Of course this was nonsense, as is being seen around the country. Along the same vain as the “disposable” income myth, it seems that gays and lesbians would be more likely candidates for the layoff line because, in the eyes of many employers, they don’t have kids and therefore will be impacted less harshly by a time-out in the unemployment cue.

Bars will be badly affected very shortly. History has shown that, when faced with serious financial retrenchment, people will eliminate major expenses and up-grade low end indulgences (such as meals out and bar visits) until the impact of the financial strain hits. Then they will cut back entirely. In other words, as soon as the severance check runs out, revelers will go to the bars one night less a week for a few weeks (assuming an average of 3 times per week, this would mean a fairly rapid 30% decrease in the bar business), and gradually cut back more and more until a night out at a bar is a once weekly treat. Or they will buy increasingly fewer drinks. Either way, the prospects for the gay bar business in the next six months or so are pretty grim.

Let me offer a few professional observations too.

First, I want to single out Windy City Times for a very prudent move by one of the community’s best respected publications. Tracy Baim and her staff made a timely cost-saving suggestion to report, write and publish as a virtual news room, and no longer bear the overhead of leased office space.

Watching the tailspin in the media industry, it is clear to me that more newspapers and magazines are likely to find creative ways to adapt, lower costs and continue their professional work. Sitting side by side at desks is simply not the future model for digital and information-based businesses (like news websites for instance.)

Other LGBT-owned businesses may be strapped for all the same reasons as the rest of small business owners — fewer dollars in the economy, limited access to lending, and lots of uncertainty.

I for one encourage us all to think about our buying even more so right now — not to go nuts, but to consider spending a bit extra at an independent gay-owned bookstore like our legendary Lambda Rising (www.lambdarising.com).

Along with gay bars, our bookstores always have been refuges, community centers and resources to find others, to learn and be entertained about LGBT issues and lives. If they disappear, trust me, all the mainstream book stores in the world won’t include hundreds of excellent LGBT titles and magazines that we need and enjoy.

I am very happy this subject provokes so much dialogue and attention, and appreciate your taking this on.

Congratulations on 20+ years of running this show.

Mike Andrews
Sex @ Itunes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxEopoTP4X8

As far as small independent bookstore, i’m afraid they are past the point of return going forward, but there is still a niche to be filed by those that do it right. Gay newspapers are unfortunately not moving forward fast enough with the times and hopefully some of them will be able to survive. I think one of the most important points is that there two industries are facing the same challenges and difficulties that their “mainstream” counterparts are. Hey, that has to be progress I assume that it is not just the lgbt bookstores and newspapers affected.

Concerning gay bars, i’m not so sure if I agree with your observation and I think there will be a place for them in the foreseeable future. But, again, maybe its progress. In Scandinavia (where I spend a lot of time), there are not many gay bars and clubs, because it is so accepted that almost everywhere could be described as a “mixed” environment. It would be unheard of in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo for someone to even give a second glance at two men kissing at a restaurant, bar or club.

I suppose that is the point of equality and progress. Inclusion and not segregation.

I may just be rambling out of my ass (I haven’t had a full pot of coffee yet), but that is my thoughts. Do you guys agree?

Oh and I think I’m the only person I know under 30 who doesn’t shop online. Maybe once or twice a year a most. It just always seemed so rural to me. For people that don’t really have the option but to go to actual stores.

In my discussions so far with local business owners Boston seems to be moderately affected. Owners/workers are telling me what they are primarily seeing is a drop of straight customers at restaurants, shops, etc. Stockholm (as of my last trip back a few weeks ago), doesn’t seem affected so far at all. Of course in Sweden the safety net is MUCH stronger than here in this country.

As a side note, none of my gay brothers and sisters that I personally know have lost there jobs (yet?). As far as the straight ones, I do know a few that have become unemployed. Mostly ones that work in the financial industry or in advertising.

I’d also be interested what everyone’s experience has been so far.

I question the people who commented on the situation on NYC. Everyday I see street placards on the outside of many a gay bar in the village saying happy hour, 1pm till closing, or 2-4-1 well drinks all day long. Even on Saturdays. One of the largest and oldest video stores in NYC on the Westside Highway @ Christopher street closed at the end of last month due to lack of business. And they had just remodeled the place too.

Things are beyond bad here in NYC. They are atrocious. Do not be fooled by that. These bars are NOT packing them in like they used to. It has been going on since last summer. Another magazine/video store is going to close very soon and it opened only in September. Things are not rosy at all here. We are no different than out strait counterparts. When money is tight hang on to what you can.

The only people that will be recession proof is the online underwear section of International Male. No matter what gym queens worldwide will not be caught dead in unsexy underwear. At least that is the way it appears at my gym.

A gay clothing store recently closed and it was also priced higher than many competitors.

I’m a capatialist pig and I say to stay in business you have to compete.