Gay NYC
Active Vacation – Join a Gay Swim Team in New York City
It’s a dreary day in late January, and I’m dreading my assignment. It’s cold, and I’m not feeling 100%, and I have to cover a gay swim team. While that might sound sexy, at first thought – I was on swim team in high school, and I know how sexy a swim meet isn’t. Compared to a sport like football or soccer, where teams of people battle it out in real time against each other, a solitary sport like swimming can seem, well… kinda boring. I mean, once you get over the tight suits…
But the atmosphere is anything but boring at John Jay College’s pool. People are all smiles, and it seems I’ve walked into a party. Everyone is social – beaming at one another and encouraging each other to do well with the day’s task. I’ve come on a very special day. I’ve stumbled into the 22nd annual One Hour Swim, in which teams from all over the country put swimmers in the water for a full hour, pushing them to swim as hard as they can. The goal is to see who can swim the farthest.
Liz Gately, who is registering the swimmers, tells me that Team New York Aquatic (TNYA) takes this annual meet one step further. They use it as a charity fundraiser every year – sort of like the AIDS Walk or other such events. The first time they did it was a few decades ago and it was for one of their own team mates. He was stricken with the AIDS virus and needed help with his medical bills. TNYA stepped in and helped him out. Since that first year they’ve picked different charities to donate to. This year they’re donating to The AIDS Service Center NYC, and Immigration Equality – the only national organization devoted to the intersection of immigration rights with the lives of LGBT and HIV-positive people.
I know, I’m not making it sound like a big party, but somehow it was! The timers were talking and laughing with one another. The registration people were all cheerful and buoyant – chatting each other up between registering athletes to compete. There was even a massage table, and a snack bar – donated by local businesses.
Most of the lanes contain people swimming as far as they can for the hour. However, in the far left lane is a particularly high spirited (and attractive) group of swimmers taking turns swimming two laps each. “We’re doing our hour swim as a relay,” explains the very fetching Kent Lau. “In the last 10 years, the number of LGBT competitive sports teams have exploded. We’re doing this event partly for fun, and partly to ease some of the newer swimmers into the idea of the One Hour Swim.” Kent goes on to explain that TNYA even has a social events coordinator, who hosts a huge swim meet that draws athletes from across the country. It’s an all day event, with swimming, diving, dinner and even dancing afterward. “We have 200 people participate. It’s a real community.”
Indeed, they employ a full-time head coach, a hearty man named Conrad Johnson, who claims he fell into coaching by accident. While that might be the case, he’s been with TNYA since 2005 – overseeing 4 pools with overlapping practices, and 400 swimmers on the mailing list.
“It’s like being the head of a diverse country,” he says, “all walks of life, all ages, all nationalities – all sexual orientations.” Sexual orientations? Yes. Apparently Conrad took some of his female swimmers with him when he left his all lady team to coach TNYA. “Some how, the girls swim team’s energy meshes well with the gay team, and we’re one happy family.”
So it would seem. I got a chance to talk to one of the older swimmers about the social aspects of being on the team. Danny Rosemarin, 57, speaks very highly of his ten years on the team.
“It’s done a significant amount for my self esteem. I can out-swim other swimmers in their 30s and 40s and that’s a clear indication that I’ve made this commitment and benefited from it.”
Danny’s been on the team for 10 years, and says that it accounts for a big chunk of his social life, too.
TNYA offers the first week of practices free to new members, which is perfect for people visiting New York on a short trip. They also have scholarships for swimmers that show promise that might not otherwise be able to afford to join the team. They frequently swim in worldwide events like the Gay Games.
The time clock has gotten down to the final minute. Suddenly everyone jumps to their feet. They are shouting joyfully at the people in the pool – trying to lend support and give them that final push to end the contest strong. There’s a charge in the air – everything seems fun, exciting.
When the clock shows ten seconds to go, everyone counts down the last few seconds in unison. It sounds like New Years Eve in here, and why not?
These gays have managed to take a run of the mill swim meet and turn it into a party.
The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop in New York City
The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop in New York City
By Michael Martin
Once upon a time in 2009, Douglas Quint was on the couch browsing Facebook, alongside his boyfriend, Brian Petroff. Douglas remarked on a friend’s post about an ice cream truck that wasn’t in use. “Should I drive an ice cream truck all summer?” he said, rather cavalierly, to his boyfriend Brian.
“Yes,” replied his boyfriend. “That sounds exactly like what you should be doing!”
Thus, The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck was born. Soon, amid growing customer demand and media accolades the couple found themselves thrust into foodie stardom. Brian quit his job as a corporate HR specialist, and Doug put his career as a freelance concert bassoonist on hold. They had a thriving, booming business.
So much so, in fact, that they were able to open The Big Gay Ice Cream Store on Labor Day weekend of 2011. On opening day they drew a line around the block. Hoards of New Yorkers clamored for access to their colorfully Spartan sweet shop, and the tasty confections within.
“The East Village is the only neighborhood left in Manhattan where you can DIY your own small business,” says Doug, right before he pauses to flirt with a 72 year old woman. The woman
is full of compliments. She ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ over a dish she’s selected called the Bea Arthur (vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, rolled in crushed Nilla wafers). “Careful,” he says “I might be hitting on you.”
“I’m 72 years old!” the blushing woman announces proudly. Douglas winks and shrugs.
Indeed, the day that I visited them at 125 E. 7th st. in Manhattan’s East Village there was no lack of customers, even though I dropped by in the middle of the afternoon in late January. I could see, too, that there was more to their business philosophy than just soft serve ice cream with foodie-type toppings. Doug and Brian find themselves working behind their own counter most days, and Doug makes a concerted, chipper effort to be friendly and social with his customers. “Ultimately, we’re dishing up soft serve, just like the next guy – so we’re being extremely personable and friendly about it.”
Douglas goes on to explain that he wants his customers to be able to take the kids for ice cream for less than ten bucks. “It’s important to us to be able to offer our customers a product that a five year old can afford.”
Douglas is being humble. BGICS is hardly the same soft serve you can get at any ice cream truck. True, the base flavors are simple – chocolate and vanilla with special made flavors like coffee and beet (yes, beet!!) on weekends. But, like so much of the gay lifestyle – it’s all about how you top it. And these two gays have mastered the art of topping. Er… toppings. You can get your soft serve upgraded with extra goodies like Key Lime Curd, Siracha, Wasabi Pea Dust, Olive Oil and Sea Salt – just to name a few.
There are also toppings and ingredients manufactured solely for BGICS – including a Bacon Marmalade (best with chocolate ice cream) and an ice cream sandwich called Rue McClanahan – bourbon ice cream with praline pecan cookies.
Big Gay Ice Cream Shop achieves quite an accomplishment in the world of New York foodie restaurants. They manage to maintain a complex, interesting menu that is both unique and down to earth at the same time.
So yeah, if you want a beet ice cream cone with pumpkin butter and a dusting of cardamom, you can have it. But if your date is more vanilla – and just wants a cone with a chocolate dip?
Well, then – you can both leave with your bellies full.
125 East 7th Street New York, NY 10009
(212) 533-9333
Posh Gay Bar – Hell’s Kitchen NYC
Posh Gay Bar – Hell’s Kitchen NYC
405 West 51st, Hells Kitchen NYC. Click for Google Map
The Ritz Hell’s Kitchen NYC
The Ritz Hell’s Kitchen NYC
The Ritz is a definite must-see spot for any one passing through the Hell’s Kitchen area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon happy hour or a packed Friday night dance scene, the Ritz has it all. You’ll find a mix of both local regulars and new visitors any time you visit. The crowd is very relaxed and friendly and usually consists of lots of attractive 20-somethings and plenty of professional guys in their late 20′s and 30′s as well. During the day the guys tends to be slightly older, but on busy nights the younger ones take over. The bar staff are friendly and efficient (and usually quite attractive), and will make strong drinks if you tip them well. Prices are typical for the area ($6 beers and $8 wells), and well worth it if you’re in good with the bartender. If you meet one of the nightly promoters you can usually score a free drink ticket or two as well. The bar accepts all major credit cards at all times and it’s dangerously easy to start up a tab (two drink minimum). There’s a very cheap happy hour all-day Sunday, but it’s cash-only at night. (Make sure you bring some cash if you plan to pay in that because the ATM is always broken.) Talk to the staff if you plan on showing up with a large group of friends, and they might set you up with a free bottle. There’s usually a professional photographer in the bar Thu.-Sat. nights, so get a picture with your friends if you have the chance. You can find it on the Ritz’s Facebook page a few days later. Best of all, there’s never ever a cover.
369 West 46th Street (212) 333-2554
Fire Island Gay Beach – Pines Beach
Fire Island Gay Beach – Pines Beach
We have all heard of Fire Island – the parties, the boys – and the beach that best represents that is definitely Pines Beach. Or The Pines as some New Yorker refer to it sounding like it’s the new destination of a location-based reality show with gorgeous people. Pines Beach has become somewhat of a historical destination for gay New Yorkers and travelers wanting to experience the stories they’ve read and heard about. And they may not be disappointed. Pines continues to be the stuff that reality shows are made of – drunken escapades, frolicking in the beach half-naked, running into ex-lovers and, even worse, ex-friends. Although it’s not as crowded as some other more family-friendly beaches along Fire Island.
The biggest, most rambunctious nightclubs are located near Pines Beach, as well as some of the best restaurants and hottest fashion boutiques. Though clothing is the last thing on anyone’s mind. Nudity is allowed here, but only if you are close to the shore. Meaning no free-balling near any innocent pedestrians. Although getting close to the water and skinny dipping? No one will bat an eye. Not that they would want to miss any of the live skin show.
New York Gay Beach – Jones Beach
New York Gay Beach – Jones Beach
When you think gay New York beach, it’s difficult to think beyond Fire Island. And there’s a good reason – Fire Island is the largest, wildest summer spot for gays, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. Jones Beach is a more family-friendly alternative if you want your beach time to be more laid-back lounging rather than nonstop partying. Jones Beach has been the little known secret of New Yorkers for decades.
The gay area of Jones Beach is a 30-minute walk east of Field Six, so make sure to be ready to do the hike. The 30-minute walk is worth it though. Unfortunately, the gay area of Jones Beach does not get one bit of radio signal so don’t expect to turn it up to your favorite station and dance around in the sand. I guess that’s why we have invented iPods. Jones Beach, especially the more east you go off Field Six, tends to attract a number of naturalists even though nudity is technically illegal in the area. And if a cop spots anyone baring it all, don’t think they’ll hesitate in citing you.
Jones Beach State Park
Gay Friendly Cities
Gay Friendly Cities
I and many of our amazing contributors have been all over the US and over the world. I am adding this page to try and help you determine if a city is friendly enough to visit. Some places can be down right dangerous, for example its illegal to be gay in Jamaica, I have heard many horror stories.
But Moving on to my current home to start.
Austin - Is a very gay friendly town, a very large selection of Gay Bars, very gay friendly hotels like the W. The new W is actually just around the block from Oil Can Harry’s. Great restaurants as well, Santa Rita, Kerbey Lane Café and South Congress Cafe too name a few. It’s sorta like San Francisco in a strange way, and a big music town.
Denver – Is an amazing, mostly gay friendly city. This city also has its share of religious nut cases who cause some trouble from time to time. From what I know of, there isn’t a specific gay hotel in Denver. However you have many options
downtown, including the Westin and Sheraton, which are both gay friendly. The mile high city also gets more sunny days than any other major city in the US. The Westin actually has this fairly strange indoor-outdoor pool, its rather unique as well as a gym. The famous Palms steak house is attached and is very good. Personally I prefer to patronize gay owned restaurants, so I wind up at Hamburger Marry’s a very large gay bar/restaurant/drag show. You can find a good selection of Denver’s Gay Bars.
Las Vegas – This one is really on the fence for a full recommendation. If you have other options, I think you should consider them. Even with such a huge service industry, overall Las Vegas is not all that gay friendly. Promoters like J.Son are
trying to change that; he was able to convince the Luxor to host the only weekly gay pool party throughout the summer season. In the 90’s their spa became a little hot spot for gay men, however the Luxor had security in they’re at all hours throwing them out. This is a big change in direction. On the other hand you have hotels like the Encore who have pages promoted online about being gay friendly. They forgot to tell their staff about that. Even the high priced hookers wouldn’t leave me alone; she couldn’t believe I was gay.
Las Vegas has only 1 all gay hotel that is clothing optional called Blue Moon Resort, located just West of the North end of the strip. On the strip there is one gay nightclub called Krave. It is not open every night, there is always a high priced
cover and the drinks though strong are very expensive. It’s on the south side of Planet Hollywood off Harmon. Just east on Harmon a few blocks and a right turn on Paradise will get you into what’s known as the fruit loop. You have multiple
bar options here, 8 ½ and Piranha are connected, and this is a higher end bar/dance club. As well as Gipsy, which is just next-door. Across the street you will find Buffalo, a mixed crowd with pool tables. Just to the right of Buffalo is an adult video and toy store. Across from The Buffalo is Free Zone, make sure you check out their calendar before going, they host many ladies nights as well. There are quite a few more gay bars, my personal favorite is Charlies which is located West of the strip off Tropicana and on Arville in what looks like an industrial business building. Starwood has one hotel just east of the strip on Flamingo, its a Westin, has a small casino as well.
San Diego - My home town, most of the gay activity is centralized in one area called Hillcrest. You will find a nice selection of gay bars, restaurants of all types, gay gyms like 24 hour fitness, and shopping galore. However, like San Francisco there are few hotel options. There are tons of gay friendly hotels in down town San Diego near the Gas Lamp District that has great restaurants, shopping and gay bars. San Diego offers lots of beach options, however I believe all of the beaches are now alcohol free and the police will check coolers. San Diego does not have a very user friendly public transportation system, so consider renting a car.
San Francisco - Ok yeah, duh San Francisco is a very gay friendly town. You might be surprised to know that its not the highest population of Gay people, Dallas I believe is number 1 then Los Angeles and then NYC. San Francisco is very diverse, although the Castro is the heart of anything Gay, you can find gay establishments all over the city. The city is broken into many districts, The Castro, The Haight, Lower Haight, Nob Hill, Lower Nob Hill, Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf is a huge tourist trap, avoid at all cost. The older gayborhood was on Polk St. so you can find a few bars in that area as well. I can’t think of any major hotel in the city not being friendly, now some of the smaller cheap “weekly” rate type places. The largest concentration of Gay Bars is in The Castro, then in SOMA there are some of the more leather, daddy type places. My current favorite bar in The Castro is Blackbird, a laid back gay bar with an awesome staff. My other favorite is a wine bar called Blush, amazing wine, food and people! San Francisco also throws and incredible pride event every year, you just missed it this year but if you have the chance you must see it. The Castro has very few options when it comes to lodging, I would suggest trying Union Square. Most of the best shopping is in Union Square. There are also several options for gay gyms in The Castro, 24 Hour Fitness and Gold’s Gym to name a few.
Seattle – Other than the lack of warm days, Seattle is extremely gay friendly with the majority of activities, including bars and restaurants are located in Capitol Hill. Very close to down town, it’s a bit of a hike if you choose to walk it. The hills are nowhere as steep as San Francisco but if its cold enough you will regret not taking a cab or driving. Be very mindful of the parking signs, they have some of the strangest parking restrictions I have ever seen in the US. They do not color the curbs either, my first visit I wound up getting a nice fine, nowhere near a fire hydrant.
Like Portland, there is a large hipster community, however not as intrusive. Washington State also has the highest taxes on alcohol so when you walk into a dive bar and get charged $10 for something most other places would be $4-5. Gay Bars and Night Clubs list.
As any big city, Seattle has tons of hotel options. My personal favorites are Starwood properties. The Westin is one of the largest and is not owned by Starwood, it is a franchise. They are undergoing renovations; their new rooms are very nice if you can get one. Some of their older rooms do show their age, ask if you can get a remodeled room. We have a short list of gay friendly hotels in Seattle.
This article is a work in progress and not close to being done.
Eastern Bloc NYC
Eastern Bloc NYC – Gay Bar
This hole-in-the-wall was the first gay bar in NYC I ever set foot in. At the time, it wasn’t that crowded so there was room for a tiny pole in the middle of the space for a hunky dancer to show us his private moves. The bar is located right in the East Village, so it’s a convenient place to check out after the other bars in the area get crowded with NYU freshmen. The crowd is a mix of media professionals, scene-y Bowery Boys and muscled men just looking to have a good time. They all bump shoulder pretty frequently, as this is one of the smallest gay bars I’ve ever been to. Eastern Bloc has a reputation of being a raunchy, “anything-goes” sort of place where you can bed a stranger, but it’s also a good bar for friends to catch up and goggle the sleeveless eye candy. And ever since the owner started dating Anderson Cooper, expect the place to continue being an “it” spot.
505 East 6th Street (212) 777-2555
Phoenix NYC
Phoenix NYC – Gay Bar
When I went to visit a couple of friends who live in Stuyvesant Town, I was surprised to learn that their local bar was a gay dive bar, popular with a mid-twenties to early thirties crowd. Phoenix has a great location, near all the hotspots of the East Village. Drinks are relatively cheap – this is a dive after all – so the daily happy hour is quite generous. Phoenix has a pool table and a side room for more intimate conversation. Not too intimate though. Even though I did meet a ton of attractive fellas at Phoenix, things never really heat up. So just keep on sipping on the cheap well drinks and browse through their jukebox. You’ll find classics from Blondie and Prince mixed in with more contemporary gay favorites like Lily Allen, LCD Soundystem and whatever queer-friendly indie hip Brooklyn band is popular at the moment.
447 East 13th Street (212) 477-9979
Sugarland NYC
Sugarland NYC – Gay Bar
Housed in what looks like an abandoned warehouse, in an empty street, this dance lounge has a tinge of Brooklyn grime. Right off the L Stop, Sugarland is accessible even if you’re a Manhattan snob, which I used to be before discovering this place. If you want a night of dancing and bumping it dirty in the dark next to hip queers, this Williamsburg club is the place to be. The same owners of Metropolitan wanted to expand their nightlife horizons and bring a more upbeat spot to the area. Be sure to get there early on weekends, as Sugarland definitely attracts large crowds, and cover tends to be around $7. If it gets too hot on the dance floor, take a break in their upstairs patio and bum a smoke from one of the cuties in plaid.
221 North 9th Street (718) 599-4044