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New bar caters to Astoria’s growing gay community

New bar caters to Astoria’s growing gay community
By Bill Parry

Astoria’s newest gay bar opened last weekend, drawing large crowds and at least one celebrity.

Emmy Award-winning TV star Carson Kressley, of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” fame, was on hand for the debut of Static Lounge, at 28-43 Steinway St. The large nightclub replaces a straight sports bar called The Zone.

“There are several gay bars in Astoria, but this one is different,” said managing partner Andrew Tsaousis. “All the others are one-third the size, so there’s plenty of room for the ever-growing gay community to get together.”

The LGBT community in Astoria has exploded in recent years, according to gay rights activist Brendan Fay.

“Everyone got priced out of Manhattan, especially the West Village,” Fay said. “Word got out in the LGBT community that Astoria has a great reputation.”

An Astorian since 1999, Fay points to a single event that put the neighborhood on the map.

“There was a marriage equality rally in Socrates Park in July of 2009,” he said, and “2,500 people made it the largest rally in the city, and everyone saw the parks and the East River but mainly they felt the neighborhood’s friendly, old-world vibe, the relaxed, accepting spirit.”

Robert Rygor, a spokesman for the AIDS coalition Act Up, grew up in Astoria, so the neighborhood was well-known to activists.

“Now the community is so large you see rainbow flags flying from so many apartments,” Fay said. “There were many gay people already here, but they were invisible, preferring to keep their relationships private. Now they’re out because they’re more comfortable with the strength in numbers.”

Tsaousis is hoping those numbers turn up at Static Lounge.

“Not just the LGBT community, mind you,” he said. “I’m not crazy about labels. This place is inclusive, open to everyone.”

The venue is fully renovated with different rooms available for private parties. There is a huge dance floor and stage for local music acts.

“We’ll showcase local musicians,” Tsaousis said. “We benefit and they will benefit from the exposure.”

The nightclub will have programming as well, performing arts night, Gay Greek Night, business networking night and dance party night.

There is also a kitchen serving healthy finger foods with a Greek, Latin and Persian influence as well as burgers and wings.

Tsauousis spent most of his life in the bar and restaurant industry, starting as a bus boy. Static Lounge is his first time running a nightclub as an entrepreneur.

“I’m very excited about this place,” he said. “My motto is we’re all humans, and if everyone comes here with the right intentions, it can be a truly great place.”

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.