Westchester County's Gay Establishments

Four young women were seated at a table bathed in the subdued radiance of multicolored lights, while approximately a dozen gentlemen congregated at the far right extremity of the bar. A vibrantly colored pride banner was displayed on the wall situated behind the gentlemen. The ambient murmur of the assembled patrons was momentarily suspended as their collective gaze was instantly captivated by the distinctive flute melody that resonated throughout Ireland's 32 bar in Yonkers, NY.

'Each night in my slumber, I behold you, I sense you'

The performed lip-synced verses were amplified with dramatic flair by 'Tess Tickles,' as she mimed rowing in place with her improvised oars and vessel positioned in the center of the expansive dance floor. As her rendition progressed through the second stanza of 'My Heart Will Go On,' her makeshift craft acquired an unsolicited occupant. A middle-aged woman with blonde hair ostentatiously attempted to draw the boat closer to her. Tess's concentration remained unwavering, even as her fellow drag performer and confidante, 'Rhoda Rollins Stone,' humorously endeavored to shoo the woman away with a broom, all to no avail. 

'Once more you unveil the path, and you reside within my heart'

Tess advanced towards the intruding woman, taking hold of her hands without missing a single beat. The undivided attention of the entire audience was fixed upon the duo, punctuated by an enthusiastic exclamation of 'Whooo!' from one of the male attendees.

Tess gracefully navigated the length of the bar, adopting a stylized ballroom dance posture, thereby guiding the woman away from the dance floor until they reached the establishment's primary entrance. With a decisive motion, Tess propelled the woman through the doorway, subsequently making a swift return to the dance area and landing precisely atop her makeshift vessel with impeccable timing.

'You are present, and I am devoid of apprehension,' the words boomed from the sound system as if Tess herself were vocalizing them, before she gracefully settled back onto the boat for the concluding phrases, with the blonde woman eventually re-emerging to acknowledge the spontaneous performance with a bow.

Once the resounding applause subsided, Rhoda's voice emerged from the microphone. 'Let's hear it for Tess Tickles, everyone, and an uninvited guest.' Tess then rejoined Rhoda on the dance floor and addressed the audience via the microphone, revealing, 'That's actually my mom.' This declaration elicited laughter from the assembled crowd, with several patrons taking sips of their beverages. The lighthearted exchange persisted until the announcement that it was time for a spirited drinking game, titled 'Ring Around Poosey.' This activity mirrors the familiar 'Ring Around the Rosey' but incorporates a distinctive alteration: participants engage in undress.

For Ireland's 32, it was a typical Thursday evening, but within Westchester County, referred to as 'limbo land' by Rhoda's description, this particular night stands as singularly unique. 'Gagged Thursdays,' the sole LGBT-centric bar night and drag performance event in Westchester, is discreetly situated within a traditional Irish pub located on McClean Avenue in Yonkers.

Rhoda had been aware of her own sexual orientation since the tender age of five, though one should refrain from inquiring about the precise duration since that revelation. 'Never ask a lady her age,' she declared with a hearty laugh while recounting her formative years. In the absence of any organized LGBT groups within her educational institution, her active involvement in the drama department invariably positioned her as the school's designated 'resident gay.'

Having previously resided in Port Chester, Putnam, and Yonkers, and subsequently in White Plains, she didn't publicly acknowledge her sexual orientation until her early twenties. Shortly thereafter, she experienced a profound desire to engage with the LGBT community in Westchester, yet she felt a degree of self-consciousness due to her advancing age. Embracing the art of drag provided the essential boost in self-assurance she required. 'I discovered it was a means by which I could simply connect with individuals, enjoy myself—in essence, embark on something novel.'

Rhoda made her inaugural appearance on the local scene with the inauguration of the B-Lounge, a gay establishment that commenced operations in Valhalla. At that time, it represented the sole gay bar in Westchester, though a drag performance culture was notably absent. As Rhoda reminisces, there were merely a handful of individuals who were 'hopping around,' but Westchester lacked a resident drag queen to call its own. 

The internet proved to be Rhoda's indispensable resource for obtaining the necessary guidance in drag artistry. She regards the video series hosted by Misty Eyez, titled Misty Minute, as her primary source of inspiration in drag, attributing this to the instructor's seasoned experience as an older queen and the enduring impact of her counsel, which adhered to Rhoda 'like a lace front wig.' 

'If you secure employment within a year, then you are indeed progressing correctly.' This principle served as a guiding tenet for Rhoda in her early endeavors. Merely several months subsequent to her initial attendance at the B-Lounge, she accepted an offer to host a bingo night. This was an undertaking entirely new to her, but she remarked coyly, 'it involves a considerable number of balls.'

The appellation Rhoda Rollins Stone became intrinsically linked with the B-Lounge. 'She was, in essence, the quintessential drag queen at B-Lounge,' remarks Henry Howard, a Certified Nurse's Assistant residing in Dobbs Ferry. As she commenced hosting the weekly bingo events, she observed that her intended community had, in effect, discovered her. Gradually, a collective of individuals who harbored an inclination towards drag performance began to seek her out.

On the dance floor of Ireland's 32, Rhoda and Tess engaged in a back-and-forth musical exchange as they participated in 'Drag Suicide,' a challenge where a drag performer lip-syncs to a song, the lyrics and preparation time for which may be uncertain, requiring an impromptu execution. Tess was presented with Sia's hit, 'Chandelier.' Initially, she expressed uncertainty regarding the song's progression, until the line, 'Party girls don't get hurt,' reverberated from the loudspeakers. Tess's lips swiftly began to move as she tossed her wig backward, thereby adopting Sia's signature facial framing bangs.

For Tess in her sixteenth year, evenings such as Gagged Thursdays offered a profound respite from years of relentless bullying experienced throughout her academic career. The 'local teenage drag queen' had recognized her sexual orientation from a very young age and endured physical assaults in the school hallways, beginning as early as the second grade. The harassment escalated to such an unbearable extent that her parents relocated their household to Pelham. 'Navigating adolescence in Mount Vernon while being gay was arguably the most arduous experience of my existence.'

'Drag Suicide' continued its vibrant momentum as Tess tackled another musical selection. This time, it was the high-energy hit 'Bodak Yellow' by the renowned Bronx rapper Cardi B. Tess flawlessly executed every lyric while Rhoda observed from the rear of the venue, accompanied by two of their drag sisters, Gigi Cutina and Bella Biscotti, who were present but not in drag. Regardless of their stage attire, their chosen drag family consistently offered their unwavering support.

'They are excellent companions to one another. There's no animosity whatsoever,' stated Aidan Loughran, the establishment's manager and a bartender at Ireland's 32.

Tess performing while Rhoda observes presents a reversal of their initial encounter at B-Lounge. In those earlier days, Rhoda was the sole drag queen, and Tess was merely a high school student. 'I was in the eleventh or twelfth grade, secretly attending a gay bar to witness a drag show on Thursdays, and then driving home to awaken at seven o'clock for class,' Tess recalled.

At the age of nineteen, the persona of 'Tess Tickles' was conceived during a friend's birthday celebration, set to the rhythm of Fergie's song 'Fergalicious.' 'Frankly, I resembled a boy wearing a wig,' Tess admitted, standing fully attired and made up shortly before commencing her initial performance of the evening.

Tess was among the numerous patrons of B-Lounge who approached Rhoda to express their burgeoning interest in drag. 'I extended a welcoming invitation to them. Given that all my knowledge was acquired online, I lacked a drag mother and a drag family,' stated Rhoda, also affectionately recognized as 'The Mama Queen of Westchester.'

The B-Lounge eventually ceased operations in 2014. The closure of Westchester's only gay bar can be attributed to a decline in the already tenuous patronage from the local LGBT community. It was a rare establishment that has become increasingly endangered, with no official gay bar having subsequently emerged to fill its void. 'We had one, and you did not frequent it. You would arrive for approximately five minutes… decide you were displeased, and then depart. Subsequently, it was shuttered,' Rhoda recounted. An establishment in White Plains briefly commenced operations, but as Howard recalls, it never managed to cultivate a following larger than some of the original 'locals' from B-Lounge.

Rhoda and her chosen family of 'individuals who feel inclined to don a wig and dress and present a fabulous appearance like myself' eventually transitioned to McLean Avenue. A gentleman originating from Ireland was instrumental in ensuring that Ireland's 32 would provide a platform for the drag queens of Westchester to perform, creating an environment where the LGBT community would consistently feel embraced. 'There ought to be multiple venues catering to the gay community in Westchester. It's astonishing that we are the sole establishment,' commented Loughran.

'I can readily comprehend that individuals within the LGBTQ+ community might find it challenging to establish their presence if they reside in Westchester. Throughout the years, numerous friends of mine who have either been employed or pursued their education in Westchester have conveyed to me that they felt a greater sense of comfort and belonging within the city,' stated Emily Seibert, a professor affiliated with Mercy College's School of Liberal Arts, regarding the scarcity of openly LGBTQ+-inclusive venues in Westchester County.

Loughran, an individual of Irish descent who has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry, swiftly found his way to Ireland's 32. 'I had just arrived in the country, as they say in Ireland, when I received a telephone call from the owner.' 

As the days progressed into weeks and beyond, Loughran began to perceive that Ireland's 32 possessed a distinct character compared to the other establishments along McLean Avenue. While the neighboring bars primarily catered to their established clientele, Loughran observed that the patron base of Ireland's 32 extended across various racial backgrounds, origins, and sexual/gender identities. 'It's not exclusively one [community]; it encompasses Black, White, Hispanic, and gay individuals.' He noted the presence of patrons who identified as gay or bisexual throughout the week, which prompted his decision to introduce a dedicated 'gay night.' The resultant event featured rainbow flags, live DJ performances, and a significant increase in attendance, although it notably lacked drag queen performers. This was the final missing element.

The surge in attendance and the opportunity to socialize in a secure setting that evening were not overlooked by those present. Several individuals encouraged Loughran to establish this night as a recurring event. Initially, Loughran expressed hesitation, contemplating a move to Brooklyn to launch a new nightclub. However, he ultimately revised his decision and resolved to initiate what would subsequently become Gagged Thursdays. 'Embrace risk, for it is likely to yield rewards,' Loughran advised. On this particular occasion, the calculated risk would involve the inclusion of drag queens.

That initial risk nearly faltered on the inaugural Thursday night last February. The preceding day had witnessed a significant snowstorm that led to the cessation of all public transportation and prompted the city to issue a directive prohibiting vehicular travel. The drag queens were poised for their performances, the DJ was set up, and the evening was fully prepared, yet Loughran harbored concerns about potential low turnout.

Against all expectations, attendees did materialize. Loughran recounted instances where individuals had traversed 'up to a mile' on foot to reach the crowded establishment. Howard was among those who braved the elements to attend that inaugural evening. 'I found it to be an exceptionally engaging experience,' Howard remarked. For Howard, Gagged Thursdays represents the sole local LGBTQ+ venue that alleviates the necessity of traveling into the city. He was present on that historically significant first night and has continued to attend numerous subsequent events.

'Simply knowing that you are surrounded by fellow gay individuals, without the apprehension of standing at a bar and realizing it's just me, and perhaps RoRo, but predominantly me,' Tess humorously observed.

Howard wholeheartedly concurs with this sentiment, as he is assured of feeling comfortable at Ireland's 32 on Thursdays. 'When you frequent other bars, they are often populated by jocks and frat boys, and one tends to feel out of place. We all require a sanctuary where we can feel secure,' he stated.

Howard harbors a deep affection for the bar; for a significant portion of his life, growing up in a conservative region of Florida, he could scarcely identify a handful of openly gay individuals. His sole avenue for connecting with other gay people was through MySpace. However, this digital interaction proved insufficient to shield him from overt hostility. On one occasion, his then-boyfriend paid him a visit at his residence. Their encounter was abruptly interrupted when an individual in a passing vehicle shouted derogatory slurs and hurled a glass bottle. '[The bottle] simply shattered around [their] feet,' he recalled. It was shortly after this incident that Howard and his partner relocated back to New York, their boyfriend's original home. It was in New York City that Howard experienced his inaugural visit to a gay bar, the G-Lounge. 'Oh my goodness, it was an extraordinary revelation. It was an eye-opening experience.'

Howard eventually relocated to Westchester County. He readily admits that his tenure in the county has been devoid of any negative encounters. 'The individuals here largely mind their own affairs and proceed with their lives. They are unlikely to go out of their way to voice any critical remarks.'

While no one has directly confronted Loughran, a few patrons who frequent Ireland's 32 on nights other than Thursday have not entirely refrained from expressing their opinions. Their complaints and frustrations stem from the conviction that Ireland's 32 is progressively transforming into a gay bar. Loughran defends this perception, asserting that it inaccurately characterizes the clientele on Thursday evenings. 'It's a blend of the gay community, inebriated heterosexual women, and a contingent of attractive heterosexual Irish men who are present and supportive,' Tess explained.

The varied spectrum of support has exerted a beneficial influence on Gagged Thursdays over the preceding ten months, with eight of these evenings being expertly hosted by Tess and Rhoda; however, the challenge of public awareness persists.

'I have never been aware of any gay bars in Westchester. I would be delighted to discover some,' commented Seibert, a resident of Yonkers. Seibert identifies as bisexual and is cognizant of Ireland's 32's existence, but she expressed surprise upon learning about Gagged Thursdays.&8220;

The relatively short distance between White Plains and Southeast Yonkers, where Ireland's 32 is situated, proves advantageous for Rhoda. 'I rather enjoy remaining here in Westchester, and I have cultivated my own intimate circle.' For Howard, the close proximity offers the welcome convenience of a local venue where he can feel at ease, thereby avoiding the expenses associated with travel and the exorbitant drink prices prevalent in the city.

As the patrons of Gagged Thursdays conversed amongst themselves, a palpable sense of ease was evident. Men and women entered the venue throughout the evening and were promptly greeted by one, two, or even more acquaintances already inside. Amidst this convivial atmosphere, the evening's earlier 'uninvited guest' had successfully secured an older, stout gentleman as her newest dance partner. Both individuals moved energetically across various sections of the bar, grooving to the accompanying music.

Heckling is an infrequent occurrence, according to Rhoda, yet, paradoxically, it is often older gentlemen who represent the demographic most at ease within the milieu of Gagged Thursdays. Loughran describes men who are either divorced, single, or exceptionally discreet about their personal lives, who happen to wander into the establishment on Thursdays, feigning ignorance of the night's specific theme. Eventually, they confide in Loughran, revealing their bisexual or gay orientation.

'They attend one week, and they experience a profound sense of self-worth,' Loughran asserts. It is for these gentlemen that Loughran takes pride in providing a secure and accepting environment.

'My earnest hope is that you are thoroughly inebriated. Intoxicated, joyful, and feeling utterly at ease,' Tess conveyed when asked about the desired emotional state for patrons on Thursday evenings.

Rhoda added, 'It's simply a spirited venue for frolicking, enjoying oneself, and observing some stunning performers hilariously making fools of themselves, allowing all worries to dissipate. Let your Fridays be damned.' 

'Fuck your Fridays' swiftly became the unofficial slogan of the night as the clock advanced past midnight, reaching 1 A.M., with no intention of concluding the festivities. Rhoda and Tess savored a brief intermission before rejoining the vibrant crowd to immerse themselves in the unfolding early morning hours. Loughran continued to diligently serve refreshments to the dedicated fans and patrons of Gagged Thursdays. Numerous men and women swayed in unison with their dance partners and companions amidst the throng.

This sentiment may be articulated with a degree of decorum as 'Forget your Fridays;' the simple desire to dance until the early dawn, with Donna Summer's 'Hot Stuff' reverberating through the bar's speakers and extending outwards, while several Irish national flags fluttered proudly outside. This distinctive night, unique within Westchester County, will recur next Thursday.