Steve Jarvis said he was tired of the almost nonexistent gay, lesbian and bisexual social scene in Eugene, so he took it upon himself to begin a social club that stretches beyond the bar scene. His new venture will allow gay, lesbian and bisexuals in their 20s and 30s the opportunity to plan social events exclusively for them.
“I got tired of waiting for someone else to do this,” Jarvis said. “I wanted to connect and go out with a group with people like me.”
Jarvis said since gays, lesbians and bisexuals have become more socially accepted in the past 10 years, there has been a growing need for a more diverse social scene.
“Fifteen years ago, bars were the big thing for homosexuals,” Jarvis said. “The bar scene is just not the thing anymore.”
The group, called The Eugene Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual 20s/30s Social Club, is mostly being run through a Web site. The site features a calendar listing upcoming events and contact information, including an e-mail list that allows people to plan social events and have them posted.
The only restrictions of the club are that those who plan events must be between the ages of 20 and 39 and must identify as a gay, lesbian or bisexual.
“I liked the concept of the age group and creating an environment of people who can identify with each other,” Jarvis said.
The group had its first social event April 10 at a local pizza restaurant, with a turnout of 13 people, Jarvis said.
Mick Westerick, the director of technology at the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business, attended the first meeting and is trying to plan a regular Sunday breakfast for the group.
“It was nice to be with a group that includes both men and women,” Westerick said. “Often times these groups will be restricted to just gays or just lesbians.”
Westerick believes the group also provides a unique opportunity for gays, lesbians and bisexuals in Eugene.
“It’s nice to be around people who understand our issues,” Westerick said. “I have plenty of friends who are straight, but it’s not the same.”
Because of the age demographic of the club, many University students can take part in the social events. Jarvis said half of those attending the first meeting were University students.
Chicora Martin, director of the University Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Educational and Support Services, said the social group is a healthy alternative to the bar scene.
“I’ve received a lot of positive comments from my staff about the group,” Martin said. “There are not a lot of opportunities outside of the bar scene, and this group provides events that don’t revolve around alcohol.”
Martin said despite positive efforts, youth at the University are still targeted because of their orientation. She said this group provides a trust not found elsewhere.
“It provides a safe space where like people can have conversations about issues concerning them,” Martin said.
Jarvis stresses this is not specifically a support group, but a more laid-back social atmosphere. Westerick agrees this is a good focus for the group.
“The events provide more of a social arena rather than a support system,” Westerick said.