It’s only the first week of January and I’m bored already. What is it about the L scene that renders everything pas se in a matter of months, weeks even? And as much as we may talk about how the community isn’t united, we all seem to be able to agree on one thing and that’s what’s not cool anymore, a collective ‘over it’. Like the droves we came in, the mass exodus is just as ceremonious. Funny dat. In an effort to keep myself entertained in these first few weeks of 2009, I’ve decided to re-visit old hobbies and old haunts and perhaps, with the year over, I guess I’m feeling all sentimental.

Remember those Enigma days? The first ever (as far as I know anyway) all lesbian bar in KL. Taman Desa is an unlikely location for an all woman joint, but it did not stop us all from traveling there, often in convoy for safety, to some back water suburban address only to be welcomed inhospitably by what appeared to be a CCTV camera and an alarmed vault like door. Like illegal gambling clubs, someone would eye you through a peephole to discern if you actually meant to knock on that door. Ah yes, Enigma, the only alternative in it’s day, to KL super clubs and men’s pubs and, the only place you could safely presume that the occupants were all looking for the same thing; to meet other girls. Once inside, it was nothing special, a small smokey room, pool table, expensive booze, but hey, it was a lesbian bar, a place to call home and after a few beers with the very hospitable owner, Cheph, a place you could drop in at 4am and expect to get served. I think I can remember why I stopped going, but I reckon it still holds that ‘dyke’ charm which I found refreshing the first time I discovered it. Enigma definitely deserves a re-visit, for old times sake.

On the other side of town, in Hartamas, one of my favourite karaoke places is Club 22. You can’t go wrong with this somewhat private singing haven. And sing I often did! A lot more out in the open than Enigma (the shop lot is on the same row as the popular Souled Out), but still cozy and safe, Club 22 is another place I always felt I could over stay my welcome. Run by some of ex-staff from Enigma, Club 22 always has drinks promos on, sometimes an all girl live band (well it did way back when) seating in and out side the bar, cool modern decor, a pool table and occasionally, parties and other special festive events. If I had a car, I would probably frequent the place more…oh and singing kaki. Anyone?

It’s time to hark back to the past, girls and take stock of what we have. KL ain’t the be all and end all of lesbian socialising.

Updates – Enigma is now open to the public but you’ll find the girls there usually on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.