Oshkosh's LGBTQ+ Nightlife: A Look Back and Forward

The LGBTQ+ community in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has a rich history of finding community and camaraderie, often centered around dedicated gathering spaces. While the landscape of these venues has evolved over the years, understanding their past provides crucial context for the present and future of LGBTQ+ social life in the Fox Valley. From the early days of courageous establishment to contemporary spots fostering inclusivity, Oshkosh has a story to tell about its journey towards embracing its diverse population.

The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Gathering Spots in Oshkosh and the Fox Valley

The quest for safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals is a narrative woven through the fabric of American history, particularly following pivotal moments like the Stonewall Riots in 1969. This watershed event energized the burgeoning gay rights movement, highlighting the critical need for places where LGBTQ+ people could find shared experiences and express themselves freely. In the decades that followed, a transformative shift began to occur in cities across Wisconsin, including those in the Fox Valley region. From the late 1970s and into the 1980s, a brave handful of bars and clubs in cities like Green Bay, Appleton, Sheboygan, and indeed, Oshkosh, started to openly welcome LGBTQ+ clientele. These establishments weren't just places to drink and socialize; they became vital havens. For a population often facing societal rejection and isolation from the dominant, heterosexual culture, these venues offered a much-needed sense of acceptance, support, and belonging.

Oshkosh's Pivotal Venues: Then and Now

One establishment that has been a cornerstone of Oshkosh's LGBTQ+ scene, demonstrating remarkable longevity, is **Spare Time**. While the specifics of its early days might be shrouded in less public documentation, it's clear that Spare Time has maintained an openly LGBTQ+ presence for at least 14 years as of the current writing. Its primary communication method has largely resided on its active Facebook page, a modern approach for connecting with its community. What sets Spare Time apart, as noted from various descriptions, is its commitment to offering more than just a typical bar experience. It’s lauded for its fantastic, homemade food, featuring daily specials that include seafood and, notably, Friday fish fries – a Wisconsin tradition embraced by all. The weekend breakfasts are a particular draw, promising a delicious start to the day. With an impressive selection of over [mention a number if available, otherwise state 'a wide array of'] beers and an extensive liquor offering, Spare Time cultivates a genuinely friendly atmosphere and service, encouraging patrons to let their "Spare Time" truly be about enjoyment. A visit in early July confirmed this welcoming vibe, where the presence of a few subtle rainbow flags hinted at its identity, but the overarching feeling was one of universal welcome to all patrons. Beyond Spare Time, the history of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Oshkosh and surrounding areas reveals a dynamic past, with several venues playing significant roles: * **The Manhole:** Located on South Washington Street in Green Bay, this establishment, run by Joe Mallien and Mike Dziuba, was a significant gathering place for the younger gay community in the 1980s. It was more than just a place for drinking and dancing; it hosted customer appreciation picnics and was a hub for community bonding, with regular patrons still reminiscing about their times there. The Manhole's journey wasn't without its challenges, however. Mallien recounts facing backlash from those he termed "Bible thumpers" and experiencing verbal and even physical assaults directed at patrons. The resolve of individuals like Mallien and Dziuba, who transformed a former restaurant into a vibrant bar with a dance floor, underscores the dedication required to maintain such spaces. * **Napalese Lounge:** Situated on South Broadway in Green Bay, this venue, opened in 1978 and still in operation, has a storied past. It was the site of the owners' (Pendergast and DeSotel) marriage in 2015, coinciding with the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. Nap's also became known for its monthly drag shows, which often served as fundraisers or food drives for local LGBTQ+ support groups, highlighting its role as a community-oriented space. However, Nap's also faced adversity, including a violent incident in 2000 where a bar manager was stabbed. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers some LGBTQ+ establishments and their patrons faced, sometimes involving the controversial "LGBTQ panic defense." * **Za's:** Another venue mentioned, Za's, also faced challenges with public acceptance, with attempts to open its front door like any other bar leading to antagonism and fights. The owners' efforts to foster a more integrated environment were met with resistance, illustrating the ongoing struggle for normalization. * **ReMixx:** Located near Neenah, ReMixx was another venture by Spare Time's owner, Deb, described as a "friendly neighborhood bar" that welcomed everyone and was even voted best breakfast in Oshkosh on weekends. This suggests a broader trend of businesses seeking to cater to a diverse clientele. * **The Roundabout:** This establishment has also been a point of discussion, with potential plans for a "dry Sunday" event aimed at providing a safe space for teenagers to connect. The challenges faced by smaller venues in implementing such initiatives highlight the ongoing need for creative solutions.

Navigating Challenges: The Struggle for Acceptance

The path for LGBTQ+ bars and clubs was rarely smooth. Many faced resistance, including vandalism and harassment. The story of The Manhole's customers retaliating against troublemakers by smashing car windows, as recounted by Mallien, speaks to the lengths to which the community went to protect itself. This era was marked by a constant effort to carve out and defend spaces for self-expression and community building. Furthermore, the LGBTQ+ community often relied on informal networks and support groups like the Fox Valley Gay Alliance, formed in Neenah in 1974. These groups frequently met in private homes, with a recurring topic of conversation being the desire for openly gay-friendly taverns.

The Shifting Landscape and Future Prospects

As societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals has grown, spurred by landmark legal decisions and increased visibility, the need for exclusively LGBTQ+ venues has, in some ways, diminished. Many straight bars and clubs now actively welcome LGBTQ+ patrons, evidenced by the surprise at a sports bar near Lambeau Field hosting a sold-out drag show. This diversification of inclusive spaces is a positive development. However, this broader acceptance has also presented challenges for established LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. As crowds diversify, some of these legacy venues, which had served as crucial anchors for the community for decades, have unfortunately closed their doors. Places like Brandy's II, Sass, Buddies, Diversions, and Za's, some dating back to the 1970s, saw their runs end in the 1990s and early 2000s, a testament to the shifting social and economic dynamics. Despite these closures, the spirit of community and the search for inclusive spaces endure. The ongoing efforts to create welcoming environments, whether through dedicated LGBTQ+ establishments or increasingly inclusive mainstream venues, continue. As Oshkosh and the wider Fox Valley move forward, the legacy of these early pioneers and the continuous adaptation of community spaces remain central to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for all. The story of Oshkosh's LGBTQ+ bars is not just about nightlife; it's about resilience, community, and the ongoing pursuit of acceptance.