About Us

Two-Stepping with a Purpose in Jamaica Plain

Gays for Patsy (GFP) is a Boston-based, nonprofit, all-volunteer organization of Country/Western dance enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the joys of dancing while raising funds for groups serving those in need.

We organize a variety of dance events, dance workshops, trips, retreats and other social activities, sponsor the ReneGAYdes performance team, and provide support for other nonprofit community groups through fundraising dances and donations.

GFP History

Gays For Patsy started in 1988 as a whimsically named contingent in Boston’s Gay Pride parade, and went on to become the driving force behind the expansion of partner dancing in New England’s LGBTQ+ community.

In 1991 we incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization under the name GFP, Inc., with the dual purpose of promoting Country/Western dancing and providing assistance to service-oriented groups.

Since incorporation we have donated over $40,000 to diverse area organizations, have provided numerous dance performances and demonstrations nationally and internationally, and since 1993 have sponsored Lambda Ranch (now known as Queer Country Social), a smoke-free and alcohol-free event which has introduced hundreds of people to the world of dancing.

We have vibrant and active community, and strive to provide its members with opportunities to socialize, improve their dance skills, perform, and at the same time contribute to the community.

The Larger Community

Gays for Patsy is a Member Club of the International Association of Gay/Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs (affectionally known as “Iggle Wiggle”). The purpose of the IAGLCWDC is to promote country western dancing, activities and music to all persons without regard to age, sex, gender or gender identity, religion, national or cultural origin, sexual orientation, disability or HIV status.”

Venue Accessibility

Our Venues are Accessible to All!

Gays for Patsy welcomes dancers of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, economic backgrounds (ask about our sliding scale options), and abilities. As long as you want to dance with us, we want to dance with you!

Some GFP venues are alcohol-free, and others are not. Please be advised that drinking may be allowed at some special events that take place in bars or other event spaces.

We take your safety and comfort very seriously. If anyone is behaving inappropriately, or making you feel uncomfortable, please Kendra* or Beth, or anyone on the GFP leadership team. You may also feel free to approach the DJ with any concerns. They may be able to assist you or can point you to someone who can.

Accessibility and venue info:

Queer Country Social is held on the first floor of a church with a gender-neutral single stall bathroom on the same level. There is a ramp leading up to the side door, which is the one we use.

When you enter, you will be greeted by a volunteer who will also accept any admission you’d like to pay. There is a large space for dancing with some chairs around it. This space opens to a large space for socializing, which contains food and snacks, as well as more chairs. Bottled water is available in the kitchen for a suggested $1 donation.

*Kendra habla inglés y español

Charitable Contributions

Giving Back to Our Community

Gays For Patsy uses Country/Western dance to raise funds for community groups serving those in need. Over the years, we have made thousands of dollars in charitable contributions to diverse area organizations such as:

The Hospice at Mission Hill

ABC Coalition

Children’s AIDS Project

Rosie’s Place

Citizens Against Homophobia (formerly Rhino Reality)

In The Best Interest of Children, Inc.

Pride In Scholarship Fund

Triangle Theater

For the Love of Life Foundation

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition

Boston Area Gay and Lesbian Youth

The Governor’s Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth

Victory House

Boston Violence Prevention Program

Healthy Boston Coalition

Public Faces/Private Lives

Breast Cancer Foundation

Boston Living Center

Sweet Sara Foundation

Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Services

Boston Community Servings

Boston Children’s Services

Soup Kitchen in Provincetown

Friends of the Provincetown Council on Aging

Freedom to Marry Foundation

Kit Carson Senior Center

AIDS Action Committee

Medicine Wheel

Mass Equality

In December 2012 we collected from our dance (and matched) $231 for the Toy Drive for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.

Directions

Getting Here

Queer Country Social is held at the First Church of Jamaica Plain (Unitarian-Universalist) 6 Eliot Street, at the Corner of Centre and Eliot Streets (at the Monument). The church is across from the Monument, and the entrance to the Parish Hall is on Eliot Street. You can’t miss it – just listen for the music!

Transit – It is a ten or fifteen minute walk from the Forest Hills or Green Street T stops. The #39 bus runs from Forest Hills up South and then Centre Streets, right past the Church. (The #39 accepts subway T-passes as well as bus T-passes.)

Parking – Parking is readily available on Centre Street, Eliot Street, and in the Municipal Lot behind the stores on the west side of Centre Street, between Thomas and Burroughts Streets.