Finding Sanctuary: A Night at Bellingham's Gay Club, and Why Queer Spaces Still Matter

Have you ever walked into a place and felt… safe? Seen? Understood, without saying a word? That's the power of a dedicated queer space. This past weekend, I ventured into Rumors Cabaret, Bellingham, Washington's only gay nightclub, and it was more than just a night out; it was a powerful reminder of why these spaces are so vital, especially in smaller towns.

More Than Just a Bar: A Bold Declaration

Bellingham is an interesting city.

It's not a sprawling metropolis like Seattle or Vancouver, but it's got a vibrant, welcoming vibe. What struck me was that the rainbow flag wasn't confined to just one neighborhood or business. Seeing it displayed throughout the city felt like a bold and beautiful declaration: "You are welcome here." This spirit of inclusivity is strong in the area, known as a tourist destination for its easy access to the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades.

The city itself is full of friendly people, with much to see and do.

Stepping Back in Time, and Loving Every Minute

Walking into Rumors was like stepping into a time capsule - maybe a decade or two behind the current trends. There weren't any cutting-edge DJ sets, and the decor was… well, let's just say it had character.

And honestly? That was part of its charm. It wasn't trying to be something it wasn't. It was authentic, unpretentious, and refreshingly real.

The music was a glorious mix of current hits and timeless gay anthems, fueled by audience requests. Think Cher, Rihanna, and everything in between.

Missing were some stereotypes one might expect: drag queens were absent this particular night, as were muscle boys and leather daddies. However, what it lacked in some of the stereotypical characters, it more than made up for in heart.

The Septuagenarian Go-Go Dancer Who Stole the Show

Forget perfectly sculpted bodies and choreographed routines.

The only go-go dancer that night was a thin-mustached, shall we say "stylishly coiffed," shirtless septuagenarian who owned that stage. He danced with infectious energy, embracing every beat from Cher to Rihanna. He was a force of nature, a testament to the fact that age is just a number, and confidence is the ultimate accessory.

Was his dancing "precise?" Perhaps not. Was it captivating? Absolutely.

A Sanctuary Free of Judgment

In many queer spaces, there's an unspoken pressure to conform to certain standards - to be the right kind of gay, to look a certain way.

But at Rumors, that pressure was absent. Judgement seemed to be checked at the door. Much like my experience of Bellingham itself, all were welcome, regardless of any outward characteristic or expression. It was a beautiful thing to witness. People danced around and beside the older man, unbothered by his age, his body, or his, shall we say, enthusiastic moves.

They interacted with him, offering high-fives and sharing the dance floor. The lack of judgment was genuinely jaw-dropping. Space was made for him to feel simultaneously free and respected.

Why These Spaces Still Matter: A Tragic Beauty

Maybe the scene was a little… "tragic," in a way.

Perhaps it wasn't the polished, Instagram-filtered version of a gay club that some might expect. But that's precisely what made it sacred. Here, in this Pacific Northwest college town, nestled between Seattle and Vancouver, existed a genuine piece of gay heaven. A reminder of why we need gay bars, why we need queer spaces.

The Bellingham Queer Collective aims to do just that - connect, celebrate, unite and advocate for the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Communities.

It's about more than just having a place to drink and dance. It's about having a place where:

• Gay kids can be truly free to be themselves.
• Older queers can remember, be seen, and celebrated.
• Everyone can experience the beautifully chaotic blending of bodies, singing and dancing to anthems like "We Are Family."

A Family Forged in Music and Movement

Pretension and judgement are left at home.

Inside these spaces, we are indeed all family. Yes fats. Yes fems.

Yes Asians. And yes dykes and old gays and straight people too. These spaces are sanctuary. We are safe there. And we are free. Thank you, Rumors in Bellingham, for the great night and blessing of our tragically beautiful family.

Bellingham may be known for its coffee (apparently having more drive-thru espresso stands per capita than any other US city!), its raspberries (the #1 producer in Washington!), and its access to Mount Baker's skiing, but it should also be recognized for its commitment to inclusivity and its vibrant queer community.

Beyond Rumors: Other LGBTQ+ Options in Bellingham

While Rumors Cabaret holds a special place, here are a few other options in and around Bellingham:

• Friends of Dorothy Lounge: Another popular spot for socializing and entertainment.
• The Pumpjack Pub: (Likely located outside of Bellingham, but worth checking out if you're in the region).
• Other Options: Keep an eye out for local bars and events like those at Vicious Libations, Jacks, 1-Up Lounge, and Locus.

So, the next time you're in Bellingham, or any smaller town, seek out the local queer space.

You might just find more than a bar; you might find a family.