liverpool is slowly in the process of developing its own gay village.One of the clubs is to be called 'Addictions'! However, I have to ask, does Liverpool need a gay village? Gay villages originally began because people were suffering persecution, so they were a refuge. However, I would argue that far from liberating me gay villages have simply created a set of stereotypes that I have to conform to.
Surely the end goal of gay liberation must be that gay or bi people can go into any bar /club/ shop /cafe, and that in each of these places gay people can be found.
I do not want to go to a 'gay' cafe bar for a coffee, then to a 'gay' hairdresser's to get my hair cut, then to a 'gay' estate agents when I need to buy a house. I want full freedom to go into any bar/ club / venue / cafe / shop/ hotel etc. I do not wish to be ghettoised and subsequently stereotyped.
NOT ALL GAY MEN WANT TO CONSUME AS MUCH ALCOHOL AS POSSIBLE AND THEN GET LAID!!!
WHAT I AM BASICALLY SAYING IS THAT THE MAIN CONCERN OF THESE BUSINESSES IS TO MAKE MONEY; THEIR PRIMARY CONCERN IS NOT THE WELFARE OF GAY AND BI PEOPLE. THEREFORE I BELIEVE THAT TRUE LIBERATION EXISTS OUTSIDE THE GAY VILAGES.
If anyone disagrees with me that is fine, but I have the right to voice my opinion.
James Whitelock
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