Safe Gay Spaces Pt IV - Brazil

I have traditionally been the type that liked nightlife once and a while. I would go to my favorite spots, and end the evening with a drag show. If a friend wanted to go out, I was all for some laughs, dinner and a drink, and a show. What I experienced in London, Germany, and Brazil has made a lifetime imprint. I found myself gawking at my surroundings wanting to soak all of the visual caffeine in immediately. In my opinion, Brazil ranks high in my list. The air, vibe, esthetics, and nature of the Brazilian culture are so loving and welcoming. Get lost in another culture and you’ll learn a lot. 

In October, I went to a couple of dive-bars in Centro São Paulo and was blown away by the interiors, beautiful men, and music. There is a place called Casa de Francisca, with a large stadium-like dance floor, and a stage for live music. This is not specifically a gay space, but too dance. The lighting and space are straight out of a movie. A walk down the terracotta steps, the room opens into the large dance floor on your right, then restrooms and, a bar that has a glass ceiling view of the outside above. I ordered a drink and ran to the dance floor where the band was. I have no clue how to dance, and absolutely no idea how to move like a sexy salsa dancer. But, I went out there and pretended. I danced with my Lulu Lemon tote over my shoulder, smiling the whole time. The band was amazing and the two lead singers hit notes that you would not hear in the U.S.. So, it met EVERY criteria of a dream come true, a real-life salsa dance to a live music place. In Love!  

In the same month, I went to a small-ish nightclub that was pitch dark and had the vibes to match. The music was loud (how I like), and there was up and downstairs, with a drag show. This is called Befetada, in Centro, and had a cool vibe and esthetic, to me. I met all types of people and danced like a fucking idiot and loved every second. The nightlife in Brazil is full of smiles and laughter. The dance floor was small and packed. I danced for what seemed like an hour until I met the Brazilian from What Is Love Pt III. We flirted back and forth, not speaking just yet. I took a break from dancing to get another drink and go to the roof for fresh air. As a side note, forget about air conditioning if you rely on it. A/C in Brazil is not everywhere and I liked that. Back to the bar, as I walked the halls, I was starstruck by the graffiti on the walls. It was lit up in shading with fluorescent spray paint. In a stairway there was a huge mural on the wall, it had to be four floors tall. From the rooftop, you can see the downtown skyline from one spot, all the city lights with swaying trees around. It was an indescribable feeling,and the smell of the air that night seemed so sweet. Everyone was laughing, yelling, and dancing, I thought to myself “Was I in heaven?” 

On the second week of my stay in Brazil, I went with two Brazilians (one that was gorgeous) to a nightclub called Zigduplex for a Charli xcx type of concert. I would say this was more like a rave atmosphere; I am all for the loud music. The small bar had a dance floor downstairs, it could be seen through the floor grates. The entire place was lit in green and had art for gay men all over the walls. The dance floor was everything a dancing queen could want for a night. 

One Friday night later in October, I met up with a Brazilian guy that I spent some time with. We had little dates at coffee shops, messaged, and had good conversations. We met later that night at a cabaret bar each other had been to and liked. This spot was comparable to a dive bar in Chicago, a gay one, but nonetheless a dive bar. The stage was downstairs and that is where I was to meet up with the beautiful Brazilian. I stood there with my beer (amazing beers in Brazil) and waited for the show to start. Once she came out, I knew I was going to see something that I had never. She was in a black velvet skintight floor-length dress. White face and a hairless head that match. Lighter in makeup color, and long flashy-diamond-like, costume jewelry. A barstool was placed in front of the microphone and the crowded bar came to hushed and eager silence. The mic was on, and she said, “Boa-Notie!” As the dj started the acoustic guitar recording, she took a breath. The Brazilian man came up behind me and kissed my neck (I didn’t jump). We talked and enjoyed the performance. I know I stood there and smiled so big when I heard an opera-like voice. A mix of male and female cords, with a classically trained vibrato. As she started the song, I was enamored by the reach and depth of both the tone and words. This is what I came for! I was able to stand in a shoulder-tight room with strangers, and not panic. One bit. [insert Julia Child, cheek fist bump] I feel like this was one of the most sought-after feelings of freedom and excitement. I was able to marvel at something.   

Next on the agenda for the night, a “club” that was like a pop-up event of sorts, totes Brazilian. A truly eye-opening experience and I danced until the birds chirped. Quiet literally. This is the first time I stayed out this long in my life and the first time I went to an actual “club” of this type. I was told by a local Brazilian that I had to go to have a true Sâo Paulo experience, so I did. When I first walked in, I was a bit frozen by the sheer size of the building and its complexities. Nothing but brick walls, hardwood and brick floors, tall windows, brick pillars, archways, a blank canvas. There were long lines that ended at stairs, another hallway, or just a door. I could see the sky overhead in the atrium of the building; It was old and had to be used for manufacturing. I could see lights and hear loud music in the distance. I hit the jackpot of experiences!