Community Gathers
Local bars served as social gathering places for like-minded
people as well as launch pads for the GLBT community’s
political and social activism. One of the best-known
examples was Mary’s Naturally, which opened its doors in
1970 at the corner of Westheimer and Waugh.
Mary’s Naturally was located in the heart of the Montrose
neighborhood, which was the center of Houston’s gay
community. During its prime, the bar was a hub of
excitement. Mary’s hosted everything from drag shows to
dog shows. In addition to the revelry, the community often
gathered at Mary’s to organize demonstrations for local
causes or to speak out against city government.
Mary’s served as a beacon for the GLBT community. A
Christmas tree placed on the roof each December was lit
by prominent Houstonians such as former mayor Kathy
Whitmire and city council member Debra Danburg. The
backyard and patio, once known for liaisons, became a
resting place for the ashes of countless individuals dying
of AIDS in the 1980s. Celebrations of life, including the
scattering of ashes and planting of trees, became common
at Mary’s during this time.
Mary’s was not the first gay bar in Houston; however, by
the time it closed its doors for the last time in 2009, it had
become the most famous. Part of that fame came from its
longevity, as it operated as a gay bar for almost 40 years.
The building, now home to Blacksmith coffee shop, still
