Interview with Dallas Finn – the Gay scene in Bali

Bali is a destination that attracts people from all over the world. Seminyak has a growing gay scene and Dallas Finn gave me an insight to it this afternoon.

Baliblog:
Dallas how long have you lived in Bali?
Dallas:
I have lived in Bali for a total of 2.5 years

Baliblog:
Would you say you are familiar with the gay scene here?
Dallas:
Yes.

Baliblog:
Would you say the gay scene is accepting, in Kuta / Seminyak / other parts of the island?
Dallas:
I’ve been accepted, its normally the westeners that I have the problems with.

Baliblog:
Do you ever have to hide your sexuality in Bali?
Dallas:
No

Baliblog:
Are there aspects of the gay scene in Bali that make it unique?
Dallas:
Yeah, you know what it is, everybody mixes here, whether they’re straight or gay. The community here is small.

Baliblog:
Is Bali a good destination for gay travelers / tourists?
Dallas:
Yes. Price wise its good, plus you’ve got everything here. Clubbing, shopping, sitting on the beach, travelling around.

Baliblog:
Are there any local peculiarities to the gay scene in Bali, that newcomers should be aware of. Do you guys have some kind of gay mating call / sign?
Dallas:
No

Baliblog:
As far as ‘code words’, and ‘signals’, dress codes, signs, used by individuals and establishments, are there any anomalies to mention?
Dallas:
Not that I know of.

Baliblog:
Describe the gay scene in Bali, for tourists / locals / expats. Do these scenes overlap, cross?
Dallas:
The gay scene and straight scene oher overlap. Double Six would be considered a straight venue, but has a large gay following, because of the DJ’s. I wouldn’t go to the Bounty, but then what expat would go there! The transexuals prefer Double Six. This includes Indonesian locals, a whole cross section of people, the Balinese too.

Baliblog:
What would be a good night out for newcomers to Bali?
Dallas:
Start at Ku De Ta afternoon drinks, somewhere cheap and cheerful to eat, like Rumours, head down to Dhyana Pura and do a bar crawl. Then head off to Double Six. Bars to hit would include Bahiana, Mixwell, Kudos, Q Bar. A good time to go to Double Six would be around 1am. It peaks at 3am.

Baliblog:
Are there any trends that you see in the gay scene in Bali?
Dallas:
The expat gay scene is expanding, I think its pretty open. Its what you make of it.

Baliblog:
Is the gay scene in Bali internationally recognised and is it growing?
Dallas:
Not really, although its is growing.

Baliblog:
Are there any safety tips, or places to avoid in Bali?
Dallas:
Always bring condoms. Just be observant of where you are.

Baliblog:
Any tips for a gay person who is thinking of moving to Bali?
Dallas:
Don’t forget to bring your credit cards, watch out for dodgy western real estate agents. Electricity is expensive here. Understanding of the culture and language.

Baliblog:
Thank you Dallas, is there anything else you want to add.
Dallas:
Have fun in Bali. Don’t leave your brain at home.

Dallas Finn is the founder of Bali Peace Park, which plans to turn the Sari Club site into a permanent memorial.