Dear Uncle Blabby,

Why is it that no one comes out in Hartford any more? I can remember when there were several gay bars in the city and all of them did very well. Each bar had a specific night that was their special night, but they were all open all the time and each of them always had good crowds. Is it that we just don’t have as many gay people in Hartford and the surrounding area?

Looking for People
Southington

Dear Looking:

You bring up a very good point and one that I’ve heard people talking about recently. Hartford has two gay bars, and both seem to attract certain people on certain nights. But you are correct in saying that there used to be many bars in and around town that were very well supported.

I think the answer to your question is not simple. There are many factors that need to be examined. We don’t have room in this column to adequately resolve this issue, but suffice to say that people are going somewhere. We don’t have less gay people today than years ago, we have more. If the bars that you frequent aren’t giving you what you need, tell them. If enough folks told them what they are looking for, and then supported them when they gave it to you, we wouldn’t be in the situation where people go out of town to other bars. There are plenty of gay people to go around. Bar owners should listen to the needs of their patrons and we would all be happy.

Always happy,
Uncle Blabby

Uncle Blabby,

What is the definition of a ‘trick’, or the act of ‘tricking’? I hear that word and I don’t know what it stands for. Help!

Thomas in Waterbury

Dear Thomas,

You say you live in Waterbury, but where, under a rock? The term trick, or tricking is as old as sex itself. In its purest definition it means having a sexual encounter for money. The sexual encounter can vary in scope, duration and location. However in the new vocabulary of the street, the term ‘trick’ is now also being used to indicate a one-night stand without the exchange of money. Just two consenting adults that get together for the purpose of having a sexual encounter. Whichever definition you use, it always means a sexual encounter. Will you be writing in next week to ask me the meaning of that?

Understands the term “trick” very well,
Uncle Blabby

Send questions to Uncle Blabby, c/o Metroline, 495 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 or e-mail keepintouch@metroline-online.com