Kings & Queens — Woonsocket, Rhode Island (1977–2002)
For 25 years, Kings & Queens was a cornerstone of LGBTQ nightlife in northern Rhode Island—a rare and vital gathering place in a small mill-town setting. Operating from 1977 to 2002, the bar became a destination not just for Woonsocket locals, but for people traveling in from across Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts in search of community and a good night out.
Owned and operated by Kim Deacon, Kings & Queens had that perfect neighborhood bar energy—unpretentious, welcoming, and always lively when the music kicked in. The dance floor filled with a mix of pop, disco, and later club hits, while the crowd brought together gay men, lesbians, and friends who made the space feel like home.
At a time when LGBTQ venues outside major cities were few and far between, Kings & Queens played an essential role. It wasn’t just a bar—it was a social hub, a refuge, and a place where people could be themselves without hesitation.
When it closed in 2002, it marked the end of an era for one of Rhode Island’s longest-running gay and lesbian bars—but its legacy lives on with those who remember its packed nights and welcoming spirit.
