# Champers: The Heart of Swansea's Gay Scene and the Enduring Legacy of Queer Spaces Swansea's High Street once housed a beacon of acceptance and camaraderie: Champers. More than just a pub, it was a sanctuary, a vibrant hub that became synonymous with the city's gay scene for decades.

From its unlikely beginnings as an ordinary pub to its eventual transformation, Champers' story is a powerful testament to the importance of safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, a narrative that echoes the broader challenges and triumphs of queer venues across South Wales. ## The Genesis of a Swansea Icon: Birth of Champers In the heart of the 1980s, a time when societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals were often fraught with difficulty, a local businesswoman named Julie Williamson embarked on a bold venture.

She purchased the tenancy of a building on High Street, a location far removed from the typical drinking establishments of the area. Her vision? To open an inclusive pub, and thus, Champers was born. "It was just an ordinary pub," Julie reminisced, now a successful café owner just a stone's throw from where Champers once stood.

"I never actually said it was a gay bar during the '80s at all. What it was - everybody was welcome as long as they respected everybody else." This simple, yet profound, ethos of mutual respect laid the foundation for a venue that would become a cherished home for many. ## A Haven of Acceptance in a Challenging Era The 1980s were a particularly challenging period for the gay community in the UK, with significant legal and social barriers in place.

While Champers didn't overtly market itself as a gay bar, its welcoming atmosphere naturally drew in a diverse clientele. Crucially, it offered a refuge where people could simply be themselves, free from judgment. The pub's proximity to a now-derelict gay club, The Palace, meant that revellers often gravitated towards Champers after a night out.

Julie noted that the crowd from The Palace was generally more respectful and less aggressive than some of her other patrons. This demonstrated the inherent desire for a safe and welcoming environment, particularly after experiencing the amplified energy of a club night.

## Fostering Community: The Champers Family What truly set Champers apart was its profound sense of community. The long bar in the middle of the pub served as the social epicentre, a place where patrons would gather, catch up, and forge connections.

Bar staff played an active role in fostering this environment, often introducing newcomers to existing groups, breaking down social barriers and cultivating an immediate sense of belonging. "People tended, in those days, to rally round very much more for each other," Julie recalled.

"The people at Champers looked out for each other and were helpful and they cared." This spirit of mutual support was particularly significant for many in the LGBTQ+ community, some of whom may have been estranged from their biological families due to their sexuality.

Champers became a "chosen family," a place where individuals found love, acceptance, and unwavering support. Julie herself, though humble, acted as a matriarchal figure, with her own son often cared for by the loving Champers community. This period predated significant legal advancements for same-sex couples in the UK.

It wasn't until the Adoption and Children Act of 2002 that same-sex parents could become legal parents. The Civil Partnership Act of 2004 and the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2014 further advanced equality, but for many years, venues like Champers provided the essential social infrastructure that the law had yet to fully acknowledge.

## A Tribute to a Beloved DJ: Remembering Stuart Macey The deep bonds formed within Champers were powerfully illustrated by a poignant event held in honour of one of its resident DJs, Stuart Macey. Stuart sadly passed away due to diabetes, having gradually lost his sight. In his memory, the Champers community and Stuart's family rallied together, raising enough money to fund two guide dogs, aptly named DJ and Stuart.

This heartfelt tribute underscored the profound impact Stuart and Champers had on people's lives. ## Evolution and Legacy: From Champers to Club2Ten and Beyond Julie and Stuart had ambitious plans to expand Champers, including the addition of a dance floor.

However, Stuart's untimely death cast a shadow over these aspirations. Julie passed on the plans to the subsequent owners, which ultimately led to the venue's evolution into Club2Ten.

Fast forward a few decades, and the spirit of Champers continued to resonate. In 2015, when OMG!, a gay venue chain, took over the building, the "old crowd" still frequented the establishment. Bar supervisor Kieran Sowdon described the enduring sense of family, albeit a "dysfunctional one," that permeated the space.

"You had 18-year-olds who were just coming out for the first time," Kieran observed. "And you also had all of the older generation who could remember Champers, who were constantly telling us how much better it was." Even years after its original incarnation, Champers held a powerful reputation.

Many patrons over the age of 26 still referred to the venue as Champers, testament to its deep-rooted significance. The Swansea gay scene, while smaller and offering less choice than larger cities, fostered a unique intermingling of different age groups within the same venues.

This convergence, while perhaps a consequence of limited options, also contributed to the cross-generational understanding and community spirit. The final chapter for the building as a dedicated gay venue arrived in 2017. A poignant farewell event, attended by former owners, managers, and regulars, marked the end of an era.

"It was just incredibly upsetting," Kieran recalled. "I think a few of us ended up in tears at that point. It was the end." Despite the sadness, there was a profound understanding of what Champers had represented. "As much as we all complained about the place, it held such an important place in the community," Kieran reflected.

The close-knit nature of the LGBTQ+ community in Swansea meant that the loss of such a vital space was deeply felt. In larger cities, this level of intimate connection, especially in the wake of the AIDS crisis, was not always as prevalent. More recently, the legacy of Champers has been honoured with queer events like PYNK, a dance night held in Elysium, the venue that now occupies the former Champers building.

These reunions, complete with drag performances and DJs, serve as powerful reminders of the venue's enduring impact. ## The Broader Landscape: Supporting Queer Spaces in South Wales The story of Champers is not an isolated one. Across South Wales, from vibrant city centres to more rural areas, queer venues and pop-up events play a critical role in providing safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces for connection, celebration, and community building.

However, these vital spaces are increasingly under threat from rising costs and evolving social landscapes. Venues like Club F. D Cymru in Cardiff exemplify the spirit of resilience and community support. They understand that the real work of fostering LGBTQ+ wellbeing often happens away from the spotlight of Pride parades, in the everyday environments of pubs, community halls, and pop-up gatherings.

In a post-pandemic world, where loneliness is on the rise and safe spaces are diminishing, the importance of supporting queer venues has never been more critical. They are not just entertainment hubs; they are lifelines for individuals who may otherwise feel invisible or isolated.

## How Can We Keep the Doors Open? The future of gay bars and queer spaces in Wales hinges on our collective action. Supporting these venues means more than just visiting them; it's about actively participating in their survival. Here's how you can make a difference: Visit and Spend: Make a conscious effort to frequent local queer-owned venues and events.

Your custom directly contributes to their financial viability. Promote on Social Media: Share your positive experiences and promote queer-owned businesses and events online. Visibility is crucial. Attend Local Pride Events: Participate in and support local Pride celebrations and initiatives that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Join or Start Community Circles: Connect with or create local LGBTQ+ groups and networks. Strong community ties bolster the resilience of queer spaces. The legacy of Champers serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that safe, inclusive spaces have on the LGBTQ+ community.

By understanding their importance and actively supporting them, we can ensure that these vital havens continue to thrive, offering welcome, joy, and belonging for generations to come.