LGBTQ Community In Portland Maine

Photographs of the Community

Article Information

Aids Epidemic

Census of LGBTQ Statistics In Maine

(Taken by Carl Currie)

An image of Blackstone's before the remodeling.

Total LGBTQ Workers as of 2020

35,000

Members of the Comunity.

Businesses

The Gay Bars of Portland Maine

Roland Labbe

People in the community began spreading the words to acive gay bars about the aids epidemic, pulbic speakers in the community even handing out things such as condoms to help control the spread and practice safety while educating others.

Carl Currie

Total LGBTQ Populaton estimate as of 2020

The aids epidemic first hit in 1983, where concern spread across the nation, and informers were working hard to spread prevention across communties, and many speakers coming forth to teach others how to practice safe sex and the consequences of not.

In 2021, Carl Currie had set out to restore Blackstone's worn and vandalised walls with a goal of $10,000 dollars through gofundme.

It ended up hitting a whopping 25,000, securing the bars restoration and continued business in portland maine for years to come.

When his bar closed in 1981 due to arson, Roland was absolutely heart broken. "It hit me mentally and physically, it really did." "I said i can't do this anymore." Labbe said after the fire.

While running the bar Labbe fought to keep the place open, such as public battles with the city over licensing. He also experienced regular fights picked with him by homophobic visitors.

Carl Currie as of 2023, is the acting Manager of Blackstone's. Currie mans the bar most days and keeps the old building clean and takes pride in restoriring it.

In opening a gay bar, Roland had been assaulted with rocks, bricks, multiple attempts of assault and property damage. "I've had broken ribs, a broken collarbone, broken arm. I've had the brick thrown in my face". Labbe said himself on his experiences.

LGBTQ COMMUNITY OF PORTLAND MAINE

Carl Currie standing in front of his bars new windows, after the old windows were repeatedly smashed over the years by anti-gay vandilizers.

Blackstone's

Roland's

Portland's oldest gay bar, still open today.

After the bars restoration, being a full revamp, and large windows replacing the ones shattered ones. Currie looed towards relicensing Blackstone's to allow them to serve more food. But due to the crowded space and no area for outside dining, they had to hold it off, seeing as Covid-19 was still a major issue at this time.

Blackstones Bar is a bar located on Pine St off Longfellow Square in the West End neighborhood of Portland, Maine. From its establishment in 1987, the bar served as a popular gathering place for members of the LGBTQ community.

Roland's opened in 1967 as the first gay bar in this area, the owner, Roland Labbe. Said it was a place where people came to watch drag shows, drink alcohol, anf meet fellow members of the LGBTQ community.

60,000

Roland Labbe was the man who opened the gay bar, it was located on the corner of Cumberland and Forest Avenue.

Roland's closed in 1981 due to a fire, it was burnt to the ground. It was later determined as arson

It first opened in 1987, it acted as a safe space for the LGBTQ community, despite the hate from the streets, such as vandalism and full on assault.

The bar is currently owned by Matt Pekins who bought it in 2014, alongside manager Carl Currie, who recently raised up to $25,000 for Blackstone's, enabling repairs to the battered building.

Blackstone's was known for its accepting staff, and a laid back "Neighborhood" vibe.

Estimated percent of LGTBQ Adults raising children as of the 2019 census

21%

A picture taken during the Roland's fire in 1981, firefighters can be seen at the scene.

By Ethereal Bassett