A night out with the girls

Here at Sayoni, we are not just about emotive stories, sociological observations, philosophical musings and political arguments. We do get out.

For the queer woman in Singapore, there are not a lot of options in the night scene – mainly small, rather dated pubs. Self-expression is limited at mainstream clubs catering to heterosexuals and I hear the butch-looking have been refused entry at their doors too. Our only respite in this desert is the occasional queer women’s parties at larger venues.

Last night, we arrived at Zouk for a Herstory party about an hour before the musical was to begin. At the counter, pride accessories ‘imported from the US’ such as rainbow wristbands and lanyards were available for sale next to the tickets. The male bouncers in white suits guarding the entrance were an elegant touch.

Inside, most of the best tables had been reserved and there were only a few stools, so we had to stand while we waited. According to lublub, it was usually packed by this time at previous pageants, but tonight, the stale air limbered along with the music. We were waiting for the musical featuring past Butch Hunt and Femme Quest winners.

As friends arrived, drinks were bought and I daydreamed about a Bellini, Mimosa or a Cosmopolitan. Why wasn’t there such a cocktail promotion anyway? A little sophistication never hurt.

When the musical started, we weren’t sure whether to gawk or cringe because it felt like a school sketch. I tuned out of the dialogue after a few scenes. Fortunately, there were a few eyecandies on stage to help us forget the cheesy script and awkward acting.

amajor_resonance noted that only one type of lesbian relationship was portrayed, mirroring that of heterosexual relationships and how some male-to-female transsexuals have internalized all the ideal images of a woman deemed appropriate by society.

My goss of my evening is witnessing a model being smooched by a local celebrity. We tried to dance thereafter, but the DJ looked bored and the dancing was disrupted by brief pauses between songs and too swift changes in tempo.

The guests were in the early twenties or younger, so maybe that is what they like. I preferred the more upbeat music and considerate spinning at the Two Queens party which I attended in August. The crowd was more mature and dance floor smaller. (I hear they’ve moved to a different venue since.)

In any case, there is room for greater diversity, higher standards and creativity in the nightscene for queer women in Singapore.

Nightlife organisers, if you’re listening, here’s my wishlist for a good party: low or no cover charge, cocktail promotions, good music and a clean, spacious, well-ventilated venue.