Bay Windows - March 18, 2004
R.J. Grubb

That's because Dyke Night organizer Kristen Porter recently announced she will close shop on Thursday, April 29. No more $2 tall PBRs. No more tricky trivia games. No more casual, cool pub to call your own for one night of the week in Jamaica Plain. The decision signals the end to the city's longest-running, same-venue, same-night space for lesbians in a long, long time.

"I am doing okay," said Porter when reached by phone. "It's been quite a week and certainly quite a several months working up to this point."

After sending a special e-mail to Dyke Night's mailing list, Porter made verbal announcements at GenderCrash and to the Thursday regulars gathered at the Midway Caf last week. Public sentiments ranged from general sadness to people crying to people asking Porter if there was anything they could do to change her mind. But Porter's decision remains final.

Several factors contributed to her determination but the most pressing proved Porter's full-time job as executive director of Pathways to Wellness, a nonprofit public health clinic that provides affordable holistic medicine. In the midst of a massive relocation and expansion project, Pathways demands her undivided attention.

"My first and foremost priority is my commitment to that organization and seeing it through its largest growth in its 15-year history and I don't take that responsibility lightly," said Porter. "In order for me to really step up to the plate and be involved, it's going to take a lot of time."

Of course, rumors also spotlight Dyke Night's recent decreased clientele. With flashy nightspots like Club Hollywood on Saturdays and the new Thursday hangout, Toast, in Somerville, Dyke Night had seen better nights since it opened in 1998. After witnessing the dwindling crowds, Porter questioned if she was still achieving her mission to fill a social void for women.

"The big question was, is there still a void to fill?" she said. "And I thought the answer to that in terms of a weekly venue was, no. There are so many more opportunities for something like this."

Still, Dyke Night was never just about hanging out. From the beginning, Porter distinguished the endeavor with a unique three-tier mission: to combine activism, philanthropy, and social entertainment under one roof. For the first year and half, Porter never charged a cover. Instead, she asked patrons for a three-dollar donation to Lesbian AIDS Project of Massachusetts.

Such business tactics may seem self-defeatist. But back in 1998, Porter carried the Thursday night community torch after locals began gathering at the Jamaica Plain pub, Costello's. When Costello's closed due to a fire, Porter, then a self-described 20-something "bleached blond crew cut dyke" talked to the owners of the Midway Caf , David and Jay Balerna, about hosting a night for lesbians. Born upon a strong community ethos, she wanted Dyke Night to remain a community service.

Through the years, Dyke Night hosted numerous fundraisers and continued a weekly commitment that donates at least 25 percent of its profit to grassroots and nonprofit causes (For the first year and a half, she gave 100 percent of the door to these efforts.). Dyke Night supported Boston Queer Agenda (Hannah's List), The Network/La Red, AIDS Care Project, Spontaneous Celebrations, and The Theater Offensive among many others. Entertainment and philanthropy have rarely been partnered so consistently. Though the Thursday nights will end at the Midway, Porter said Dyke Night Productions will continue to produce special events, pride parties, and fundraisers.

The announcement certainly feels like closing a good book. But no ending is complete without a little action. So come April 29, look for a blowout bash. Details are currently being finalized. But before the grand finale, Porter plans to host two special evenings, which focus on live music and performance. The evenings will act as a nod to all the different artists and musicians who entertained at the space.

To be sure, Porter will miss her regular matronage. But she also looks forward to a new beginning.

"This whole experience is profound in many ways. Not only for separating my identity from something but just also dealing with other people's emotions around it," said Porter. "But again, it's not a sad thing. It's very positive in many ways and I am going to remain committed to impacting the queer community in Boston. It's just going to be in a different way."

For more information, visit www.dykenight.com

040318
BY040301

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .