patorikku comments

ANOTHER article about the demise of another gay neighbourhood? Actually, I suppose a “gay district’ is no different than any reduction in volume in any other business in Tokyo! I wonder if the article is based on fact or wishful thinking? Lived in San Francisco many years and there was constant debate about the gentrification and shrinking of the famous Castro neighbourhood. The same could be said about West Hollywood in L.A., Chelsea in NYC and “Boystown” in Bangkok. The article seems to imply gay people are retreating and going underground. I think this is far from true. There is so much more visibility than 25 years ago when I first started to deal with my feelings of coming out. (Much to the dismay of the growing vocal homophobes around!) The Internet has been a positive and negative force in the growth of Nichome. I’m sure many gays/lesbians don’t feel the need to go to a smoky bar in Nichome when they can meet on line. However, the internet has also provided a tremendous amount of information regarding the gayest neighbourhood in Tokyo with bar locations and specific type of bar. The author quoted 4 sources for this information, but every time (once every other month) I visit Japan, I find the area pleasantly bustling with lots of activity. I often said to myself: “hmmmm no recession here”. Fortunately for me, NOT all 20ish designers feel they will get hit on by some “chubby old gay”. Can’t wait to verify what I’ve said above in mid-May when I return again to Shinjuku Nichome! Only wish I still lived in Tokyo to monitor all of” this decline” much better! :-()