Time To Celebrate!
The global pandemic and disruptive platforms such as Grindr have had a lasting impact on the LGBTQI+ party landscape. Namely, a year-on-year decline in people visiting LGBTQI+ venues. Despite these evolutions, Babylon - The Joburg Bar has thrived and grown a deeply loyal following that despite everything, continues to grow.
2021 marks a massive milestone for the bar with many hurdles overcome. From public disapprovals and judgements, negative impacts from Covid-19, and a changing bar landscape, the team is celebrating its successes. This is in part due to an unusual (and clearly sustainable) social ecosystem between queer and hetero folk unique to a Friday and Saturday night at Babylon Bar.
Heinz Rynner; Babylon co-owner explains: “
Heterosexual communities – especially Cisheterosexual women – enjoy our venue every weekend. That’s because mostly gay men frequent our bar, as a result, cisheterosexual women come for the no-drama candyfloss and popcorn night out, which leads to cisheterosexual men following the hordes of bachelorette parties. Everyone gets along and has a wonderful time – tt’s a thriving inclusive social ecosystem!”
Rynner continues, “
On occassion, this isn’t always well-received by the gay community. But it is important for us to use this special occasion to once again tell the community that make no mistake, we are – and will always be a gay bar – but a bar that is open to everyone in society. Inclusion has always been a leading value for the entire LGBTQI community and we hold ourselves accountable to that principle every day.”
Through the acceptance of all communities, Babylon has continued to gain popularity and iconic status within Joburg’s nightlife. “
As a straight-friendly gay nightclub, the secret to our success is our inclusivity, yet openness to welcome everyone.”
“
Just like Babylon changed my life, Babylon itself has changed tremendously. In 12 years, Babylon has grown from a small bar with a couple of regular visitors to a place where queer people from all over the country come to experience Babylonian magic,” said Theo De Jager, Event coordinator and influencer.
Babylon also owes it’s grit and success to the way the business operations are structured. “
We survived lockdown as we have no full-time employees. Also, all our employees have these incredible skills and talents which are used within the business to springboard their careers. Our barmen are graphic designers and photographers and we encourage them to use Babylon as a place to test and learn. Being open only two days a week allowed us to survive hard times.”
The year ahead will see exciting events on the horizon. “
In our 12th year, we’re bringing out international drag queens from RuPaul, we’ve got GoGo Boys and gay porn stars from Only Fans visiting our stages,” said Heinz Rynner.
“
Drag artistry has always been a stalwart force in our community. It’s such an honor to be a leading voice in my community and I’m so grateful that Babylon provides a space for Queens to do what they do best,” said entertainer and Drag Queen, Adam Benefeld.
The Babylon team looks forward to continued success in the years to come. While gay bars and clubs around the world are dying down, the team is confident in the venue’s future success. “
Babylon hasn't died out because of its ethos. We’re more than just a gay bar. We offer escapism. Our goal is that when guests arrive, they leave their problems and their ego at the door and come in and have fun. Here, everyone fits into the Babylon culture that's been here for over 10 years. It’s fun for all generations. We don't label anyone. For us, it’s about LGBTQI and heterosexual people evolving together, but still retaining a special place for the gay community.”
"
I remember the first time I went to a gay bar - the joy and freedom I felt. It is an honour and privilege to witness the same feelings felt by patrons visiting Babylon. It warms my heart,” said Brad Cilliers, Babylon co-owner.
Following celebrations, plans are afoot to relaunch Babylon Bar as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon – a venue without a label. “
We don't want to be labeled as a club, or a bar, or a restaurant. We are just the Hanging Gardens of Babylon,” concluded Heinz
And when it comes to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, everyone is welcome!
When Is It?
Friday, 03 December 2021.
Where Is It?
Babylon - The Joburg Bar, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo, Sandton, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
Entrance R100 per person before 20:00, and R150 per person thereafter. Tickets available at the door on the evening.
Please note: No mask = no entry. All Covid-19 protocols apply. No under 18s allowed. Drink responsibly. Uber is your friend.
For More Information
For more information about Babylon - The Joburg Bar, visit their website at
babylonbar.co.za.
You can also contact them on
072 509 4994.
Don't forget to follow them on their social media platforms –
Facebook and
Instagram – to keep up to date with the latest news, events, information and more.
WIN!
Two lucky readers stand the chance of winning
double tickets to this exciting celebration at Babylon - The Joburg Bar on Friday night, 03 December 2021!
To enter, simply follow the steps below:
- Follow these accounts on Instagram: @babylonthejoburgbar @joburg.co.za if you're not already.
- Like this post and tag the friend that you'll be taking to the party with you if you win.
- Bonus entries if you share this post to your stories and tag both accounts.
This competition closes on Friday, 03 December 2021, midday.
Good luck!
