I have fond memories of being under 21. A lot of those memories involve Tijuana, trying to sneak into clubs and the never-ending pursuit to find a fake ID. Oh, to be 18 again. For years, San Diego’s under-21 crowd has had very limited nightlife options. The coffeehouses have always been a favorite, but with last September’s closing of the Living Room in Hillcrest, many were displaced. Four or five times a year, the UCSD GLBT student group puts on a “Non-Sexist” dance party, which seems to be the big event for the younger students. With the exception of a handful of other community-oriented events, our 18- to 20-year-olds are stuck with house parties, fake IDs and crossing the border.

Week after week, many of our 18- to 20-year-old friends make the trek up to Club TigerHeat in Los Angeles.

Every Thursday, the hottest young men (and those who love young men) from across Southern California head to Hollywood’s premier pop club. The night is open to those 18 and older and takes place inside the Arena Nightclub in Hollywood. There are hot go-go dancers from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. and drink specials for the slightly older crowd. Don’t forget to get “snapped” by a TigerHeat photographer! Certainly a good time, but only if you’re willing to drive up to L.A. on a Thursday night, party until 2 a.m., drive home and be back to work by 8 a.m. (not to mention the gas expenses. No wonder these kids always seem to be broke.) I suppose 18-year-olds have that kind of energy. For more information, visit www.clubtigerheat.com.

Other fun options for 18-and-up nightlife north of San Diego include the VIP Nightclub in Riverside and Rage in West Hollywood.

The VIP is a comfortable nightclub that resembles a family diner from the outside but has all the right amenities inside. There are pool tables, seating areas, a large dance floor, stage and a spacious outdoor patio bar. This club is 18 and up every night of the week, and each night hosts a special event. For more information, visit www.vip-nightclub.com.

Rage is a staple in West Hollywood gay nightlife and is one of the premier night spots along Santa Monica Boulevard. This two-level club includes a couple of bars, an upstairs lounge seating area, a huge dance floor, state-of-the-art light and sound systems and weekly theme nights. The club doubles as a café during the daylight hours. For more information, visit www.ragewesthollywood.com.

Tijuana has always been the party destination of choice for San Diego’s under-21 crowd, both gay and straight. The famous Avenida Revolución is known for its wild nightlife! The average gay only needs to walk a few steps across the border to Tijuana’s largest gay night club, Extasis. The packed, energetic dance floor boasts an energy that is hard to find at any of our clubs in San Diego, and every night includes hot stripper and go-go shows. The club is open until 5 a.m.

Extasis has began promoting their new “Fusion Saturdays” in conjunction with its sister venue, Caguamamas Bar. For one cover charge, you have unlimited admission all night to both venues, just steps from each other! If you do decide to visit Tijuana, please remember that you are entering another nation and the laws are different. Always be safe! For more information about Club Extasis or Caguamamas Bar, check out their advertisement in this issue of Rocket.

But, alas, our young friends no longer have to leave the country or break the bank to fill the tank if they want to have a night out. Yes, 18-and-up gay nightlife has arrived to San Diego! Fundamental Productions has teamed up with the Static Lounge in downtown San Diego to present “Undressed Sundaze.” The club is 18 and up, and those 21 and older can purchase from a selection of alcoholic offerings. I attended opening night and was quite pleased with the venue. Since it is late on a Sunday night, free street parking near the club is plentiful. The staff is extremely friendly, and the venue is spacious. It includes several tables, couches, a large dance area and a stage. The bar features alcoholic beverages, as well as a number of other coffee, smoothie and soda items. The producers really want to make this event work! There is no other gay club venue in San Diego County that caters to those under 21. Past attempts to create an 18-and-up gay club have not been successful due to low turnout. Help make “Undressed Sundaze” be San Diego’s version of TigerHeat! Since the club opened on Jan. 28, the producers have been very receptive to their customer’s needs. Guests asked for a change in the music (they wanted more Top 40/hip-hop stuff) and they got it! This club is for everyone, so be sure to check out the next event at the Static Lounge every Sunday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover is only $6. Static is located at 634 Broadway.