St. Paul's Vibrant LGBTQ+ Nightlife: A Haven for Community and Connection
St. Paul, Minnesota, boasts a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history and a thriving contemporary nightlife scene that caters to diverse tastes and communities. While the landscape of gay bars and gathering spots has evolved over the years, places like The Black Hart and the memory of establishments like The Dugout and The Town House highlight the enduring need for safe, welcoming spaces. These venues have not only served as hubs for entertainment but as vital anchors for community building, fostering connections, and celebrating LGBTQ+ identity.
The Black Hart: A Modern Hub for Sports and Community
The Black Hart of St. Paul has carved out a unique niche, establishing itself as a beloved destination for sports fans, particularly those passionate about soccer. Under new ownership and celebrating its sixth anniversary, the bar has expanded its offerings, including an outdoor patio that enhances the fan experience. It has become the unofficial home for supporters of Minnesota United FC, the English Premier League, and even more niche soccer leagues from around the globe. Wes Burdine, the owner, emphasizes the bar's commitment to serving sports fans who might not find their teams represented at larger venues. "If you want to watch this really obscure soccer team in the 2nd division of France, we will find that for you," Burdine states, underscoring the bar's dedication to inclusivity.
Beyond soccer, The Black Hart has cultivated a strong sense of community, attracting a diverse clientele who value its welcoming atmosphere. Many patrons, like David Zeller, found the bar through shared sports interests but stayed for the broader connections forged. "People that I probably never would have interacted with," Zeller remarks, pointing to the bar's role in bridging social divides. The Black Hart is also a proud supporter of women's sports, notably celebrating the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team with a prominent mural of Megan Rapinoe, who herself has visited the establishment. The bar's future plans include expanding its event calendar, featuring clubs like the weekly Bocce Ball Club, ensuring there's a place for everyone to find their community.
A Legacy of Gathering: Historical LGBTQ+ Spaces in St. Paul and Minneapolis
The current vibrancy of St. Paul's LGBTQ+ scene is built upon a foundation laid by earlier establishments that bravely served the community. While specific details about many older bars are preserved through oral histories and collected ephemera, their impact is undeniable. These venues were more than just places to drink; they were sanctuaries where individuals could express themselves freely, find camaraderie, and build a sense of belonging during times when such openness was fraught with risk.
Early gay bars in Minneapolis, for instance, often operated with a degree of covertness, with bartenders equipped with whistles to signal police raids, allowing patrons to quickly shift to a more conventional facade. This era saw the rise of establishments that, while sometimes segregated, provided essential spaces for social interaction. The mention of "cops eat free" banners at Camp Bar, for example, hints at the complex and often challenging relationship between LGBTQ+ spaces and law enforcement throughout history, a sentiment echoed in anecdotes about bars needing to appease authorities to remain operational.
The Town House: A Multifaceted LGBTQ+ Hub
The Town House in St. Paul stands out as a particularly multifaceted example of an LGBTQ+ gathering space. It catered to a broad spectrum of the community, including those interested in trans-identified individuals, and featured popular amateur nights that served as a welcoming introduction to performance and self-expression. The bar's evolution, including an interior door that fused different sections, created a dynamic environment offering a piano bar, drag shows, and even a hardcore motorcycle bar. Its upstairs level hosted various shops, a souvenir store, a leather shop, and a theater group, functioning almost as a mini-mall for the community.
The Town House also offered facilities like lockers, showers, and even "dark rooms," which provided more private spaces for patrons. Far from being solely about sexual encounters, these areas were described as being more about social interaction and relaxation, dispelling common misconceptions about such venues. The presence of a significant trans community in the Twin Cities, partly due to the pioneering gender confirmation surgery services offered at the University of Minnesota hospital, likely contributed to the inclusive atmosphere found at places like The Town House.
Beyond Bars: Community Building and Activism
The history of the Twin Cities' LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond its bars. The Jean Tretter Collection of LGBTQ+ Materials at the University of Minnesota Libraries is a testament to the community's rich archival efforts, preserving a vast array of ephemera that document decades of activism, cultural expression, and social change. This collection includes materials from softball leagues, churches, theater troupes, and health centers, illustrating the multifaceted nature of LGBTQ+ life.
The establishment of institutions like the Metropolitan Community Churches provided spiritual and communal support for those ostracized by traditional religious institutions. Activist work often originated within these spaces, empowering the community to advocate for equality and safety. Similarly, the Amazon Bookstore served as a crucial cultural resource, offering books and music that reflected lesbian existence, providing a vital sense of validation and identity.
The "Third World Gays" is a powerful example of the community's self-defense efforts, organizing to protect against violence and harassment. Their actions, including confronting police brutality, highlight the courage and resilience of those who fought for basic rights. The presence of bulletin boards in these gathering places also served as essential communication tools, disseminating information about political actions, rallies, and even facilitating adoptions.
Finding Your Place in St. Paul's LGBTQ+ Landscape
For those seeking LGBTQ+ friendly establishments in St. Paul and the wider Twin Cities, a variety of options exist, each offering a unique experience. While the landscape has shifted over time, venues like The Black Hart continue to be central gathering points, especially for sports enthusiasts. Other well-regarded spots like Camp Bar and LUSH Lounge & Theater, alongside event organizers like Flip Phone Events, contribute to a dynamic and diverse scene.
The enduring legacy of places like The Dugout and The Town House reminds us of the importance of these spaces in fostering connection and resilience. Whether you're drawn to live entertainment, sports viewing, or simply a welcoming atmosphere to socialize, St. Paul offers spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can celebrate identity, build community, and find a sense of home. The continuous evolution of these venues reflects the community's adaptability and its unwavering commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments.