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Event Details: Ask A Straight Guy: Imperial China's Brian Porter - :

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I’ve posted before on Imperial China and its cute frontman Brian Porter (pictured), who’s one of those rare straight guys who will actually volunteer to go to Cobalt with his gay friends and enjoy it once he’s there. Porter and co. will be showing off their Battles-esque dance rock tonight at The Red And Black, which makes him a perfect subject for TNG’s newest feature, “Ask A Straight Guy/Girl.”

Shedding light on the mind of the breeder and reminding the general public that straight is a sexuality too, Porter offers his insights below the fold.

Imperial China, along with Sun Tornado and Prisoner’s Dilemma, open for Lazerbitch tonight at The Red and Black on 1212 H St., NE. Doors open at 6, I.C. comes on around 10:30.

The New Gay: When did you first realize you were straight?

Brian Porter: I’d say about the time I started getting wood watching Christie Brinkley in Billy Joel’s video for “Uptown Girl.” Actually, I was probably too young to get wood when the video came out but I remember liking her a lot.

TNG: What is your least favorite stereotype about straight people?

BP: That we can’t dance! I mean, I like to boogie.

TNG: What are the biggest challenges faced by a straight guy living in DC?

BP: Can I alter the question to read “what are the biggest challenges faced by a straight, non-hipster guy living in DC?” If so, then I’d have to say my biggest challenge is how I may be perceived. I’m not tragically uncool! I know my jeans aren’t tighter than my girlfriend’s, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have any style! [Ed. Note: Porter doesn't have a girlfriend, but the point is well taken.]

TNG: What are your favorite bars?

BP: I really like a lot of the places in the U Street area. None really in particular, other than maybe [Black Cat's] Red Room, but I just like that area a lot.

TNG: Do you agree that 18th street is for straight people what 17th is for gays? How have you found suitable alternatives?

BP: I think that’s a fair assessment, at least in terms of some of the types of people on 18th Street in particular. I mean, you can only take so many run-ins with meatheads at bars before you finally realize that 18th Street just isn’t your thing. I think that even places in the U street area are getting somewhat that way (have you been to St Ex recently?). Maybe the Atlas District in NE is the way to go?

TNG: What obligations, if any, do you think you have to DC’s gay community?

BP: I have an obligation to continue showing the same respect for others that I expect from others. That includes not viewing DC’s gay community as much as a separate community, but as a part of a bigger DC community of which we all belong. Yay DC!

TNG: Why should people come out and see you play tonight at the Black and Red?

BP: I think people should come out to watch us on Friday because we’re going to play our little hearts out. I think we bring something a bit different to the DC music scene other than what’s currently out there and so I hope people recognize and embrace that.

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