Liz Sinclair and Charlie Dwellington’s Ignites Pride on the Western Slope

While sober, safe spaces are increasingly becoming the way of the future, it’s undeniable that the queer community revolves around our bars. Here in Denver, the bar scene has been hit, as COVID restrictions limit how many patrons can be in an establishment, how long they can stay open, and how they can serve.

But, what about over the mountains in what is, by comparison, the sleepy, bedroom community of Grand Junction? In Grand Junction, there is one queer bar to gather in for miles around, and that bar is Charlie Dwellington’s. While yes, it is a bar, it is also a cultural hub for everything from Black Lives Matter protest organizations in the area to helping provide opportunities for children in theatre. And Liz Sinclair is the woman behind this action.

Sinclair grew up in California and Colorado in both bigger cities and small towns, and she relocated to Boston briefly before moving to Grand Junction and buying Charlie Dwelington’s to set up a queer hub for the community.

Related article: What Does Power Look Like in 2020?

“I spoke to the community about my desire to have a bar here that was more reflective of the gay community, or more supportive, or actually, even conceivably, the gay bar, and nobody thought we could do it. With a lot of struggle and a lot of sacrifice, over the last eight years, we’ve managed to insinuate ourselves into the community, and now are quite proudly, and more often than not, lovingly, referred to as the gay bar in town.”

While a bar might not seem to be the most wholesome spot for a community to rally around, things are a bit different when, aside from some accepting churches and GSAs, it’s one of the only queer spaces in town. With a large conservative population in Grand Junction, it’s important to create community for those who need a safe space. Before the pandemic, they hosted a First Fridays dance party, drag shows, and events that specifically support the trans community.

“We also partner with the local college; the director of the musical theatre department there is a really good friend of mine, and we do a cabaret series at the bar every year that’s a fundraiser for scholarships so LGBTQ+ theatre kids can go to school. Right now, we’re super involved with a lot of the protests for George Floyd and Elijah McClain that have been going on in support of Black Lives Matter. We try and do things for the local community that can benefit everyone.”

All of that was the norm for Charlie Dwellington’s until COVID hit. Suddenly, the hub that was known as a place for community connection was deserted due to stay-at-home orders, restrictions, and the depleted economy. During this time, funds have been raised to keep the bar afloat, and Sinclair herself wonders how much longer they will be able to stay open under current conditions. However, she feels incredibly lucky for the community support she has received to help her stay afloat.

“I feel so lucky coming up in Western Colorado, in a world that wasn’t familiar to me, to have my own, personal allies in Colorado who stepped up and reached out to me and said ‘Let me help you. Let me give you support and make your life easier.’ It’s unbelievable.”

Overall, throughout all the support she’s shown for the community, she feels she has received the same support in return, and that’s the true power of community. While she has made it a point to provide space for the community in everything she does, the community has turned around and showed Sinclair, and Charlie Dwellington’s, the same amount of support.

“I really believe that it’s a give-and-take kind of situation, and from the bottom of my heart, I will say any time I get the opportunity, I have been given so much more from all the things that I do then I’ll ever be able to give back. That’s the real gift. It’s amazing work, and it’s easy to stay passionate and full of desire to make things better and create change for our community when I have this kind of support.”

One of the most rewarding things Sinclair has witnessed running the bar is getting to see how local youth in the community turn out. She is concerned about the amount of kids she meets who then escape Grand Junction as soon as they’re legal age, recognizing that they want to be in a more accepting environment as soon as they are able. She would like to improve the culture of Grand Junction so that queer people feel more welcome to stay.

“We have a problem with kids graduating here and then, as soon as they get their diploma, they pack up and leave,” she says. “We’re not retaining the brains and the youth that are so integral to creating a vibrant community. I think if we get them engaged in the political process, and some of the cool things that are going on here, or help grow our local arts and music community, that will make a big difference.”

Overall, while she can’t guarantee what the future holds, Sinclair just wants to say thank you and that she is grateful.

“I have gotten more out of this than I’ve given, my love and respect for this community and the joy I’ve gotten to experience because of the relationships I’ve created.”

Next time you’re in Grand Junction, stop by Charlie Dwellington’s at 103 N. 1st St, Grand Junction.