Lynn’s Hidden LGBTQ+ History Revealed

A new documentary uncovers Lynn’s remarkable LGBTQ+ heritage that spans nearly 80 years. “Through a Rainbow Lens” reveals that this Massachusetts city was home to nearly 20 LGBTQ+ bars from the 1930s to 2010s.

Key Discoveries

The Lighthouse Cafe – Massachusetts’s oldest known LGBTQ+ bar, opened in Lynn Harbor in the 1930s as a sanctuary for the community during dangerous times.

Historic Firsts – Lynn residents Susan Shepard and Marcia Hams became the first same-sex couple in the US to receive a marriage license in 2003.

Cultural Impact – Lynn native Alex Newell made history as the first non-binary actor to win a Tony Award.

From Bars to Community

These establishments served as more than social venues – they were safe spaces, community centers, and organizing hubs that helped build the foundation for LGBTQ+ civil rights in Massachusetts. The bars hosted drag shows, charity events, and political meetings that shaped the movement.

Preserving the Legacy

Led by retired professor Pat Gazima, this research project documented decades of untold stories through interviews with community members. The exhibition at Lynn Museum ensures these important stories are preserved for future generations.

The documentary serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder that the fight for equality continues.