Many gays will tell you that Washington-not San Francisco or New York-is the most pleasant place in America for a homosexual to live. Everywhere one looks, from discos and clothes styles to the gentrification of inner-city neighborhoods to theater marquees-is evidence of gay influence. There is a thriving gay newspaper, gay church, gay health clinic, and many other gay organizations. There are now nearly thirty gay bars and restaurants in Washington, some of them linked together in a business booster club called Gay Restaurant Owners of Washington (GROW). Other tremors are felt in culture and business. It seems only a matter of time before they elect one of their own to the DC city council. Not only were gays a key to the coalition that put Barry in the DC mayor’s chair they also have won one of the nation’s strongest anti-discrimination laws, they have earned the support of much of the DC city council, and many of them now serve on city boards and commissions.
Some of the tremors from this explosion run through local politics. In the past five years especially, there has been an explosion in gay influence here that startles older homosexuals who grew up having secret lives. It was a recognition that gays have become a significant political force. It was no accident that Barry showed up for a drink at the Eagle just before that 1978 mayoral election. Then last spring, in the DC primary, he was elected an alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention, committed to Ted Kennedy. Two years ago, when Marion Barry was running for mayor, Don Bruce put on a $50-a-plate fund-raiser at the Eagle and helped with another one at the Lost & Found disco which together raised nearly $8,000 for the campaign. Not just because he runs a successful business, but because he is getting big in DC politics. He owns the place, and he is one of the important gay men in town. We will have a checkroom for your clothes.”Īctually, Don Bruce is no guest at the Eagle. So bring your jockstrap and drop in at the Eagle. Don Bruce will be one of our guest bartenders. The action is slowed by an announcement from the loudspeaker: “Just a reminder that Tuesday will be jockstrap night. Occasionally, a couple of guys greet each other with a kiss, an embrace, a pat on the rear, or a tug of the hair on the chest. And the color slides flashing onto one wall are of handsome, brawny males-more or less nude, inordinately endowed, and in various stages of genital commotion.Īlong the walls, men stand eyeing those who saunter around the bars. Many of the 300 or so customers this Saturday night top off their Levis with tight T-shirts or bare chests to display biceps and pectoral muscles grown large from weightlifting. The Eagle advertises itself as a place for hard men-“If You’re Man Enough” is its slogan- and the atmosphere in its barroom downstairs follows the theme. Maybe I can interest you in a paddle? Or a leather necktie? $32 is a little high? Look, these are fleece lined. What’s your pleasure? This bondage belt goes for $32, handcuffs for $40, and these ankle restraints for $32 a pair. Remember this, too: Left pocket means you’re into a dominant scene, right side you’re passive. Gray means you’re looking for light S&M, black means heavy S&M, orange means you go all ways.
Here’s a little card that explains the color code.
If you’re into cruising, you’ll want one of these bandanas for your hip pocket, to let strangers know what you like. Sure, it’s a little big now, but you hit the weights awhile and you’ll have the ummmmph to carry it off.Īccessories? Of course. No? Well, then, let me show you this, the finest motorcycle jacket a man can buy-the best black leather, detachable fur collar, a bargain at $195. Say, you look like the western type, am I right? We’ve got everything you need-your button-fly Levis, western plaid shirts, cowboy boots, hats. Here they are offered gear to fit any of the latest machoman fashions. They move upward, past walls decorated with artwork of male nudes and mementos of motorcycle clubs, to emerge among racks and shelves of gay-oriented clothing. Husky young men-habitués of the “leather-Levi” subculture-are still breaking away from the crowded barrooms below and heading up the stairs to the store. Editor’s note: This article appeared in the September 1980 issue of The Washingtonian.Īlthough it is past midnight, the clothing store on the top floor of the DC Eagle, one of Washington’s busiest gay bars, is still open.