GenQ - For the not so straight individual

In less than just 48 hours, Melbournians prepare to farewell Thursday night favorite Q & A.
Generation Q spoke with co-founder Richard Watts and upstairs DJ, DJ Glen to offer closure and understanding to the people who have supported the Thursday night gig.
Q & A (Queer & Alternative) started back in 1995 when Peter Kung, John Ellis and Richard Watts decided they were sick of being turned back at mainstream gay clubs (Richard having a Mohawk at the time).

‘It started at wall street, now Hi Fi bar. The first night we had a couple hundred people turn up and it occurred to us we had discovered a niche. We weren’t expecting it to last over three months’, Richard remembers.
The first night was quite the success. Not only did the Mavis’ perform but author Christos Tsiolkas made mention of the night in his novel ‘Jump Cuts’. And the night continued its success to the present day, developing a ‘cult status’. After two months at Wall Street the night moved to The Builders Arms Hotel, Collingwood.
When asked if he expected the overwhelming response by the public, Richard responded, ‘Never, none of us expected it. It was very flattering and surprising. It reinforces that there is a need for queer clubs that aren’t gender inclusive, which is welcoming of diversity and played something other than Kylie Minogue’.
For DJ Glen, his humble beginnings with the night were as a patron. When The Builder’s Arms was sold and Richard and co were given 2 hours notice, they made a decision to keep the night going, and moved to ‘A bar called Barry’s’. This was when DJ Glen was given his chance to play in the upstairs room. Speaking of the three founders, Glen said, ‘The three of them would come up and stand with me in the DJ booth to chill out & enjoy the music, like I did with them.’

Over the 12 years that Q&A has been in existence, the venue has been used by many people as a safe coming out type haven. Particularly at The Builder’s Arms, the night always included friendly faces, fun music and a great atmosphere. There is no doubt though, that over those years the crowd has changed, giving the night a different vibe.
'There has been a significant change. I wanted to close Q & A eight years ago because the crowd had changed a lot. - However my DJ partners are less cynical than me.
All clubs have a life of their own. They are organic, both the club and crowds shift and change over time.
Trends in music come and go, clubs either reflect that or Stagnate and die.' Richard reflects.

For DJ Glen, its a different reality, a younger set of eyes, 'Definatley, It might be apart of the reason why its closing. The crowd has become very mainstream; Nelly Furtado - Justin Timberlake. Compared to The builders arms where you would play Garbage, and people would just scream 'Cherry'. It doesn't seem to happen any more.
Having said that though, both Richard and DJ Glen have had their fair share of great memories. 'Daniel Johns from Silverchair getting really drunk and vomiting on our couch. The same night I met two lesbians from New Zealand who said the only reason why they came to Melbourne when on their Australia visit was to come to Q & A as they had heard about it. Richard recalls. DJ Glen, (aka the dancing DJ) adds, 'Once a straight guy (hot guy) requested a song. His girl friend was standing next to him. When he requested the song, I asked where my kiss was (pointing to my cheek) I loved it when his girl friend pushed it. Richard said I abuse my power with a huge smile on his face, and I replied 'Bloody Oath'

As for what happens now? A bar called Barry's is continuing Thursday night's. It is going to be operated by two straight men - who will continue operating for a queer crowd. Will the same crowd to continue to come each Thursday? Will anyone notice the difference? Also Each second Friday @ the glass house duo team, DJ Glen and DJ Tim Will offer a similar style night to Q & A, starting Friday July 13. Keep your eyes open for more.
In closing Richard tells the three leading DJ's, Helen, Pete and himself have each selected two songs each to close the night. We have tried to cover twelve years of music into six songs. The only other thing ill expect is to be in tears by the end of the night.
As DJ Glen mentioned, it's not the end of a night, It's the end of an era. Q & A has housed hundreds on Thursday night's over the last twelve years. The general feeling is the builders arms days, were no doubt the best. The time when the crowd was close and getting to know one another. For many attending Q & A was a weekly ritual. To see it all come to an end is saddening, but also leaves room for others to push forward their ideas', a new night night, something fresh. Room for evolution in the queer and alternative community.
Generation Q will be there to capture what happens next, will present a reflection from Thursday night with photo's, people's thoughts and a final review. So patrons, former and current don't miss out. Be there early, (we all know how long the line cant get, let alone this last time)

Info:
Q & A final;
Thursday 28^th June 2007
'A Bar Called Barry's' - Smith Street, Collingwood.
9pm-5am
Free Entry.