I've heard on a few occasions guys complain at gay clubs there were too many lesbians in the room. On another, my friends recount the time they weren't even allowed in a club because the establishment refuses women. Is our chauvinist partying shedding a little light on how we can get with the times? Disparaging women in gay bars of all places, seriously....

Having grown up with many female friends, I never understood why some people chose friendships based on what's down their pants. I'm thinking it's because most gay men were not out of the closet at the age of 14 like I was, girls were the ones who always stood by me.

I'm certainly not the only one with a similar story here, so I've always been hard pressed to frequent establishments that perpetuate no women policies. When I got a little older, I never partied without my best gal pal, yet all I ever saw were groups of men and a scattered female presence. A tolerated presence or not allowed inside at all.

Let's admit there are clearly more male clientele in gay establishments than female ones. While visibly outnumbered, they aren't as disproportionate as we think. Perhaps it's time we stop treating our lesbian counterparts like community cock blocks getting in the way of a night out with the boys. Refreshingly, recent Queer movements now mix gay, bi, lesbian and trans events together. Branching away from gay districts and starting their own weekly parties, perhaps we are onto something revolutionary here.

The women who stand by us are worthy of our greatest respect and we stand by them. More togetherness between gays and lesbians, our fellow queers and peers, will inspire more people to come "out" if we welcome women "in". Less male privilege festering amidst the divide that holds us back. We can't claim equal rights if we deny women the simple freedom to socialize without a bunch of snooty men scoffing at their presence. Time to move forward. One love.