Unless you knew it was there, you might walk by an unassuming two story building without realizing it is a popular gay lounge. The Backlot, with its entrance along the side of the building, has a nice quiet outdoor patio for the summer months, fireplace in the winter and a pool table on the second floor. GayCalgary.com sat down with owner Ken Schultz to talk about the BackLot and its role in the community.

How did the BackLot get established?

My former partners Rudy, Lorne and myself wanted to open up a lounge. We found the spot and went from there.

What sort of environment is the BackLot.

A comfortable, homey ‘come have a drink and hang out with your friends’ sort of place.

What do you think sets the BackLot apart from other gay establishments?

I think it’s the fact that you can come here and have a conversation and meet people. It is primarily regulars who come here. It is nice when someone new comes in, and one of the groups of regulars will bring them over and start talking to them. People come here to meet other people.

The bar has a reputation for being an older crowd; do you attract a younger crowd?

There definitely is an older clientele. We have a small group of younger guys, I don’t know if they like older guys, or they just like the atmosphere. It is probably a combination. I’ve had younger guys come in and say ‘it’s too old here lets go somewhere else’ but that is what I wanted, to cater to an older group.

Does offering a patio in the summer give you an advantage?

People like to come and sit outside in the summer. If it is a nice day outside, they can still enjoy the fresh air.

Does the BackLot have any special events or activities?

Last year we had the ISCCA do BBQ’s: I supplied the BBQ, and they brought the food. It was used as a fundraiser, and after expenses, they kept whatever money was left. Hopefully I can extend that offer to more groups to take advantage of that chance to fund raise. We also do private parties upstairs for people celebrating a birthday or their anniversary. It would be just for you and your guests. If the group is more than 20, you get happy hour prices for your group as well.

How have you seen Calgary’s gay community and your patrons’ changes over the years?

There are a lot more people who aren’t going specifically to gay bars. Calgary has become a lot more gay-friendly, so people if they want a drink, they don’t necessarily feel the need to go to a gay bar. We also have a lot more straight couples, or gay guys and their straight friends coming in and feeling comfortable.

Where do you see Calgary’s gay community headed in the future?

Hopefully more bars will open up, and in the same area. It would be great if we were like other large cities like Toronto or Montreal or Vancouver where the bars don’t feel the need to be miles away from each other. It’s not competition per say; it provides more to offer a crowd in an area, so that gets a larger group of people out trying the different establishments.

What is the future for the BackLot?

I have no plans to go anywhere soon. I hope we can stay in this location and continue to offer people a place to go.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic The Backlot |

Photo Gallery The Backlot |