Women only clubs might just be the next big thing
Yep, you heard that right. No men allowed.
Adelle Cousins, 42, and Shereice Soderberg, 37, have reignited Perth's night-life over the last year, all while tackling full time jobs, successful businesses and motherhood.
The Blackout Room is described as 'Perths' ultimate girls night out' and invites adult women of all ages to party with like-minded people who 'think and feel the same.'
The highly-anticipated event is hosted at the Aberdeen Hotel with tickets starting at $29, including a free shot on arrival.
Adelle told news.com.au that what started as a small idea has now evolved into sold-out events with 300 people in attendance, with the pair even considering a national tour.
'Women are coming in droves,' she said.
Adelle revealed the idea sprouted as the friends grew older and entered relationships.
'At 42-years-old I just feel like there's no longer a place for me in the clubs. I still wanted to go out dancing but I don't want to deal with stuff or get chatted up,' she said.
Just last month, the duo sold 15 tickets to a woman celebrating her 60th birthday with her friends. If that's not epic, I don't know what is.
'Our core demographic would probably be 30-40 years old but we get people from every age. We had fresh 18-year-olds at our last event who wanted it to be their first experience of clubbing.'
Adelle believes women love it so much because 'they want to feel celebrated and empowered.'
'No one has to dress a certain way, it's liberating,' she said.
Unfortunately, it wouldn't be a women only space if it wasn't facing some backlash.
Just one scroll through The Blackout Room's social media comments returns an influx of comments from unimpressed men.
'Who's going to be buying all the drinks then?' one asked.
'This isn't going to work out,' wrote another.
But Adelle and Shereice pay no mind.
'Of course we get those comments but realistically, it's only a few hours a year,' said Adelle.
'It's like having ladies night. If you're a man and you want to have a night out create your own men's club then feel free, we just wanted our own space so we created it.'
'I understand that it could feel like we're segregating people but these are pop-up events, it's not a designated space,' she added.
Adelle said it's also great for men to get together and enjoy spaces where they can talk between themselves.
'There's men sheds, men's groups and I'm all for it.'
A recent viral post on the duo's TikTok proved that we're not completely doomed as a society.
'I'm a man and I absolutely love and support this idea,' wrote one.
'Pretty good idea actually, coming from a guy I'd be so much more comfortable with my partner going to an all women's club,' said another.
'It would be nice knowing my girlfriend wouldn't have to worry about telling blokes to send it elsewhere,' agreed a third.
Naturally, the ladies are loving it.
'Men have the boys club, golf courses and pubs. But we woman love dancing safely in these events,' said one.
'I love seeing women being able to have fun and be comfortable at the same time,' wrote another.
'I'm not really into to parties or clubs but I would 100 per cent go to this,' said a third.
It comes amid a recent high-profile fights for women-only spaces across the country.
Just last year, the Mona museum in Hobart, Tasmania was ordered to allow men into its women's only art instillation after complaints of discrimination.
The Ladies Lounge, created by artist Kirsha Kaechele, allowed women to view art privately while being served champagne by male waiters.
But after a theatrical legal battle, Mona was on last April ordered to allow men into its opulent, female-only exhibit within a month.
The conflict began when Jason Lau, a visitor from New South Wales, purchased a ticket for the museum but was unable to view the artwork curated by Ms Kaechele.
Ms Kaechele said that men feeling rejected from the exhibit was the entire point of it, as it had been built after an experience in a pub where the artist and a female friend were directed towards the 'ladies lounge' by men.
But after discovering that he would be unable to experience the exhibit, Mr Lau filed a complaint with Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner. This complaint led to a legal dispute that eventually reached the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Ms Kaechele donned a power suit and pearls to appeal the case in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, where the original ruling was overturned.
Cyndi Lauper was right all along.
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