RE: Studs at the Mustang
Last week I posted an item about The Mustang Bar and Grill offering an alternative night out in Plano. My problem with it was the ad they placed in the Dallas Voice which, I feel, tries to come off subtle about being a gay event by using vague terminology. Since when is gay an alternative? That’s like saying it’s a choice. And don’t get me started on the title of Secret Sundays again. Just go read the posting so I don’t get angry again.
But I do give props to Francisco Castillo who responded to my dismay of the event defending his creation. Whilst you can read the comment after the posting, I felt it wise to repost here with running commentary.
Hello,
I put this event together so I feel I should respond. To be honest, I’m not really sure what your issue is. You’re slamming an event that you’ve never attended or called to inquire about. You’re basing your comments on an ad and not much more. But I’m not here to argue with you. I am writing to clarify a few things.
This is true and I try not to prejudge anything but when I get the feeling you’re scared to be upfront, then my confidence isn’t high going in.
Secret Sundays is a gay and lesbian event and it’s designed to appeal to the gays and lesbians in this far north area. The event starts at 6 p.m. and we hope everyone stays as long as they like. Meanwhile, the dining room is open to all guests, whether straight or gay. We’re not hiding anything.
The name Secret Sundays is just that…a name. We’re hosting a gay and lesbian mixer in Plano. That’s it. It’s just a sexy name. And if we’re not being overtly gay, it’s only out of respect for the conservative nature of the area. Plano is not like Oak Lawn and we must respect the gays and lesbians who choose to live here.
So thus I must assume that the LGBT community of Plano is not out. By that generalization, then are you really respecting that community? What I hear is more like you’re ‘respecting’ and pandering to what you deem is the conservative nature. Plano is not Oak Lawn. Oak Lawn is not Plano but am I to understand that Plano is essentially homophobic and such events need to be hushed and hidden?
This Mustang is also a diverse venue and we’re not embarrassed to say it. Did you know The Mustang also hosts an African-American night every Thursday? Our club night attracts 400-500 African-Americans every week. Our place is furthest north you will find any type of event catering to the Dallas Black crowd. The same can be said for our weekly gay and lesbian mixer.
And by the way, Plano is not too far if you live in Frisco, Plano, Carrollton or The Colony. Secret Sundays is meant to appeal to those people. Of course, you are free to drive in from all parts of Dallas. I invite you to attend next Sunday and see for yourself.
Plano is far for me. But so is anything past Northwest Highway and 75 from my small flat in East Dallas. My point is that terminology and presentation is crucial to the identity of the community. To imply that it’s a hidden or Secret population, first of all suggests exclusion and second, promotes separation. I truly applaud your efforts in promoting an event that appeals to the LGBT community outside of the normal gathering spots. It is these endeavors that allow such communities to grow and let others see that they are indeed everywhere and not boxed all in Oak Lawn. All I ask is for you to look at the ad again and think about what it does say and what it doesn’t. Does it reflect a prideful nature or a hidden one? And which side are you on?
Thank you for your response.
–Rich
OK, I had to reread this reply twice. When I read, “We’re not hiding anything,” and the “The name Secret Sundays is just that…a name.” Well companies pay big bucks to PR Firms to come up with “a name” and even a logo. So a name IS important.
AND then when the promoter writes, … “it’s only out of respect for the conservative nature of the area.” And continues with … “Plano is not like Oak Lawn and we must respect the gays and lesbians who choose to live here.” Cleary shows that it is a “SECRET” of who and what you are. So if it’s just “a name.” Why not call it a DON’T ASK – DON’T TELL Party.
By the way I don’t live or go to Oak Lawn. Gay people, like myself, live and party OPENLY everywhere! I live in the barrio and I proudly display my gay flags on my balcony.
Out of respect for yourself – do something else. It is all about the money - a promoter making some money.