Besides a few well-known clubs, entertainment options are few for Kyiv’s growing gay population. At least that’s the opinion of a local promoter who says his organization aims to fill the void.
On June 23 at Shelter, Show Center A1 kicked off a series of summer parties targeted at the gay community in Kyiv. The parties take place in large clubs such as Bingo and Hollywood, as well as on some of the boats departing from the river dock in Podil.
A1 Director Mykola Chechuha said that there is a general dissatisfaction among the gay community with the number of venues in Kyiv.
“There’s a monopoly [on gay entertainment] in this town,” said Chechuha, adding, “I’d say that 75 percent of the people here consider these clubs substandard.”
His solution was to create a series of “closed” summer parties using a different location for each event and creating individual theme programs for each event. Venues will range from the confines of Shelter on Passazh to the outdoor pleasures of an evening aboard the Steamship Maksim Rilsky. Each evening will have an entertainment program that includes multiple DJs, acrobats, dancers, singing transvestites and special prizes. Lucky winners at the inaugural event at Shelter received free body art.
Chechuha said the emphasis is on quality.
“If we’re going to have a transvestite,” Chechuha said, “he will be the best transvestite in town.”
Chechuha is also seeking “quality” customers. He warns that face-control at his events will be strict. While the parties are intended for the gay community, Chechuha says that all are welcome as long as they are “stylish” and “interesting.” He did not elaborate on what makes a person stylish or interesting.
The parties are “closed” in the sense that a Pride Card or invitation is required for entrance. But anyone can pick up a Pride Card at the following stores: Oscar, Mango, Argo, Gracia, Brocard, Wooly Bully, and Arka-CD. For a VIP Pride Card or invitation, contact A1 at 446-3393.
Entrance fees vary. Admission is a mere Hr 20 with a VIP Pride Card, Hr 30 with a regular Pride Card, Hr 40 at the door, and Hr 30 with an invitation until midnight on the night of the event.
Chechuha warns that some prospective partygoers will be turned away.
“We just can’t accommodate everyone,” he said.
Also in the works is a series of fall parties that will feature a Friday night event in Kyiv and a Saturday night party in Odessa. The fall program is slated to begin Sept. 8, though details remain hazy. For more information, be on the lookout for A1’s Web site, set to launch at the end of August.
Summer series of closed parties schedule
July 14: Goodbye Boys Party. Featuring DJ Fred, DJ Wolf, emcee Andrue. Steamship Maksim Rilsky (Pochtova ploshcha). 10 p.m.
July 21: Gay Bordello Party. Featuring DJ Davay, emcee Andrue, Darkroom, Bordello Boys. Disco Bar Alana. 17/21 Bohhovutivska. 10 p.m.
Aug. 4: Ibiza Disco Cruise. Featuring DJ Fred, DJ Wolf, emcee Yug. Steamship Elbrus (Dnipro metro). 10 p.m.
Aug. 18: Parade of Love Party. Featuring DJ Fred, DJ Wolf, emcee Yug. Kyivska Rus Theater. 93 Artema. 10 p.m.
Sept. 1: Ibiza II Disco Cruise. Featuring DJ Davay, emcee Yug. Steamship Elbrus (Dnipro metro). 11 p.m.
