Brattleboro's LGBTQ+ History: From Hidden Havens to Modern Gathering Spaces

Brattleboro, Vermont, a town renowned for its vibrant arts scene and progressive spirit, holds a rich, often untold, history of LGBTQ+ community life. For decades, this corner of Vermont has been a haven for those seeking acceptance and connection, evolving from intimate, often discreet, gathering spots to more openly celebrated community hubs.

While the landscape of LGBTQ+ nightlife may have shifted, the legacy of these spaces and the stories of the people who frequented them continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring spirit of the community.

The story of Brattleboro's LGBTQ+ past is being actively unearthed and celebrated through collaborative efforts.

Organizations like Green Mountain Crossroads, the Vermont Performance Lab, and the Rockingham Museum and Arts Project have joined forces, recognizing the historical significance of places that provided safety and belonging. This undertaking is more than just a historical footnote; it's a vital act of preservation, ensuring that the experiences of past generations are not lost to time.

It's a testament to the fact that LGBTQ+ history is Vermont history, deserving of recognition and preservation.

Unearthing the Past: The Legacy of Andrew's Inn

One of the most significant chapters in Brattleboro's LGBTQ+ history centers around Andrew's Inn.

This establishment, which once occupied a part of the space now held by Popolo, served as a crucial locus for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking community and acceptance. The collaborative efforts to document its story have involved extensive archival work, oral histories, and the creation of compelling narratives.

Imagine walking into a place that, for many, was the first they could truly call their own, a sanctuary from a world that often didn't understand or accept them. That's the power of spaces like Andrew's Inn.

Green Mountain Crossroads, a Brattleboro-based advocacy and community organization, has been instrumental in spearheading this historical preservation.

Working with local photographer Evie Lovett, they've captured present-day images of individuals whose lives were touched by these historic spaces, adding a visual dimension to the recounted memories. The process of oral history, often a requirement in academic settings, takes on a profound significance here.

Students, under the guidance of educators like Ain Gordon, have been actively involved in unearthing these hidden histories, learning not just from textbooks but from the very people who lived through these pivotal times. It's a powerful way to connect with the past and understand the journey of the community.

The depth of this archival work is striking.

Hours of interviews have been narrowed down, with six individuals' stories forming the core of an oral history project that debuted at Next Stage. As word spreads, more voices are expected to emerge, highlighting that LGBTQ+ people have been an integral part of Brattleboro for a long time.

This isn't a new phenomenon; it's a continuous thread of presence and contribution. As noted by Treischmann, the recent past holds as much historical weight as eras like the Civil War, a sentiment echoed by a National Parks Service initiative to identify historically significant LGBTQ+ properties in Vermont.

This recognition from national bodies underscores the importance of local efforts in preserving these narratives.

For many, revisiting these spaces, or places that hold their memory, can be an emotional experience. Gordon's own connection to the former Andrew's Inn, leading to his desire to honor its spirit, demonstrates the profound impact these communal spaces can have.

The intergenerational aspect of this storytelling is also key. Theater and music pieces, incubated at the Vermont Performance Lab, are bringing together individuals of different generations and sexual orientations to reimagine and pay homage to the forgotten figures who shaped creative life in past decades, many of whom were tragically lost to the AIDS epidemic or faded from the broader cultural narrative.

The Evolving Landscape: From Discreet Gatherings to Open Expression

Beyond the well-documented history of Andrew's Inn, Brattleboro and its surrounding areas have seen various establishments that catered to or served as gathering points for the LGBTQ+ community.

While the source material mentions specific establishments like Pickle Barrel Nightclub, MB Lounge, Femme Bar, Oh Bar, Waterworks Pub, and Rocks, it's important to note that the nature of these spaces has varied. Some may have been overtly LGBTQ+ focused, while others might have offered a more inclusive atmosphere where LGBTQ+ individuals felt comfortable and could connect.

The rural context of Vermont presents unique challenges and opportunities for LGBTQ+ community building.

Organizations like Green Mountain Crossroads understand the importance of fostering connections in areas where options might be more limited. Their work extends to advocating for rural LGBTQ+ populations, recognizing that isolation can be a significant factor. The mention of Frog Meadow Farm and its guide to local attractions, including restaurants and events, further illustrates the network of support and engagement that has existed and continues to evolve.

In a broader context of LGBTQ+ spaces in Vermont, the story of Fox Market in East Montpelier offers a compelling example of an inclusive business navigating both community support and acts of vandalism.

The owners' commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, resonates deeply. The fact that customers have been moved to tears upon entering, finding a place that truly fits them, speaks volumes about the need for such welcoming environments.

This resilience in the face of adversity, as seen with the unfortunate incidents of vandalism, highlights the strength and determination of communities striving for acceptance.

The challenges faced by LGBTQ+ establishments are not unique to Brattleboro.

Across the country, bars and gathering places have faced closures due to various factors, including changing social habits and economic pressures. However, the source material also points to a shift in how LGBTQ+ individuals socialize. The ability to hold hands in mainstream establishments like Olive Garden, or the rise of sober spaces and community centers that offer inclusive programming, indicates a broader societal evolution.

These newer models of community engagement, often driven by nonprofit organizations, provide vital support networks that cater to diverse needs and preferences, including those seeking alcohol-free environments.

The journey of former Burlington establishments, like Pearl's (formerly known as Pearls), also sheds light on the dynamic nature of LGBTQ+ nightlife.

The transformation of a building from a fine French restaurant to a dance space, and the subsequent challenges faced by its managers, including incidents of transphobia, underscore the ongoing struggle for truly safe and affirming spaces. The closure of bars like the one in Bethel, despite the loyalty of its patrons, reflects the complex economic realities that many small businesses face.

Yet, even in closure, these venues leave a lasting impact, fostering connections and memories that endure.

Brattleboro Today: A Welcoming Community Hub

While the specific venues and the ways in which people connect may have changed since the heyday of places like Andrew's Inn, Brattleboro continues to be a town that embraces its LGBTQ+ community.

The spirit of inclusion and acceptance that fostered these historic gathering places remains. The ongoing collaborative projects to document and celebrate LGBTQ+ history are a testament to this enduring spirit.

For those moving to Brattleboro, whether from within Vermont or from further afield, the question of local community groups for queer folks is a natural one.

Brattleboro's reputation as a progressive and welcoming town suggests that such networks exist and are actively engaged. Organizations like Green Mountain Crossroads serve as crucial touchpoints, offering support, advocacy, and opportunities for connection.

The presence of various dining and hospitality establishments like Chelsea Royal Diner and T J Buckley's, while not exclusively LGBTQ+, contribute to the town's overall welcoming atmosphere.

Mocha Joe's, a popular local coffee shop, often serves as a de facto community hub, a place where people can meet, connect, and feel at ease. These accessible, everyday spaces play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging.

Ultimately, Brattleboro's LGBTQ+ history is a story of resilience, community, and the ongoing pursuit of acceptance.

From the foundational gathering places of the past to the vibrant community initiatives of today, the town continues to honor and build upon its legacy. By actively remembering and celebrating its LGBTQ+ heritage, Brattleboro reinforces its identity as a place where everyone can find their community and feel truly at home.