Highly unimpressed with this bar. I had heard so many great things about Barb's but when I arrived I was disappointed. FYI- There is a $5 cover to get in. The ground was gross, the bathrooms were not kept up with, and their dance floor is too small for the amount of people in that establishment. The positive is they had cheap drinks. My friend described this place as "you have to be really drunk to enjoy it here" and she must be right because I did not like Barb's. read more

this place is FILTHY. they have all these fans blowing on you that are HEAVILY COATED in dust. This place is NOT open 7 days a week. There's no excuse for them not to thoroughly clean off all the fans and the ceilings!!! PLEASE CLEAN THIS PLACE. ITS DISGUSTING. it looks like they've never cleaned this place since the day it opened Other than that: honestly this is a fun place but damn are they DIRTY & again, they need better DJS who know how to transition songs. They have a great song selection but TRASH transitioning read more

Use to be cool still cheap drinks but literally wtf. How do you fuck up a Houston gem.

Their themes nights, DJs and Bar staff are amazing! Just know that you will be treated like a rat off the street from their bouncers and security. I never leave Yelp reviews but I have been disrespected by the people checking my bags and IDs everytime I have come here. so, I feel compelled to warn people. The bouncers have red hot dildos up their ass and will insult you everytime without fail. read more

If you feel like dancing this is the place to go! Great drinks for great prices and you can even get bottle of brut to share w/ your group on the dance floor! Led lights and televisions set up playing music video makes for a great vibe. Just wish it was a bit cleaner, the floor was so sticky and it wasn't that late into the night yet as if it hadn't even been mopped earlier but hey you forget about when you start having fun which doesn't take long here :) read more

My friends and I usually have a great time here, the vibes and music are great but beware their bouncers are horrible. Last Saturday we went as a group and one person in our group broke the rules but instead of that person getting kicked out, my lady friend got singled out for no reason and forcibly pushed outside. She was listening and asked him not to touch her and he pushed her even harder. Broke her nail and her shoes came off so she hurt her feet in the process. We are devastated our friend was treated this way for no reason. Bring your business elsewhere. read more

Dance floor was flooded with water (an employee hinted it was from the backed up pipes) and they didn't close the club.... Usually a fine time. However, on Friday July 12th they seem to have severe plumbing problems. We arrived and could see and smell the mop bucket behind the bar. Women's restroom was closed so everyone was using the men's (not really a problem for me). Then the men's restroom closed and they directed patrons across the street to Rich's where (they didn't mention) you had to pay to use the restroom. A guy got in trouble for peeing outside. I'm sure more people did it, but just didn't get caught. Be responsible...Close the bar, get a porta-potty or pay the bar you're directing your patrons to so your customers don't have to pay. If people knew what the hell backed up onto the dance floor, they could've at least made an informed decision to stay or leave. Drinks were decently made. read more

I came to Barbs with full intentions on making a revision of my March review. I spoke to the owner Rick and he stated that I would be welcomed back in May. I had some friends that wanted to go, so I agreed to accompany them. I get to the door with one of them, and the bouncer tells a woman outside that I wrote the review, so I wasn't allowed in? Again, I wasn't allowed in because I WROTE A REWIEW. Is that even legal? I started walking off with my friend when my other friends walked up. I walked them to the door, and told them that they should still go in. I attempted to call the owner Rick, so he could verify our agreement, when the bouncer shouted, "get off the premises". As I was trying to explain to him that I was calling Rick, he physically assaulted me! I yelled out for help to the female Constable T. Smith that was in the parking lot, who stated that she would do the same to me. I stated no one had the right to put their hands on me, and that the owner Rick welcomed me back. I was then told by her that she "doesn't give a damn about Rick, and that she runs this shit". My review revision has gone from 1 star to 0, but it will not let me post without at least a star. Please like, comment, and advise me on what I should do? I encourage anyone who's had an experience At this establishment to please write a review! Troyvont Davis 281-773-4531 read more

I don't usually write reviews for dance clubs but I had to write one for Barbarrella purely for the fact that this place is just awesome-sauce! I've only been here on Friday and Saturday nights so I can only comment about those two nights. Every other night in the week? Well, you're on your own for that. First thing first, this place is not pretentious. And I'm always down for a non pretentious place. There hasn't been a line (at least in all of my visits) to get in and there's no cover charge. Drinks are SUPER cheap - well, obviously not as cheap as drinking at home. But for a midtown dance club? Heck yeah, it's cheap. A Tito's/Sprite and a Crown on the Rocks ran me $12. That's it. The bartenders are awesome and fast. I never have to wait too long to get my drink on. Now let's talk music. Thursday night is 90's night. It's kind of slow if you come in around 10 - 11 pm. The place doesn't really get more people coming in until maybe around midnight. Even then, it's not as crazy packed as it is on a Friday or Saturday night. However, just watching the music videos of the songs being played is entertainment in itself. I had so much laugh! Friday night it was more of a mix. They played remixes of alternative songs such as Cherub's Doses and Mimosas or something by the Black Keys and you'll hear some EDM also. The people that come here are generally pretty easy going. Nobody stuck up that I've run into yet. So that's always a plus. Saturday night is 80's night. Oh yeah, fun 80's music. They play everything you want to hear and also some that you want to forget about (I'm talking about you, Eddie Murphy's "Party All The Time.") Although in all fairness, when you're drunk, any dance music is good music. They also have a separate area inside the club that has some seats and what not. I don't usually spend too much time in there because I'm too busy dancing. Oh, there are some beanie bags also! And let's not forget the upstairs lounge area if you're feeling a little cramped inside and you want to get some fresh air. Parking is not bad. Free parking on the parking lot if you get there early enough and plenty of parking on the streets around the club. The farthest I ever had to walk is about a block and a half. If you're a woman who loves to wear high heels, that might be a long walk. But since I'm usually in my leather sneakers, that's only a hop, skip, and jump away. But you don't really wanna wear high heels to this place anyway. Wear something comfortable and dance the night away without having to worry about falling on your face. For real. Don't be pretentious. Anyway, this has got to be one of my favorite places around Midtown area. Definitely will go back again. And again. And again. And again. And if you ever see me there, come say hi and as Bowie said, "Let's Dance!" read more

Barbarella is one of the top places to dance in Houston - but not for booty music or any of that other kind of Top 40, rap, hip-hop, Katy Perry/Nicki Minaj crap. It's strictly 80s. Think New Wave (my fave), synth pop, soft rock... Drinks are cheap - and are served in plastic cups. There's a big dance floor complete with a smog machine, laser lights, and video screens. You'll find some seating, lots of bar space No valet, cover or paid parking. ...It's kinda like Etro, but far less intimate. Honestly, I prefer Etro, but if you want a venue that can fill more people - say, for a large birthday dance party - Barbarella ain't so bad. read more

If you come here be prepared to be denied...by the chair patrons outside. Do yourself a favor and just bring your own lawn chair and save yourself the embarrassment and stomachache. To all the ladies out there BTW just come as you are, especially don't worry about makeup as there is no AC and it will be gone in seconds. And lastly a message to management thanks for all ready selling out, I mean cmon yall already got rid of the mattress (aka the best part!?!?!? PS. This place don't impress me much. read more

Barbarella Houston - Bring your own. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

I hadn't expected to find myself here on a Friday night, so I was just wearing my ordinary street clothes, not at all dressed to dance or anything. And it didn't matter here; I loved the vibe, the crowd, the light-up dance floor, and the unique choice of [funky] music. We got there at around 11pm and didn't have to pay a cover, which was nice, and the dance floor didn't start filling up until it got closer to midnight. Definitely a fun night out, especially because each night seems to have a different music theme. I really want to stop by for '80s night on a Saturday next time I'm here! read more

VERY Chilled spot. If anyone remembers this used to be STATUS, a super douche bag night club, where people popped bottles, lines out the door roof top patio with lights etc. Well, same darn venue space, not many renovations, they even have the old S door handles. But change up the DJ and instead of top 40s you have hipster music and instead of dancing you have awkward jerking. Don't get me wrong, I came here when it was Status and I come here now that it is Barbarella. And I'm sure a lot of patrons that come now remember the old days too. Why? Because we get older, and its a less crowded space, but you're still OUT at a club and can dance with your girls/guys. They even kept the lit up stage, I remember getting down in dirty back in the days...good times. read more

Definitely one of the better dance clubs in Houston. There is a pretty good mix of people here too. We came at around 11pm and found parking very easily 1 block away. Upon arriving my friend didn't bring her ID, but the doorman let her in anyway, so that was cool. Once inside, you enter the room where the bar is located. Several people inside but we were able to walk right up to the bar and get drinks quickly. Started scoping out the dancefloor and there were maybe 20 people dancing. Went to the bar 2 more times and purchased drinks with ease. Drinks were cheap, ordered wells for $4 each. The dance floor isn't that big, but there are 2 elevated floors to the sides of the main floor to use. Also a few outdoor areas to stand, drink or smoke. Music was pretty good too, and was a mix of every type of music they typically play here on this particular night: 80s, 90s, and new noise. There were a few R&B songs thrown in every now and then to cater to everyone in the audience. As far as looks, the place isn't upscale by any means. It's sorta an average club but thankfully not nearly as old or grimy feeling like you would have at say Numbers. There is a small room off the back of the dance floor that leads to an exit, which contains 2 classic arcade games, in case you get bored dancing i guess? read more

Went for the Selena birthday celebration and had a BLAST. Shots and sticky floors and screaming Spanish songs all night long -- give me more! I recommend bringing cash for drinks. It helps slow you down. Laid back atmosphere with people just there to dance. Every time we go it's a good time. Tips: Get there early -- I'm talking, 9 or 10 -- for parking convenience. You can have a drink or two in the meantime while you wait for the crowds. For street parking, I recommend Fannin on the left hand side. But honestly, if you don't come early, take an Uber. Don't let parking discourage you from such an awesome club. read more

Barbarella Houston - Lit up dance floor! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

Came here after the bar. Barbarella is open later than bars and music is great. Drinks are a bit overpriced. Would defiantly come again. read more

After a couple bars, one of the guys in the group insisted we go here. This was the first time I met this guy, but he was friends with one of the ladies in the group. I was down to check it out because I have never been and it looked interesting when I had passed it. Also interesting ode to the Jane Fonda 1968 film. Should have known it was going to not be your average Houston bar. What looked like a warehouse from American Psycho with plastic sheet hanging down, turned out to be one weird night. Let's just leave it at that. The drinks being a reasonable price, for being in Midtown, almost got the place a second star but then I reconsidered. This place flat out sucked. Will I be back? Not just no, but a hell no! read more

We went to Barbarella last night for the Grand Opening. There was a cover of $5.00. When you enter its a quick change from reality to fantasy. There's a red lighted area that leads to a long white bar. Behind the bar there's 5 separate sections with tables and white alien stools for seating. Small TV's line up on the back of the wall showing 80s music videos. Turn left, and there's 2 dance floors, one with a funky mirror display, and another with steps that lead to a light up old school 80s dance floor. Directly behind the light up dance floor is a dark room with bean bags and ikea lack tables for a more intimate setting, and next to it is the white room with BARBARELLA on the backdrop of the wall. They played mostly 80's music. The crowd was definitely a hipster scene. The place had an Etro, Numbers feel for it. The highlight would probably be the outdoor patio which is upstairs. Old mattresses are used for seating and there's a great view of downtown. I liked the unique set up of the place but I'm not a big fan of the 80s. I'm more of a 90s girl. If they have a 90s night I would definitely be back! read more

Barbarella Houston - Light up dance floor! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I come here for after hours 2-3am normally and love the music they play. I don't know why but last night I was able to go in but my friend 20 years of age couldn't get in. We've been here multiple times, a full year to be exact and never had an issue. If under age drinking was a concern they should know that they shouldn't even be selling alcohol passed 2am... and therefore letting us in should be fine like it has been in the passed. I'm just a bit upset from last night, I guess they won't be seeing me there anymore read more

This place is killer! Even with Covid restrictions the music is amazing and the gritty ambiance makes it an easy place to be yourself and have fun. I highly recommend!! Get yourself an uber because you're goi to want to stay until closing. read more

Can't complain here CHEAP drinks, great music and a variety of crowds. I came here with a few friends in a Friday night we got here a bit early at first they played new modern music then later on in the night they mixed a bit of hip hop. That's alway appreciated because of the difference genre. Pretty big parking on the street. Be mindful it free some people out on the sidewalk will pretend to be a parking attendant, giving advice they are just wanting tip. Other than that pretty laid back place and we enjoyed her night. read more

Its a cesspool. The staff is unhelpful but still manage to make you feel like they're doing you a favor. As to their food and drink, well... I wouldn't touch it with someone else's 10 foot pole. read more

The music was good Saturday but way too loud particularly in the bar area with the seating. It was actually louder there than on the dance floor. It was almost Impossible to strike up a conversation, and that definitely ruins the place as a mingling spot. One had to yell directly in the other person's ear. Maybe something the club owner should reconsider, but on the other hand, I will probably never come back. I regret forgetting my ear plugs... read more

You might want to get a little turnt up before arriving, you'll be waiting at the bar forever before you get your first drink! This place gets PACKED! But it's super fun, especially on 90S NIGHT! Ever wanted your Pandora station to play a mixture of music from all different genres without you having to switch the station? WELL, Barbarella on Thursdays.... ITS LIT! From J-Lo, to Spice Girls, to Aaliyah they have it all. Just be prepared to sweat all night and become friends with the many people that bump into you several times on the dance floor. It ain't a party until someone else's drinks get spilled on you. read more

This used to be the coolest, most happening dance spot in the entire city. Line out the door every night. After just a couple of years it seriously fell off. The "dj" is the same playlist every night for 5+ years now, and they don't even put it on shuffle Then, for some reason, they decided that hiring the rudest, most antagonistic security known to man was the move. After just a couple of years it became impossible for me to find anyone willing to go here with me; Every single person I knew had been either PHYSICALLY ASSAULTED or harassed by staff here. I tried to tell myself that they must have been belligerent/some other kind of behavior that snowballed into a conflict. Then it finally happened to me Just coming in the door the security people touched me unnecessarily and inappropriately. They didn't even try to pretend like they were patting me down. When I talked to my boyfriend about it he said no one tried to touch him or pat him down when he came in. Which means.....it was probably sexually motivated. Absolutely 100% not okay in 2024! The bouncers were so antagonistic I decided to Google "Barbarella Houston violence." Wow!!! Many, many similar experiences come up! They're even being sued for breaking someone's ankle! If a lawsuit isn't enough to make you change your ways.....going out of business should be. This place is dead 95% of the time now (even weekends) and on its busiest nights only draws maybe 1/4 of the crowd it used to. It's hard to believe that a business owner would choose violence over money....but that's human nature for you ‍ Or is it just money laundering read more

This place is just messy and badly managed. We came here to celebrate some friends birthdays and paid for entry like 15 minutes before final call and were told they were still serving drinks. Went to the bar to ask for a drink and instead of just saying the bar was closed the bartender got aggressive towards my friends and mad that they asked for drinks after he "closed the bar" and then they kicked us out. After being in there for 10 minutes and being lied to. You can have a better time elsewhere. read more

As a Houston native, I never knew that a place like Barbella existed or could exist in this city. It is the best place I have ever been. Turn any night out, whether you are seriously partying or grabbing quick drinks into the most epic dance party ever at Barbarella. Saturdays make you feel like you've time travelled back to the 80's. There's smoke, music videos, and everyone is having a great time. Keep in mind, you are going there for a dance party after being out- not for a craft cocktails and amazing beer selections or whatever you go to normal bars for. read more

Best music and drinks out there !! great atmosphere and did I mention BEST MUSIC EVER PLAYED IN THE CLUB.... By far my favorite club

Great dance club and after hour club (open till 3am) good location (small parking lot), but lots of parking on adjacent streets, great DJ and crowd, very energetic. I appreciate the diversity of race and age at this club. But for me, it's all in the crowd, and DJ, both were excellent! read more

Please do not make the mistake of ordering drinks from Tyler. Tyler ripped me off on the drinks I had ordered and demanded that I pay for drinks that he had not served me Barbarella Houston. I calmly explained the circumstances to Tyler, but instead of taking ownership of the issue and resolving the problem he callously dismissed his (and more importantly the bar's) problem and demanded that I pay for items I had not received. I was the one who had to mitigate the bar's problem and subsequently got cheated out of my order because of bartender's unprofessionalism, lack of responsibility, and lack of integrity. This is the only bad experience I've had at Barbarella. read more

Fun place because of the DJ but the floor is trashed, slippery, sticky. Bathrooms are gross and it takes FOREVER to use the dirty bathrooms. It's a club so I get that it will be dirty but for how packed they are, seems like housekeeping is understaffed. read more

Let's dance! Amazing time is had by all here. Great large outdoor space. I enjoy it less during the winter but I beared the cold for a few selfies. Lighted floor on raised retro platform stage. This stage was made for me. Nothing makes me get off, except a quick run to the bar. Its great that all the TV's play the music video. Always talented dancers, enjoy watching all the dance moves. I leave feeling I had a great workout and definitely loads of fun! read more

the bartenders are rude as hell and have a bad attitude but the music, crowd, and vibe is great. It's super fun but man, those bartenders need to stop being so rude. read more

I've only been to this place on Saturdays which is their 80's night. I was recommended by a friend and I'm so glad I went. I am a huge 80's head and the whole vibe, the atmosphere and the people are so easy to have a good time with and around. I wish it were a little bigger because it sure does get crowded but overall, it's a great experience. I want to try their 90's night on Thursday soon though. read more

Who does not like Barbs?! This place is not really a secret anymore but it sure does have it's regulars. From the guys who like to actually dance to the typical guys you see holding a drink in hand and staring at everyone; you will find them all here. Drinks tend to be weak but the shots are on point. If you have never been here before the layout is pretty amazing. You come into this parking lot somehow if you are lucky you will find parking. Note: Park on the street (free) and just go in. There are a lot of people over here regardless of the night of the weekend you choose to come here. All the times that I have been here they are always playing some good 80's music. If you are not into that scene then you should still consider coming here because it WILL make you dance. After going up the ramp from the parking lot you can see that there is a bouncer who will look at your ID and then another guy will stamp your wrist. After this protocol, sometimes you will have to pay a cover inside. Most times you don't. Finally, you have arrived inside to the place that I have been talking about! There is a HUGE bar to your immediate right and they usually have a minimum of four people working that bar and even then the lines are long but surprisingly always moving. For those of us who do not like partaking in the consumption of alcoholic beverages there is a water station to the middle area closer to the ATM machine. That is also where the ladies' restroom is as well. In the corners they have really cute seating arrangements with really bright neon lights that illuminate the dark random alcove seating. But why would you want to sit there when there is so much to do. Once you leave the bar you can go to the dance floor which is positioned directly to your left if you wanted to go there directly from the entrance. There you will be inundated with television screens with music videos like you were at a sports clips of dance clubs. Thankfully there's no ESPN playing! HUZZAH! With the likes of Eurythmics, Erasure, and Bowie blaring you will not have a moment to not wanna stop shaking your tail feather off. If you really want to experience the 80s club feel you have to get up on stage with the oh-so-awesome disco floor. But for some reason if you find yourself a bit stuffy in this area you may want to go upstairs to their patio where you can enjoy the humid Houston weather and if you are lucky the upstairs bar might be open. I am not sure why I haven't written this review before but if you're not going to barbs then you're not enjoying life. Fin. read more

WAS ASSAULTED BY THE STAFF shortly after walking in! I was originally going to post this last night, but opted to wait until I cooled down. I am in Houston visiting from Las Vegas. I love hearing 80's music when I go out. When I visit Houston I usually hit up Etro or Numbers. My friend Marc(DJ from Etro) told me this place was kind of cool and worth checking out. My Fiancé and I walk in the place and the music was on point and the crowd seemed laid back and appeared like everybody in there wanted to have a good time. So, my lady and I go to the bar to get some drinks. It was crowded(as was expected for a Saturday night). This bartender(Caucasian girl with blonde hair and lots of tattoos) was taking forever. No big deal. I live in Vegas and I'm used to the long waits at the bar. After nearly 20 minutes. She keeps making drinks directly in front of me and I ask her to "please take our order, we've been waiting for about 20 minutes." She looks at me with the biggest bitch face and ignores me. I said, "are you really going to just ignore me?" She did and then I told her, "you are a horrible bartender and you would be unemployed in Las Vegas." Well then she started cussing at me and saying "get the fuck out of here you stupid motherfucker!" She even called me a "stupid fucking Mexican!" I replied back, "fuck you stupid bitch!" So then this girl throws a drink in my face and a full can of red bull at me! I was so pissed! I spit directly in her face. So, then another bartender(white guy) starts throwing ice and drinks at me. I am absolutely livid and so incredibly angry! He tells me he is going to "beat my ass!" I beg him to come from behind the bar and attempt that! He does not and they call for security. Well, one of those fuckers comes from behind me and grabs my throat and I quickly turn around and tell him, "get your fucking hands off of me, motherfucker!" He let go and told me to leave. Okay, I was walking towards the front door assuming that my woman was behind me. I get outside and there was no sign of her. I stop outside the front door and the security tells me to get completely off the property. I say, "I am not going anywhere until I get my fiancé!" A few minutes later she walks out and she is soaking wet. I mean VERY WET! Her hair, clothes, makeup is all over her face. That stupid bitch bartender with the blonde hair was throwing Vodka all over her while I was being walked out by security. It got in her eyes and she could not see. Some nice, random girls saw the entire thing go down from start to finish and walked her to the bathroom and helped her get cleaned up. They even told management they saw the entire thing and backed up our version. The manager walks outside to me and my lady to ask what happened. She(manager) was very apologetic and seemed to be generally upset at her bartender. She extended an offer for us to go back inside. We obviously declined. I will NEVER go to this place again. I have some good friends heavily involved in Houston's nightlife. I am not going to be the douche and start name dropping...but I am going to tell them about this incident and this alone will stop at the very least over 100 people from ever going to Barbarella. I wish I had noticed the huge scratch across my throat from when the security guy grabbed me from behind. I will post a pic after I conclude this. I am sure this review will not do very much and the regs will continue to go here. If you like good 80's music I highly suggest going to Etro over this place. I wish that bitch(blonde bartender) was a man so I could have waited for her after she got off of work. The manager told me she had three other similar complaints about her that night and she would no longer work there after this incident. The manager really did seem to be upset and sorry about the situation and hopefully she does the right thing and fires that stupid bitch like she claimed. It was a horrible experience and I am still beyond pissed and this is the next day. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. *AND FOR THE RECORD I POSTED TWO PICS WITH HUGE CLAW AND SCRATCH MARKS ACROSS MY THROAT THAT WAS DELETED BY BARBELLA) after they contacted Yelp and requested for them to be removed from Yelp. Apparently businesses cannot have their reviews tampered with but they can have pictures removed from any reviews or posting. read more

Know i'm getting too old to be going to places like this but I sure love me a hipster bar. Familiar with the Barbarella in Austin, I was excited to hear they opened one here. The music was great up until about 12:30am when they decided to start jamming top 40's bs crap. I thought it was electro night. Started off great with great classic tracks from people like Crystal Castles, Cut Copy, and Empire of the Sun. If you've been to Status, not much has changed. Layout is the same. They might have changed minor things. Thank goodness there is a place to compete with Boondocks. I like the environment. People dancing, no one is mad dogging, and everyone is having fun. read more

Thursday = 90s music Friday = New Noise Saturday = 80s music The club opens around 10, but is packed elbow to elbow by 11:30. The music is great, the vibe is better. The DJ keeps the energy going. Most people here are laid back, and we have made many new friends here. The sound system is a bit heavy on the treble (turn the subs up!), but you will still dance your ass off. The drinks are served in small plastic cups crammed full of ice. You can drink it in a couple of sips. Only $6 per drink. Tip: Parking here is almost non-existent. There are about 20 parking spaces. Get here early if you don't want to drive around looking for a space on the street. read more

Barbarella is a great place for dancing! It's the kind of place you can come with a huge group of friends and dance the night away! Bar that serves cheap drinks in plastic cups. Huge dance floor with another raised dance floor that has floors that light up (my kind of dance floor). Lots of lights and fog in the room. Also a ton of TVs that play music videos and what not. There's all kinds of people here, but there seems to be of a younger crowd feel! They have themed music nights like 80s nights, 90s night, emo etc. You won't really find top hip-hop/hits here, so it's not that type of club. Parking can be a little more difficult to find if the lot is full, but it's easiest to find free street parking and walk. It's just a fun place, ya know? read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE THE THEME NIGHTS. The best club in Houston. You feel SO safe. Wish they would do a glee themed night or glass animals? the gays (me) would LOVE it read more