If you live in the UK, you're probably aware of a LGBTQ nightclub in Milton Keynes called Pink Punters. Pinks for short. It's been an institution for decades. A massively large gathering place for queer folks. I went there once and will never forget it. The love and warmth and energy were palpable. I was looking forward to my next opportunity to go back.
Sadly, it all came to an end in the early morning hours of Sunday 26 April....or so everyone thought.
That morning, a fast moving fire broke out when the club was filled with hundreds of revelers. Fortunately, staff were able to evacuate everyone in a matter of minutes. Not a single person was hurt. But the building was a total loss. Recovering from a disastrous fire is incredibly difficult for any business. It seemed unlikely that the owner would have the resources to rebuild. Making matters worse, authorities initially believed the fire was intentional, and arrested a suspect for arson. To many, it looked like a hate crime. To say the least, it was a terrible loss for our community.
Several days later, authorities closed their investigation after determining the fire was accidental in nature. Police have released the man they arrested for arson.
The owner of the club, Frank McMahon, made it clear that Pinks was a community rather than a building. He said:
'Pink Punters has always been about people, not just bricks and mortar. The building may be gone, but the family, the memories, the spirit and the love remain.'
McMahon has vowed to rebuild. And he's been busy making arrangements.
The second Friday of every month at Pinks was always the Big Night Out (BNO) - a trans social which attracts hundreds of trans folks from across the UK. McMahon said he doesn't want to let our community down; rather than waiting potentially years for Pinks to be rebuilt, he has temporarily switched the event to another venue.
On Friday 12th June, BNO will return at Unit Nine, 9 Bridgeturn Avenue, Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5QL.
A happy ending to a sad story.
