‘It’s all gay music, definitely’

This article critically examines the operationalization of the concept of “gay music” within Lisbon’s gay nightlife scene, drawing from an ethnomusicological study originally conducted in 2013. Building on a qualitative analysis involving ethnographic observation and participation in clubbing activities at Finalmente Club, Trumps and Construction Club, along with structured and informal interviews with employees, DJs, drag performers, and customers, this study concludes that the concept of ‘gay music’ is dynamically constructed and negotiated on a nightly basis within these clubs. This construct also represents the hegemonic model defining the musical repertoire played in these clubs, either through its acceptance and incorporation (as observed in Finalmente Club and Trumps) or rejection (as observed in Construction Club). Furthermore, the analysis of the music played at Finalmente Club reveals that “gay music,” as operated by its resident DJs, shares an affinity for the cult of the feminine and the diva, historically tracing back to Disco Sound and, more recently, to anglophone popular music.