On the down low
The best clubs of Sydney's bent underground.
By Andrew Georgiou
For those who like their men rough, ready and raw. No-deodorant rule applies ‘cause you might get RWT'd (random whiff tested) at the door.
Vibe Semi naked to very naked, uninhibited, muscle, leather, daddy, bear.
DJs Shigeki, Seymour Butz and George Russos.
When Sunday 13 July
Where Upstairs, The Oxford Hotel, 134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, 2010.
Action
Attitude-free, hot crowd, dark, sexy sounds. Dance floor man meat garnished with gals.
Vibe Fleshy, sweaty, sexy raw, boys zone.
DJs Alan Thompson, John Devecchis and Scott Pullen.
When Third Saturday of the month, 11pm-6am.
Where Phoenix Bar, 34 Oxford St, Darlinghurst 2010. (02 9331 1936).
Manacle
World renowned as our only leather destination, Manacle is back, scuzzing up Petersham and tempting boys off the traditional stomping grounds.
Vibe Leather, daddy, musc, uniform, butch, gimp, rubber - you name it.
DJs Rob Davis, Mark Alsop.
When Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9pm to the wee hours.
Where The Clarence, 450 Parramatta Rd, Petersham 2049.
An alternative to commercial clubs, Dirty has earned a reputation for steamy dancefloor scenes post 3am.
Vibe Muscle, beef, alternative, bear-ish.
Music Regulars Mandy Rollins and Buck Naked spin.
When Second Saturday of the month.
Where Phoenix Bar, 34 Oxford St, Darlinghurst 2010. (02 9331 1936)
Carries on bent, twisted, funked up, performance laced treats for its devotees and Kooky virgins alike.
Vibe Chilled, friendly, left of centre, dress up.
DJs Seymour Butz and Gemma. The Presets, Wolfmother, Paul Mac, Itchee and Scratchee and Booboo and Mace are all part of the family.
When They feel like it.
Where Herman's Bar, Sydney Uni, cnr Butlin & City Rds, Chippendale 2008.
Tranni Panic
Anything goes at this underground lair with flare.
Vibe Trans-glam, drag, dress up, drag king, gender bend till you snap.
DJs La Donna Rama, Kitty Glitter.
When So rare you need to look out for flyers on street poles.
Where Gilligans, downstairs, The Oxford Hotel, 134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, 2010. (02 9311 3167).