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.
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.
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.”
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 let Kendra*, Beth, or anyone on the GFP leadership team know. 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.
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. Water and cups are available in the kitchen, and we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle.
*Kendra habla inglés y español
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
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 Area Gay and Lesbian Youth
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.
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.
