There is a club in my gayborhood (Hillcrest, San Diego) aptly named Universal that claims to be “omnisexual.” Their intention is to appeal to everyone and be a haven for anyone regardless of their sexuality. They have scantily clad men and women dancing up on pedestals, so regardless what you’re attracted to there is something there to drool over.
I’ve been there twice and I’ve found it to be an interesting mix of people. Straight women seeming to be avoiding being hit on at the straight clubs, a mix of gay and straight couples, many gays and lesbians. Not too many straight men…but overall a nice mix.
This last time I sat down with a group of gay men and they chatted with me for a couple hours. Some interesting tidbits:
- They think the reason that Universal is at risk of going under is because they’re omnisexual. There aren’t enough straight open minded people that would want to spend their Friday and Saturday night at a gay club. And they gays feel that it’s kind of “invading their turf” and don’t know why they’d go to an omni club when there are so many gay clubs to go to.
- The gay men hate that the straight girls there are always hanging all over them, like they want to keep them in their pocket.
While I think this club is incredibly progressive and such a neat idea, I can’t help but look at the dwindling weekend numbers and wonder if omnisexual clubs are a lucrative business. I think it’s a fun place to go, but it’s unfortunate that stigmas prevent it from being successful. Well, that, and their drink prices.
I have to say, Luke and I would love to own a club that looks like Universal. It’s seriously something out of The L Word.
