Appleton's Rainbow Anchors: A Journey Through Its Enduring LGBTQ+ Bar Scene

For decades, certain establishments have served as much more than just places to grab a drink. In communities like Appleton, LGBTQ+ bars have been vital sanctuaries - places where individuals could find acceptance, forge lifelong friendships, celebrate monumental milestones, and mourn collective tragedies.

These spaces became a second home, a chosen family, a testament to resilience and the evolving journey of queer identity in the Fox Valley.

Rascals Bar & Grill: A Quarter-Century of Community and Refuge

In Appleton, Rascals Bar & Grill stands as a powerful symbol of this enduring spirit.

For 24 years, this East Wisconsin Avenue establishment has been a steadfast haven. Regulars speak of meeting their dearest friends within its walls, recalling personal and communal triumphs celebrated there - from intimate wedding receptions to the joyous nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage.

It's a place where, amidst life's significant moments, both joyous and sorrowful, the first thought is often: "I need to be with my family and friends at Rascals."

This deep sense of belonging was acutely felt following the tragic mass shooting in Orlando. The staff at Rascals even opted to donate their earnings from a vigil held there to the victims.

For many, including local LGBTQ+ community leader Kathy Flores, Rascals serves as the instinctive gathering spot to process grief or injustice affecting the gay community. It was a poignant reminder of the bar's foundational purpose: to exist as a safe space for its patrons, a purpose that, while perhaps less acutely felt in moments of wider societal acceptance, remains undeniably vital.

A Look Back: The Historical Tapestry of LGBTQ+ Venues

The need for such dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces became profoundly evident in the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots in 1969.

As the gay rights movement gained momentum, people yearned for shared experiences and secure environments, finding them in bars and clubs that openly welcomed them. Wisconsin, including the Fox Valley, saw its share of these crucial venues emerge from the 1970s onwards.

Early establishments in Green Bay, Appleton, Sheboygan, and Oshkosh offered respite for a community often isolated and rejected by mainstream society.

However, opening such a business was fraught with challenges.

Joe Mallien, who co-ran The Manhole, Body Shop, and Who's, recalls teenagers and "Bible thumpers" often causing trouble, leading to verbal and physical assaults. Some bar owners, like Mallien, sometimes resorted to unconventional methods to deter harassers, demonstrating the constant vigilance required to protect their patrons.

Notable historical venues that paved the way include Cleo's Brown Beam Tavern, known for its long-standing friendliness, and Green Bay's Napalese Lounge, which, in 2015, fittingly hosted the wedding of its owner and his husband on the very day the U.S.

Supreme Court upheld same-sex marriage. Other significant, though now-closed, venues like The Manhole and The Roxy in Green Bay, or Appleton's Za's, served as crucial gathering spots, providing not just entertainment but a vital sense of collective identity and support during difficult times.

• The Manhole: Often described as "the gathering place for much of the younger gay community," it fostered deep connections, hosting events from customer appreciation picnics to lively sheepshead games.
• Za's: Proprietor Mariucci struggled to even use the front door like other bars, as it invited antagonism, highlighting the persistent threats faced by LGBTQ+ venues.
• Napalese Lounge: Endured a violent attack on its manager, stemming from a hateful "LGBTQ panic defense" - a stark reminder of the dangers that still lingered.

These places transcended simple commerce; they became community centers, offering advice, solace, and a place for people to safely explore their identities.

The stories of these pioneering establishments are crucial to remember, as many of their physical locations have vanished, threatening to erase their impactful history.

Adapting to Changing Times: The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Spaces

Over time, the landscape has shifted.

The gradual increase in LGBTQ+ acceptance, bolstered by protective laws and the legalization of same-sex marriage, has meant that queer individuals now often feel more comfortable in mainstream bars and clubs. This growing integration, while positive, has paradoxically led to the closure of many dedicated gay bars that were once essential for survival.

Places like Brandy's II, Sass, Buddies, and Diversions, which had thrived for decades, eventually closed their doors in the 2000s and 2010s.

Despite this evolution, the need for safe, dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces persists. These venues continue to play a crucial role in fostering community, particularly for younger generations still navigating their identities.

For instance, there's a desire within the community to create "dry Sundays" at places like The Roundabout, offering alcohol-free events where LGBTQ+ teenagers can connect in a supportive environment.

The journey of Appleton's LGBTQ+ bars reflects a broader narrative of struggle, resilience, and progress.

While the number of dedicated venues may have dwindled, the spirit of community, acceptance, and refuge they cultivated continues to thrive, adapting to new challenges and ensuring that, in the heart of the Fox Valley, a rainbow always finds its anchor.