# Buffalo's Gay Bars: A Journey Through History, Resilience, and Community Buffalo's LGBTQ+ history is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of resilience, activism, and the enduring quest for community spaces. While the city boasts a lively contemporary gay scene, understanding its roots reveals a fascinating journey from clandestine coffee houses to thriving nightlife venues. This exploration delves into the evolution of gay bars and gathering places in Buffalo, highlighting key establishments, influential figures, and the social and legal landscapes that shaped them. ## From Coffee Houses to Civil Rights: The Dawn of Gay Gathering Spaces Before the widespread acceptance and legal protections we see today, finding safe havens for LGBTQ+ individuals was a significant challenge. In Buffalo, as in many cities across America, the earliest forms of communal gathering often emerged in unexpected places. One such pivotal location was the **Tiki Restaurant**, opened by James F. Garrow on Franklin Street in the late 1960s. The Tiki, though not a traditional bar as it didn't serve alcohol, became an unofficial hub for Buffalo's burgeoning gay community. Garrow, a gregarious and welcoming figure, cultivated an atmosphere that attracted many LGBTQ+ patrons, including Mernie Kern and Leslie Feinberg. Kern recalls the Tiki as a place for coffee and conversation, a vital respite in a time when public displays of affection or association could lead to severe repercussions. Garrow's establishment, despite its modest offerings, played a foundational role in fostering connections and laying the groundwork for a more organized gay rights movement in the city. The era in which the Tiki operated was one of heightened surveillance and persecution. Homosexuality remained criminalized in most states, and establishments catering to the gay community faced intense scrutiny from law enforcement. Captain Kenneth P. Kennedy of the Buffalo Vice Enforcement (BVE) was particularly notorious for targeting gay spaces. This hostile environment meant that gay bars, when they did exist, often had a fleeting lifespan, disappearing as quickly as they emerged under the weight of raids and harassment. ## The Jewel Box Revue and Cross-Cultural Connections Adding another layer to Buffalo's LGBTQ+ cultural history is the influence of traveling shows like the **Jewel Box Revue**. This theatrical production, which found significant success from the 1960s onwards, featured a cast and audience that defied traditional gender and sexual norms. The revue, known for its racially integrated cast and audiences, showcased female impersonation, comedy, and dance, primarily performed by queer men. A notable exception was drag king Stormie DeLarvarie, who later became an icon for her resistance during the Stonewall Uprising, inspiring a new wave of activism. While the Jewel Box Revue primarily operated as a touring phenomenon, its presence, and the stories of its performers, undoubtedly resonated with Buffalo's LGBTQ+ community, offering glimpses of a more visible and expressive queer culture. ## Navigating the Raids: The Struggle for Safe Havens The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a significant crackdown on gay bars and clubs in Buffalo. Under Captain Kennedy's leadership, the BVE intensified its efforts, leading to frequent raids and the closure of establishments. The lack of legal recourse and the societal stigma meant that even seemingly innocuous businesses could be targeted if they were perceived as gay-friendly. When Garrow moved the Tiki to 70 Delaware Avenue, he aimed to expand his operation and create a more substantial gathering place. However, this new location also came under BVE surveillance. The fear of neighbor complaints and police harassment was a constant threat. It was in this charged atmosphere that Garrow, inspired by articles about homophile activist Frank Kameny, sought to mobilize the local gay community. Kameny, a former astronomer whose career was derailed due to his activism, was a formidable advocate for gay rights. His work with organizations like the Mattachine Society, which challenged discriminatory practices, provided a blueprint for organizing. Kameny's visits to Buffalo aimed to empower the local community and articulate strategies for resistance, drawing parallels to the growing national momentum for gay liberation, particularly in the wake of the **Stonewall Uprising** in June 1969. ## The Rise of Organized Activism and the Mattachine Club The conditions in Buffalo, marked by police raids and the closure of beloved venues, galvanized local LGBTQ+ individuals. A nascent organization, inspired by the principles of groups like Mattachine, began to take shape, with Garrow serving as a de facto leader. Their primary goals were to protest police harassment and the closure of gay bars. The raids continued, however. In January 1971, a raid on the **Mattachine Club** (likely a successor or evolution of the Tiki concept, though the exact relationship is nuanced) resulted in arrests and the eviction of patrons. The official narrative from the BVE often cited violations of liquor laws or public nuisance charges. Following this raid, the BVE captain, possibly wary of accusations of prejudice, issued a statement emphasizing the enforcement of laws regardless of the establishment's clientele. A second, more significant raid occurred on January 4th, 1971, at the Mattachine Club. The BVE, led by Lieutenant John J. Breen, arrested 11 people and evicted 94 others. The raid highlighted the brutality faced by the community, with accounts of patrons being beaten and denied medical assistance. Shirley Thomas, for example, suffered a seizure and was reportedly left unattended by officers who suspected malingering. Garrow himself surrendered to the police and faced charges, including operating a criminal nuisance. In response to these raids, a small but courageous protest took place outside City Hall. Six young men and Mernie Kern, dressed in her typical "butchy" attire, picketed the building. Kern's recollection speaks to the immense bravery required for such an act, facing the fear of arrest and public exposure. This act of defiance, though small, marked a significant step in the public assertion of gay rights in Buffalo. The organization evolved, adopting bylaws and officially incorporating as the **Mattachine Society of Niagara Frontier (MSNF)**. Despite these efforts, the challenges persisted. Garrow eventually left Buffalo, returning to his native Tampa, and passed away in 1979. ## Contemporary Gay Nightlife in Buffalo: A Legacy of Inclusion Decades later, Buffalo's gay bar scene has transformed significantly. While the historical context of clandestine meetings and fierce activism is crucial, today's venues offer a more open and celebratory experience. Several establishments stand out, reflecting the diverse and welcoming nature of the contemporary LGBTQ+ community in Buffalo. * **Fugazi:** Known for its intimate atmosphere, affordable drinks, and friendly crowd, Fugazi is a beloved local spot. It hosts a variety of events, including holiday parties, after-parties, and drag watch parties, making it a dynamic social hub. Fugazi features drag events every Friday and Saturday, karaoke nights, and themed parties like traffic light parties and "prom night," catering to a wide range of tastes, including occasional goth and new wave nights. Its popularity stems from its unmatched vibe and accessible pricing. * **Twenty Six Allen:** This venue offers a remarkably welcoming gay scene and operates with extended hours, including late nights on Mondays and Sundays. It provides a space for community members to connect and unwind in a relaxed setting. * **The Underground Nightclub:** While less information is available on its specific offerings, its inclusion in discussions of Buffalo's gay venues suggests it plays a role in the city's nightlife landscape. * **Frizzy's Bar & Grill, Q Bar, and Nietzsche's:** These establishments, while not exclusively gay bars, are often mentioned in the context of Buffalo's broader LGBTQ+-friendly nightlife and community spaces. Their inclusive atmospheres contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Buffalo's social scene. The evolution from the quiet defiance of the Tiki to the vibrant inclusivity of venues like Fugazi is a testament to the enduring spirit of Buffalo's LGBTQ+ community. The struggles of the past paved the way for the safe and celebrated spaces of today, a legacy built on courage, resilience, and the unwavering desire for connection. Understanding this history not only honors those who came before but also enriches our appreciation for the vibrant LGBTQ+ culture that continues to thrive in Buffalo.