When: 26 May 2013
Where: Legs 11, Birmingham, B5 4ST (Chica Bonita will tour England)
Age: Over 18s only
Website: http://chicabonitaclub.com/
Price: £15
Chica Bonita: more politics please, we’re lesbians.
Naïve isn’t usually a word used to describe me. But when I read that Chica Bonita (http://chicabonitaclub.com/) was “influenced by the traditional Gentlemen's Club”, I imagined Playboy bunny-cigarette girls and Christina Hendricks’ curves, all 1950’s sophistication (actually, I imagined Christina Hendricks’ curves a lot).
Who wouldn’t enjoy a bit of that?
Quite a few feminists, apparently. Responses from friends included: “I don't think sex is something for 'entertainment’” and “Is this another way for women to be exploited ... by other women?”
Chica Bonita promised, “to offer the ultimate club culture and sensual entertainment, tailored specifically for lesbians, bisexuals and those in question”.
It was a strip club.
Dashed were my illusions of bunny tails on satin-skinned bottoms and Christina Hendricks, bare shouldered, and falling out of her wiggle dress for me.
It was a clean and attractive strip club, though. Rose petals and battery operated tea lights gave the tables a tacky-but-safe touch of femininity.
Throughout the night, dancers made reasonably impressive moves on the upstairs pole, while the lower bar, with poles at either end, was occasionally used as a downstairs dancing platform.
There were about 20 young women in various shapes, colours, orientations and states of dress. They were mostly femmes, while a few bois and butches mingled later. Most seemed cheerful, but a couple slouched in chairs with scornful faces.
“Some aren’t happy about it.” That’s what Isabella said when I asked what the regular staff thought of being invaded by women for the night.
Isabella approached me almost as soon as I sat down. I didn’t expect it and felt like I’d lost my sense of power, a little accosted even. Her body language suggested she wasn’t entirely comfortable, but she was friendly (it’s her job), we chatted (it’s her job) and soon enough she offered me a lap dance (it’s her job).
I was propositioned with a lot of lap dances. Ladies forced themselves between my friend and me, and offered it almost in the same breath as their name. It showed just how much the methodology is still tailored toward men. After all, you never interrupt two women deep in conversation.
They’re there to make money whether the clientele is male or female.
20 years ago, to sit in a strip club and be entertained as a lesbian would have been unheard of. It’s possible now thanks to the feminists who fought for us back when being a Playboy bunny was one of the few career options women had (pre-marriage, of course).
No doubt Chica Bonita is a fun night with the security of female-only company. It needs fine-tuning before it really hits the mark, though: like a better understanding of the psychological and emotional differences between men and women.
But it’s a privilege to be part of a community that’s evolving and inventing itself. It’s also nice to look at sexy, young women. And it’s funny how things come full circle.
By Raegan Krista
http://anomalyofanormallife.wordpress.com
Feedback from the organisers
We spoke with the organisers of Chica Bonita to find out how they thought the event went. They have learnt a lot. They had a lot of dancers on the first night and following the event they now know which dancers work well with lesbians, and which can be used again. They're also looking for new lesbian dancers. If they continue to receive feedback, improve from each experience, this night will continue to grow and go from strength to strength. Although clearly not for everyone, this event offers a different type of night for those who do enjoy a night of entertainment in a safe environment.
The next event
Chica Bonita's next event takes place at The Candy Bar in Soho.
Wednesday 26 June 8pm-3am. Tickets are only £7 each. Entertainment at this event includes Zara Sykes, Miri Hersh, DJ Lola. There are also special drinks promotions. Details of all of the acts, the event and tickets are available here: http://chicabonitaclub.com/events/
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