Queer Rock Or Punk Bars

[nomadspike]

coming over to thailand from san francisco for a few months and i'm curious to learn if there is any sort of queer alternative punk or rock'n'roll scene in bangkok? thanks!

[Ijustwannateach]

Sorry to say, but as far as I know, no. There are plenty of gay guys who are into rock/punk music, but the whole scene is viewed as a kind of "straight" one. My ex is/was part of that scene here- says he would wind up drunk and naked raving around in crowds in alternative bars his first year or two in uni- but it's all fairly straight.

"Steven"

[nomadspike]

Ever hear of *guerilla queer bar*? Basically a group of *radical* queers would chose a straight bar or club and *take it over/invade it* for a night. It was happening in San Francisco a few years back and was a lot of fun for a while ;-)

Don't know if such a thing could work or be interesting in Bangkok?!

In any case it would be interesting to get a group of alternative gay/queer folx together and hang out at rock/punk shows. The Dude Sweet gang throw some cool parties and earlier this year I was at that weekend Bangkok Punk festival in March. Loads of fun but predominantly straight...

Spike

Sorry to say, but as far as I know, no.  There are plenty of gay guys who are into rock/punk music, but the whole scene is viewed as a kind of "straight" one.  My ex is/was part of that scene here- says he would wind up drunk and naked raving around in crowds in alternative bars his first year or two in uni- but it's all fairly straight.

"Steven"

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[Ijustwannateach]

I suppose this would be no harm, basically, as Thailand is pretty much live-and-let-live as far as gays are concerned- but if you DID run into a problem it might be a pretty big problem. I'm not personally familiar enough with the scene to judge your chances. Some local [and his gang] who is too drunk or with too much attitude could cause a lot of trouble, and could be connected to the police who would then refuse to protect you or even help the local make trouble for you. Would suggest you don't try this without locals going along with you. Remember that this country is not really under the rule of law [or it's a different kind of law than you're used to in the states]. Anyway, I'll ask my ex what he thinks of your plan.

"Steven"

[nomadspike]

You're probably right Steven. It was just a (quick) thought and it's good to get feedback of course. I am respectful of local customs while traveling and seriously would not want to cause offense - and I do understand how the drunk thing can factor in.

To be honest, I'd be more interested in meeting some cool queer guys who wanna go and see punk bands play...

Spike

I suppose this would be no harm, basically, as Thailand is pretty much live-and-let-live as far as gays are concerned- but if you DID run into a problem it might be a pretty big problem.  I'm not personally familiar enough with the scene to judge your chances.  Some local [and his gang] who is too drunk or with too much attitude could cause a lot of trouble, and could be connected to the police who would then refuse to protect you or even help the local make trouble for you.  Would suggest you don't try this without locals going along with you.  Remember that this country is not really under the rule of law [or it's a different kind of law than you're used to in the states].  Anyway, I'll ask my ex what he thinks of your plan.

"Steven"

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[AsiaWolfie]

Steven, can you ask your BF which straight bars he recommends ? where does he usually hang out ? as for me, even I am an old sod, I like that kind of music since the age of 14 when I was infected by the PUNK wave, so that I grew up with the PUNK movement (pity my parents.....having a gay anarchist at home) .....and I still love the music of 1976/77....but as well listening to nowadays heroes..... most people cant believe that when I am telling them but who caaaaaares.......

and I heard of some bars at PTY (even some GOGO-bars) playing KICK-ASS-MUSIC . even PTY is not 100% my cup of tea, would be interesting to know where they are located....

and NOMADSPIKE, did you find some good places in the meanwhile now as you are staying in KRUNG THEP ?

by the way, its cool there is such thing as a SEARCH FUNCTION in this board....otherwise I wouldnt have found this topic.....

[nomadspike]

Steven, can you ask your BF which straight bars he recommends ? where does he usually hang out ? as for me, even I am an old sod, I like that kind of music since the age of 14 when I was infected by the PUNK wave, so that I grew up with the PUNK movement (pity my parents.....having a gay anarchist at home) .....and I still love the music of 1976/77....but as well listening to nowadays heroes..... most people cant believe that when I am telling them    but who caaaaaares.......

and I heard of some bars at PTY (even some GOGO-bars) playing KICK-ASS-MUSIC  . even PTY is not 100% my cup of tea, would be interesting to know where they are located....

and NOMADSPIKE, did you find some good places in the meanwhile now as you are staying in KRUNG THEP ?

by the way, its cool there is such thing as a SEARCH FUNCTION in this board....otherwise I wouldnt have found this topic.....

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I didn't find anything both queer and punk but did have some fun times hanging out at a couple of punk and indie shows while in Bangkok. The Roll Call newsletters lists alternative music shows and Dude Sweet puts on Indie nights. The folx I met at these shows were predominantly straight but everyone was very open and friendly...

[Ijustwannateach]

Sorry to get back to you too late, NMS, but my ex- thought your idea was a very bad one... then again, he is always afraid of being outed so he has some self-directed homophobia. I'm glad you had a good experience on your trip here.

"Steven"

[nomadspike]

Sorry to get back to you too late, NMS, but my ex- thought your idea was a very bad one... then again, he is always afraid of being outed so he has some self-directed homophobia.  I'm glad you had a good experience on your trip here.

"Steven"

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Thanks Steven. I'll be back over for a couple of months in January. Prolly spend a few days in Bangkok then head south to Koh Phangan for some chill time on the beach in Chaloklum. Hope to see some bands while in BKK though...