Michael Musto and Brandon Voss also have some thoughts. 

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I really liked what this post from Wicked Gay Blog was talking about earlier this week and thought it brought up some interesting conversation in their comments:

 

Michael Musto :: “Gay Dance Clubs on the Wane”

I just finished reading this article in the New York Times in which Michael Musto blames apps like Grindr and Spotify for the demise of the gay dance club.

Michaels writes, “Brandon Voss, 36, a club promoter and co-producer of several gay parties including Zoo, which ended last year, said that the demand for dance parties has declined. “The new generation just doesn’t support large dance clubs,” said Mr. Voss, who no longer regularly hosts dance parties. “They spend money on special events I do, like my RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pride and Halloween events. But the days of the weekly dance party are over, at least for now.”

Mr. Voss also blames the advent of hookup apps like Grindr, as well as music streaming services like SoundCloud and Spotify for replacing D.J.s as the way to learn about new music. “Why pay an expensive cover charge and deal with rude bouncers when you can just swipe on your iPhone?” he asked. The reasons gay men flocked to the dance floor have changed, too. In the age of same-sex marriage and transgender rights, gays no longer rely on nightclubs as safe places to congregate.” (Full article here)

All very valid points in this article, but I also feel like it is so much more than that. Many millenials have trouble with real face-to-face interactions and the thought of in person rejection may just be too much to handle. And then there is my generation, a generation that partied our asses off in the late 80’s and 90’s only to grow up and scratch our heads on exactly how much money we spent and how many brain cells we killed on “entertainment.”

This “demise of the gay bar” or “demise of the gay club” talk has been going on for a very long time. Several years ago I did this post on how bummed I was about all the gay bars in Boston that have closed over the years.  

[Continued at WickedGayBlog.com]

 

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I think there’s some truth to what’s being said here, but I also don’t really see it as a loss. As somebody who spent his early twenties being a drunky mess at a lot of fun NYC parties and hangouts, being able to get exactly what I want out of that situation now, without having to deal with a lot of human trashboxes is much more rewarding. I’m grateful that I can get on Manhunt (or whatever app you use) and find the dude or situation I’m after without the hectic nonsense of other people.  I feel similarly about going to the movies: nothing ruins a film for me like seeing it with people who talk or use their phones through the entire thing.  Other people are the worst part of the experience! I certainly don’t want to dress up and pay for that scenario when I can get it at home for free and naked with just the people I enjoy!

But what do you guys think? Is there something to Voss and Musto’s theories? Are apps ruining everything?

 

I vote more apps, personally. More apps, less BS! (Brought to you by Manhunt)

 

– tyler