Machine (nightclub)
 Interactive map of Machine | |
| Location | Fenway–Kenmore |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°20′41″N 71°05′45″W / 42.34478°N 71.09583°W |
| Type | Gay bar, Nightclub |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1998 |
| Closed | 2020 |
Machine was a gay nightclub in Boston, Massachusetts from 1998 to 2020.
History
[edit]In 1998, Machine was opened in the basement of the leather and Levis gay bar, Ramrod. Machine’s presence continued a legacy of LGBTQ community in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood since the 1970’s.[1]
Machine differed from the dominantly white and male-centered gay scene in Boston by catering to gay women and people of color. Machine hosted dyke nights for the sapphic community from 2007 until 2017.[1][2][3][4]
Machine held weddings, memorials, and fundraisers for the gay community. The club was a popular venue for drag performances. Machine had unisex bathrooms.[5][1][3]
In January 2020, plans to turn the nightclub building into a 15-story apartment complex were approved by the Boston Planning & Development Agency. On March 14, 2020, Machine was permanently closed.[1][6]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 Tavares, Nathan (2020-09-30). "Saying Goodbye To Machine And Ramrod, Fenway's Last Queer Nightlife Spots". Boston University Radio. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
- ↑ Kearnan, Scott (2017-12-12). "When Did Boston's Gay Scene Get So Straight?". Boston Magazine. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
- 1 2 "Nightlife: Machine | BU Today". Boston University. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
- ↑ Mason, Amelia (2017-11-09). "With The End Of Dyke Night's Second Saturdays At Machine, An Era Comes To A Close". Boston University Radio. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
- ↑ Shanahan, Mark (2012-04-03). "Friends of Kris Kono dance in her honor at Machine". The Boston Globe. ISSN 0743-1791. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
- ↑ Schnur, Sabrina. ""We've laughed here, we've cried here." Saying goodbye to the basement of my youth". Boston University News Service. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-07-29.