A gay bar finally returns to the Gold Coast with hopes to unite ‘disconnected’ community – ABC News

There is new hope that the Gold Coast’s “scattered” LGBTQI+ scene will find a greater sense of community after the city’s first gay bar in more than two years opened.

Dan Duncan launched Chameleon Lounge Bar last week to address what he described as a “disconnected” community.

“So everyone is moving towards Brisbane where they could find the scene.”

While there are LGBTQI+ safe events throughout the city, including drag shows like Flamboyance, Mr Duncan said there was a need for somewhere to meet.

‘Sit, relax, have a few drinks’

Mr Duncan said “people don’t seem to know each other too well” and have been dependent on “impersonal” dating apps.

“We just needed somewhere to be able to meet face to face,” he said.

Director of Gold Coast Rainbow Communities Vince Sicilini said the venue would bring people back out into the community.

“Kids that want to go out and have a good time, that means them going into a straight venue which, on the surface, is okay,” he said.

Mr Sicilini said that increasing visibility of the LGBTQI+ community was critical.

“Now we finally have a safe space they can be themselves. They can be flamboyant or as quiet as they want to.”

More on the way

Mr Sicilini said he expected more LGBTQI+ venues to open soon.

“We know a new café at Mirana Mirage has opened up and maybe a new club opening sometime next year,” he said.

Mr Duncan said that the bar is not restricted only to those that identify as LGBTI+ and instead encourages all ‘allies’ to grab a drink.

“We are here for everyone … for anyone that actually wants to come in and be part of our community,” he said.

“I’m hoping that it’s going to bring a lot more people together.”

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