She would dress up as Santa Claus, peel off that costume to reveal a flannel shirt, suspenders and jeans, and peel that off to be wearing lingerie.
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Selling shots there, Sioux has shown up dressed as an airline stewardess, French maid, nun, Cleopatra and Wonder Woman. "The Brass Rail has put me in a position where I feel comfortable being out in public and standing up in front of people and helping organize events for the transgender community," Sioux said. Polly Sioux was doing drag when she started working at The Brass Rail, but it was because of the feeling of family there that she could develop her transgender identity. "It was a breath of fresh air to see people that I've known since high school, or I've known from passing, or I've known from mutual friends, it was really refreshing to have them come to my shows, see me perform," he said.Ī firm believer that everything happens for a reason, Cruz said he isn't going to let the closure of The Brass Rail stop him. But The Brass Rail was convenient for the New London resident, and he noted it had the best cheap drinks and great music. "I had a lot of big plans, not only for myself, but for drag," he said, "and I really just wanted to elevate and just really hone my craft."Ĭruz can still get shows in Hartford, New Haven and Providence. Harry Cruz, a 23-year-old who has been performing drag as Bella Daleadho at The Brass Rail for the past year, was in a state of shock when he heard the news and got choked up talking about how much drag means to him. "The Brass Rail was such a place and will be a big part of the GLBTQ history of New London." "However, people come out at different times and degrees and seek a space or community that nurtures their identity," Kristofik wrote. She commended The Social Bar + Kitchen down the street for its "Pink Eggs & Glam" drag brunches, with an audience that has expanded to include family and friends who don't identify as queer. She said the bar could possibly stay open longer, if there is alcohol left, but she doesn't expect it to go past Monday.Ī Coldwell Banker listing shows that the building, at 52 Bank St., is for sale.Ĭonstance Kristofik, founder of the GLBTQ-focused nonprofit OutCT, said in an email that gay bars were among the first "safe spaces" for GLBTQ individuals, but they have "reduced in numbers as culture has changed" and people feel more comfortable in mainstream establishments. Saturday is supposed to be its going-away party, said Katelyn Ducheneau, who has worked there for two years. Owner Donnie O'Neill could not be reached for comment, but multiple bartenders confirmed The Brass Rail is closing.
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The Brass Rail did not make any big public announcement but shared a Facebook post from DJ Gadget - the host of Wednesday night karaoke - noting the closure.
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Now it is closing, leaving the city without a gay bar. New London - Whether sitting at the bar, shimmying onstage in drag, belting out songs on karaoke night, dancing, or sitting on the spacious deck on a warm summer night, patrons of O'Neill's Brass Rail found themselves in an open and accepting environment.