Last Weekend at The Gaiety

[ready4boi]

After staying away from the Gaiety for over two years, I decided to go back this past weekend with the obscure hope that the place actually has gotten better. The years I have gone had been memorable right up til the mid-90s when I feel the 'conversion' started. The majority of the really negative experiences I've had with escorts there took place from that point on. My last visit only confirmed the fact The Gaiety has become way too heterosexualized. I saw a few slutty girls there who seemed to have thought they were going to a Chippendales show. Again my numerous complaints with The Gaiety and how it has been run goes back to the owner. Unfortunately the owner is a woman so that creates a problem right off the bat. I was really put off by the place even more after seeing the new influx of female audience members. As a somewhat closeted older gentleman, it made pretty uncomfortable and I know I am not alone.

[Guest bluboy]

I also hate the women there! I thought it was just me and when they go into the lounge- well there is no way that I am doing any business there. The female gaze feels like my mother plus their whole femal persona there is to take over and be loud whereas the gay men there are always discrete. Someone who knows Denise should let her know that there is some portion of her patrons that do not like the women. Plus I ask all you gay men to stop bringing your female friends there- -take them to Splash for their cool gay evening out- blu

[carlsyrny]

No you are not alone in your opinion of the Gaiety...I will not attend at all on Friday and Saturday nites because the Ladies have taken over..Im sure if the Gaiety was managed by a gay male some effort would be made to change the situation...Take your business elsewhere...Stella's is full of hotties on those nites ..lets hope that now that Rudy G.is past us we will see a male Strip Joint open to compete with the G... The whole G scene is getting stale anyway...

[hiJinX]

What bothers me more than the women being there and causing a commotion...is the dancers catering to those women to the exclusion of the gay patrons. I understand that most dancers prefer women but I think when you go to Gaiety you are looking for a fantasy experience and when dancers cater to the women (I've even seen them leave with a pack of giggling girls while guys waited in the lounge for them), it is just a smack in the face to the faithful patrons who come there all the time.

[Cooper]

You're saying that the main problem is management. I don't see it that way. Management:

1. collects the money at the door

2. provides a line-up of dancers each week

3. keeps the place clean

4. makes certain the music is LOUD

5. follows all City codes

6. keeps the soda machine filled and supplies chips on the weekend

7. sees that the age policy is followed on who is admitted

 

Management DOES NOT:

1. arrange for "privates" with the patrons

2. decide how much a dancer charges

3. get a commission from the dancers

4. provide hotel rooms

5. decide what a dancer does on a private show

6. determine who the dancer pays attention to

7. and can not say women are not admitted

 

OK, I'm sure we can add a lot more to the list, but my point is, management is not the one calling the shots on what goes on during a private. The only money management is making is from admission and the soda machine. If there is a problem it's with the "gay4pay" dancers. This is where the patron can apply some heat. And all of the suggestions on how to do this are already mentioned in this thread.

 

I had a thread asking why we can't get more local dancers at the Gaiety... why is it that so many dancers are foreigners? Are they the only ones willing to dance there? If so, then we have to deal with that issue also. The only audition Denise is interested in is the one on stage. If the dancer has the "right look" he gets the job and guess what? I don't see a line of dancers waiting to apply. So if these dancers are the best we are going to get, then what? Give them training on how to be an escort or just go elsewhere...The choice is ours.

[Guest Thunderbuns]

>What bothers me more than the women being there and causing

>a commotion...is the dancers catering to those women to the

>exclusion of the gay patrons.

 

There's an easy remedy for that issue. Gay should stop giving them any tips and "interview" them in the lounge but refuse their offers for a private by saying "No thanks - I don't want to be with a guy who obviously prefers women" It wouldn't take long for the message to sink in.

 

Love to see how little $$$ they would make if they were totally dependent on the women for their income. We all know that women have a reputation of being lousy tippers in restaurants - bet they wouldn't tip any better at the Gaiety.

 

 

Thunderbuns

[crazy4u]

I think it is about time that we as clients stop being so consenting. It seems like the dancers set all the rules and we follow them faithfully ! We should absolutely stop tipping dancers who give the female contingent attention at a gay venue . We are the true patrons of the theater. I also think it is a great idea to let the dancers know that you will not go with them , since they obviously prefer the female company.That will let them think a bit.

It is also very stupid of us to pay a dancer 200 dollars for a private show which includes no interaction from the dancer. If we are turned on by the beauty of the boy, but we are only allowed to touch and the boy does nothing reciprocal- well this should not be paid more than 100. If we all stood together with this, we could put the escort business in prospective and then really award someone, when the trade is worth it.

We should set the rules and the prices.

[Guest bottomboykk]

Well put. The one and only time I picked up a dancer there last fall (this extraordinary black guy with incredible definition and an enormous cock), I made the mistake of not asking in advance what he'd do for the $200. I was disappointed, but did enjoy sucking on that gorgeous immense meat. But it sure wasn't worth $200! I'd never do it again.

 

And as to the women: YUCK! There have never been women in there (except for Denise) when I've gone, and I'm so glad. That would've ruined the experience, and I would've been ticked if the dancers catered to the women.

[Cooper]

I also agree that it's time for "patrons" to start speaking up and letting management and dancers know how we feel...Some good ideas have already been mentioned. Not tipping dancers who pay more attention to the ladies is a great start in reminding the dancers who the paying clients are. Also, by avoiding those same dancers in the lounge is sending a strong message of disapproval.

 

I go the Gaiety about 2x's a week and usually have a "private". Fortunately, I've been going there for a few years and know some dancers. This can help in making a private more enjoyable. But here again, some dancers do more for certain patrons than others. So if I were to say, yes, that dancer gives deep kisses, someone else might say he doesn't. That's why it's so important to talk with the dancers about their "private shows" before taking that walk of bliss to the "Comfort Inn".

 

What also could help is the writing of reviews for a "private" during the week the dancer is in. For example, on Tues. I was interested in having a private with a new dancer named Michael. After speaking with him first and finding out he doesn't kiss, suck, or fuck, I said "no thanks"... Perhaps if more of us posted this type of information it could help patrons, (who might be shy talking to a dancer,) make an informed decision...NYO does a great job in reviewing the dancers while on stage, but no one does it for a "private".

 

Posting and discussing these ideas is great, but carrying them out is the only way to bring about change. The next move is up to us.

 

"Cooper"

[ready4boi]

I strongly feel this growing problem is the fault of The Gaiety's management. Rather than go into countless negative stories about that issue which has been exposed on this board before I will stress it absolutely is disrespecting the patrons. The atmosphere of The Gaiety has changed dramatically as a result. The quality of dancers has become too much about their physical appearance and not enough about how they act and treat the customers. That's when too many of these straight con artists(many from Canada) started to infiltrate the venue. Those of us who have been patronizing The Gaiety for years can list a few names that come to mind. It is ridiculous that it comes down to one woman who has done very little to resolve the problem. Keep in mind the more the establishment caters to heterosexuals the less favorable it will be for homosexuals. That's what's been happening for a few years. Eventually it will become another Chippendales and there will be no place for gay men to go see male nude dancing they can all their own!

[Prime Muscle]

I realize that I have never been to The Gaiety so take this for what it's worth (which is how most my posts are taken). I agree with most the other posts that money talks...or more specifically, the lack of money (i.e. tips) would come over loud and clear. But you have to let the dancers know why they are not getting a tip otherwise they will just think you are cheap. Be clear but also be polite about it.

 

Even though the place may not be as good as it use to be, at least you have a place like The Gaiety. Here in the ultra-conservative Midwest -- there is nothing that even compares. Dancers here in Kansas City are either ex-high school athletes who mistakenly think they still have a hot body even though they stopped working out and drink beer every night or a scaggy twink (absolutely nothing against twinks mind you -- just the ones that strip here in KC). If there is a dancer with a decent body, most likely he's so high maintenance and full of drama you don't even want to waste your time. Now don't go and get me all wrong, I'm not complaining about where I live, nor do I think that just because I workout that I'm some sort of gift to the gay man. But, damn, a hot dance show just every once in awhile would be great. Thank God Chicago is just an hour flight away and cheap.

[Boston Guy]

Ask the guys in Montreal about how much money they make on Ladies Nights if you want to get a good idea how much women tip... not much. Many of the dancers in Montreal won't work those nights because they just don't make money.

 

The guys at the Gaiety are there, generally, for a week or so with the sole goal of making as much money as possible.

 

If they begin to have guys say "Sorry, clearly you prefer woman and I'm not interested in going to have a private with you", they'll get the message very, very fast. Trust me, when it comes to money, most of these guys are very sharp. And they talk to each other about how to best work the Gaiety.

 

If word gets out that dancers who favor women there just don't make as much money, you'll see it make a huge difference. But they'll have to hear it often enough and from enough guys to have the message sink in.

 

If Denise thinks her business is threatened, she'll take whatever steps she can take legally to effect a change. But if it's business as usual, why should she change anything and possibly risk a sex-discrimination kind of lawsuit or action by the city?

 

BG

 

ps: These guys are out to make as money as possible. Why do you think so many will go with someone and charge $200 for virtually nothing? Because they can... because it doesn't impact the amount of money they can make... because they don't think customers talk much to each other... and because they figure they can get away with it because guys just keep on hiring them. Ultimately, the patrons who are willing to spend money on bad dancers are the ones who cause the dancers to act this way.

[Prime Muscle]

"These guys are out to make as money as possible. Why do you think so many will go with someone and charge $200 for virtually nothing?"

 

$200 for virtually nothing? Damn, I'm in the wrong business. Maybe I should drop escorting for dancing. But shit, I can't dance/strip.

[Cooper]

Although the emphasis of this thread has been on the negative aspects of the Gaiety, I still find it to be the best male strip show in NYC. For the admission price of $15 on weekdays ($17 on weekends) you get to see some of the hottest men bare all right before your eyes...These men come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing they have in common is a body to die for. When those stage lights go on and the dancers enter though those tinsel curtains, you sit there, mesmerized by dancer after dancer. It's a great sensation, one that I look forward to time after time.

 

"Cooper"

[Boston Guy]

Agreed: although I would grow bored if I went on a week-by-week basis, it does have it's attractions.

 

I don't think anyone is suggesting not going, however -- just not patronizing those clients who pay attention to women, particularly at the expense of the male patrons, and perhaps extending that ban to boys who provide little or no service but expect high payment.

 

The dancers only provide minimal services because there are enough clients who are willing to pay $200 and yet accept those minimal services. If they had to provide better -- or more -- service to make the high wages they make during their time at the Gaiety, do you really think they'd stay home instead?

 

It would be my expectation that a consolidated campaign by enough Gaiety clients would result in real changes in the behavior of the dancers in a very few weeks.

 

BG

[mmk]

I do know what you mean about the women factor - ever notice that they get all giddy like they have never seen a man before, much less a nude one. I refuse to believe that there are not straight men in incredible shape with fantastic bodies because I see them at the gym I go to. They do exist.

 

I remember one time when I was at the Nob Hill all of these women showed up and acted all giddy and started squealing like they have never seen a penis before (or a man playing with it). As the men were leaving the theatre, I was standing in the back talking to one of the dancers named ICE(this was back in the fall of 2000-he was a hot, muscular hispanic guy who was about 5'9 with a nice tight muscular body. Whatever happened to him? This is not the same person who dances there now who also goes by the name of ICE, who is about 6'1). He was bitching about all of the women there and how he was hoping that he would have been able to make alot of money in tips (it was Sat night) and he now knew that he wouldn't. He said that he made only about one fourth of the money he made in tips because the women did not tip.

 

Here where I live some of the established dancers know that they will get tips from men and not women and do not cater to the women. Some actually say that men treat them with more respect and that women will claw at them like animals.

 

Now I do not mean to bash women at all. I have taken female friends to gay bars for years and have had a good time with them. However, if I am going out to see strippers, then I do not invite them along. I do wish that one of the women who post here would give some insight on why women thrive on going to gay enviroments like that. Calling Kathryn, Calling Wndrwoman......

[carlsyrny]

I think the only solution to this issue is a total BOYCOTT...I had a private session with a (STR8) dancer the week of Aug 19..I brought up the issue of women at the G..His reply was "women have the right to pay for sex too"...This whole subject has angered and enraged me...As I stated above I refuse to attend on weekends ...Seriously guys consider Stella's instead you will find many former Gaiety guys and alot of the Rentboy guys as well...

[crazy4u]

I agree with Cooper that the Gaiety is the best place for male strip in NYC. But I really think we should do something about the prices the dancers charge for private shows. Shows involving no kissing, sucking, fucking from the dancer should be renumerated with MAXIMUM $ 100. Private shows including more sex, can be paid better, but maximum $200. The prices have gone far out of hand and you and I , we can do something about it. Should we start right away ?

[Cooper]

Hey BG,

I know it's getting late on the East Coast, but let's take one good laugh with us to bed tonight. Please re-read a sentence from your last post. It certainly gives a whole new meaning to a "gay life style"...lol "Cooper"

 

 

>I don't think anyone is suggesting not going, however --

>just not patronizing those clients who pay attention to

>women, particularly at the expense of the male patrons,

[foxy]

I go for the show only and never on weekends and enjoy it for what it is, a strip show. Years ago the guys used to be more interactive and there were more NY dancers but it seems lately they realize they don't have to do much for their money. Obviously they still keep getting clients who don't complain or review them. It's the "privates" where they make their money. The revews for Gaiety dancers in the NY section are very out of date. Some haven't danced there in more than a year or more. I think it's time that people started posting reviews, good and bad that would have the most effect. Maybe they could be added to NYObserver's weekly review if he continues to post on the Lounge. I'm sure a lot of the dancers are aware of this site. If they started seeing their names here with bad reviews it might change their attitude. They may like women but I'm sure none of them are making any money from them doing "privates". I think anyone who talks to dancers in the Gaiety Lounge should make a point of telling the guys what is said about them on this site. Maybe they'll get the message. Money talks!

[Guest Thunderbuns]

>If word gets out that dancers who favor women there just

>don't make as much money, you'll see it make a huge

>difference. But they'll have to hear it often enough and

>from enough guys to have the message sink in.

 

I agree totally. I was the one who first suggested the "no tip" idea in an earlier post as well as telling them "no thanks" in the lounge when they try to nail you for a private.

 

Just wait and see how little they make from the female patrons they suck up to.......... they will have to go on welfare!

 

But - although this financial boycott would be effective, I bet the chance of it happening is nil. To get a bunch of fags organized is a task calling for Superman. Last time I checked he was too busy fucking Spiderman.

 

>If Denise thinks her business is threatened, she'll take

>whatever steps she can take legally to effect a change

 

All she has to do is change her hiring policy and hire mostly gay men.

 

Just curious - but I'd love to know what kind of income she has from her business - any guesses?

 

Thunderbuns

[Jeff]

It may be the best place for a male strip show in NYC, but that's not saying very much. It's not like there's all that much else. Yeah, some of the guys are hot ... but boy do I wish I were able to go in the "good old days," when, I hear, all sorts of fun stuff would happen back stage and the guys were more interactive.

 

Still nothing I know of in the US beats Nob HIll and Club 220 (Campus) in SF today, which is kinda sad, because even those places aren't as great as they used to be; Nob is back on the rise at least, with hotter and often more willing guys and a clean theater (albeit occasional women), and Club 220 is cleaner than it used to be (strippers used to be the best there because they were gay and RELISHED/LOVED gay sex, but now they have a smaller group... gone are the days of the really hot 20-man sex shows they used to have every few months just a few years ago).

 

We should all invest in strip clubs like they used to be!!

[ready4boi]

A lot of valid points have been made. I really wanted to point out the way the Gaiety has changed. It is unfortunately becoming a political matter cause these straight dancers really will get away with as much as they can as long as the customers let them. All of the suggestions made about how we as the customers can express our lack of satisfaction are very good, but the bigger problem is The Gaiety really is on the decline. It really does lack a lot of the attraction and allure it once had. I am not sexist and realize women do get aroused by gay sex between two men just as straight men get aroused by gay sex between two women. It's just not as many women are as willing to admit to that. However if the Gaiety continues to cater to them and their fantasies it is no longer a safe space for gay men to do so. The women can go to a Ladies Night elsewhere. This matter will just keep getting worse til the owner starts making some kind of restrictions. Unfortunately I really find she can be very unresponsive to customers' needs and sometimes downright inconsiderate so this will take large numbers of us to get her to do something about it.

[Cooper]

WHAT'S NEXT...

 

Before this thread moves on to page 2, have we decided, as a group, to take any action to correct the issues of (a). women in the audience, (b). dancers paying too much attention to the women, ©. poor performance during a private show.

 

I will be attending the Gaiety this weekend.

I hope I'm not going to be the only patron there not tipping dancers who give too much stage attention to the ladies... Will others be telling the dancer "NO" I will not have a private with you because you are spending too much time talking to the ladies in the lounge? And, as for setting up a "private", if he doesn't do the things we are looking for, are we all going to say "No thanks"?

 

As a steady patron of the Gaiety, I really would like to be part of any "action" agreed upon. I also will use, what ever "infuluence" I have, to let some dancers know how we feel about these issues. Usually by telling a few, the others will soon get the message.

 

If we all do our part, perhaps we can bring about some change. Afterall, it's in our best interest.

"Cooper"

[Guest Thunderbuns]

RE: WHAT'S NEXT...

 

>Before this thread moves on to page 2, have we decided, as a

>group, to take any action to correct the issues of (a).

>women in the audience, (b). dancers paying too much

>attention to the women, ©. poor performance during a

>private show.

 

I hope so........

 

>As a steady patron of the Gaiety, I really would like to be

>part of any "action" agreed upon. I also will use, what

>ever "infuluence" I have, to let some dancers know how we

>feel about these issues. Usually by telling a few, the

>others will soon get the message.

 

It would probably help if you also distributed a notice stating what is boycott is and why it is necessary - this is the only way to get to the customers who don't visit this web site and there must be lots of those!

 

Also wouldn't hurt if this notice could be circulated among the dancers so they get the drift.....

 

This probably would have to be done surreptitiously as I'd bet the old LEZBO UNDER GLASS would have a shit fit and try to ban you :-(

 

>If we all do our part, perhaps we can bring about some

>change. Afterall, it's in our best interest.

 

Go for it!

 

Thunderbuns