Is This A Good Sign?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-33608000
It seems that the LGBT are happier integrating generally and feel less need for their own places.

[jno]

London's ludicrous property prices play a part

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/04/closing-time-gay-pubs-lgbt-venues-property-prices

[New Judge]

Dan Glass, 31, obviously does still care. As well as being a "Friend of the Joiners' Arms" (an establishment I can remember when it was just an ordinary boozer) he said this:

“…but still need queer spaces, places where we can celebrate our peculiarities and unpack who we are."

Why? These are pubs not knocking shops.

It was different years ago when homosexuality was illegal (although I don’t think the gay community did itself any favours by congregating together in places that were exclusively for them).

I have a number of peculiarities but I don’t expect to have pubs dedicated to me and those who share my traits, nor do I need to have somewhere to "unpack who I am" (whatever that might mean). And in any case if straight people referred to gay habits as “peculiarities” would that be acceptable? Methinks maybe not.

[sp1814]

TTT

"It seems that the LGBT are happier integrating generally and feel less need for their own places."

That's very probably true, as people are definitely more accepting of gay people, but that's not a conclusion that should be reached from the report. As some gay bars close, other (such as Glory in Hoxton) open.

Gay pubs/bars are under the same financial pressures as traditional venue. We have seen a steady decline in the number of traditional pubs in the UK and so we should not be surprised that the same issues (increased rents/rates) affect gay bars.

NJ - gay places are still needed because they serve a distinct set of patrons. They are not 'knocking shops', but places where gay people can feel relaxed and not have to worry about being thrown out for having a snog.

And regarding the idea that the gay people (there really wasn't 'a community back then) doing themselves no favours congregating, my guess is that was the choice between living a lonely, solitary, monk-like existence, or meeting with other gay people which spurred them on. The fifties sound like a hell hole for gay people.

I've always said that it would be fantastic to bring some of them in a time machine to 2015 to show them just how great (most) straight people have become.

Incidentally, I agree. Sexuality on it's own is not 'a peculiarity'.