United Lynn Pride: Preserving LGBTQIA+ History in Massachusetts

While major LGBTQIA+ historical moments often focus on large cities like San Francisco and New York, every community has its own rich queer history. Lynn, Massachusetts—a diverse working-class city of 103,489 residents located on ancestral Naumkeag lands—has preserved an extraordinary 160+ years of LGBTQIA+ heritage through an award-winning community project.

Historic Significance of Lynn’s LGBTQIA+ Community

Lynn holds remarkable firsts in LGBTQIA+ history. The Light House Cafe at 776 Washington Street was Massachusetts’ first documented gay bar, later known as Fran’s Place, operating for 79 years from 1937 to 2016. In 2004, Lynn union activists Marcia Hams and Susan Shepherd received the first same-sex marriage license in the United States after meeting while working at GE in the 1970s and 80s.

“Through A Rainbow Lens” Project

United Lynn Pride (ULP), formed in 2022, launched an ambitious historical documentation project called “Through A Rainbow Lens: A Reflection on Lynn’s LGBTQ+ History.” Led by Project Director Jim Moser and Executive Director Cristian Recinos, the initiative began as organizers planned 2023 Pride festivities and recognized the importance of preserving their community’s heritage.

Prestigious Recognition and Community Impact

The largely volunteer-driven effort was recognized by the American Association for State and Local History with the 2025 Albert B. Corey Award, one of the most prestigious achievements in state and local history preservation. The project received support from the Lynn Museum & Arts Center, Salem State University, and Mass Humanities funding.

The research uncovered fascinating historical documents dating back to 1860, including Oscar Wilde’s 1882 lecture at Lynn Music Hall, an 1896 “Spinster Party” of 100 single women, and the 1937 liquor license for Light House Café. The archive also documents challenging periods including violence at gay bars and police harassment, alongside celebrations of community resilience and growth.

Looking Forward

ULP is seeking funding for a second phase, including interviews with Lynn celebrities like world champion boxer Rashida Ellis and Tony Award winner Alex Newell. The project serves as a crucial counter-narrative to attempts at LGBTQIA+ erasure, ensuring community history remains accessible and preserved.

“It’s important that we write our history, so that it’s not forgotten, so that somebody else doesn’t write it, and so that it doesn’t get erased,” reflects Project Director Jim Moser.

For complete details about the project’s development, community partnerships, and future plans, please visit the original article by Ali Kane.