Machine (nightclub)

Machine
Interactive map of Machine
LocationFenway–Kenmore
Coordinates42°20′41″N 71°05′45″W / 42.34478°N 71.09583°W / 42.34478; -71.09583
TypeGay bar, Nightclub
Construction
Opened1998
Closed2020

Machine was a gay nightclub in Boston, Massachusetts from 1998 to 2020.

History

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.

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.

Machine held weddings, memorials, and fundraisers for the gay community. The club was a popular venue for drag performances. Machine had unisex bathrooms.

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.

References

  1. 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.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. 1 2 "Nightlife: Machine | BU Today". Boston University. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ 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.