The Enduring Pulse: How La Crosse's LGBTQ+ Spaces Forged a Community
In every city, big or small, a sense of belonging is a fundamental human need. For marginalized communities, this need transforms into a powerful drive to create sanctuaries - places where identities are celebrated, voices are amplified, and connections are forged. For the LGBTQ+ community in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this quest for belonging has been a remarkable journey, one deeply rooted in the history of its pioneering queer bars and grassroots initiatives.
These weren't just establishments serving drinks; they were vital community hubs, clandestine meeting spots, and sometimes, the only places where queer individuals could truly be themselves. From underground publications to celebratory annual events, La Crosse's LGBTQ+ history paints a vivid picture of resilience, defiance, and the enduring power of community building.
The Dawn of Safe Havens: Early La Crosse Gay Bars
Imagine a time when finding another queer person outside of major metropolitan areas felt like a monumental task. For many, travel to cities like Minneapolis or Madison was the only option for connection. This pressing need gave rise to the first dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces in La Crosse, trailblazing paths for generations to come.
Michael's: A Pioneer's Vision
The 1970s marked a significant shift in La Crosse's LGBTQ+ visibility with the opening of Michael's. Operating on Third Street South between King Street and Jay Street until 1980, it was a truly groundbreaking establishment. Michael's was a mixed-gender bar, welcoming both lesbians and gay men, and became an immediate "godsend" for locals. It offered a rare opportunity for community members to gather, socialize, and build networks without the arduous journey to larger cities. This visionary space, opened by Michael Hanson, laid crucial groundwork for the future.
Beyond Michael's: Red Lion & Mother's
Michael Hanson's impact didn't stop there. He continued to invest in the community, opening other pivotal spaces. The Red Lion, also on Third Street, operated from 1980 to 1983. This bar, primarily attracting working-class women and college students, further diversified the community's gathering points. Hanson then sold the property, but its legacy as a queer-friendly space continued under new gay male ownership until 1993. His third venture, Mother's, which he ran from 1984 until 1993, cemented his reputation as a vital community leader. Hanson's willingness to be openly out and actively support community activities was instrumental in bridging social class divides within La Crosse's burgeoning gay and lesbian cliques.
"These early establishments were more than just businesses; they were critical anchors, offering a lifeline of visibility and connection in a world that often sought to marginalize."
Voices on Paper: The Power of Queer Publications
Physical spaces were crucial, but so too was the power of the written word. In a time before widespread internet access, publications served as vital conduits for information, shared experiences, and cultural expression, helping queer individuals find each other and explore their identities.
Bi-Lines and Leaping La Crosse News
Across Wisconsin, publications like Bi-Lines played a key role in fostering a sense of broader community, offering a mix of news, humor, and connection. For La Crosse, a truly transformative publication emerged: the Leaping La Crosse News. This local newsletter specifically aimed to build support for women in the community. It wasn't just a list of events; it was a window into an underground culture that stretched far beyond the confines of bars. For many lesbians in the area, it opened up a whole new world, affirming their existence and revealing a network of shared experiences that might otherwise have remained hidden.
Think about the profound impact of seeing your experiences reflected on paper, learning about local gatherings, and realizing you weren't alone. These publications were a powerful form of community expression, a physical manifestation of a vibrant, though often closeted, culture.
Celebrating Identity: Landmark Events
Beyond bars and newsletters, specific events became beacons of acceptance and empowerment, allowing the community to express itself with joy and defiance.
The Annual Tux Party: A Decade of Defiance and Joy
Among the most memorable events was La Crosse's annual Tux Party. For some, it was the prom they never had. For others, a vibrant night out, akin to a costume party, celebrating individuality. But for all, it was a profound celebration - a powerful statement of acceptance and a designated space for unbridled joy. "We were just trying to question the everyday and the accepted," one participant recalled. "It was an outrageous thing to do. But that was a really empowering kind of experience."
This annual event continued for a remarkable decade, fostering a tight-knit group in the small Wisconsin community. It was a testament to their collective spirit, creating a unique place all their own. The success of such community-driven initiatives arguably contributed to La Crosse later being recognized as the fifth best place in the U.S. for the LGBTQ+ community, a testament to the enduring impact of these early efforts.
La Crosse Today: Chances R and Enduring Spirit
The landscape of LGBTQ+ spaces evolves, yet the fundamental need for them remains. Today, La Crosse continues its legacy of community support, centered around its primary gay bar and other inclusive institutions.
Chances R: The Last Beacon
Currently, Chances R stands as La Crosse's only dedicated gay bar. Replacing the beloved "Rainbow's End," which had been a popular spot since the late 1980s, Chances R carries the torch of inclusivity. It's often described as a friendly, down-home, and brightly lit neighborhood bar. While it might not boast a sprawling dance floor, its intimate atmosphere fosters genuine connection. It's a place where many come to socialize, enjoy a drink, and find camaraderie.
Chances R has also become particularly known for its vibrant drag review, La Crosse Gurls, bringing lively entertainment and a splash of theatrical flair to the city's nightlife. This vibrant performance scene adds another layer to La Crosse's unique queer cultural fabric.
A Continually Evolving Community
Beyond Chances R, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Pride Center also serves as a crucial resource and gathering point for students and the wider community, reflecting a broader institutional commitment to LGBTQ+ support. The city's queer community, though perhaps smaller than those in major urban centers, remains active and connected. People are still finding each other, often closeted, persevering in building meaningful and enriching lives in a world that, despite progress, can still feel isolating.
What makes a place like La Crosse's LGBTQ+ community so special? It's the deep sense of mutual support. As one community member aptly put it, "For some women, we were their family because they got kicked out." This speaks to the profound role these spaces and networks play: they become chosen families, providing comfort, understanding, and a shared experience where individual identities are not singular, and no one is truly alone.
Why These Spaces Matter: A Timeless Need
The history of La Crosse's gay bars and community efforts underscores a universal truth: marginalized individuals thrive when they have spaces to connect. These weren't just commercial enterprises; they were crucibles of identity, refuges from societal pressures, and platforms for collective action.
- Identity Exploration: They offered safe environments to explore one's identity without judgment.
- Community Building: They served as physical anchors for a dispersed population, fostering a sense of shared belonging.
- Mutual Support: They provided crucial emotional and social support, especially for those rejected by their biological families.
- Visibility and Empowerment: They made the community visible, challenging norms and empowering individuals through shared experience.
- Connection and Information: They were vital for networking, sharing information, and simply finding other queer people.
The journey of La Crosse's LGBTQ+ community, from the pioneering spirit of Michael Hanson to the vibrant drag shows at Chances R, is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the persistent pursuit of acceptance. It's a story of how a seemingly small city fostered a mighty community, proving that even in unexpected places, identity can flourish when given a place to call home.